South America

Testimonial: “I have learned so much about leadership that I don’t know where to begin!  Spending four months in Argentina and traveling to two neighboring countries, I learned a lot about their recent histories and leadership problems (which includes Argentina having several presidents in one month after their huge economic crisis in 2001).  The leadership styles of any country are definitely affected by the culture and what the people see as normal and acceptable versus other people in other countries.  Therefore, time and efficiency are relative concepts.  While at times it was difficult to adjust to the cultural customs, I learned that leaders from that particular culture feed off the status quo and knowing the system.  Those politicians, who might run on a platform of ‘change,’ know that when they take office they will probably abandon such notions because it is just too difficult or they don’t want to put in the effort to go against the grain of the status quo.  Unfortunately it is a common theme in Latin America and an obstacle to further economic, social and political development.”

"Some of those areas are more civilized cities, such as Lima and Arequipa, but others are small rural towns without much to do, such as Ollantaytambo or Coporaque.  In fact, when we lived for a week in the Colca Canyon region, we each got a chance to practice our Quechua because we lived with new host families for that week.  Often the father of the family was the only one who even spoke Spanish but since he went to work all day, we were left home with the mothers and children who spoke Quechua or were too young to speak.  Sometimes the children spoke Spanish as well.  During this week, we participated in activities such as harvesting corn & beans, and learning to milk a cow.  We also went hiking on many of the days, and saw things like an Indian burial ground, natural hot springs, and condors soaring through a canyon."

Advice: “Immerse yourself in the culture as much as you can, whether it be by living with a host family, or making friends with people not of your own culture. "When in Romedo as the Romans do "rings true, and can really open your eyes and broaden your horizons”

Laura Renee Aldrich ‘10
Buenos, Aires Argentina
2008

Description: Study Abroad. Participated in the Argentina: Regional Integration, Development, and Social Change program.  She stayed with a host family and took the classes provided by the program with the other students.  She traveled to Porto Alegre and Iguazu, Brazil and also Montevideo, Uruguay to examine economic development, social change, and the integration of MERCOSUR.  

Advice: “Argentines have a distinct accent when they speak Spanish so be wary and open minded, it can be a little frustrating sometimes.  The people in Buenos Aires are quite European and fashionable, but there is still a strong traditional feeling with many cute cafes that play tango music and people spending time together in the numerous public parks drinking mate (an herbal tea).  Going to a parilla restaurant for an asado (type of BBQ) with Argentine wine is something you must do.  Argentina is the 3 rd largest meat producer in the world; their beef is the best hands-down.  The people who live in Buenos Aires – “Porteños”, have a crazy nightlife so take an afternoon nap if needed; many of the clubs aren’t hopping until 2am at the earliest.  Buenos Aires is relatively safe, but as always use common sense at night and always take a RADIO taxi, they are the safest.