Submitted by Jacob Parish on the 2018 winter session program in Argentina sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
As a somewhat uncultured, inexperienced sophomore in a group of predominantly world-traveling juniors, I had no idea what to expect in this foreign world of Argentina. I was not only afraid of the most obvious concerns, such as the strength of the language barrier or my ability to fit in, but also about the general ways of life in Buenos Aires, such as how to properly walk the streets, or even how to politely acknowledge somebody.
Within hours, most of my concerns were already gone. I quickly found out that I have learned enough Spanish over the years to hold manageable Spanglish conversations with the locals. Yes, Argentinians have the innate ability to recognize a foreigner simply by the way that they walk or by the clothes that they wear, but this has not caused an issue. As for greeting somebody, everybody kisses on the cheek as a sign of respect. It is not actually as weird as I thought.
Overall, this first week in Buenos Aires has exceeded every single expectation for a rookie like myself. From the exciting excursions, to the rich gastronomy, to the relationships already being formed, I have little doubt that this month will not only be unforgettable, but also life-changing.
