In late March, I was accepted into a 6-week faculty-led immersion program in Mendoza, Argentina. The previous year, while I was studying in Chile, I had the opportunity to visit Mendoza as a tourist, and I found the city captivating. Therefore, the prospect of returning excited me. Throughout the months of April and May, the members of the immersion group convened for pre-departure meetings. Our group comprised two professors: Dr. Cheryl Jiménez-Frei, a history professor at UWEC who completed her Ph.D. in Argentina, and Dr. Kati Barahona-López, a sociology professor at UWEC and my mentor for McNair research. Alongside us were four other students. These pre-departure meetings aimed to provide all participants with the necessary cultural, economic, and historical context essential for becoming well-informed travelers and students in Argentina.
The Immersion Experience
The immersion program was structured in two main sections: three weeks of specialized lectures at La Universidad de Congreso in Mendoza in the morning, and then excursions in the afternoons where we could apply what we learned in that morning's lesson.
During our time at Congreso, we had the opportunity of interacting with several key individuals from their international exchange office. One such person was Betiana Antonietti, our coordinator. In a conversation with Betiana, I inquired about her motivation for working in the study abroad field. She shared that her background in tourism fueled her strong desire to showcase the beauty of Mendoza to foreign students. Witnessing the impact of the program on participants brought her immense joy. Her involvement was key in organizing the lectures we attended. These lectures encompassed discussions on history, economy, culture, education, and healthcare. They were designed to provide us with a foundational understanding that we could build upon during our excursions. Among the excursions we participated in were visits to Mount Aconcagua, a tour of Mendoza city, an elementary school, and a hospital. Esteban Mondaca, our guide for most of these excursions, left a significant impression on us. He consistently conveyed that providing educational tours to our group was a special experience for him, which helped him choose to become a tour guide. These experiences aimed to enhance our understanding of the everyday lives of people in Argentina and make comparisons between the United States and Argentina. Through these comparisons, we gained a deeper understanding of the privileges we enjoy as citizens of the United States within a global context.
Furthermore, the discussions I had with Betiana and Esteban solidified that my future lies in the field of study abroad. I envied their roles because they can engage with international education and cultural exchange on a daily basis. I cannot wait for the day when I can hold a similar position. This immersive experience significantly fuelled belief that the international education and study abroad sector is precisely where I belong.