Argentina is Awesome Past Review

By (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 05/24/2014 to 08/01/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained almost fluent proficiency of Castellano, I gained friends that I will keep for life, a greater perspective of the world, and alot of great memories.

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.

I took an intensive Spanish course at the University of Belgrano. My professor, Mage Evecherry, was the best spanish professor I have ever had. I also took Argentine Literature and Neoliberalsim classes at UNTREF. The teachers were highly qualified and the classes were very informative.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program director, Raul de la Mano, is one of the funniest, nicest people you will meet in your life. He does an excellent job introducing his students to the culture of Buenos Aires, and organizing excursions outside of the city. The assistant director, Beatriz, is equally wonderful. They work as a team very well, and they were always there to help me or answer any question I had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved my host family, they could not have been more accommodating. I lived with a host mother and her son, who I will consider family for the rest of my life.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Like any large city, there are pick-pocketers. However, the program warns you of this danger upon arrival, and what you can do to avoid it. Other than that, I felt the city was very safe.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use 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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The people (Raul y Beatriz, my host family, my professors, my friends)
  • The excursions to Iguazú Falls and Colonía, Uruguay
  • THE WORLD CUP
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing much comes to mind
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Argentina is a wonderful place, and I wish I could have stayed for longer.

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.'