Austin Eaves and The Exchange: Spain and Argentina

   2001 started with a bang, before I knew it I was onto a giant of a plane and off to Barcelona Spain. The moment I stepped off the plane I knew this experience was for me, yeah right, I wanted to pack up and go right back to the comfort of BCS. I sometimes felt, as I would imagine a fish would out of water, but I soon adjusted and was having the time of my life.

The first people I made contact with were a German couple. They sat next to me on the plane and we soon were conversing about the delights of the German countryside. The couple proved to be a huge asset for me in that they offered a great deal of assistance; first helping me to my primary destination and then acting as my tour guide around the city. My first month was the hardest month that I have ever had to endure in that I knew no one, spoke very little of the language and missed REAL American food. I thought that I had made a terrible mistake but soon came to realize what a great opportunity this really was.

My first month passed without mortal consequences and I proceeded to have a good time. I began to meet students and participate in the everyday life of the Spaniards. My first few months in Barcelona were incredible and only a prelude of things to come. It was going to be tough to beat meeting gorgeous women, great friends and frequenting the beach, but I tried my best.

The second trimester of my trip began in late March with a trip to Prague and Budapest. It was then followed by an Easter trip to Malaga, a small town in the south of Spain. The beach was a staple in my life and, although I did partake in the activity, studying was a difficult activity to engage in. My time in Spain was in its final stage and was going to be missed.

My parents made official visits to Barcelona in late July and early August. My dad and stepmother were first on the scene. We traveled to Mallorca, Paris and Monte Carlo just to name a few. My mom and stepfather were next and we visited Barcelona and Madrid. By the time my parents saw me in August, I was a different person. My English was on the fritz and my Spanish was outstanding. I had not only endured but also conquered one of the most challenging experiences in my life. I was a different person, more confident, more resilient, and with an open mind.

On August 15th 2001 it was time for me to say goodbye to my Spanish home and say hola to my new home in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The transition from Spain to Argentina was slight to none. I had already gone through the trials and tribulations of a huge culture shock and, I knew how to navigate public transportation. My Spanish now came with great ease as I started my internship in Argentina.

Argentina is nothing like Spain other than the language. Argentina is a third world country and sometimes it showed. Argentina does however have its own personality, one that attracts a myriad of different people. I would dub Argentina the “melting pot” of the southern hemisphere. I met more nationalities in Buenos Aires over a three-month span that I did in all my time in Spain and Europe. The people were the nicest that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and the culture is rich and sometimes controversial. My time in Argentina was short but sweet and something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

As a business student I know the expectations of the business world. I know that with the adoption of globalization, borders are being torn down, mom and pop businesses are becoming global, and the everyday business man/woman is becoming an international man/woman of mystery. Learning another language or two is vital in today’s market. The knowledge of everyday business activities in Hong Kong as well as South Africa is crucial to landing a multi-billion dollar deal. The strengths that I had as a businessman prior to Spain and Argentina were tweaked and modified. The knowledge that I gained is second to none, and I could not have learned these things in a book, a classroom, or at home; the key is the experience itself.

If I could offer only one piece of advice to students interested in studying abroad it would be to participate with an OPEN MIND. Try every dish that you have been terrified of trying, witness a bullfight, speak Spanish for six months straight, walk to the top of the Eiffel Tower; do these things knowing that you will come out on the other side a better person. Have no fear and Carpe Diem!

Austin Eaves, 2002 Business Graduate