Angelina & Michael: Experiencing Buenos Aires as US Students
Angelina and Michael, two students from San Diego Mesa College, talk about their experiences, feelings and reflections during a recent study program in Buenos Aires with Expanish.
What were you most nervous about before leaving for study abroad?
Michael: Before departing, my primary concern was navigating the social dynamic as a non-traditional student. I was nervous about fitting in with a younger crowd and worried that my humor or life experiences might not translate well. However, after the first few days, I began to appreciate everyone’s unique capacity for learning. Observing how my classmates showed up as students allowed me to be more mindful and aware of my surroundings. This shift in perspective eased my nerves and helped me find my own place within the group.
Angelina: My nerves began when I focused on whether I would get along with my roommate and on the kind of connection we would have. Within a week, I realized we had things in common, and the experience went smoothly as we created memories together. I learned to trust the process, have fun, and not worry about what I could not control.
What is one moment or day in Argentina that you know you will remember for the rest of your life?
Michael: I will always treasure the moments I spent connecting with locals to learn about their daily lives. One specific memory was at a museum where a classmate took a photo of me with a family who had migrated from Paraguay to Argentina. Simply asking them about their routine—how they commute and what they eat—offered a profound human connection.
Angelina: While in Argentina, I discovered my joy for dancing salsa at “La Salsera.” By taking classes and joining social dances, I developed the skill and was able to socialize with locals easily. I found myself in many conversations and eventually went out with a group of locals from salsa, along with a group from Expanish. I had amazing conversations and learned so much about the culture. I feel blessed to have had that experience.
What was a typical day like for you while studying in Buenos Aires?
Michael: A typical day began at 9:00 a.m. with a necessary routine: brewing a pot of coffee and preparing breakfast with supplies from the local market. After two cups of coffee, I headed to Expanish for our 10:00 a.m. classes. Navigating the stairs to our third-floor classroom was a bit of a morning workout, but once there, we would engage in lectures and group discussions in small teams of four. Following class, we usually had a two-to-three-hour break for excursions or independent exploration. In the evenings, I loved immersing myself in the city’s nightlife or exploring on my own. No day was complete without a visit to Freddo (a local ice cream shop); their gelato was the perfect way to experience the local flavors.
Angelina: A typical day at school began at 10 a.m., after having breakfast with my homestay and bonding over a Spanish conversation about the ideas I had planned for the day. Lectures would include interactive activities focused on conversation in Spanish with classmates. A break was offered at 12 p.m., and in the lobby and patio, there were students from all over the world also learning Spanish. I would talk with many of them before returning to class until 2 p.m. Afterward, I would usually eat at local restaurant near Expanish and meet up with my class around 4 p.m. if we had an excursion planned. These excursions usually ended around 7 p.m., leaving the rest of the evening for myself.
How did the staff at Expanish contribute to your experience in Buenos Aires?
Michael: The staff at Expanish were incredibly welcoming and played a major role in making me feel at home. I particularly enjoyed working with Jio, Jackie, and Marianne; they were helpful and patient, ensuring I never felt like I was "bothering" them with my many questions. To show my appreciation for their hospitality, I shared stationery from San Diego Mesa College with them. Starting the program with a welcome dinner set a positive tone, and having a supportive space to learn in a new country was invaluable. They provided excellent service and made the overwhelming parts of being abroad much easier to navigate.
Angelina: What set the Expanish staff apart was how they traveled alongside our group, making the experience more meaningful. They offered advice from a local perspective and were always organized with excursions. They were also helpful in taking pictures, helping capture our memories in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I appreciated the additional excursions and activities that were made available throughout the week — they were always safe, fun, and gave me opportunities to socialize with others attending Expanish and seeking new conversation.
What was the most important thing that you experienced during your study abroad in Argentina?
Michael: The most impactful part of the trip was the organic immersion and the chance to use the language in real-world settings. While I appreciated the school-organized activities, I found the deepest connections when I sought out local experiences on my own. Attending a San Lorenzo soccer match in Bajo Flores was a highlight—not just for the game, but for what happened after. Seeing everyone gather at street vendors for a choripán, sitting on the sidewalk, and reminiscing about their lives was a beautiful, authentic experience. Doing this as something that wasn't part of the school curriculum gave me a sense of independence and allowed me to connect with the community on a much more personal level.
Angelina: In Argentina, I discovered the value of expressing my personality, hobbies, and interests from California while studying abroad and exploring them further in a different country. By expressing my personality and relying solely on Spanish, I expanded my perspective on the value of being bilingual and how languages allow greater connection to people. I learned to adapt and make the best out of unforeseen situations, which taught me to become resilient and flexible, all qualities I value. Overall, my experience was outstanding, and I relive my adventures through videos and photos captured!
Check out our full range of study abroad programs in Buenos Aires and our other destinations in Spain and Costa Rica.
