GRIP, Internships Abroad Expecting the Unexpected

Social Impact in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Upon my arrival in Argentina, I pictured myself living the perfect life while working abroad. I’d make lifelong memories with new friends, new coworkers, and a new city–all while drastically improving my Spanish speaking skills. My friends back at home would always tell me, “you’re going to have the BEST time in Argentina.” And so, boarding my overnight flight, I internalized that I would, indeed, have the best time ever.

My first stop upon arrival was straight to my homestay, where I met my mother for the next two months who only spoke Spanish. While I’ve taken Spanish classes throughout my education, I was not prepared to share normal conversation topics that would roll off my tongue in English through a different language. My room, my meals, the no-wifi lifestyle, the change of pace and timing for everything (Argentinians eat dinner at ~9 pm!), and the city all seemed so distant from the environment I had grown so accustomed to back in Philadelphia. Then, meeting around 40 other interns–none of whom I was close with–offered a new sense of unfamiliarity as well. Going to sleep that night was unexpectedly difficult. Not because I couldn’t handle all the change, but because I hadn’t allowed myself to experience anything less than I had naively envisioned for myself.

Two days later, my computer charger broke, adding another minor frustration to the accumulation of feelings I had experienced. I decided to search on google maps to find the closest computer store and ask for an apple mac charger. Store after store and exchanging the best Spanish I could, I realized that no regular shop had the model I was looking for.

Seven miles and eight stores later, I encountered two things: 1) the apple mac charger I was looking for, and 2) a new sense of appreciation for the city. From all of the walking and talking, I came across a multitude of cafes and tiendas, saw parents waiting in line to pick up their excited kids after school, and took in the busyness of life that I’ve always loved about any city.

What I’ve learned since being here is that the best way to truly appreciate this city is to expect the unexpected. Slowly, I’ve found my way and believe I can call this a home in a few weeks or so. I’m glad to have new friends to adventure with me (like venturing on a 15-hour bus ride to Iguazu falls recently), a host mom to talk about current events with at night, a Puerto Rican roommate who helps me speak Spanish, and the liberty to walk to work every day. I’m glad to have cafes at every corner where I can devour a medialuna or sip on Mate, longer-drawn conversations at meals that allow the interns to bond, and an electric nighttime scene. But, I’m also glad to have the more frustrating experiences as well: stumbling on simple Spanish and forgetting how to speak in the moments that matter the most, getting lost and not having the wifi to check where I am on google maps, stepping onto the wrong bus and frantically trying to get off and have such an inconsistent routine here.

When I go home after all of this, I might still tell my friends, “I had the best time ever in Argentina.” But, best won’t be defined as “living my best life” or “thriving.” It’ll more so be defined as a mezcla of the good and bad, the exciting and frustrating, the old and the new!