Middlebury School in Argentina

Living in another country for 5 months will almost inevitably change your worldview. To me, the culture in Argentina feels much more balanced and centered around what is important. People really prioritize relationships and spending time with friends and family. Also, the baseline level of kindness, warmth, and welcoming here is equivalent to someone especially extroverted and caring in the US. Healthcare and education are free, which I already knew, but really changes the day to day interactions of being in the University (the attitude around studying, the diversity of students who have access to the classes, etc). I am excited to try to take back and maintain a little bit of this priority shift that I feel I have gained for the better while being here and how I interact with the people in my life.

This program is not the typical study abroad program that you might imagine, with lots of US students hanging out and partying abroad. The language pledge, small group size, and minimal Middlebury programming pretty much forces the students to sink or swim in Buenos Aires. This made it tough for the first month or so, and it would have been helpful to have more programming and support in those early days. However, by the end of the program, all of us had found a community in Buenos Aires. It definitely felt like a more authentic experience, and my Spanish improved a ton because of the language pledge and making close friends with locals. So, I would say it definitely requires maturity and self-sufficiency, but if you do the work to integrate yourself into the community, it's incredibly worthwhile. If you are looking for a more cushy, gentle experience, this is not the program.

I felt very welcomed and at-home even before I arrived. After meeting the staff from Middlebury abroad in Argentina, I had all my questions answered, was provided with very useful information, and most importantly, was able to see many familiar faces upon arrival. My placement with a host family worked out splendidly; I still keep in contact with my Argentinian family and friends. I have met so many people that are special to me and have had multiple opportunities to connect with others in school, volunteer work, family activities, and personal hobbies. Argentina has a very rich and diverse culture: I learned something new every day, and thoroughly enjoyed my experience overall.

From the moment I arrived in Buenos Aires for my semester abroad, I was immersed in its rich cultural tapestry, caring and generous people, and ever-changing atmosphere. Academically, Middlebury's program provided an immersive language learning environment. The intensive language courses were challenging yet rewarding, helping me improve my Spanish proficiency and gain a deeper understanding of Argentine culture and history. The faculty, including Liria, Claudio, and María Marta, quickly established themselves as family - they shined with porteño pride, eager to share their beloved city with the abroad students, and encouraging diverse interactive learning that extended beyond the classroom. Living with a host family allowed me to immerse myself in the local way of life fully. Sharing daily meals and conversations with my host sister provided insights into Argentine customs and culture. Exploring Buenos Aires' neighborhoods and spending each day in my local park (Parque Centenario) became a cherished routine I sincerely miss. The Middlebury CV Starr study abroad program also allowed me to take classes at the prestigious local public university - UBA - where I met and studied alongside locals of all ages and backgrounds, and received support to conduct ethnographic research for my senior thesis, which I proceeded to publish the following semester. This abroad program not only bolstered my academic capacities but also encouraged personal growth. The exposure to a different way of life (a new city, a new language, and many new cultures and customs) improved my adaptability and global perspective. This semester was more than an academic endeavor and more than just a semester abroad- it was an adventure that permanently shifted my worldview.

I had a tough time adjusting to life abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I felt overwhelmed at most steps in the early process. It was frustrating to feel incompetent at every small aspect of life while I was getting used to the language switch. In my opinion, you can't prepare enough to experience language immersion for the first time. It is difficult, but once I got through the initial frustration it became easy to interact and live my life in Spanish. Academics in Buenos Aires were difficult, but not due to the language. Argentinians value rigorous education and it is a different style from that which I was used to in the US. Once I got over the initial difficulties, I had a really enjoyable time. Buenos Aires is a vibrant, fun city full of amazing people and activities. Argentina outside of Buenos Aires has stunning biodiversity and brilliant sight-seeing, hiking, and swimming opportunities. It is vital to travel to other parts of the country while you're there!