CIEE Latin America Fellow Spotlight: Jackie Martinez
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Meet the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellows!
Follow along as CIEE sends 100 student leaders on a fully-funded semester abroad through the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Fellowship. In this series, we spotlight Fellows as they immerse themselves in Latin American culture, grow as leaders, and prepare to make an impact worldwide.
Name: Jackie Martinez
School: Rutgers University
LATAM Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Q1: What excites you most about studying abroad in LATAM?
I carry a Latin surname because my family has old roots in Cuba and I wanted to really immerse myself with the culture of Latin America. There are many forms of Latin American culture, so the choice to study in multiple countries was phenomenal.
Watch here: Jackie strolls through San Telmo Mercado
Q2: What do you hope to learn during your semester abroad?
I hope to learn about the ways of life in Latin America, which is heavily focused on community and food.
Q3: Are there any social, political, or historical topics you're especially interested in learning more about?
I admire Latin America for their sense of connection, community, and love for everybody, even strangers. I also love to admire cathedrals and grand architecture, which Argentina has plenty of.
Q4: What local foods are you most excited to try?
Buenos Aires has delicious postres, chipa, cafe, and the best beef in the world. I am excited to try the coffee in Costa Rica because they harvest the beans right there. I am especially excited to try authentic Mexican food because it is my favorite. You cannot go wrong with enchiladas and burritos.
Watch here: Jackie goes on a Buenos Aires pizza tour organized by CIEE
Q5: How do you plan to use what you learn abroad to make a difference in your community back home?
I admire the sense of community among the Latino community. They are so generous and share everything and anything. Additionally, when people notice I am attempting to speak Spanish they are so kind, appreciative, and welcoming; I feel special after talking with anyone new. I feel that sometimes in the USA people think that kindness and generosity is something to be earned so I hope my new sense of community can follow me.
Become a Latin America Student Fellow
Your turn to make an impact in Latin America starts here – apply for the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellowship today!