From August to December of 2019, I studied abroad in Montevideo, Uruguay, and it was a wonderful experience. The other study abroad students and I arrived in Montevideo on August 29. Diego Bravo, Uruguay’s Study Abroad director, showed us around Montevideo; we went down to the beach, took pictures next to some signs, and ate a delicious snack called Torta Fritas. Our first week was filled with Diego showing us around Montevideo, and where we would buy food and exchange money.
The second week was when our classes began, and we got to meet our teachers. The second week was when my routine set in; I would wake up, eat, go to classes, and do homework. I got comfortable very quickly, which became a problem, for, if I get too comfortable, I do not get out of my comfort zone. Getting out of my comfort zone is difficult for me, especially when I am in a different country with a different language that I barely speak. To combat this problem I would go to the park or the beach or go anywhere to get out of the house. Since I have come back from Uruguay, I have noticed that it is easier for me to go to the store and other places by myself. I figure if I had walked alone by myself in another country with a different language I could walk by myself in the country I have grown up in.
Of course, we did not just stay in Montevideo and take classes. ACU took us on many trips, and each trip was fun and entertaining. Our very first trip was to the city of Colonia; it was quaint, and I had a very relaxing time at Colonia. We visited Colonia many more times, for it was the middle ground to get to Argentina. My favorite trips were our free travel week and the students’ trip to Iguazú Falls. I traveled with two other students during our free travel week to two different cities in Argentina. We visited Cordoba and Buenos Aires, and the food was delicious. My other favorite trip was our trip to Iguazú Falls. Our RA brought the idea to our attention at the beginning of the semester, and we all decided we would like to go. It was a wonderful experience, for the waterfalls were stunning that I could not believe they were real. Both of these trips were not planned by ACU; we students had to figure out transportation, money, and activities on our own. It was stressful, especially the getting-place-to-place part. I am glad I did it though, for, if I had not taken these opportunities, I would have regretted not taking them. Taking opportunities when they are presented to me is the lesson I have learned from studying abroad. If I never take any opportunities, I will be stuck in my comfort zone where I will never learn or grow as a person.
