My favorite memories

I can't express how much of a life-changing experience I had while studying abroad in Argentina on the SIT Argentina: Social Movements and Human Rights program. Read on for more detail, but overall highlights: the wonderfully supportive four core members of the SIT team in Buenos Aires (the "chicas"), the (included!) travel on 2 week-long learning excursions to Patagonia and northwestern/Andean Argentina, the opportunity to live in a sprawling and historic city like Buenos Aires, practicing Argentine Spanish every day in an immersive setting, and unbeatable opportunities and connections with important human rights organizations in the country.

I was really grateful for the administration within the country. From the very first day when all four of the primary program admins met us at the airport and brought us to our hotel, where we would all stay together for the next couple of days, I felt so supported. Even though we were across the world from my house, I felt at home with the “chicas” (the term they call each other and we adopted to refer to them collectively — the work they do goes way beyond their individual titles). Not only was the program layout very straightforward and planned-out, but they really made the effort to create a tight-knit community within our group. I felt very comfortable going to them with any problems or even feedback when things were not going well. The main vibe was that everything felt very taken-care-of, for the most part.

One of the more important components to SIT Argentina is the homestay aspect. This was something I was excited and nervous about going into the program, and one of my favorite parts of the experience once I left. It feels anxiety-inducing at first that they won't let you know your homestay assignment until after you get there; I still don't really get why this is. However, it seems like they want to get to know us in-person for the first few days of the program to make sure they made the right choice. For me, it was the perfect choice. I got to stay with a young queer family with a cat in a neighborhood which I grew to adore (go, Boedo!) I felt so seen by them and both integrated in their lives and able to do my own thing. We would eat dinner together every night and they were great cooks who made sure my vegetarianism was taken care of. Integrating myself into their family was really easy for me -- but if it hadn't been, I could always have reached out to Gri, the homestay and student affairs coordinator, who was always supportive and ready to lend an ear. This was so important for my cultural immersion and feeling like I had the support of a family while I was abroad (they even came with me to my doctor's appointments!)

To be honest, I felt really safe overall. Buenos Aires is just like any other major city. You want to watch what you're doing, know where you're going, and keep an eye on your surroundings. That's it! I will say, 3 people had their phones stolen from them while we were here, which is a common occurrence for foreigners. None of the encounters were violent; however, I *always* kept my phone in a small pocketbook when I was out and it never got stolen. People in the city are genuinely very kind and everyone exercises the same amount of caution as you. The one thing I will say is I didn't feel comfortable walking around alone after dark, but as a young woman that will be the same in any city.

Argentina is generally an inexpensive country for people traveling from the U.S. -- that is not the case for Argentinians themselves, so be careful how you speak about money there. But for instance, a tea and two medialunas (pastries) might cost you less than $1 USD. The program provides breakfast and dinner to you, and gives you a stipend for transportation to and from class and lunches during the week & weekend. Above this, I did find myself spending more money when we would travel places because I wanted souveniers. However, compared to U.S. prices, getting around was cheap and there were many weeks when I spent very little; check out Don Ignacio right by the main academic center for cheap and large portions that could easily be 2 lunches.

The academics are not the most challenging I've encountered, but because they are in Spanish and there is a lot of material to cover in a short time period (the final month of the program is all dedicated to your internship or independent research, so classes are only from late February to May 1st), it can be a lot of reading and writing (mostly reading). However, super interesting content and the grading is forgiving, with the focus being on trying your best and showing what you know. I also am very proud of the work I produced through this program, so don't think it's completely a free-for-all! The content is of course pretty heavy at times, as well, so prepare yourself! <3