Author: Darren Blount | Major: Computer Science, Math, Physics | Semester: January Intercession 25-26

Riding Horses at La Estancia del Candelaria

My name is Darren Blount, and I am a senior Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics student at the University of Arkansas where I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina through the CIEE program during the January 2026 intersession.

I chose Buenos Aires mainly because I wanted to seriously improve my Spanish while living in a large city. Argentina had always been interesting to me; however, what truly sparked my interest was hearing about it from my high school career counselor, who was originally from Mendoza, Argentina. Growing up in Mountain Home, Arkansas, I did not have many chances to learn about other cultures directly; therefore, hearing her stories made Argentina feel real and attainable rather than distant or abstract. That interest carried into college, where I continued taking Spanish courses; ultimately, I decided that studying abroad in Argentina would be the best way to actually use the language every day.

One of the most valuable parts of my experience abroad was the academic course I took, which focused on how food in Argentina has been shaped by culture, history, and immigration; moreover, the course made those connections feel relevant to everyday life. The class was taught by a professor from Buenos Aires, and she was easily one of the most engaging instructors I have had; not only was she knowledgeable, but she was also funny and incredible at keeping everyone interested, even when discussing complex topics. Class never felt like a chore; instead, I genuinely looked forward to it each day.

We talked about how different immigrant groups shaped Argentine food culture, including Italian immigrants and how pizza in Argentina differs from what most people expect, as well as Jewish communities fleeing the Russian Empire and how migration influenced neighborhoods and traditions. We also discussed Peronism and Argentina’s economic ups and downs; therefore, many of the food patterns we see today began to make much more sense. One topic that really stood out to me was learning that much of the highest-quality beef is exported; consequently, everyday meals can feel surprisingly simple despite Argentina’s reputation for meat.

One experience that connected many of these ideas outside the classroom was visiting Estancia La Candelaria; in many ways, it brought everything we discussed in class into the real world. The estancia itself felt surreal; the main building looks like a French-style castle sitting in the middle of the Argentine countryside, which already made the experience feel strange and interesting before we even got to the horses. Riding with the gauchos was both exciting and slightly terrifying for me; before that day, my understanding of gauchos was very basic. I thought of them as the Latin American version of Texas cowboys and not much more; however, actually being there made it clear that they are a major part of Argentina’s rural history and identity.

The horse ride itself was unforgettable, mostly because I was nervous the entire time; meanwhile, the gauchos were completely relaxed, chatting and riding effortlessly as if nothing could possibly go wrong. I was gripping the reins and quietly repeating “bueno caballo” or “good horse” to my horse, as if positive reinforcement might convince it not to throw me off; yet the gauchos riding next to me seemed completely unbothered. They laughed at my nervous commentary but were patient and reassuring; therefore, the experience felt welcoming rather than intimidating. After the ride, we ate a traditional asado together, which made the whole day feel complete.

Outside the classroom, my host family played a huge role in my learning; speaking Spanish with them every day forced me to stop overthinking and just talk. I made mistakes constantly; however, they were patient and encouraging, and over time my confidence improved a lot. Conversations about daily life, food, and family were where I felt my Spanish grow the most.

One of my favorite personal trips while abroad was visiting Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay; it was a small coastal town with cobblestone streets and colorful flowers hanging from balconies and walls, mostly pinks, reds, and purples. The pace felt much slower than Buenos Aires; therefore, I really enjoyed walking around without a schedule. While there, I tried a chivito sandwich, which ended up being one of my favorite meals from the entire trip; ultimately, that visit stood out because it felt calm and simple and provided a contrast to the constant movement of the city. One thing that surprised me the most about studying abroad was the food; I expected bold flavors, but a lot of the food in Buenos Aires had very little seasoning. Spicy food was basically nonexistent, which was shocking to me; moreover, I learned that saltshakers are not automatically placed on restaurant tables anymore. Customers have to ask for salt directly, which felt strange at first; however, it made me more aware of how food habits can be shaped by public policy. On the other hand, the fruit, especially fruit imported from Brazil, was incredible and easily some of the best I have ever had.

Studying abroad was very different from my experience on campus at the University of Arkansas; classes felt more connected to daily life, and learning did not stop when class ended. Whether it was talking with my host family, ordering food, traveling, or nervously complimenting a horse in Spanish, everything became part of the learning process; therefore, education felt constant rather than confined to a classroom. One of the most valuable lessons I will carry forward is being comfortable with discomfort; not understanding everything right away is okay, and learning happens faster when you stop being afraid of making mistakes. If I had advice for other students considering studying abroad, it would be to go somewhere that challenges you; language immersion can be uncomfortable at first, but that is where the growth happens. Also, say yes to trips and experiences, even if they seem small; some of my favorite memories came from moments I did not expect, like riding a horse at an estancia.

Overall, studying abroad in Buenos Aires helped me improve my Spanish, better understand how culture and history shape everyday life, and feel more confident navigating unfamiliar situations; ultimately, it was an experience that connected directly to my academic goals, my career plans, and my personal growth, and it is something I will carry with me for the rest of my time at the University of Arkansas.