Preston Slate

Over the Fall 2022 semester, I had the privilege of spending five months, including a one month intensive program, studying Spanish in Córdoba, Argentina. My coursework consisted of 15 Spanish credits, including various other aspects of the country including its history, culture, and traditions, all taken at Universidad de Blas Pascal (UBP).

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I could not have imagined a better city to spend my experience abroad. Being the second city largest city in Argentina, Córdoba was the perfect place to get proper exposure of true Argentine culture. Being an historic city, Córdoba is known for its Spanish architecture, with a mix of colonial, neoclassical, and modern styles.

 

As a student preparing for Physical Therapy school, most of my coursework at Clemson consisted of STEM and health science. As I had finished the majority of my required courses prior to my arrival in Argentina, I took the opportunity to take multiple Spanish classes, each based on different aspects of the country along with the continent of South America. The classes I took focused on history, culture, and tradition including aspects such as unique foods, drinks, songs, dances, and folklore. Throughout my trip I also experienced these things first hand through trips to various places in Argentina including Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Salta, and Iguazú. Having the opportunity to not only study these features of this country in its place of origin, but to actually see them in person and take in their impact and beauty was one of the most privileged experiences I’ve had as a student.  

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My time in Córdoba was one of the most transformative and unforgettable experiences I’ve had in my life thus far. I made so many lifelong friends within my program but also from across the globe. I’ve been challenged in many ways I couldn’t have imagined, but each one shaped and formed me into the person I am today.