Buenos Aires Summer 2017

I am so glad that I pushed myself to study abroad. I love to travel, but I was anxious about going to a foreign country alone; however, there was no reason I should have worried.

While the flight is long, I had worked with a travel agent to ensure that I would be at Ministro Pistarini International Airport with plenty of time to join the rest of the new group. The staff were very nice throughout orientation although I did not get to know anyone particularly well during my time abroad.

I took the Human Rights class which is taught in Spanish because it got me college credit, but the other class likely would have been more interesting because they went on many excursions out into the city that were a lot of fun (but I joined them for a few of these)! I thought that taking a class taught in Spanish would be extremely difficult, but the professors spoke slowly and enunciated, so I was able to understand everything. There was a 10-15 page research paper requirement that seemed a bit extensive when we all would have preferred to enjoy our last couple nights in Buenos Aires rather than sitting at home writing. Although the length of the research paper was daunting, we got to pick the topic, so it was interesting to learn more about something for which I am passionate. I studied the Zapatistas and indigenous rights in Mexico. The material covered in the class was also interesting: it dove into an abundance of history, particularly about Argentina, that was quite enthralling.

Perhaps the best part was that the other students and I shared a love to travel and the desire to get to know the city as well as we could, so there were always activities and other things to do. After class would end at 1:00, we would all go to a new restaurant, have a delicious meal, and then go explore the city. Some of the best excursions we went on around the city were to the Japanese Gardens, Chinatown, and markets for some shopping. We also went on a couple weekend trips -- each were very fun. We planned a day-trip to Montevideo, Uruguay and a weekend trip to Iguazu. There was also an excursion with all of the CIEE students to Mendoza which I also enjoyed a great deal.

Another great part of my experience was my host family. Flor and her daughter Renata (8 years old) were super friendly and welcoming. We had dinner together every night where Flor would always ask me about my day or life back home. She was also very patient while I practiced my Spanish which was much appreciated.

I loved my location in Recoleta as it was extremely close to some of my favorite restaurants and bars where all of my friends and I could meet. Transportation by Subte or taxi was also crucial to learning more about the city, but it was very inexpensive and easy to use.

I wish I could have stayed longer than a month! And I hope to visit Buenos Aires sometime again.