Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A wonderful four months in the Southern Cone Past Review

By (International Affairs, George Washington University) - abroad from 08/26/2019 to 12/09/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program does a great job of giving students a holistic look at Argentina and the Southern Cone. We learned so much about the region's history and contemporary political climate, and my language skills improved a lot as well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program offers students a diverse learning experience through guest lectures, site visits, and independent research. The program staff do a very a good job of organizing the coursework in a way that offers students various ways of absorbing the material. Additionally, the 3 weeks of travel provide unique and unforgettable learning experiences.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program staff are attentive and dedicated to ensuring that students' needs are met both in and outside of the classroom.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed with a host family during my time in Buenos Aires, and I could not have imagined a better experience. They were so willing to include me in their daily activities and my language abilities and understanding of Argentine culture improved immensely.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick early on in the program, and the program staff and my host family were very supportive in making sure I got the medical attention I needed. The quality of care that I received was comparable to what I would have received at home or at school.

* Safety:

Overall, Buenos Aires is a very safe city. That being said, it is of course necessary to alert in crowded public spaces and on public transit. Like any other large city, petty crime exists, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings.

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)

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? Advanced
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? I had taken a couple upper level Spanish courses at my university.
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 music, watch movies, and read news in Spanish!

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travel
  • Opportunity to conduct original research
  • Homestay
* What could be improved?
  • Lack of written instructions for assignments - mostly verbal
  • Some travel days were very busy while others only had a couple activities planned
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it was not worth worrying about the language barrier. The immersive nature of the program and professors' willingness to accommodate students' different levels of Spanish make this program accessible for varying levels of proficiency.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!