Spanish at Universidad de Belgrano

I absolutely loved this program! I have always wanted to study abroad and doing it through CCIS was perfect because it was 1. affordable and 2. fit right in with my summer schedule. I decided to go to Buenos Aires because I took 6 years of spanish in high school but I really want to work abroad and live in another country after graduation. My spanish skills were good, but nowhere near te conversational fluency I desired so what better than to live in another country that speaks it in order to get better?? My homestay was the greatest, my host mom was the best cook and we frequently had conversations while doing it together, she is like my Argentinian Grandmother and has said I am always welcome back to stay in her home when I return. The academics at the uni were rigorous, but very doable. I felt empowered and encourage, you really get out of it what you put into it. For fun, there was always a lot to explore, I love to just walk around and wander. I feel like you get to see more of the city that way, and you really get to experience the culture. The best part of the whole trip I believe was the friends I made. I am a Christian, and my church has a couple campuses all over the world, including one in Buenos Aires. I was able to be on the photo team when I was there, which was an absolutely incredible experience. I also met lifelong friends there as well who text me all the time wondering when I am coming back. It was hard at the beginning to make friends I will admit, since I am a shy person, but it was definitely worth it. Becoming friends with locals is the best decision you can make, for sure. By reaching out and meeting people, I felt, and I know you would too, that you are actually LIVING in the city rather than just being a student. And that goes for anywhere you choose to study abroad too. Locals live there, know all the cool spots, the shops to hit up and the underground bars with the best burgers in the city.

I totally fell in love with Buenos Aires when I was there, and coming back to New York City seemed the worst idea. But it wasn't actually as bad as I expected. Being away made me appreciate my city even more, for what it is. Seeing two major cities from two completely different parts of the world made me realize the differences and also the similarities between cultures and what makes all of them unique. In order to have the best time anywhere you go you have to be willing to live like a local and embrace the culture for what it is. Go dance tango even if it isn't your thing, try an asado even if you're not the biggest steak person. Walk in the park even if you're normally a homey person, and SPEAK THE LANGUAGE!!! You'll find that you got a whole lot more out of it, and enjoyed yourself a ton more if you do something that scares you every day.

Studying abroad is definitely one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. If you don't have a lot of money but still want to do it, I still encourage you to try. I am in that position, I pay for college and everything out of pocket, so I get it if your family can't help you pay for things. But save all your pennies and take out a loan for what you can't cover, I did and I dont regret it at all, not even a little bit. I wish you so much luck, whoever is reading this right now, go explore the world!!!