Ryen Sakyi
Hi everyone, welcome back to my Buenos Aires travelogue! As I write this, I'm in my last week here, and this will also be my final travelogue entry. Studying abroad in Argentina has been a marvelous experience. From my ferry trip to Colonia, Uruguay, to taking a cooking class where I learned to make empanadas, this place is incredible.
My top three favorite experiences here include a visit to the Ateneo Grand Splendid, which is a massive bookstore housed in a beautifully restored theater. I also visited the Teatro Colón. Its horseshoe-shaped theater is designed for surround sound, making it the third-best opera house globally. My third favorite experience was trying new foods. Just because I am vegetarian does not mean I'm left out—Buenos Aires is very vegan- and vegetarian-friendly! Some new dishes I enjoyed included caprese empanadas made with tomatoes, cheese, and pesto, pumpkin and cheese tart (don't knock it until you try it!), and dulce de leche.
My classmates who traveled with me on this study abroad trip also shared their favorite moments. Some mentioned Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, which is one of the largest and most spectacular waterfall systems in the world. Others enjoyed learning how to make empanadas, visiting museums, diving into Argentina's history, and watching Lionel Messi score a hat trick at a live soccer game.
When studying abroad, it is essential to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. As a college student, you should explore the world. Studying in a different country offers a unique opportunity to explore vibrant cities, immerse yourself in new cultures, and develop valuable life skills. From visiting famous landmarks to exploring the many neighborhoods, there’s always something to do. Living with a host family or participating in local experiences enables students to gain a deeper understanding of the city's culture and way of life. Moreover, studying abroad also provides an excellent opportunity to improve language skills.
When asked what students at Mount can learn from studying abroad, Maria Eugeniathe, a coordinator of customized programs and one of the people in charge of the AIF program that designed our trip, said, "Be open to change, be flexible and be willing to learn. Adapt to how things work here and come with a predisposition to try new things."
Marina, a student services representative at the school Expanish, where we took our classes, advised, “Be open-minded and willing to try new things. Take advantage of the city’s many opportunities and activities. Immerse yourself in the language and culture. Make the most of your time and enjoy the experience.”
Dr. Pratibha Kumar, a professor in Communication who traveled with us, said, "Everyone should do one study abroad trip. It shapes you as an adult. You get to see the world, learn about its good and bad aspects, and develop a better perspective on life while appreciating what you have."
I learned a lot during my time in Buenos Aires. I discovered how to come out of my shell; I'm usually a homebody and rarely go out to have fun. Here, I got to party with the locals and make new friends from all over the world. I enjoyed trying new things and tasting different foods.
I even learned about independence and improved my Spanish through classes and conversations with locals. However, I recognize that students also need a good balance between having fun and focusing on their classes. It’s essential to remember that this is a study abroad program. While having fun is important, you must also dedicate time to your schoolwork.
Well, that’s my study abroad experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Thank you so much for reading my travelogue based on my experiences. I hope you learned something and that you consider taking a study abroad trip like mine. This experience will change your life!
Until next time, this is Ryen Sakyi.
Ryen Sakyi
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