Study Abroad Experience
Córdoba, Argentina
My Experience:
During Spring of 2024 I spent 5 months in Córdoba, Argentina living with my host family and working for a local start-up. This program allowed me to sharpen my language skills in both a conversational and a corporate setting. Nestled in the heart of South America, Córdoba is a city steeped in rich history, vibrant traditions, and filled with wonderful people. This study abroad experience provided me with the chance to engage deeply with Argentine culture, enhance my language skills, and develop an understanding of the global community. I have been able to travel to different cities around Argentina and experience the beauty and biodiversity of this country. In this reflection paper, I will share the impactful moments, cultural insights, and academic growth that defined my semester in Córdoba, offering a glimpse into the impacts of international education.
The Culture
The culture in Argentina is what I fell in love with the most here. The people are such open-minded, judgement free people that genuinely care about getting to know you. Coming from a culture that has opposite tendencies, I had the impression that I would be a nuisance to them since I was always asking questions and clarifications. My first impression of Argentina were the kind desk attendants at the Miami International airport. I was already stressed about flying abroad and starting this experience when I tried to check my bags at the Aerolíneas Argentinas airline. My spanish was terrible and I was stressed out even more to learn that I had lost my printer copy of my visa, a key component to being allowed into the country. The women took extra care with me to calm me down, and even went out of their way to print out my visa. Their kindness and acceptance of my situation put my nerves at ease and helped me to be excited for the future here.
Center of Córdoba,
class trip to the Jesuit Block
Class picture in the Universidad de Córdoba
Visit to an Argentine Estancia 2 hours outside of Córdoba
The Intensive Month
The first month of the program was spent becoming acclimated with the language along with learning more about the culture and vernacular of Córdoba. We had weekly trips to apply for classroom lessons in person. Our first class trip was to the center of Córdoba where we toured San Martín Plaza, the Jesuit Block, Universidad de Córdoba, and local churches. My brief time in Córdoba, Argentina, has provided profound insights into the deep-seated passion the locals harbor for their country and its diverse populace. Within this vibrant city, I have encountered monuments commemorating both fallen soldiers and overlooked slaves, traversed the aisles of centuries-old churches, and felt the resonance of love and unity. The intricate history of Córdoba unfolds through the narratives of immigrants answering the call from various corners of the world, the complex tale of colonization impacting indigenous communities, and the emancipation of slaves. These facets have collectively woven a tapestry of cultural richness, turning Córdoba into a melting pot that harmoniously blends influences from indigenous Africans and European traditions. This harmonization is vividly reflected in the historical and political landmarks we explored. While visiting the Jesuits Block in Córdoba's center, I had the opportunity to observe the profound impact that the Jesuits had on the local culture. The block comprised the National University of Córdoba, the National College of Our Lady of Montserrat, and the Jesuit Church and Residence
Horse riding lessons from Gauchos
For our second class trip, we drove 2 hours away to an estancia in the mountains. I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the life of a gaucho. The day was filled with hands-on experiences, including learning how to ride a horse, along with valuable lessons on safety and responsibility. We ventured into the mountains, relishing breathtaking views while absorbing wisdom from an authentic gaucho guide. As the day continued we gathered for a delightful asado with a variety of meats expertly prepared, and concluded the feast with a homemade dessert. Following our meal, our hosts treated us to a display of three traditional dances, including the lively chacarera. To our delight, they taught us the dance and allowed us to join in and experience the vibrant rhythms firsthand. It was a day filled with cultural richness, delicious cuisine, and the joy of sharing in the traditions of the gaucho lifestyle. This experience allowed me to have a deeper understanding of their lifestyle and appreciate the profound connection they have with the land and their heritage. Engaging in the art of horsemanship, enjoying the traditional dances, and partaking in a communal meal allowed me to understand the significance of their customs in shaping the gaucho identity. I left with not only cherished memories but also a newfound respect for the enduring traditions that make the gaucho lifestyle a truly unique and enriching cultural heritage.
This experience has not only allowed me to grow mentally, but also in my knowledge of Argentine culture. I have had yerba mate with professors, an asado with Gauchos, and drunk wine from Mendoza with locals. This experience has open my eyes to the world at large and allowed me to leave the comfort of my bubble and experience part of the international world. My spanish proficiency in speaking, reading writing, and listening have increased.