Hello everyone! My name is Sam and I am a third-year student at Pitt studying Sociology and Spanish with a minor in Portuguese and a certificate in Latin American Studies. This semester, I’ll be living in the Belgrano district of Buenos Aires, taking courses with both local and international students at the University of Belgrano. 

I chose Buenos Aires as a study abroad location for various reasons. As a city lover, it was hard not to be intrigued by five months in South America’s second largest city (and its largest Spanish-speaking city). Still, Buenos Aires balances city life with vast green spaces like Parque 3 de febrero, botanical gardens, ecological reserves, and beautiful trees that loom over passersby along the city’s avenidas. It’s a city that nature lovers can enjoy without much of a sacrifice. 

As someone who’s had a study abroad experience in the past—I spent 6 weeks in São Paulo in June and July—I understand the unique challenges that a long period of time in a new country presents. It can be isolating and frustrating to feel separated from the natives who have lived in the city their whole lives, who can understand its culture without trying. Simple interactions that we take for granted in the U.S.—like asking for the check at a restaurant, or pulling a wire to get off of public transportation—suddenly become complicated. Confronting cultural differences while navigating life without the physical presence of your support system in the U.S. is naturally tough.

However, these experiences are more rewarding and valuable than anything. During my time here, I hope to grow both personally and professionally. Spanish fluency was always my primary goal in selecting a study abroad program, and after 5 months with porteños (Buenos Aires locals) I hope to claim that qualification with confidence. On a personal level, living somewhere new will allow me to continue to discover both what I need and want out of life. I will be reflecting on the non-negotiables essential to my happiness and learning about the things I can maybe do without. These reflections will then shape the new perspective I return to the U.S. with, as well as the general conclusions I form on how I wish to live my life.  

I’ll be writing about this and my other adventures in Buenos Aires and throughout Argentina in the months to come. Follow along with my blog posts to keep up with me and my journey!