In this series, TCU Magazine visits with students who are studying abroad. Send recommendations to tcumagazine@tcu.edu.

Wright attended a piano concert at one of the world’s most famous theaters, Teatro Colón. Courtesy of Kierstyn Wright

Kierstyn Wright is a senior Spanish and economics double major who is studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is enrolled in a Spanish-immersion program; she lives with a host family and takes all her classes in Spanish through the Institute for the International Education of Students Abroad. Wright, who is the only TCU student currently studying in Argentina, said that her comfort speaking Spanish has already improved, though she sees working toward fluency as a lifelong pursuit. 

What made you interested in studying abroad in Argentina?

I think a lot of people think Europe is the place to be, but I also feel like there’s a whole other part of the world that’s just as amazing. There’s so much history and so much culture to learn from. I think it is really underrated and people need to explore it more. I didn’t know anyone when I came, but now I know so many people from all over the U.S., all over the world, all over Argentina. It’s really broadened my perspective.

Before studying abroad, you studied Spanish in high school and college, used Duolingo for a year and hired a tutor based in Buenos Aires. What is different about the Argentine dialect?

In the U.S., we’re primarily taught a Mexican dialect, and then sometimes the dialect from Spain. For Argentine Spanish, we use what’s called voseo. It’s still Spanish, but the tense is different and how they address people is different. Just like how there’s a British accent and an Australian accent, there are different Spanish accents. I hadn’t been around the Argentine accent much, so I knew I wanted to get used to that.

As an intern for Goodies, an Argentine import company, Wright helped with a Campbell’s soup tasting event at a local store. Courtesy of Kierstyn Wright

You’re interning for an Argentinian company, Goodies. What has it been like to work abroad?

I’m working in international business for a company that imports international goods into Argentina. I’m not just working with Spanish goods, but goods from all over the world — I get to see how the businesses here interact with those businesses. It’s definitely a more relaxed work culture compared to the U.S. I’m so used to very clear expectations, whereas here you have to take initiative yourself and assume responsibility.

What is it like living with a host family?

It’s been my favorite part of my experience so far. My host mom, Ana, she’s the sweetest. She actually speaks English, but I told her only to talk to me in Spanish. You can choose how you want your relationship with your host family to be in a survey before you get here. I wanted a second family here in Argentina and wanted that close relationship. We have dinner with each other Monday through Friday.

Have you done any traveling there?

I went to Santiago and Valparaiso, Chile, before I came to Buenos Aires. A few weeks in, I also did Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo in Uruguay. I took a boat to Uruguay, and it’s only an hour away. I spent our first three-day weekend there.

The next weekend, I went to Paraguay, which was really awesome. Tomorrow, I’m going to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

At a local bakery near her homestay, Wright has been enjoying medialunas, an Argentine pastry often ordered for a snack. Courtesy of Kierstyn Wright

How do you spend your free time?

I’m gluten-free, and Argentina is almost like the world’s capital for gluten-free meals. They have a lot of regulations: Every restaurant has to have at least one item that’s gluten-free. They also have tons of bakeries and restaurants that are 100% gluten-free, so I love trying new places and working at those cafes.

Buenos Aires also has a big park culture — every few blocks, there’s a huge park. I’ve been exploring the parks, hanging out with friends.

I had never done Pilates before, but it’s a two-minute walk from my homestay. I need to exercise, plus it’s only $8 a class. I’ve been doing that a few times a week, which has been really nice, and it’s in Spanish. The teachers are really gracious: if I don’t understand something, they’ll help me out.

What is your favorite memory of being in Argentina so far?

I went to my first asado, which is a cultural term for a grill-out. They have somebody who’s the asador grilling all the meats. I went with my exchange group from my university. We hung out on the rooftop and talked and ate food. Argentines are all about community.

Editor’s Note: The questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity.