CIEE Latin America Fellow Spotlight: Olivia Goering
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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: Olivia Goering
School: Allegheny College
LATAM Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Q1: What does receiving this Fellowship mean to you personally?
To me, this fellowship means three main things, the first being that it’s making me learn to be better at sharing my experiences (which my friends can all confirm I’m pretty bad at). Secondly, I get to share with people the country I love so much and that has helped form who I am as a person. Finally, thanks to the scholarship I am not as worried about finances as I otherwise would be. Yes, it’s still a concern and I’m trying not to overspend but I’m not constantly thinking about money like I otherwise would be.
Watch here: Olivia goes on a tour of the Boca neighborhood with her Spanish class
Q2: Are there any social, political, or historical topics you’re especially interested in learning more about while abroad?
I’ve already studied quite a bit about Argentina but I’m hoping to learn more about basics and current politics of Argentina. I’d also be curious to know more about indigenous communities and the culture around race and identity from an Argentinian perspective.
Q3: How does cultural immersion abroad help you become a more conscious global citizen?
Some people really don’t know how life or people are elsewhere and need to be educated on the matter. Especially in a city and/or a third world country, there’s just less comprehension of that when you live in a first world country. I also think it’s important to travel internationally to learn about other cultures and how to embrace them without just enforcing your own onto them (both in their country and upon others in your own).
Q4: How do you hope this experience will shape your future studies or career path?
I want to be a diplomat in Argentina or an anthropologist with Latin America as my focus so this will allow me to get a better grasp of the culture. Additionally, I have to write a senior comprehensive paper before I graduate so this will help give me ideas and be more knowledgeable on what I write about.
Watch here: Olivia takes a Milonga (tango) class through CIEE
Q5: How does your personal background or identity shape your interest in Latin America?
Well, my mother is from Argentina, so I think that did quite a bit of heavy lifting in terms of interest. Outside of that however, I think Latin America is such an interesting region because of its deep history and vibrant colors that have unfortunately been plagued by economic and political upheavals and chaos mainly (if not all) due to colonialism and foreign intervention. Without these factors the region had the potential to be considered “first world" so seeing and analyzing that is equally fascinating and sad at times.
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!