It’s our last day in this amazing city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Two weeks have never flown by faster. As I pack my bags and count my last remaining pesos, I can’t help but think about everything I’ve learned and experienced these past couple of weeks. From the people, to the food, the nightlife, it’s streets, it’s art, and so much more, I’m honored to have been able to experience it all. I hope to one day have the opportunity to come revisit again. Until then, here’s a recap of my learnings and activities.

This trip provided me with so much knowledge I never knew I would obtain. Learning about Argentina’s healthcare system has been eye-opening nonetheless. I’m not sure even where to start with the pure amount of information I took in. As we know, the healthcare system in Argentina is split into three sectors- the private, the public, and the Obras Sociales. Within these sectors lays different hospitals and clinics for those within the sectors. Throughout our trip, we visited each type of facility within the sectors, then presented a presentation to your assigned sector. Mine was the private and I am proud to say, I have gained a better understanding from the beginning to now. This sector of the health system is made up of folks who pay fully out-of-pocket premiums to private insurance or by association with Obras Sociales. If there is an association, the employee/ member pays 3% of the required 9% premium, whereas the employer pays the remaining 6%. Citizens of Argentina would choose this sector due to many reasons including more comfortable infrastructure, shorter wait times to see a physician, more access to medication and specialty physicians, advanced technology, and more. Yes, even though the public sector is free, 16% of Argentinians are a part of the private delivery system due to these reasons.

Nothing compares to the number of first-time experiences this Plus3 trip allowed me to have. It seemed like every day I would return to the hotel and say, “That was my favorite part so far”… and I mean every day. Even now that the trip has ended, I still can’t pick a top three favorite moments. The boat ride on the Tigre river heading to a primary care clinic was relaxing. Being able to sit and enjoy the water-breeze, watching the scenery along the side was awing… nothing like Pittsburgh. The historical moments of Cemiterio de Recolecta I beyond enjoyed. The gorgeous designs mixed with the stories behind each burial… amazing. Being able to also visit different universities from their country, comparing and contrasting them to Pitt is always an eye-opening experience. What I loved most about the universities was talking to the students. Santiago and Maggie from Universidad Austral made my trip by introducing me to their custom tea- mate. I enjoyed it so much, I bought a complete set for home!

As we’re on the subject of people, I would like to say I truly appreciate the people at IES Study Abroad who hosted this amazing trip, welcomed us with open arms into their country, fed us well, provided an amazing hotel, and more. Julian Crupi, IES’s intern was great with us and very engaging… he will be a lifelong friend. Gabriel Novick who guided us along the way with his knowledge to understand the healthcare system was a wonderful teacher. I hope to see his kind soul soon again. A special thanks to Grant and Lynnea for being the best study abroad advisors, they truly made it special. Lynnea took upon herself moments to get ice cream and dinner with myself along with the other students… cannot thank her enough.

I truly hope to have the opportunity to visit Buenos Aires again, sometime in my future for sure. Thanks to the scholarship funders as well for providing me with aid, I could not have experienced this without you. As I continue my college career at Pitt, I will promote this amazing program to all incoming students as a freshman RA. I’ll also continue practicing my Spanish as well and forever drink mate! Buenos Aires, Argentina… you will remain in my heart for eternity. Thank you for being the land of my first trip abroad, I plan to travel more in the future. Hasta luego!