Niklas Romberg
CAS ’27
International Relations
PGS: European Foreign and Security Policy in Times of Crisis
GRIP: Social Impact In Buenos Aires
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Living and working in a new language:
While staying in Argentina for two months, I had to navigate day-to-day life and a workspace in a new language. Being an international student from Germany I have had a similar experience coming to the US for college, nevertheless, spending an entire summer only speaking Spanish turned out equally challenging. My host family only spoke Spanish and at work I switched between Spanish and English. While speaking a different language that is not native to you can be very exhausting, it is even more rewarding. At the end of my two months speaking Spanish in Argentina, I felt like I had learned as much as all of my 3 semesters of learning Spanish combined.
Going beyond the program itinerary:
Both my PGS and GRIP gave me an incredible immersion into two new countries’ cultures. The programs were filled with trips to museums, cooking sessions, restaurant visits, and language trainings. However, I learned that going beyond these mandatory sessions can be incredibly rewarding. Travelling to Rio de Janeiro, the Andes, and Uruguay during my time in Argentina, as well as exploring Bulgaria’s nightlife and local restaurants with my friends, proved to be an even more authentic and immersive experience. I encourage everyone who is travelling abroad with Penn to “go beyond the itinerary” and dare to explore the new country themselves. One of the greatest benefits: I promise you, the people that you share the experiences with will become your closest friends.
My Experience Abroad
As an International Relations major with a minor in Russian and East European Studies, the PGS to Bulgaria perfectly aligned with my academic interests. Meeting with high profile politicians, including a Bulgarian member of the European Parliament, the former defense minister, and the current Bulgarian president, proved to be incredibly insightful. Equally important were the conversations I held with locals and what I learned from them about life in Bulgaria and Bulgaria’s role in the EU.
Spending two months in Argentina helped me acquire important professional skills and benefitted my personal growth significantly. Working at a small political NGO, I learned more about the dynamics of small non-profits and civil society organizations, two career options that I have been exploring for postgrad jobs. Moreover, working in a different language and cultural context proved highly valuable for an international career that I am pursuing. Finally, I made lasting connections that will be helpful in the future. Particularly, the mentorship with my boss made me better understand my career interests and helped me develop my intercultural skills.
Other Highlights
- Going to a Karaoke Bar in Buenos Aires with my boss and his friends
- Meeting the Bulgarian President
- Traveling to the Andes, Uruguay, and Rio de Janeiro during my stay in Argentina
- Celebrating on the streets of Buenos Aires after Argentina wins the Copa América
- Eating Argentinian Asado (BBQ) with my host family every Thursday night
