Why am I here?

Why am I here? - To learn, to obtain a greater knowledge of international business. The university I attend in the city is an International Business school, relating back to my minor, International Business. I attend class Monday through Thursday every week, starting at 10:30 am.  Classes meet twice a week and are an hour and a half long. I am enrolled in four classes - Food and Wine in Argentina, International Marketing, Culture and Civilization of South America, and Spanish II.

Food and Wine

Many laughed when I indicated I was taking such a course while abroad (as they thought I would actually take “classes”). However, I would not think of anything better to take. Upon my arrival I noted immediately that these two things, food and wine, define argentine culture in a big way. This class is a pretty painful one to sit through at 10:30 a.m. when you have woken up too late to eat breakfast, for, food is always the topic of discussion. We have discussed the ordinary to the traditional, and the everyday styles of cuisine here in Argentina. Meat in Argentina has always been the big deal of the cuisine culture; I cannot stress this point enough. Argentines hold great pride for their heritage/ancestors thriving off of the cow.  Having a chunk of meat (mostly carne (beef)) on your plate at dinner every night, defines the “haves” and the “have-nots”. My cholesterol may be skyrocketing by the end of these five months. A very interesting class indeed, and should continue to be such.

The cuisine here is not what I expected. Much of the food is similar to that in America. Everyone seems to think, tacos, rice and beans; this is not the case at all. To find spicy food is impossible. Breakfast is not “the most import meal of the day”. Many just have coffee and a piece of toast or fruit. Lunch is not consumed until about 2:00pm. There is a very common light “mid” meal that some par take in around 5:00pm or so, and dinner is enjoyed at 9:00 or 10:00 at night. 

International Marketing

This class sort of speaks for itself. The class encompasses the processes it takes to successfully expand a company globally.  Class is a little bland due to the broken English our professor speaks, therefore, she reads her PowerPoint for an hour and a half.  However, I do find the content very interesting; discussing all the work and different processes one may take to research a different network of individuals, all harvesting different beliefs, values, and interests, to determine if one’s product will thrive in a new part of the globe. I could very much so, see myself working in this field, international marketing research. Undertaking the research of different cultures/areas of the globe, determining for a company how one can be successful on a larger scale of the international network. This class is helping define my possible future.

Culture and Civilization

I was the most excited to take this class. Thinking it would really help immerse me into the Argentine culture the “right” way. Getting the hints and tips, of the land and the individuals that reside in the country I am calling my home for five months. However, this is not so much the case, I have come to learn. My Professor is a history professor at another university in the city. Therefore, this class has taken more of a history route… at least this is the case so far. There are hopes that the focus may change as we get more in depth. However, one could argue that history is what defines a countries culture and civilization; I would accept that. We travel often with this class to various museums and landmarks in the city. We have gone to a exhibition of cinema and photography, showing how life of the city of Buenos Aires has been depicted through history. We have also traveled to a colonial museum, extremely interesting. This exhibition focused on the artwork of the colonial period. Everything pertained to Catholicism back then or it was not even considered art, (A few of us walked around with our professor and we picked each other’s minds of the many meanings paintings and sculptures encompassed). Being able to travel to various places is a plus, for we don’t often have to learn in the classroom setting. This is how it should be as one is studying abroad, in my opinion.  

Spanish II

Where to start… I am a complete newborn when it comes to Spanish. I had signed up for Beginner Spanish I, however, the class was not offered due to a low enrollment (I was the only one). This did not surprise me, for not many would not travel to foreign country that speaks a language they have no prior knowledge of, however, I did. I told my program I would take on Spanish II, willing to put a lot of work into it, more than the others in the class. I picked a Spanish speaking country, for I wanted to learn the language. I did not want to short myself of a great part of the experience I had pictured, learning a new language. This class has definitely been a struggle, but one I am welcoming. My improvement since day one is a big one; however I have a ways to go (don’t know if it is my Spanish that is getting better or my ability to do charades). My professor is a great and is very patient with me, as well as my classmates, all help me out when I am in need. This class is probably the only class I give time to outside of the classroom. I am extremely excited to watch myself grow in Spanish. I gain more confidence in myself every day, however, this does not come with the often happenings of embarrassment.

Of course I am here to learn, as I am STUDYING abroad….

But, why am I REALLY here?

Of course it is hard to jump into an experience with little expectations; however that is just what I did. I came in pretty much blind, with no expectations of this trip, waiting for this experience to hand me whatever it was I would encounter.

I am here, on this day to day journey, to grow, to push myself, to redefine life as I know it, to discover new pieces to my puzzle, to help define a new possible purpose in my future. I am here to completely let go of my imperfect conception of life, welcoming the new, the exciting, the scary, the beautiful, the completely unknown, and let it define me as it will. Although I am conscious of the roots I come from, I am open to new things, adventures, people and experiences. Adventures are the best way to learn. This trip, everyday poses challenges and difficulties that I am open to seeing through. When I feel the most alone, lost, and confused, are the moments I am growing the most. The most beautiful moments are such. It is the way our differences combine to create the meaning and beauty in this journey.

Off to take a breath in new places, heading to Brazil this weekend. We are venturing to see The Iguazu Falls. This is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Look it up, but I am sure the pictures will not do it justice.

I am in awe I have been living this experience for a month already!

Much love, Miss you.