Making Friends in Argentina During a Summer Abroad

Exciting as it can be, there is no doubt that immersing yourself in a new country can be a challenging at times. In a brand new environment, and without your usual social support system, things can sometimes feel disorienting and lonely. At the same time, one of the most fulfilling parts of going abroad is the opportunity for new friendships in your host country. Forming connections with local people in a new country is the key to becoming a global citizen. However, doing so requires going out of your comfort zone and taking some risks. In the Buenos Aires 2025 High School Summer Abroad program, students are doing just that. 

One way is by regularly completing their misión ñ, nearly every day of the program, where they are tasked with venturing into the city to speak with locals. It started out as a practice asking basic instructions: “Dónde está la linea del Subte D?” As the program has gone on, however, they are working their way up to more profound questions: “What do you think about the neighborhood Palermo chico? How is Tango a part of the culture here?” Demonstrating their resourcefulness and spirit of inquiry, students on the program have spoken with locals from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, delving further into their understanding of the rhythm and relationships of the city.

Another way students have been getting to know Argentinians is by visiting local high schools. At Colegio La Salle and Instituto San Gregorio, they played Argentinian and U.S. games, as well as discussed personal, cultural, and social similarities and differences between their respective experiences, in both English and Spanish, of course! Naturally, many students formed friendships and continued contact with their Argentinian peers following the visit. Forming cross-cultural relationships is all about having courage, avoiding assumptions, and being curious. More often than not, students find that Porteños are more than happy to share about their culture with someone new. 

Ready to make international friends? Explore CIEE's high school summer abroad programs and apply today!