Why did you pick this program?
Honestly, I picked this program by process of elimination. Studying abroad was something I'd dreamed about since middle school and always knew I wanted to do it. I wanted to be forced to learn Spanish and to get to know the people and culture.
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I knew that I didn't want to go to Europe because there is a lot of English there, and the students I knew that had studied in Spain before lived in dorms with other American students, learned very little Spanish because they spoke English the majority of the time, and traveled every weekend to other parts of Europe which, don't get me wrong, is incredible but not the type of experience I was looking for.
I wanted to go somewhere where I would immerse myself in the culture and definitely travel, but less in order to get to know the place I was at very well. Other than Spain, the only other programs offered by my university in Spanish-speaking countries that worked for me were Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile. Someone told me once that Santiago was gray a lot of the time, so I chose Buenos Aires. Best choice of my entire life so far.
What was the hardest part about going abroad?
Language barrier at the beginning. The first day I got there, when my host mom asked me to tell her about myself, I told her that I had 3 hijos (sons) instead of what I meant to say, that I have 3 hermanos (siblings). I quickly realized my mistake when she gave me the strangest look.
Also, I could not understand my soccer coach at all at the beginning. During the first game I played, she yelled to me "Cubrila, cubrila!" which is cover the ball, so I was supposed to let the ball roll out of bounds. I had no idea what she was saying so I just booted the ball up the field, pretty much the opposite of what she wanted me to do.
Also, there were countless conversations that I was a "part" of in Spanish, where I understood very little of what the person was actually saying and had trouble participating. Once I was able to overcome the language barrier, my experience became so much richer. Not giving the impression to everyone that I am 20 years old and already have 3 children is a very good thing.
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
Favorite story is so hard between my university soccer team, traveling, host family, and life in Buenos Aires! But, I had a unique experience over the summer break. I lived at a horse farm in Cordoba (a province of Argentina) with a family that, after their niece was born with Downs Syndrome, began an organization providing horse therapy to people with special needs.
I took care of the horses each day, helped mow the lawn and do other daily tasks, and assisted the director (my mom for the month) during therapy sessions. In turn, I lived in their home and shared meals with the family. I never knew much about horses, and now I know more Spanish horse terms than English ones!
Also, I want to be a pediatric physical therapist in the future, so being able to help with therapy for children on horses was incredible. Kids that will never walk on their own in their life could control the movement of the horse. An autistic boy that never spoke said his first and only word when on the horse. The relationship between the child and horse was so beautiful, and being able to participate in this was unforgettable.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
If it is at all possible (and I know it's not for many people), stay abroad for the year. It took almost the entire first semester for me to feel "at home" in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Once I was finally able to start understanding the language, the culture and people and forming significant friendships with Argentine people, the semester was over.
Then, second semester I fully immersed myself in the culture and lifestyle of Argentina, and I spent all of my time with my host family, soccer team, and friends from Argentina. Even if you aren't able to stay a year, you can benefit from this: The other study abroad students are so wonderful, but now is the time to get to know the people from Buenos Aires.
They are some of the most loving, open, genuine passionate, and fun people in the world. Put yourself out there. Talk to someone in class sitting next to you. Get involved in something that excites you with people from the community. It will enrich your experience completely.
But, relationships take time, which is why a full year provides you with the possibility of truly finding a home and a family and close friends away from home. Take risks and get out of your comfort zone and you will grow and learn in incredible ways.
What made this trip meaningful to you, or how did this trip change your perceptions, future path?
The extent to which this trip changed my life was completely unimaginable from the get-go. I have always had a very structured way of life. The lifestyle in Argentina is extremely laid back. There are times when you are waiting for a bus that never shows up, or when the teacher shows up 45 minutes late to class. I learned to be much more flexible and patient.
Also, I significantly grew in confidence. I was put in many situations that were uncomfortable, but I had to learn to try new things, be open to failure, and be unafraid to be of my comfort zone. Most importantly, I learned the value of stepping back from your busy life and taking time to truly appreciate the people in it.
In the USA, it is so easy to get caught up in schoolwork and careers and to be overly busy. However, in Argentina, people prioritize their relationships, which was something I really appreciated. As far as future path, I realized my passion about the Spanish language and being able to put myself in other's shoes, learn their culture and be involved in it, which I want to utilize wherever I end up.