Argentina: a new perspective in South American Culture Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The real world application of the course material was the best way to teach and learn. I enrolled in two courses (the max in KIIS summer program)and although there was reading, it helped to support the daily lessons and I made great connections when we were out and about. Every day was an adventure. Because we all chose to be in the program it was expected that we perform at higher levels, and as such the grading was set at higher levels. It was fair and appropriate and I knew the expectations before the trip. The small group discussion/teaching method was very meaningful and gave me time to listen to others' input as well as contribute my own. I also recieved prompt feedback on all work and was able to move quickly to the next step. I was able to set my own pace as I absorbed the material and applied it to my surroundings and daily adventures. It was much more fast paced than a traditional classroom, but I also was able to make connections rapidly because we were 'living' the course.

On-site administration of your program

The director was scary smart about Argentina...come to find out he has been working with and researching Argentina for over 20 years. There were no questions unanswered and the discussions about the course topics were very well elaborated upon. In the field discussions were animated and history was brought to life in the choice of locations for the daily adventures. The director was very organized and every day had planned activities and field trips. I feel like my expectations were met, but would like to add that the student is largely responsible for meeting his or her own expectations. The program overall was very well scheduled and the leader as well as the other professor were available outside of class and field trip time regularly. This particular program was small, but it made it nice because we all fit nicely into the many modes of transportation without getting lost or separated from the group.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The program traveled around the country so we stayed in a variety of hotels. ALthough the hotels were filled with internationals, we stayed two to a room, partnering with other students in the program. I never had to buy extra things, as the places we stayed met our basic needs. We stayed always near to where the people were, so activities were within walking distance or a short cab/subway ride. Transportation was very good and inexpensive. All the places we stayed felt safe and had a main entrance attended by a desk person.

My room mate and I made food an adventure, as we were all about trying different local things. We ate very well and it was very inexpensive in all the places we went. Our philosophy was that no one would be giving (or selling) us anything that was not fit to comsume. We were even able to drink the tap water (but waited three days). We did look for places full of locals...we were never diappointed.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The street fairs in all the cities and towns were the best and allowed us to see cultural art and artifacts. San Antonio de los cubres was a mining town getting ready for a saints day and all the locals were out cooking in their little pots and selling the best empanadas we ever had! Since I was attending this program for the culural aspect, I never had a dull moment and found the entire program to be memorable. I will not soon forget the feeling of being at the top of the world (in the Andes) nor the fresh squeezed orange juice made right in front of us my an elderly man and his wife....priceless memory.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues, but one did and the student was able to go to a local pharmacy and the pahrmacist was accessible and helpful. No vaccines were needed for this trip and the country is very well developed with water filtration, trash pick up and street cleaning. as far as safety, there were police all over and the director was very specific about some things or places after hours. I felt safe walking alone on my free time and never felt that my safety was in question...but I also use common sense especially in cities. We were advised to keep important things in our front chest pockets due to pickpockets. being aware is more than half the battle.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

To acquire a new language or improve you have to use it! I used Spanish everyday "Castellano" they called me, but the locals understood me and adjusted their dialect to me so I would understand. Many people in Argentina speak some amount of English, but as you move away from certain places the use of English rapidly drops off. I found this to be very effective for me to be able to practice communication in the host country's language, and I saw results in my own competencies rapidly. Even when I was horribly incorrect, I was making an attempt and the locals would help me out. I think that is the most important...if others see you as making an effort you are well recieved.

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• Hotel

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• Other

• KIIS seems to have the most bang for your buck
• Real Life connections
• Course options and flexibility

• More explicit preparation advice to all participants.
• Set up a facebook for each program so students can meet prior ro trip, perhaps share interests and general networking
• Adding prestudy or pre-reading exercises in the courses