In Between Fear, Comfort, and Excitement: Getting Ready for Buenos Aires.

At the dawn of the new year, I put together a vision board, as I do every year. This time, however, next to my magazine cut-outs and carefully curated stickers, I had pictures of Argentina and all that I want to accomplish there. Studying abroad in Buenos Aires wasn't the easiest decision for me to make. I have studied abroad twice before: once in Ireland and, again, in Jordan. For my final semester abroad, I wanted to pick a place unlike the others I had been to. As romantic as that sounds, it was, and is still, equally daunting. I speak next to no Spanish, have never stepped foot in South America, and honestly never thought I’d live in Argentina. Nonetheless, the further I looked into IES Abroad’s program, the more drawn I became to it. Now, months after applying, I am finally getting ready, becoming more excited by the minute.  

Buenos Aires is said to be an artist’s dream and while I think that my mind is far more artistic than my artistic abilities express, I am excited to discover the arts of the city. However, it goes without saying that the art of expressions and speech are some of the most important to discover and understand. Speaking only what I’ve learned in my 100 days of Duolingo Spanish, I’m afraid of missing out on an entire world of love and expression. However I remind myself often that I can only do what I am able. By staying committed to my Duolingo and IES Abroad Spanish lessons, I’m positive that I’ll understand an elementary level, which is far better than nothing at all. Becoming fluent in the time before my flight would have been entirely impossible and I cannot regret not learning Spanish in the years prior to my semester abroad. Thus, I try to keep myself positive. I am sure that with consistency and determination, I will be able to catch, at the very least, a glimpse into the world of Argentine speech and expression, which though modest, is good enough for me.

Additionally, though used to living in a non-Muslim majority country, there are always worries and considerations that I face before traveling, or in this case, moving. Argentina is predominantly Catholic and thus, as a Muslim girl, there are a few things I’ll have to keep in mind throughout the duration of my stay. When I first land in Buenos Aires, I’ll be approximately ⅓ of the way through the Holy month of Ramadan. Fasting surrounded by others who don’t may be difficult, but I expect it to be just as equally as it is in America. The only difference, however, is that I’ll be surrounded by tons of opportunities to try new foods. I will only be fasting during 20 days of my four month stay, however, so I remind myself that I’ll have plenty of time to try all the snacks, treats, and meals that my heart desires when I am not fasting. I do expect it, however, to be more difficult for me to find halal foods.

Thus, I’ve begun looking for halal restaurants as well as shops that sell halal meats from now. Fortunately, I’ve found a good amount that I’m excited to try out! Searching for foods that are kosher is a tip I’ve found to be useful in non-Muslim majority countries too, as anything that is certified kosher is also halal. Moreover, as a point of caution, I find it important to always be careful of who I am around. With the state of the world, and the rise in xenophobia, racism, islamaphobia, and anti-Semiticism, it's important for people everywhere to exercise more caution. Doing so, however, should never be at the cost of your pride. I’ll always be proud of my roots and faith and believe that the confidence and pride I have in both allow me to appreciate other cultures more deeply, making me more excited for my time in Buenos Aires.

Additionally, as someone who is, by all means, a woman of routine, I find myself quite anxious at the beginning of my study abroad semesters. Usually, my days are planned a week in advance- timeblocked and color coded into my google calendar. Naturally, moving to a new country and environment can mess that up quite quickly. The thought of not knowing what my days will be like or having them not be modeled into some form of routine brings me much anxiety. However, as I know myself and find it important to sustain a balance of romanticizing study abroad and being realistic, I’ve begun finding ways for me to maintain a routine I feel comfortable with. 

First, I began with course registration, creating the base of my routine by time-blocking my classes into a schedule. I’ve also looked for gyms, trails, and the likes nearby where I’ll be living to keep myself active. Moreover, I’ve familiarized myself with public transportation and the options I have surrounding me. My hope is that in preparing myself in advance, I do not go into as much of a shock and find it easier to create a routine. Despite my longing for a routine and comfort, I understand it to be important for me to push past my boundaries as that is what study abroad is about. Thus, as I have before, I will incorporate plans to try new things into my schedule once in Argentina.

In all, preparing for Buenos Aires has been about embracing my anxieties and quelling them in advance but also staying committed to not let them affect my time there. Whether it's been starting duolingo lessons, looking for restaurants, or familiarizing myself with public transport, I’ve been taking steps that calm my nerves but peak my curiosity. In my time studying abroad,  I quickly realized that you always feel off balance at first. However, by embracing both yourself and the differences, you flourish. As my semester approaches, I look forward to my time in Argentina and all the experiences, and challenges, that I’ll face. Though intimidating, I know I'll have more fun than I am at the moment imagining.