CMU Junior Relives Study Abroad Experience

By: John Morelli
Edited by: Mariah Richards and Erin Hillard

Niki James, Howell junior, spent more than 4 months in Argentina last semester studying, and said she cannot wait to go back.

She studied at Universidad del Salvador, spending the majority of her time in their humanities program. However, not all of her time was spent studying or in class.

“I did not have to study nearly as hard as I do here,” James said. She added that everyday life in the city was one of her favorite parts of the trip. It was possible to ride the bus during the day and watch people.

James previously studied in Spain but said the two trips are incomparable due to their different cultures.

“I would compare (the trips in Spain and Argentina) to spending time in Mt. Pleasant and Australia,” James said. “Yes, the languages are the same but the cultures are polar opposites.”

One of the differences of the two countries is their cuisine. According to James, many people expect both countries to eat spicy foods, like they serve at Taco Bell.

“There’s no spicy food in Argentina, it’s a very heavy Italian influence on their diet, a lot of pastas,” James said. “And Spain has a lot of tuna, seafood, and mayonnaise- not what people expect.”

James also warned that a major misconception of studying abroad is the cost of the program. She said the program has a flat rate of $6 thousand for studying in Argentina, but after scholarships from varying university programs it was closer to $3,400.

“I saved money by leaving the country,” she said after pointing out that the $3,400 was cheaper than her cost of schooling when staying at Central.

James said that one of the most popular concerns is the cost but she asserted that the experiences of her trip heavily outweighed the costs.

“I have no regrets, I would pay it over and over again,” she said.

James plans on traveling to different countries while she is young and able to and suggests that everyone else does too.