What inspired you to travel abroad?
I went to Argentina twice in high school and absolutely loved it. I wanted to spend more time in the city I loved, to see whether I still loved it just as much after four months. Spoiler alert: I did!
The famous theater-turned-bookstore, El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Why did you choose CAPA The Global Education Network?
CAPA had an amazing aspect that many SA options do not: the internship. When I went, my Spanish was at a level where it was good (really good), and I needed an outlet to speak it all day to really stretch me and take my language competency to the next level. The internship component totally did that for me.
What was your favorite part about Buenos Aires, Argentina?
I LOVE Argentine culture; the warmth and friendliness, the way they greet each other with a kiss. It is delightful to me.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I really got involved with the local community, volunteering at different aspects of the foundation I was interning at; volunteering at a tango class for people with Parkinson's, shadowing therapists at a local hospital, and getting really plugged in with a local church. These opportunities helped me build lasting relationships with Argentines that I cherish, and made my time there so memorable!
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
CAPA in-country staff were absolutely incredible. They hosted "Mate on Tuesdays," a time to just catch up about life, the highs and lows of life abroad, etc. They were always available to answer questions via email or in person, and really invested in each of us. They were amazing!
Avenida Corrientes
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I would have worked harder to make local friends my own age. It was hard to meet up with large groups of Argentine people because it was hard to understand them in noisy environments, but I wish I had tried harder.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I typically had one class a day, and spent a few hours at my internship, which was about a twelve-minute walk and ten-minute subway ride away from my homestay. At my internship, I did translation work, data input, filing, and program coordinating. I also sat in on staff meetings and shared my findings/ideas with other staff. I ate lunch at my internship, and if we didn't all bring lunch, we ordered empanadas to share. After my internship, I typically met up with a friend for merienda, or did some exploring in the city before I headed home for supper!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I love exploring with friends, and Buenos Aires has a plethora of museums and cool things to do. I think my favorite thing we did was a visit to Teatro Ciego, a blind theater production that gives you the experience of being blind as you "watch" a show performed entirely in the dark! I also just loved walking around BA's amazing parks.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I lived in a homestay with two other international students and a wonderful host, Rosario. I loved the completely immersive experience of getting to speak Spanish all the time!
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
They should be prepared that the classes will mostly be in English. The only class I had in Spanish was my actual Spanish grammar class. The internship makes up for it, though.
Would you recommend CAPA The Global Education Network to others? Why?
Totally, because of the internship! It was hands down the best part of my time abroad.
The famous Puente de la Mujer in Buenos Aires
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
It just gives you more experiences, a better understanding of the language and culture, and some incredible stories to tell. I say "When I was in Argentina..." all the time! I am so grateful I had that opportunity.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
It definitely made my Spanish better, which has given me a lot of opportunities on this side of the trip, both with new job opportunities and volunteer opportunities. I'm also much more independent, and know how capable I am.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means to not just SEE a place, but to fully engage with a place. It means investing in lives there, learning about all aspects of the culture—not just what you read in your travel book—and taking everything you see as a foreigner with a grain of salt. It means learning about the economy and what poverty looks like there, as well as exploring the tourist sites. It means dedicating time to being a part of your community there, instead of just looking at it from the outside.
