Un semestre maravilloso e inolvidable en Buenos Aires Past Review
By Colton Rohde (Winona State University) - abroad from 01/27/2018 to 06/15/2018 with
Study Abroad Programs in Argentina
That Latin America is a VERY diverse region! Whatever stereotypes I had about the Southern Cone being similar to Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean were completely shattered by living in Argentina, a nation where most still consider themselves more "European" in identity. Discovering this diversity in language/dialects, cultures and traditions alone made my experience completely worthwhile, besides all the wonderful people I met and the extraordinary places I visited.
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. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Had to switch host families once, so 1st housing situation was awful but the 2nd was outstanding! |
| * 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: |
|
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Amazing support from on-site directors, incredible cultural and language opportunities, and the gift of exploring a world-class city without feeling that my safety or wellbeing is at risk! |
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) |
I was originally told by my home university (Winona State) to budget between $2000-$2500 for the whole semester for personal expenses (lunches, dinner once a week, toiletries, etc.). This would have worked out fine if had chosen not to travel and stayed in Buenos Aires with my host family the entirety of my time in Argentina. But if you want to see other parts of the country and South America, make sure to make an extra budget just for travel! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try not to buy lunch everyday from cafes/restaurants (pack your own, if possible), avoid tourist traps during travel, and always make and stick to personal budgets! |
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? | Advanced Spanish Language |
| 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? | Seek opportunities outside of class, and meet some locals! In Buenos Aires we had Mate Club offered by our program, which is a conversation club where English and Spanish speakers speak 15 mins in one language and then switch to the other for another 15. As an alternative, I really enjoyed another conversation opportunity called MundoLingo, which is held in local bars 3 days a week and you meet just as many people in a more relaxed/less structured environment (albeit, you may practice less Spanish than Mate Club). However the most practice with Spanish I received happened when I hung out with some local Spanish-speaking friends I met online! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | More about the background of my 1st host family BEFORE I moved in with it and then had to move, but hindsight is 20/20. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
