Tangoing between Argentina and the United States

Hi everyone! I’ve now been in Buenos Aires, Argentina for a week and a half with the Plus3 program. This trip has been jam-packed with so many amazing experiences that have helped me grow both academically and culturally. My first time abroad has gone so much better than I could’ve ever expected. I was blessed to have an amazing group alongside me that supported me in truly embracing the adventure. Being exposed to so many new experiences has opened my eyes to the diverse cultures outside of my small bubble in the United States. Now, I am going to walk you through my trip and how Argentina and the United States compare to one another.

My trip is focused on the healthcare system in Argentina from both the business and medical perspectives, hence combining rising sophomore Nursing and Business students. During this experience, we have visited many different types of hospitals, including public and private. This introduces the first major difference between Argentina and the United States — the sectors of the healthcare system. Argentina’s healthcare system is based on the idea that healthcare is a right for all people, regardless of their ability to pay. Their system is divided into public (free to all, government-funded), private (paid out of pocket or through private insurance), and Obras Sociales (insurance run by unions).

In contrast, healthcare in the United States depends on a person’s ability to pay and their health insurance. The U.S. system is divided into private (through employers or individual plans) and public (Medicare or Medicaid). The public system’s structure is very different in that the United States’ public coverage is difficult to access and is only available to the elderly or those in poverty. Since the public system in Argentina is available to all and government-funded, pay for workers tends to be lower than in the private sector and is based more on the act of service. This was apparent while visiting the hospitals. Even though the public hospitals tend to have fewer resources and be more rundown, the workers’ dedication makes up for this and still allows them to provide good service to their patients. Learning this dynamic has helped me gain so much respect for the healthcare workers in Argentina, because even those in the private sector don’t make nearly as much as in the United States. The priority in the U.S. healthcare system is profit, whereas in Argentina, the priority is the patient’s well-being. I hope to bring what I’ve learned about their perspective on care to my future job as a nurse.

Another major difference between the two countries I’ve noticed is the cultural norms. In Argentina, people greet one another with a kiss on the cheek, are curious in their questions, and dancing is embedded into their nightlife. This contrasts with the culture in the U.S., where we tend to be more cautious with strangers and wait to share personal information until we get to know someone. In Argentina, I’ve been asked multiple times by people I had just met for my Instagram or personal questions. Although I was taken aback at first, I soon realized that this is simply their genuine desire to understand those around them. I’ve met so many kind people, and seeing the relationships within communities here has been fascinating. Immersing myself in this culture has inspired me to approach others more openly when I return to the States and engage more with those around me. I know I’ll miss the dynamic I discovered here, and I’m already planning a trip in a few years to come back to South America and explore more of Latin American culture.

Outside of our coursework, I’ve also noticed a difference in architecture between Buenos Aires and Pittsburgh. On our first bus ride into the city, it was easy to see the beauty of the buildings, with their historical designs and the greenery sprinkled throughout. Pittsburgh has a much more modern vibe and feels less homey. Along with the architecture, the pace of people’s lifestyles varies. In Argentina, there is a slower pace that involves walking casually on the street, almost never taking coffee to go, and sitting at dinner for over two hours in conversation. People still get a lot done and live busy lives, but they also take time to enjoy what’s around them. This is something I feel has been lost not only in Pittsburgh’s culture but in most of the United States.

These past week and a half have opened my eyes to a new perspective on how to approach each day, and I am so thankful for the opportunity. I can’t wait to share with you when I get home how these last three days have added to the already impactful experience.

Pictures from my trip so far!!