A Semester of Personal and Academic Growth - Thank You Argentina! January 04, 2025
By Casey B (International Comparative Studies, Duke University) - abroad from 08/28/2024 to 12/10/2024 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights
The program was definitely worthwhile! From living and immersing myself in a new country and culture, I learned invaluable lessons about a different way of life. I was challenged to push myself out of my confort zone and be okay with making mistakes. The things I saw and experienced have changed my point of view and perspectives about myself and the world.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The untraditional, experimental component of the program made this semester one of the most academically engaging of my career. I was continually exposed to new cultures, perspectives, and world understandings that challenged my point of view and lessons that I will carry with me back at my home university and into my career. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration was easily one of the best parts of the program. They continuously challenged me to think in new ways while always being there to listen and provide support on the hard days. I knew I could talk to them about anything and I know they will remain mentors past the end of the program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Although I was initially nervous about the homestay component, by the end it was one of my favorite parts. My homestay mom was caring, funny, and truly helped me connect with the host culture. In addition to greatly helping me improve my Spanish, we also watched TV shows together, hung out with her friends and family, and in general crafted an incredible relationship. I know I will be in touch with her far into the future! |
| * Food: |
The food was definitely the hardest adjustment for me. Not just the content of the food, but the different meal times also took some getting used to. I found there to be more carbs and sugar in my diet than I was typically accustomed too, and the lack of spices was also unexpected. However, by the end I was able to find a balanced diet that I was able to enjoy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
By the end of the program, I felt almost completely integrated with the culture. My fast-paced American mindset had slowed down and learned to cherish the 2-3 hour dinners, long meriendas with friends, and in general the slower culture that cherished personal relationships over unrealistic productivity. I loved how there were far fewer taboo topics; everyone asked each other everything and listened to each other. Furthermore, through my internship, I was able to meet local Argentinians and individuals from other countries as well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I personally did not have any health concerns in the country, nor were there any prevalent health issues in Argentina that raised concerns. |
| * Safety: |
While pit-pocketing is common, I overall felt very safe in Argentina, at all hours of the day. If there were specific areas we needed to be aware in, the staff also let us know ahead of time. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I can confidently say I was returned to the United States as a more aware global citizen; the experiences I had in Argentina have changed me and my perspectives for the better and I would not change that. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 170 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget the stipend the program gives you! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Spanish was a daily part of the program. From classes, my homestay, and living in a Spanish-speaking country, the language component was a very important part of my experience that was encouraged continuously. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 301 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | I started reading books in Spanish (that I had already read in English) which greatly improved my vocabulary. I also spent many hours each night talking with my homestay mom and watching television shows and movies with her. However, it is equally important to rest, speak English, and give yourself breaks from Spanish. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Lean into the challenge; the experience is what you make it! |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
