How did this period of study in Argentina unfold?
I spent my first semester of my third Bachelor year in Buenos-Aires. Whilst there, I was able to organise my time between following the courses and discovering the Argentinean culture. The exposure to new cultures and civilisations is an important element in university exchanges. This trip allowed me to understand the culture of Argentina better and to be able to integrate there.
For me, this experience was a human adventure, which was in some ways deeply moving.
What did you get out of it personally?
Firstly, I have perfected my Spanish which will be extremely useful for me in the search for a job. I also discovered different methods of teaching and new ways to learn history.
I also feel that I am now more independent and responsible. Knowing that I am capable of taking on various responsibilities such as searching for a place to live, finding flatmates, making new friends and speaking a foreign language in an unknown country has made me more confident.
Confronted by the cultural differences, I became aware of the microcosm in which I was living. My view of others has completely changed. I learned to discover others which has made me more tolerant and also more curious. In fact, it seems to me that the discovery of another culture has allowed me to understand myself better and that the discovery of other people has helped me to develop myself.
This experience has given me a lust to travel and to meet different people.
What kind of advice would you give to a student who was leaving to study in Argentina themself?
Argentinean hospitality is particularly generous and Argentineans never focus on appearances. Poverty is everywhere, which can play on your mind but that doesn’t stand against the love and the joy which emanates from the Argentinean people and the richness of their culture and the beauty of their country. Contrary to some rumours, I never experienced any problems with my personal security.
My advice would therefore be: “pack your bags and get integrating!”
What are your plans at the moment?
To follow the course of history of art studies perhaps, or a more specialised professional course of studies and allowing the search for a placement abroad in an English-speaking country.
I would also like to learn Chinese.
