What inspired you to go abroad?
I was inspired to go abroad by multiple factors. First, I am a born-traveler. Although I haven't yet done as much traveling as I liked to, I have taken every opportunity presented to me to travel thus far. Second, as a Global Studies and Spanish Studies major, I had the choice of getting an internship or going abroad. As I mentioned, any opportunity that I get to travel I take, so it was a no-brainer to go abroad. And third, one of my best friends from my childhood, who ALWAYS dreamed of going to Argentina, passed away unexpectedly before he was able to do so. I took studying abroad as a way to fulfill a dream for my friend.
In front of Perito Moreno in El Calafate, Argentina!
Why did you choose IES Abroad?
Through IES Abroad I was able to achieve maximum credit for my majors. They offered a lot of activities and trips that it didn't seem like other programs were offering. All in all, they seemed like a good, safe bet to achieve maximum experiences while abroad!
What was your favorite part about Buenos Aires?
My favorite part of Buenos Aires is that you can see the history in the city. I went there with little knowledge about their past, but as I learned more and more, it was incredible to see their history reflected in different forms, all over the city. It is a beautiful city and you can see its past in the present.
What made your experience abroad unique?
I think my bond with my host mother made my experience unique. I got so close with my her and having that genuine bond with someone from a different culture and generation was really special.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff made sure we were safe at all times, which I appreciated. When we went on trips outside of Buenos Aires, we were to put our plans in a Trip Tracker so they knew where we were at all times. We had ways to be in communication with them in case of emergencies and they sent us weekly updates about parts of the city that we should avoid, due to protests and things of that sort.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
Everyone experiences culture shock. There was a two or three week phase about two months into my program where I was exhausted, didn't want to go out, speak Spanish, socialize, etc. If I could go back, I wish I could've pushed through that phase and gone out/socialized, but at the same time I know it was part of culture shock and it is inevitable.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
On a typical day I would wake up, have breakfast, walk two blocks to the IES center in the heart of Buenos Aires, be there for two or three classes, go home to have some lunch, then I would find a spot to study (coffee shop, cultural center, etc.) and then come home and have dinner with my host mom and chat with her for the rest of the night!
Celebrating the last day of classes and the first World Cup game!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am such a foodie, so in my free time I LOVED finding new restaurants or bakeries to try. There was so much to try and I was eating stuff at every chance I got!
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
My homestay was very nice. I lived two blocks from the institute, where I took classes four days a week, and it was so nice to be so close. Also, IES did a good job of placing us with people we have something in common with or share similar lifestyles with. I felt my host mom and I lived in a similar way which was nice!
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Be patient. Be patient with others and be patient with yourself. Traveling and living abroad can be frustrating. Be patient with your instructors and host families, they are just trying to help you, and be patient with yourself, with your learning, and your language abilities, etc.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I met so many people in Argentina, whether they were Argentinians, Americans, or students from other countries around the world, and I keep in contact with so many of them. My time abroad impacted my life now in the way that I have a whole other support system/group of friends to rely on and grow with.
Would you recommend IES to others? Why?
Yes! I have little-to-nothing bad to say about the program. I am pleased with my time, felt like the money I spent was worth it, and will never forget my time in Argentina. I liked my program a lot, I feel like I got a lot out of it!
