Still can't believe my luck! Past Review
By Rose Murray (University of Bristol) - abroad from 06/27/2016 to 09/16/2016 with
Expanish: Buenos Aires - Spanish Language Courses
Self confidence, adaptability, creativity in a foreign language, a renewed sense of adventure, the ability to overcome little but insistent anxieties, how to make new friends without worrying about them being good friends, how to overcome cultural differences, new ways to relate the people etc. I could go on. Basically, really invaluable stuff that has opened my eyes, mind and heart in the best way!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Engaging, challenging classes. Staff insist on the constant use of Spanish and the materials used are varied. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The "behind the scenes" staff have been really helpful and friendly from the beginning of my enrollment process. Everything was handled efficiently and professionally. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I organised this personally through Air BnB, not through Expanish. I would definitely recommend a fairly big (as in 4+ people) shared apartment as it means you have company and can practice Spanish at home, but is much less intense than living with a family or with just one or two other people. |
| * Food: |
Again, this wasn't organised by the school. Generally good. It's a big city so there's a wide range and lots of affordable options. Not great for vegetarians or vegans, but not impossible. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Often it's hard to integrate when travelling along, but I'm starting to feel more and more at home here. The relaxed attitude of the staff helps - although they're always professional, there isn't the typical staff/student divide. The extracurricular activities definitely help too as they allow you to dive under the surface of Argentine culture and give you the opportunity to put your Spanish to good use! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Have put three stars because so far so good. I was advised by my university to get travel insurance that included medical expenses which I did, but up until have had no problems so can't really comment. I suppose it's worth noting that the pharmacies here are good... |
| * Safety: |
It's a big city, so obviously care must be taken. I'm living in San Telmo, one of the shadier parts of town, but even so, I haven't had any problems. Just be sensible, try to blend in, and ask staff at the school if you have any doubts as they have given me good pointers. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I was so anxious during the run up to my year abroad, but I've been so lucky with the way things have panned out! I would definitely recommend this program - the balance between being a student and an intern is fantastic, Buenos Aires is a great location to be as an international student, and everyone I've met so far has been so encouraging and warm, especially the staff at the school. |
Finances
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* 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've put three stars because I'm actually financing this part of my year abroad myself. However, I'd guess that with my maintenance loan and a Santander Grant it would be a little bit of a stretch as Buenos Aires isn't the cheapest city (not to mention flights), but managable. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I've got a budget of 100 English pounds a week which is more than enough to live on (not including rent, which is around 380 a month for large room, bills included). |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Really it depends on the person, but more than anything, don't just buy stuff that you can get anywhere in the world like generic clothes and shoes, and rather than splashing out on food and drink every week, find a balance between a few budget meals, and a few trips to local restaurants/cafes to try local dishes. Also, if you have time, take buses instead of flying if planning to travel. Journeys take ages but the buses are comfortable and it's much cheaper. I wouldn't bother with a local sim card either, just use whatsapp (nearly everywhere has wifi now) and save the phone bill! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
As much as possible. Some teachers even insist on giving definitions in Spanish instead of simply translating the word, even if they themselves are fluent in English. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 2nd Year BA Undergraduate, so around C1 on the European Framework |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Do everything you do at home but in Spanish (or whatever language you're studying). Music, TV, newspapers, books, films, chats with friends, even switch your phone to Spanish. Avoid people who speak the same language as you or insist on not speaking your native tongue. Carry around a notebook at all times. Install wordreference on your phone. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Three months is not long enough to experience this amazing country. Give yourself to time to travel before/after starting the program! Also, it involves a lot of sitting, so if you're not used to that, make sure you find ways of exercising before/after work so you don't end up feeling like an old bag of bones. I recommend Buena Onda Yoga! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
