Amazing experience! Past Review

By (Yale University) - abroad from 02/25/2014 to 06/09/2014 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Transnationalism and Comparative Development in South America

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and group dynamics. On an academic level, I got to see first hand a lot of the topics we studied in class, such as rural development and the different development strategies of Mercosur countries. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program staff was always ready to support us. I couldn't have asked for better directors. They stepped up to the plate whenever we came across an obstacle, and they developed an amazing semester for us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The home stay families the program picks are amazing. They really try to make the best pairing they can!My home stay was fabulous. My host mom was exactly what I had requested in my form and we got on fabulously. During the trips to Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay, we stayed in nice hotels and had good accommodations.

* Food:

It was hard to keep the same eating habits as I had in the US, but it's worth the experience to follow the Argentine diet.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Spending was minimal, just on souvenirs and shopping, since food is covered by the program
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save some money from the stipend the program gives for lunch by having cheaper lunches.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High level Spanish
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? Listen to songs and watch movies in the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Ability to travel
  • Independence of the independent research project
  • Subjects covered in the classes
* What could be improved?
  • Very demanding, especially during travel
  • More incentives to speak only Spanish
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Relax a bit, take a step back from all the reading (as awesome as it is), and enjoy being in Buenos Aires. Also take the time to sleep! And watch out for your immune system, the change in pace/climate/diet can take it's toll on your health.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'