Is there anything you wish you would have known before leaving and why?
This was my first time conducting research overseas, relying on interviews with contacts established here at Georgetown. As an intelligence professor here at Georgetown has wisely quoted General Eisenhower, plans are useless, but planning is indispensable. I had my schedule all prepared before I left for Buenos Aires – who I was going to meet with, the questions I was going to ask them, the time of day we were going to meet. However, when I arrived in Buenos Aires, the plans did not go exactly the way I planned them. For the duration of my trip, it down poured. There was not a day that went by that the skies did not open up and unleash some of the heaviest rain I have ever seen. Streets flooded, and I arrived at most of my meetings soaking wet (not the first impression I was hoping for with these distinguished researchers who agreed to take the time to meet with me). In addition to the lack of cooperation with the weather, people get sick, and life happens. I unfortunately had a couple of people need to cancel for various reasons, but I think something significant I learned while in Argentina was to let networks work for you. Each person I met with had his/her own take on my questions, and guided me towards others in Buenos Aires that they thought might be valuable. Follow these leads, and let the research take you where it will.
Have you changed as a result of this experience? If so, how?
I have changed as a result of this experience. Despite having lived in Madrid for a semester, and being very comfortable conversing in Castellano, I quickly realized this would not get me very far with the portenos (people of Buenos Aires). By the end of the trip I was talking about la shuvia, or “the rain” as said with an Argentine accent. I developed a basic understanding of another foreign culture through the time I spent in Buenos Aires. Additionally, I feel more confident in conducting field research. I hope to enter International Development, and this was my first experience overseas, interviewing people for an end goal. I believe this experience will directly benefit my professional development, and my entry into International Development.
What are two interesting things about [country you visited or company you worked for] that the average person doesn’t know?
Argentina is a country with a deep history and rich culture, although most people know it for having tremendous wine and excellent steak (both of which are true). However, many people might not know that Argentines are night-owls. Restaurants do not open for dinner until 8:00PM at the earliest. I arrived at most of my dinners at 8:30, and was the first person there. When I finished my meals between 9:30 and 10:00, there were a couple more patrons, and on my walk home, I noticed people were heading out for their dinners. Argentines (or at least those in Buenos Aires) truly embrace the night. Many people also know Argentina has a rich tradition of soccer (or futbol) excellence. From Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi, incredible players have come from Argentina. One of the major clubs in Buenos Aires, Boca Juniors, team colors are yellow and blue. Boca is a neighborhood in Buenos Aires right on the water, with “Boca” meaning mouth, and the mouth of the port being in the neighborhood. A hundred years ago, when deciding what color to make the club, the owners could not decide, and agreed that the next ship to pull into the port would determine the team’s colors. A Swedish ship with a Swedish flag arrived next, and so Boca Juniors have been blue and yellow ever since!