When I made the decision to study abroad in Cordoba, Argentina for six months in Spring 2018, I did not fully understand what I was signing up for. However, after a short adjustment period, it was one of the most challenging, but rewarding experiences of my life. I traveled to Argentina thinking I had a good base of Spanish skills and dismissed culture shock, thinking it would never happen to me. When I arrived, I realized that life in the United States is not the way life is lived in other countries. Once my mind was open to my new environment, I learned of the rich culture and family traditions, the authenticity of the country and pride in its accomplishments, and the love of the Spanish language. Although my time abroad was trying, I believe I experienced life as a true Argentine and adapted to their ways of everyday life.

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The main goal I had upon leaving for Argentina was to come back to the United States being fluent in two languages, Spanish and English. I was not expecting to arrive to Cordoba and find out that they have a completely different way of conjugating verbs and speaking. The Spanish I had been learning since elementary school was like a foreign language to the people of Argentina. With having to learn and adapt to a new form of Spanish I do not believe I came back to the United States fluent in Spanish. However, I do believe I have gained more knowledge of different types of Spanish and also a workplace level efficiency of Spanish communication. I think this will be very beneficial for me in future careers and endeavors because I am now able to communicate with people from all over the world and adapt to their style of Spanish.

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I attended La Universidad Blas Pascal as a full time student and I also worked as a market research intern at BITsion Gingko Soft SRL, which is a software development and innovation company. My time spent in classes was focused on learning about the history of the country, about famous compositions and literature, and perfecting my Spanish grammar and communication skills. The time spent at my internship was composed of conducting market research and analysis of the company and specific applications it offers. In addition with proposing new marketing strategies for global expansion with different target markets in demographic areas. Both the classes I completed and the internship experience i obtained were beneficial to my success and adaption to Argentina, as well as helping me gain vital work skills and an expanded knowledge of the world.

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Some of my most memorable experiences were with my host family and traveling during my free time. My host mother and sister welcomed me with open arms and were patient and encouraging throughout the entire process. I brought my host sister almost everywhere with me and we built a strong bond that will continue for many more years. I was able to travel to Mendoza, the Argentine wine country; Bariloche, to hike the Patagonia mountains; Buenos Aires, to get a taste of the big city life; Jujuy, to see amazing desert views; Iguazu, to see the famous waterfalls; and Uruguay, to visit another south american country. Through my various journey’s and having daily communications with my host family, I feel I have gained an in-depth perspective of Argentinian life and the values the country holds at heart. I also gained valuable experience communicating with local people from multiple different places with different accents, ways of communication and outlooks on life.

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Throughout my time in the county I  experienced their rich culture and deeply rooted family traditions. Today, when I think of Argentina and its culture, I immediately think of family. Unlike the United States, family time is the most treasured of the Argentine people. They all come together at the end of the day to spend time talking and building relationships with each other. It is common to spend three to fours hours at meals with the family. Sunday is especially a "family" day and extended family and friends meet at a house to celebrate and relax. I believe this family tradition and building of strong family bonds is important in life. It is hard sometimes with the fast paced environment in the United States to take time to spend with family. However, I feel that it is important, and after my time in Argentina, I talk to my family members regularly and make sure I make time for them every day. 

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There were virtually no English speaking people in Cordoba, Argentina and because of this, it was very obvious that I was not a resident of the country. To my surprise, majority of the population thought I was from European countries, whether it be Sweden or Germany, and not the United States. I came to understand that it was uncommon for United States citizens to travel to Cordoba, because a majority traveled to Buenos Aires instead. However, being an obvious outsider did not deflect on the opportunities I had to communicate with the locals. Even when people knew I was not from there, they would still come up to have conversations with me and many of them used the opportunity to practice their English. I never felt un-welcomed or unwanted, and this was something that will resonate with me forever. The strong family relationships and traditions the country holds portrays to everyone, not just the immediate family. The people of Argentina were welcoming and wanted a relationship with everyone, even if they are not native to their country.

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My study abroad experience was life changing. Yes, it was essential for my success in future careers and life, however, it was so much more than that. I gained new friends and family members. I gained new business colleagues and skills that I will take with me into future careers and relationships. I gained a wider knowledge of world perspectives and ideas. I gained a new outlook on life with a more open and accepting mind. This experience was truly once in a lifetime and I will hold it dear for the rest of my life.