While mulling over my options for locations to complete my study abroad during my final fall semester at Clemson University, I had narrowed down two options: Spain and Argentina. My advisor and one of my peers were very encouraging and spoke highly of the program within Argentina, in terms of immersion of the culture along with improving linguistic skills. The city of Córdoba, is a city that is a blend of historical elements such as architecture and culture mixed with modern aspects. The mix of old buildings, art, and music, help bring out the essential aspects of Argentinian culture. The Argentina experience is a very unique one because it is a much less traveled country for U.S. residents. My journey led me to Córdoba, Argentina in the Fall Semester of 2023, and I am so happy that I ended up down there. Prior to my study abroad, my goal was to become fluent in Spanish, both conversationally and professionally, and I can confidently say that I achieved that goal. 

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The cultural aspects were very prevalent within my daily life in Argentina, as it was a city is renowned for its delicious cuisine, influenced by Spanish, Italian, and indigenous flavors. Empanadas, a type of stuffed pastry, are a very popular dish enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Mate, a traditional South American tea, is also an integral part of daily life, often shared among friends and family in social gatherings known as "mateadas." I drank Mate every single day in Argentina, as it was a nice substitute for coffee. Cordoba's culinary diversity reflects its history of immigration and cultural exchange, as it is a city made up of people from all over the world. Lots of Italian immigrants have brought forth religion, in particular Catholicism. 62.9% of Argentinians are Roman Catholic, as it is the dominant faith. It plays a crucial role in Cordoba's cultural fabric. The city is home to stunning colonial churches, such as the Jesuit Block and Estancias, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Religious festivals and processions, such as Semana Santa (Holy Week), are important cultural events that bring communities together in prayer and celebration. We were able to visit a number of cathedrals during our time abroad, and it was breath-taking to see the detail within the architecture and design of the buildings.

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I have taken Spanish throughout my academic upbringing and so I felt that I had prepared myself adequately for being thrown into the spanish speaking world, but the first couple of weeks in Argentina were not as I had imagined. I was struggling to understand the language, especially with the rate at which people spoke, but eventually I gained the confidence and knowledge to be able to communicate efficiently with my peers and my host family. On that topic, the culture and lifestyle in Argentina is much different than that of the United States. The people are quite friendly and welcoming, and there was a sense of appreciation from the locals that myself and my fellow classmates were spending time in their homeland. Not only were our host families loving and kind, people that we would encounter out and about were very receptive to our presence. My daily encounters with people helped to offer insights into their warmth as a people and kind hospitality. 

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While in Argentina, I had the opportunity to study at Universidad Blas Pascal, a local University on the outskirts of Córdoba that aided my immersion and helped to gain knowledge about Argentina and all of the cultural aspects it had to offer. The classes, while rigorous, were very beneficial to myself in terms of broadening my horizons and learning more about the history and culture of the country. All of the classes were taught fully in Spanish so I quickly learned how to communicate thoroughly because I had no other option. Very few people in Argentina speak English, so we had to adapt to the Spanish language and use it. In between studying at the University in Córdoba, I had the opportunity to complete a market research internship with a company called E-Valuados. Within this internship, my job was to research the American market of Universities, learning about different platforms that Universities use in aid of their students. The company specialized in using Artificial Intelligence for college professors and their lesson planning. After gaining knowledge about the Universities and the platforms they use, such as Canvas, I then interviewed professors ranging from Clemson University to Georgia University, receiving information from professors about their stance and thoughts on Artificial Intelligence. It was a very insightful experience and helped me to gain knowledge on how international offices function and how their culture affects their work life. Everyone in Argentina is very laid back and it was astonishing to see the differences in work culture from the United States. In the United States, the work culture is very fast paced and urgent, but in Argentina it is the opposite. Emails are not responded to immediately and everyone is very relaxed. It is very much a laid back work environment that is not based on urgence. 

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As I reflect on my study abroad experience in Córdoba, Argentina, I am ecstatic thinking about all of the experiences I had, and I am proud of myself for going outside of my comfort zone to learn about a language and culture that is now very important to me. Perhaps the most impactful aspect of my time in Córdoba was the friendships forged with both locals and fellow international students. The cultural exchange that occurred within this diverse group broadened my perspective, fostering lifelong connections across borders. Together, we navigated the challenges of adapting to a new environment, celebrated cultural festivals, and shared stories that transcended geographical boundaries. It has had a profound impact on my personal and academic journey, and I believe that it has helped prepare me for the career in international business that I am seeking out. This experience has not only provided me with a better understanding of what it takes to be a Spanish speaker, but also has become a cherished part in the book of my life.