I am traveling to Argentina, Chile, and Peru with the UA in South America: Innovation & Entrepreneurship Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program from May 7 to 19. As a biology student on the pre-medical track and in the STEM to MBA Program, I chose this international business trip to experience how culture shapes industry firsthand.
Our first stop was Buenos Aires, Argentina, where we experienced the city and the surrounding rural area. Enrique was our personal tour guide, and he explained the rich and vibrant history of Buenos Aires and Argentina as a whole, including how the country gained independence, the history of tango, ranch life with gauchos, and living on the delta. I particularly enjoyed watching tango at Aljibe Tango, as well as dancing at Estancia El Ombu de Areco. We rode horses around the ranch and ate an array of barbecued meats for lunch. The next day we did a boat tour of the Tigre Delta where we learned about the challenges of living on the river. It was interesting to learn about how delta water can be used for showers after three rounds of filtration and how residents either travel to grocery stores or buy from supermarket boats. These boats offer water, propane, sodas, and more. I imagine it would be expensive to own a boat and maintain it, so I was intrigued to see how supermarket boats entered this opportunity in the market and upcharge to make profit.
On my own time, my friends and I visited the Recoleta Cemetery (where we saw the monument to Eva Perón), the National Museum of Fine Arts, and murals in Palermo Soho. We ended the trip with empanadas and gelato. I had a wonderful experience in Buenos Aires, and I am grateful for Enrique, Diego (our bus driver), Mahesh (I-India trip coordinator), and Professor Harold Wright for ensuring this trip was incredible. Enrique said Argentina will always welcome us with open arms, and I hope I can visit again soon. Now, I am off to Santiago, Chile, as our second stop!