Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One eye opening and adventurous month! Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature / Recreation and Tourism, Winona State University) - abroad from 01/02/2016 to 01/22/2016 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. I learned more about myself and grew as a stronger person. I know I am more confident that I can take care of myself and handle myself abroad. I also traveled on my own to Patagonia for one week to push myself to the limits of the earth. It was the most rewarding thing I have done and I highly encourage students to do SOLO travel after or before their program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt fairly integrated but the locals recognize that you are a foreigner so they sometimes will only speak english to you even if you try to speak Spanish. It was sometimes frustrating but you get used to eyes on you.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not applicable.

* Safety:

The host city of Buenos Aires was not a super safe city. This was something that you get used to and became part of every day life and it did not affect myself personally. You just have to be extremely careful and aware at all times when out in the city. You have to carry your belongings on the front of you and in your sight at absolutely all times. You will learn right away what to do and what not to do, don't worry! The city is great despite the safety.

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

I love this city and country. But, I do want to experience every culture that I can in my lifetime. So, even though I am extremely grateful I got the opportunity to live in such a beautiful place like Argentina, I would love to choose another location too.

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? Intermediate
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? Advanced
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? Try to speak with locals any time you have the opportunity because you will be comfortable after diving into it. It will feel fun to know that you are communicating in a whole new way. Also find conversation nights at local places because there are other people who either want to learn spanish and practice like you, or want to learn english so you can use each other.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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 language
  • The new amazing friends I made
  • The country and its very diverse beauty and landscape
* What could be improved?
  • Safety
  • Manner of communicating between program participants and directors about events because if some people didn't have wifi it was hard to get ahold of each other to make plans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That everything will turn out and be perfect. I wish I knew that I needed to relax more before and not be so anxious about the language and the placement test. It was very rewarding to have such adrenaline knowing I can speak for 4 hours straight with a supportive group of people and succeed. Also that Buenos Aires is on a river and there is not a beach in this city, only pools.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.