What made you want to study abroad?
I personally felt that if I graduated from college without experiencing an abroad experience, I would be depriving myself of a wonderful opportunity.
What is it about Buenos Aires, Argentina that made you want to study abroad there?
I wanted to study a country in South America that had an interesting economic history, and due to the dramatic economic changes, Argentina was the perfect place for my study.
Was it difficult for you to fund your study abroad trip?
I applied for scholarships through the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) program. IES has a partnership with my school so it was really easy to use some of my financial aid towards my educational adventure.
.What did you enjoy most about studying abroad in Argentina?
The best part about studying abroad was being able to exchange ideas, customs and language with Argentines that I met.
Were you faced with any challenges as you were preparing to study abroad?
There were many challenges to studying abroad. I can break them up into two different categories: pre-departure difficulties; and then once I arrived abroad, I faced adjustment difficulties in my new environment. The difficulties that I faced before leaving (besides the anxiety of knowing that in a couple of months I would be in a new place, where they spoke a different language), was centered on funding. Even though my University’s partnership with my study abroad program made the load lighter in terms of money, I was still worried about finances for emergencies. Adjustment was difficult for me because of my low proficiency in Spanish.
What was your most memorable experience abroad?
My most memorable experience was a reoccurring one. Every night, my host mom and I would sit down to a traditional Argentine dinner. We would laugh together, share our experiences, talk about politics, and discuss the general behaviors in our culture.
What classes did you take while you were abroad?
I took classes that focused on the economic, political and social atmosphere of Argentina. My favorite class was an IES course called, “The impact of Globalization on Argentina and the Southern cone”. This class was taught by a local Argentine Professor, Marcelo Simon.
Did you do any type of volunteer or service learning projects when you abroad? If so what did you do?
No, but I should have. There were many opportunities to get involved.
What type of housing did you have while you were abroad?
I stayed in a homestay; while I understand that this may not be an option for every program, I feel like this was one of the most important decisions that I made after I decided to study abroad. My host mother was wonderful and I learned so much about the culture of my host country. She taught me how to knit and we would watch our favorite shows together.
How did you parents react to the idea of you deciding to study abroad?
Initially my mother said “NO”. However, her answer was based on her lack of knowledge about where I was going, what I was going to be doing, and the skills that I would develop from this experience. After I sat down and explained the benefits that I would reap as a result of going abroad, she became a lot less resistant to the idea of me studying abroad. She was not supportive of me until I was physically in Argentina.
Do you think your experience abroad was affected by you being a student of color?
YESSS! However, I knew beforehand what I was getting myself into when I decided to go to Argentina because I researched the population demographics before I left the U.S. The general population of Argentina is made up of people from European decent, more specifically people from Italy and Spain. There not many people with dark skin there. Being a black woman of a darker complexion I was often stared at in a curious fashion by the locals. My host mother explained to me that they didn’t stare out of hate or animosity, but out of curiosity. They were curious about my hair, about where I had come from, and why I was there. This made my study abroad experience very different then my peers. However, the common factor was that we were all Americans; because of this, I have many experiences that mirror those of the Caucasian American students that studied abroad with me.
How has studying abroad benefited you?
Personally and academically, studying abroad has exposed me to new ideas and new approaches. I often find myself considering new options and approaches in my classes and in my personal relationships.
As I apply to the Peace Corps, graduate programs, and to jobs, it seems to be one major highlight of my application. Everyone wants to know where you studied aboard, and they want to hear your stories, your adventures, and your struggles. It takes a special kind of person to pack up and pursue volunteer work, studies or an internship in another country. This kind of experience highlights who you are as a person, your character, and ambitious curiosity for the outside world. As globalization hits us harder than ever in history, your experiences become an asset to a business or a school.
Anything you wish you knew before you left to study abroad?
I wish someone would have told me to make the most out of every experience that I had while I was there. I often look back and wish that I would have volunteered or have gotten more involved in the community.
Why do you think it is important that students study abroad?
As the world becomes smaller because of technological advances, it is important to experience other customs, lifestyles, or even learn a language. This kind of experience will have a lasting effect on you and the way that you approach your future.
Do you plan to go abroad again?
I am currently applying for the Peace Corps and also looking into other opportunities abroad.
Anything you would say to students thinking about studying abroad?
My advice to you is DO IT! If you are worried about financial issues talk to your financial aid office, your parents, and explore other options (scholarships, shorter/less expensive abroad programs). Good luck and take a lot of pictures J.
Do you want to go to Argentina?
Learn more about Study Abroad in Argentina?
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