![](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_card/public/blog/images/garanda20%40up.edu/2019-06-26/argentina_buenos_aires_airplane.jpg?itok=7NYWO9OM)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-07/23/argentina_buenos_aires_from_oregon_to_buenos_aires_alesha_garand.jpg?itok=8zvxsPBW)
There are so many emotions and expectations that swirl around my brain when I think about this trip. It is difficult to imagine that in a few days I will be landing in the airport, meeting my host family, and beginning my seven-week cultural experience. The excitement bubbles inside me; doubts lurk in the shadows of my mind; the spirit of adventure runs through my veins. There is so much that I will not truly understand until I am standing on the soil of Buenos Aires. To prepare, I have been reviewing using Complete Spanish Grammar, watching telenovelas, and listening to music in Spanish. While I continue to feel like I should do more, the language preparation will hopefully help ease me into the immersion setting. My bags are packed, and I am as prepared as I possibly can be. ¡Adiós Estados Unidos, y hola Argentina! ("Goodbye United States, and hello Argentina!")
![](/sites/default/files/styles/blogger_profile/public/2022-07/03/garand_alesha_summer_2019.jpg?itok=FZ3PIyRG)
Alesha Garand
<p>I am an elementary education student; with a Spanish minor, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) endorsement, and leadership certificate. My passions focus on exploring new cultures. Recently I explored Philippian culture through Tinikling (a form of dance) and Spanish through reading various Latin American authors. I also enjoy expressing myself through art, particularly painting. My mission is to become a dual language education teacher (with Spanish and English) so that I can spread a love and appreciation for culture and language to my future students.</p>