A Summary Of My First 3 Weeks Abroad | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

A Summary Of My First 3 Weeks Abroad

Three weeks in the bustling city of BsAs!

27
A Summary Of My First 3 Weeks Abroad
Facebook

My last three weeks in Argentina have been breathtaking, leaving me speechless as I pack up all my belongings in my host mom's home. As this was my first time in South America, I had no idea what to expect when I landed in the Ministro Pistarini International Airport. Having spent three weeks in Buenos Aires, I will now spend four weeks in Mendoza and then one more week back in Buenos Aires. Here's a review of my first three weeks.

Week 1:

I'm going to be honest: I felt extremely tired, nervous and scared when I landed in Argentina. After a roughly 10-hour flight, I was ready to curl up in my bed with Netflix, but my study abroad program took off the moment I landed. After being escorted to a hotel with my fellow study abroad classmates, I was able to drop off my luggage and finally connect to Wi-Fi.

Shortly afterwards, I had a welcome lunch at a restaurant with great service but not-so-great chicken. We all had a few orientation workshops to get through, and then it was free time. I decided to grab some sushi a few blocks from the hotel, but while walking, the Obelisk of Buenos Aires caught my eye. I did some sightseeing and then grabbed some Burger King instead of indulging in Japanese food.

The next few days were a whirlwind: going to my school for the first time (Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales -- FLACSO), meeting my host mom and her cat, having extremely late dinners with my host family, and so on. One of the highlights of this week was learning the tango at La Viruta, a dance school with some killer teachers and wine. After dancing, my friends and I went to a bar and then headed home -- a bit early for Argentine standards. (We had class the next morning!)

During my first weekend here, I did a bit of shopping, went to a cute Italian restaurant for brunch, went to a huge market for furniture, got amazing dulce de leche ice cream and went to a spa. It was great to be able to finally have some free time.

Week 2:

This week was jammed with classes after classes. On Monday, I also had the chance to go to the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA) with my classmates and take some awesome pictures. After class on Tuesday, I had time to do some shopping at Zara, Adidas and a cupcake store. The following days were completely dedicated to public health tours and lectures, as well as some Spanish lectures.

That weekend, my program and I went to San Juan, a desert-y region that's pretty far from Buenos Aires by bus -- it took us 17 hours to get there! We did more traveling than sightseeing, but the whole trip was overall very fun. I did some trekking, a lot of eating and a little bit of dancing at a restaurant that had a folklore band come in.

Week 3:

This was my last week in Buenos Aires before I headed off to Mendoza! A lot of homework assignments were due this week, but it was still great nonetheless. One of the highlights of this week was getting to tour the campus of the Universidad de Buenos Aires, including its school of medicine and school of odontology. I also had some decent Chinese food this week, which was really surprising to me.

On Thursday, I had the chance to visit a hospital outside the city of Buenos Aires and shadow a few doctors, nurses, and medical residents. The whole experience was very eye-opening, especially since I got to observe the conditions of a Latin American public hospital closely.

That night, my program and I got to see Fuerza Bruta, an amazing, interactive show that was beyond beautiful. Later, we ate a late dinner, got some wine and went dancing! The nightlife of Buenos Aires truly never disappoints. On Friday, I worked on my assignments, spent a lot of time with my host mom, and did some packing. Three weeks have never passed faster!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

7075
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

3263
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

2398
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2227
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments