Money, Money, Money

When going abroad, you also need to think of money. Will there be another currency? Are the exchange rates any good? Will my credit or debit card work?

I actually found a really helpful link about BA money matters that will help before and after arriving in Buenos Aires. Some things seemed pretty obvious - for the most part, traveler's cheques are bothersome which is also the case in BA. However, I did learn that banks are only open from 9am to 3pm, and that there will be a Citibank in a close location to where I'm staying. However, I'll have to check and see if my card will work at their ATMs. It wouldn't be good if I got there and had no means to support myself financially!

Busy, busy, busy dreaming to create...

Leaving so soon?

In three short weeks, I will be off in another country and will be starting my internship - I can't believe it! And of course there's a lot to get done before I leave. I'm trying to learn as much as I can of the language and culture before I get there. I am also trying to spend as much time with friends and family before I leave the states. While I am fitting in time for learning and chilling, I am also worrying about my thesis research. Will I be able to work on any of it while abroad? Probably not - so I'll be tying up lose ends before I leave.

Let's not forget the task of packing. I'm already looking through a packing list for traveling and studying abroad - I can most definitely start from there. I almost forgot about getting/finding an adapter! I will also have to factor in buying amazing antiques and other fun things while in BA, so I'll want to have room in my suitcase for when I make the trip back!

One exciting bit of information I've recently found out is that there will be another Panrimo student in BA around the same time I'm there. Hopefully we'll be able to meet up so that we can share our experiences.

Well, I'm off to rest up so that I can keep working on all of the above. Until I post next, dream to create!!

Researching Frenzy

As I begin to research Buenos Aires, I have already stumbled upon some interweb gems. A native blogger regularly posts information about events, places, and accommodations in BA, and an expat blogger gives great advice and information about BA, especially from a newcomers perspective. Lonely planet and Tripadvisor offer even more information about entertainment, activities, restaurants, sights, and more - both excellent sources. There's even a NY Times webpage about Travel in Buenos Aires, which includes articles about the city and culture.

So far, I've found out the The Rural Exhibition will be happening in July/August, and the Copa America will be in Argentina this July. I'm hoping to glimpse some of these events, and am already planning on visiting the Museo Evita [4 pesos, or 22 pesos with a guided tour], and the Teatro Colon (guided tours, 60 pesos).

There is more to research, but until then...dream to create.

Internship in Buenos Aires

This summer, in July, I will be traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina for a two-month internship. I already have an offer from a language school, my primary responsibilites being to market and advertise their Spanish programs through online communication. I am waiting for the second offer, but really I am looking forward to any internship I am offered and the experience of a lifetime. Even though I am slightly nervous, I know that this internship abroad will bring me new insights, for my career and my future.

Before I make the trip, I will also need to have a grasp of the language. Throughout June, I will be studying up on Spanish (a language I have not officially studied since high school) - and trying to get a grasp of the basics before heading to BA. Thankfully, I will be taking a language course there as well. And being in a Spanish speaking country will give me the practice I need to really learn and speak the language.

In addition to this wonderful experience, I will also have responsibilities back in the states. I am a web coordinator for a race event, so I will be communicating via email and skype in order to update that website from BA. As for my academic responsibilities, I will be communicating with my thesis advisor and other connections for my master's thesis. My research revolves around study abroad programs, specifically short stays. I have sent out a pre-survey and am waiting until the end of the summer for my post-survey, which are being sent out to students who are participating in short summer stays. The purpose of this study is to see whether students have really had the opportunity to adapt and become less apprehensive after a short summer program. I am very interested in the results, as is my university's study abroad office staff. If interested in more information pertaining to my study, follow me and leave a comment! :)

Until the next post, dream to create!