Anna Lao, Plus3 Argentina Summer 2025
Studying abroad is one of those experiences you can try to prepare for, but nothing really sinks in until you’re there. The best advice I can offer is to go into it with an open mind, a sense of curiosity, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
First and foremost: be flexible. Travel delays happen, schedules change, and cultural differences can sometimes be confusing at first. But often, those unplanned moments end up being the highlights. Getting lost in a new city might introduce you to a hidden cafe you never would have found otherwise. A language mix-up could turn into a funny story you’ll retell for years. If you treat the surprises as part of the adventure, you’ll find yourself enjoying the experience far more than if you expect everything to go perfectly.
Another big piece of advice is to really engage with the culture. Don’t just go to the tourist spots, spend time observing daily life. Notice how locals interact at markets, how late dinners stretch into the night, or how conversations linger over coffee. Even the little things, like learning how to order a meal, can give you a better sense of the rhythm of life in your host country. In Argentina, I loved watching how meals weren’t rushed; sitting with friends over empanadas and dinner felt like its own cultural lesson.
Language is one of the most common challenges, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of study abroad. Even if you’re not fluent, don’t be afraid to try. People appreciate the effort, and mistakes often make interactions more memorable. Learn a few polite phrases and use them often. For me, even simple phrases in Spanish, like ordering food without needing to point at the menu, gave me a small sense of progress and confidence. And even if you get stuck, there’s always a friendly local or a classmate to help.
For students in programs like mine, Plus3 Argentina, the academic component is just as important as the cultural one. You’ll visit hospitals, businesses, organizations, and cultural sites that give you insight into how a different part of the world operates. Take those visits seriously. It is important to ask questions, jot down notes, and think about how what you’re seeing connects to your own studies. In Buenos Aires, we got to see firsthand how Argentina’s healthcare is impacted by the country’s social and cultural values, as well as their government. Seeing those connections outside the classroom gave context to everything else I was experiencing.
Food, in fact, is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to connect with a new culture. Try everything at least once. Whether it’s a street vendor selling empanadas for less than a dollar or an authentic asado cooked slowly over an open flame. Food abroad is rarely just about eating, it’s about community and tradition. Some of my favorite memories were sitting around a table with classmates, trying new dishes, and laughing.
That brings me to perhaps the most important part: the people. A huge part of study abroad is the relationships you form, both with locals and with your fellow students. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your group, so lean into those connections. Don’t just stick with the people you already know; make an effort to get to know everyone. Shared experiences, whether that includes navigating the city together, attending a hospital visit, or just laughing over a late-night snack, are what bond you. Some of my closest friendships from my program were built not in structured activities but in small moments, like wandering through neighborhoods together or struggling over menus together. Those connections are what make the program feel like more than just travel, they make it feel like a community.
Finally, make sure to document your experience, but don’t live vicariously through your camera. Snap photos and write reflections. They will help you remember the small details later, but also remember to be present. Some of the most meaningful moments abroad are the ones you experience fully in the moment: grabbing late night sweet treats, singing karaoke together, or laughing with friends after getting hopelessly lost.
Make sure to stay flexible, be curious, and say yes to every opportunity. A study abroad program is more than just travel, it’s a chance to see the world through a different lens, to connect with new people, and to learn in ways that go far beyond a classroom. If you show up ready to adapt and ready to connect, you’ll come home with experiences and friendships that will stay with you for life.
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