The Hype is Real

July 20, 2016

Greeting from Boston, Massachusetts! I am currently at home with my cats but in just one short week I will be flying to Buenos Aires, Argentina!! The excitement I am currently feeling is electrifying. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do and while I have not had much experience with it yet, I feel that through this dialogue I will begin to feed a travel bug that will blossom and fly with me all around the world.

Aside from my urge to travel, I have decided to study abroad because learning should be an adventure that not only feeds the brain, but also nourishes the soul. Whether I am studying about microevolution or art history, I always find inexplicable joy in the process of acquiring new information to mull over in my mind. So why not engage myself in this exciting practice in the beautiful country of Argentina? I would be ecstatic to study anywhere around the world but Argentina holds a certain inviting, cosmopolitan flare that I could not resist. I look forward to filling you all in on the people, the culture, the food, the architecture, and everything in between that awaits me in Buenos Aires.

I expect to come back to Boston a changed woman in the best way possible. I shall return confident in my abilities to navigate a new city, carry myself as an adult (scary, I know) and interact with people who have experienced different upbringings. A major goal I have for Argentina is to stop being so hesitant when it comes to speaking Spanish. I always hold myself back and worry about using the wrong verb tense or grammar when I speak. Letting go of this nervousness and fully embracing the language with be an exciting aspect of this trip. Because I am living with a native host family and taking Spanish classes, I will literally always be speaking Spanish, so you can expect me to come back to campus ready to speak fluently and confidently!

While on the topic of nervousness, there are some other apprehensions I have for this journey. This will be my first time leaving the country on my own. I know I will be with other Northeastern students and faculty, but the thought of going abroad without anyone I am closely connected to is dizzying. I am however, fully prepared to meet and befriend other bright NU students who share the same interest in the Spanish language and culture of Argentina! I like to consider myself a sociable individual so I am currently bubbling with excitement over the thought of making new friends in Buenos Aires.

The city is going to be ahh-mazing, but what I am extremely excited about is going to Patagonia! Let’s face it, almost every Northeastern student owns a Patagonia sweater these days. And soon I am going to be the coolest (really cool because it is quite cold there) Northeastern student because I am going to wear my Patagonia sweater in Patagonia! Take that posers! Seriously though, Patagonia is going to be absolutely breathtaking. I plan to trek the Perito Moreno glacier and capture incredible images of the fantastic mountain peaks, vast and empty steppes, glaciers and ice fields, and stunning national parks. The day trip to Uruguay to visit beautiful, historic Colonia del Sacramento is something I look forward to sharing with you as well.

I will be writing to you next from Buenos Aires, Argentina! ¡Adios amigos!

Written By

Olivia Scioletti

My goal for studying abroad is to engage myself in this ever-changing and globalized world. Only having had the opportunity to travel outside the United States twice, I look forward to this novel and exciting journey to South America. Traveling provides an opportunity to step outside one’s comfort zone and experience the world outside of home. My great uncle lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina for the majority of his life. Though I was never able to meet him, I believe that venturing to his home and roaming the streets in which he lived and worked will be an exciting and reconnecting experience. I am doing this dialogue to Argentina and Uruguay to experience the vibrant culture, rhythmic tango, and fine cuisine that I have only read and dreamed about. I want to immerse myself in the Spanish language to increase my proficiency and challenge myself to be bold and take risks. Through this trip, I hope to become an avid and seasoned traveler, prepared to discover and explore distant lands and cultures.