Che Forever! My Life-Changing Experience in Argentina

They say nothing worthwhile is easy and this is definitely true of this program. I watched my Spanish fluency go from intermediate (Spanish score of 45 on Duolingo) to an advanced level (score of 101 on Duolingo)! Living with a host family while taking classes and/or interning left an immeasurable effect on my Spanish fluency. I loved learning about human rights and social movements in the context of Argentina and Latin America as a whole. Through classroom discussions, visits to different NGOs and grassroots, and trips where we shared meals and laughs with indigenous families, I gained a deeper understanding of my host country and of the world. Plus I got to see Patagonia, yes the region (not the clothing brand)!

Prior to arriving in Argentina, I highly recommend making Duolingo, Babble, and/or Rosetta Stone your new addiction. Also challenge yourself to practice speaking, writing, and listening to things in Spanish. Additionally, you must be up front or honest about your medical needs. Get accommodations even if you think you'll be fine. For example, I got accommodations for extended time on tests and assignments. Many of my peers who needed accommodations, regretted not talking to the SIT Student Health & Wellbeing Center prior to starting the program. My host family was very wonderful and supportive of my needs as well. I loved my neighborhood and I felt completely safe in the country the whole time I was there. When I had a medical issue, the SIT program staff helped me immediately with scheduling an appointment through GeoBlue. One staff member even accompanied me to the hospital. GeoBlue is super understanding and will pay for the cost of seeing a doctor (just follow the directions of your program staff, the GeoBlue app, and call GeoBlue).

It's truly difficult to understand how impactful study abroad is until you've done it. So I urge you to apply for this program AHORA! You won't regret it.