Alumni Interview with Miranda Katz

What inspired you to go abroad?

I decided to go abroad because I really wanted a culturally immersive experience outside of the U.S. In addition, I was looking to hone my Spanish speaking skills, so I chose to go abroad to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Why did you choose Road2Argentina?

I chose Road2Argentina because it offered programs that I could completely tailor to my needs. The coordinators told me that I could arrive in Argentina and leave whichever dates I chose, and they also set me up with an internship that was exactly what I was looking for. In addition, I liked that Road offered weekly events for participants to get to know each other as well as the city. 

What was your favorite part about Argentina?

It's so hard to choose just one thing! My favorite parts about Argentina were the food, the scenery, and the insane amount of parks throughout Buenos Aires. 

What made your experience abroad unique?

My abroad experience was unique because of the people. Both the other participants I met through Road, as well as the Argentine people helped shape my experience into something I could have never imagined when I first departed for my trip.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

The local staff on Road were available 100% of the time to assist me. When I needed to go to the doctor for a health issue, the coordinators offered to take me and stay with me. Also, the program coordinators treated participants as if we were family, which helped to make me feel comfortable in a place so far from home. They planned great weekly events to help us bond and to show us the city, and they constantly expressed their willingness to help participants with anything they may need. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

The only thing I wish I would have done differently was to stay longer!!!

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

A typical day for me as a Road participant consisted of me going to my internship at an NGO in Buenos Aires that helps promote transparency in the Argentine government. While there, I practiced my Spanish and regularly went to Congress to provide support to the NGO's projects—one of which was a published book containing information about every legislator in the federal government. After that, I took the bus home and typically would hang out with friends made through Road, whether that was going to the park, a bar, dinner, or other activities in Buenos Aires.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I loved exploring the city and country. I often went to the many parks around BA, explored the nightlife, tried new restaurants, and traveled some weekends to other parts of the country. 

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

I stayed with a host family, which was a great experience for me. I loved talking to my host mom every night and learning more about Argentina through her while practicing my Spanish. My host mom also gave me great recommendations around the city and was very helpful with anything that I may have needed.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

One thing every participant should know before participating in Road is that you will have an amazing experience in Argentina, and you will feel very comfortable, as the staff is extremely helpful and competent.

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

Now that I'm home, I often think back to my experience in Argentina and how much I learned while I was there. To me, there is nothing more interesting than learning about a whole different country and culture from your own. My experience opened my eyes to both the joys and plights of the Argentine people in a way that I could not have learned unless I had lived there. 

Would you recommend Road2Argentina to others? Why?

I would definitely recommend Road to anyone who is looking to have an amazing abroad experience! You will literally be able to tailor your abroad experience to whatever you want, including your internship/volunteering placement, what kind of housing you would like, how long you would want to be abroad, etc. In addition, Road really helps participant get to know Buenos Aires and Argentina in general, as well as introduces you to many friends.