Though my time here in Argentina is only just over halfway through, it’s weird to think I won’t be closing out the semester in Athens with my friends. Because this is my last column on my days studying abroad, I want to reiterate how glad I am I made this choice. I miss my friends and my family more than I thought I would — plus I miss other weird things, like the high quality of napkins at restaurants in the U.S. — but I already know that spending a semester in Buenos Aires is one of the best things I’ve ever done.
If you’re on the fence about studying abroad, my advice to you is to go for it. Everyone I spoke to at OU about studying abroad was incredibly helpful and willing to work with me to make this experience fit into my college plans. I’m still taking classes and getting credit, but I’m also living as part of a new culture and exploring a foreign city. I’ve learned so much from my everyday life here. Experiences like studying abroad are so important to stretch yourself and try new things — I’ve learned a lot about myself from being out of my comfort zone, and I’m thrilled that I came here.
It’s been difficult in some unexpected ways, too. I can’t just call up a friend to go get coffee when I want to talk — I don’t have cell service, so it’s actually a little tricky to call anyone, really. And getting coffee requires using a language I’m still working on, so even little every day things take some effort, but it’s been so worth it.
Living in another country provides a whole new perspective. It’s been interesting to look at the United States from outside, and it’s been enriching to learn about Argentine culture. Some things you have to learn by living them, and I believe that spending some time outside of the United States is important for understanding both the U.S. and the rest of the world better. I hope I can continue to travel and broaden that scope of what I know in the future.
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During my time here, I’ve been able to see some beautiful places and some places that surprised me, and I’ve met a lot of wonderful people. I’ve missed being in Athens, and I’ve wished I could’ve been there several times this semester, but my time here is so valuable. If you ever have the opportunity to study abroad, I hope you do it. And if you have the chance to come to Buenos Aires, I hope you check it out and let me know if you want any advice or recommendations because I love this city, and I want everyone else to love it, too. (And I know a really good burger place that you’ll want to check out.) I can’t wait to be back on college green in the fall, but a part of me will always want to be in Buenos Aires.
Melanie Umbaugh is a sophomore studying theater who is studying in Buenos Aires this semester. Are you interested in studying abroad? Email her at mu495313@ohio.edu.
