Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a transformative experience, one that allows students to immerse themselves in new cultures, expand their academic horizons, and develop a broader worldview. As a Mexican student who has previously studied abroad in Canada and the United States, I have already experienced the cultural and educational differences between North America and Mexico. However, choosing to study in Argentina opened a new dimension to my understanding of Latin America, offering a deeper appreciation for the region’s diversity and culture while highlighting the unique contrasts between nations.

 

Mexico and Argentina, despite sharing a common language and Latin American identity, have distinct histories, traditions, and cultural expressions. My previous experiences in Canada and the United States were undoubtedly enriching, exposing me to different academic systems and ways of life, but they were completely different. Argentina, on the other hand, presented an opportunity to explore another Latin American nation and to recognize how diverse our region truly is and understand all the differences in culture, language and lifestyle.

 

One of the most striking differences I encountered was in everyday communication. While we both speak Spanish, the Argentinian accent, vocabulary, and even body language differ greatly from what I was used to in Mexico. The famous "vos" instead of "tú," the different words used for specific products or things, and the unique intonation of Argentinian Spanish were fascinating and initially challenging, but they also deepened my appreciation for the linguistic diversity within Latin America. The experience of adapting to this variation reinforced my belief that language is more than just words, it is a living expression of culture and identity.

 

Beyond language, Argentina’s culture is very different from Mexico’s and the United States’. In Buenos Aires, I saw a strong European influence, while in the countryside, gaucho traditions remain important. Tango, a passionate and emotional dance, is a symbol of Argentina, just like mariachi music is for Mexico or jazz is for the United States. During my time in Argentina, I had the opportunity to watch tango shows, learned to dance traditional styles like chacarera and tango, and tried amazing food. The strong Italian and Spanish influence was easy to notice in the cuisine, customs, and even in the way people interacted. It was a unique and exciting experience.

 

I was also able to travel to Uruguay and other regions of Argentina which further enriched my perspective. Visiting Buenos Aires allowed me to experience the country’s fast-paced capital, with its grand architecture, vibrant cultural life, and deep intellectual atmosphere. Exploring Mendoza, I witnessed the heart of Argentina’s wine country, where I learned about the region’s famous Malbec production and the deep connection between the land and the people who cultivate it. Bariloche, with its beautiful landscapes of mountains and lakes and the amazing chocolate they have, revealed a different side of Argentina, one that is heavily influenced by Swiss and German immigrants, offering a completely distinct cultural and gastronomic experience. Crossing over to Uruguay, I visited Montevideo, Colonia del Sacramento and Punta del Este, where I noticed a mix of colonial charm and a relaxed lifestyle that contrasted with the energy of Buenos Aires. I was able to go to the beach and spend an amazing time with friends. Each destination provided a different insight into the country and its people, making my journey even more enriching.

 

Food was another big part of my experience. Coming from Mexico, where food is full of bold flavors and spice, I was curious to try Argentina’s famous dishes like asados, empanadas, milanesas, choripanes, polenta, and many others. At first, I missed the strong flavors of Mexican food, but I soon appreciated Argentina’s simple but amazing flavors. It was a drastic change from the type of food I was used to, but definitely a great experience. Mate, Argentina’s national drink, also became part of my daily routine. Just as coffee in the U.S. or atole in Mexico are more than just drinks, mate is a ritual that brings people together. It represents connection, friendship, and care, creating moments of shared experiences and bonding. What amazed me the most was how a simple drink could foster such a deep sense of belonging, making everyone feel like part of something bigger. The act of passing around the mate, sharing stories, and engaging in conversation made the experience even more meaningful, leaving a lasting impression on me.

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I also got to experience soccer and understand how big it is in Argentina. Soccer is more than just a sport, it is a fundamental part of the nation's identity and culture. From the streets of Buenos Aires to the smallest towns, the passion for fútbol runs deep, uniting people across all backgrounds. Argentina has produced some of the greatest players in history, such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, who are seen as national heroes. Boca Juniors and River Plate have huge fan bases, and their rivalry is one of the most famous in the world. I had the amazing opportunity to attend a Boca Juniors game, and I can say it was the best and biggest experience I've ever had in my life, the passion and the energy are so contagious that you immediately become a fan of the team.

 

Studying in Argentina also provided a new academic perspective. Discussions on Latin American history and politics took on a new significance, as I could relate and compare them to the situation in my country and the United States. Topics such as the economic and political histories of both Mexico and Argentina highlighted our shared struggles and achievements, reinforcing my understanding of Latin America as a complex and dynamic region.

 

On a personal level, living in Argentina strengthened my adaptability and independence. While I had already navigated cultural adjustments in Canada and the U.S., doing so in another Latin American country had a different impact. I became more conscious of my own Mexican identity, recognizing both the similarities and differences with my Argentinian peers. This experience fostered a sense of solidarity with Latin Americans beyond my own country, broadening my perspective on regional unity and diversity.

 

Studying abroad in Argentina as a student who had previously experienced life in different countries was an eye-opening journey. It allowed me to break away from the North American perspective and fully engage with the rich and diverse cultures of Latin America. This experience deepened my appreciation for regional differences, reinforced my sense of identity, and expanded my understanding of cultural differences despite the similarities. For any student considering studying abroad, Argentina offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with different and amazing roots while discovering a rich and distinct culture. The impact of such an experience lasts a lifetime, shaping not only academic growth but also personal and cultural awareness in ways that few other experiences can.

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Below I attached some pictures of my amazing experience in Argentina!!