Alexia Olmos, a senior at the University of the Ozarks from the small town of Scranton, Arkansas, took a significant leap into the unknown this past summer by participating in a study abroad program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. For someone who had never traveled outside the U.S., the experience was transformative, broadening her perspectives both personally and professionally.
A Journey of Firsts
Olmos spent June and July immersed in the vibrant culture of Argentina, where she enrolled in a course at the University of Buenos Aires. For a psychology major from a small rural town, this experience marked her first time venturing beyond U.S. borders—and her first time navigating the challenges of solo travel.
Reflecting on her time abroad, Olmos noted how stepping out of her comfort zone provided invaluable growth. “I had never traveled alone or gone abroad, so this experience forced me to meet new people and adapt to a completely different environment,” she said. “It really helped me feel confident enough to travel anywhere in the world and inspired me to consider a career that involves global work. It made me more open to other cultures and helped me develop professionally, too.”
She emphasized that the trip taught her to appreciate the opportunities she has, as well as the people who surround her. “This experience showed me how much I can learn from others and how much I value the relationships in my life.”
Immersed in Argentina’s Culture
During her time in Buenos Aires, Olmos took a class titled Intervention Strategies in Mental Health. Classes ran daily from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., leaving her with ample time to explore the city. She described her routine of walking to class, a 30-minute trek through parks and the city center, as a highlight of her daily life.
“This walk was always filled with beautiful sights,” Olmos recalled. After class, she and her classmates would typically take the subway or walk to nearby areas for lunch. One of their favorite post-lunch traditions was stopping for gelato at a local shop called Rapanui.
Afternoons were often spent exploring Buenos Aires’ rich array of cultural offerings. “We went sightseeing almost every day, visiting museums, markets, parks, and even arcades,” she said. Evenings were reserved for dinners with her host family, followed by gatherings with her classmates to watch the Copa America soccer matches, a tradition that left a lasting impression on Olmos.
Discovering Argentina Through IFSA
Olmos took part in the study abroad program through the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA). Her decision to join this program came after learning about it during her freshman year at the University of the Ozarks. “I first heard about IFSA during my Ozarks seminar class, thanks to Nicole England and Vanessa Hollowell,” she said. “The idea stuck with me for the next two years, and when I saw that Argentina had an excellent psychology program, I knew I had to go.”
The combination of academic and cultural immersion offered her a holistic view of Argentine society. Weekends provided the perfect opportunity to further delve into the local culture, particularly through the country’s famous markets. “I spent most weekends at the markets, which were massive,” she said. “This was a unique way to get to know the people and culture. I met so many incredible individuals and learned about Argentina’s history.”
These interactions allowed Olmos to gain a deeper understanding of a culture that differed significantly from her own, broadening her view of the world.
A Trip to Rio de Janeiro: A South American Adventure
During her time abroad, Olmos and a group of classmates took a long weekend trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Just a three-hour flight from Buenos Aires, Rio provided another once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“Visiting Christ the Redeemer, one of the seven wonders of the world, was surreal,” she said. “It’s something I never thought I would experience, and being able to do so with friends made it even more special.”
Soccer: A Cultural Phenomenon
Olmos also immersed herself in one of Argentina’s most beloved pastimes: soccer. Watching the Copa America tournament with locals provided some of her favorite memories from the trip.
“My favorite moment was watching the Copa America finals,” she said. “Soccer is a huge part of Argentine culture, and the fans are incredible. Our class gathered at a local bar to watch Argentina play Colombia. Even though I was rooting for Colombia, the atmosphere was electric, and celebrating Argentina’s victory was unforgettable.”
Professional and Personal Growth
Beyond the personal adventures, Olmos said that her time in Argentina has strengthened her commitment to her career path. “This experience will help me better serve future patients in the field of psychology, especially in counseling,” she said. “Traveling helps you open your mind and understand different perspectives, which is crucial in my profession.”
Olmos expressed her desire to use her future career to provide psychological support in less developed regions. “I’d love to travel to countries with underdeveloped psychology systems and work to start programs, offer training, and provide resources. My goal is to help people and make a real difference.”
She also expressed a deep interest in working with children and hopes to open her own counseling practice within the next decade. “I’m passionate about being in a position where I can help people, and this experience solidified my long-term career goals.”
Financial Support and Gratitude
Olmos credits the Niece Endowment Student Enrichment Fund for making her study abroad experience possible. “During the summer, I typically work full-time to support myself,” she explained. “The student enrichment fund and its committee gave me the financial support I needed to cover tuition and travel expenses.”
This support allowed her to fully embrace the experience, using her own funds for additional cultural activities and learning opportunities. “Without the financial help, I wouldn’t have had the chance to explore so much outside of my class and immerse myself in the culture.”
Olmos also expressed gratitude toward the committee members who guided her through the application process. “Several committee members helped me navigate the process, which was completely new to me. I’m thankful for their support.”
A Life-Changing Experience
For Alexia Olmos, the summer of 2023 will forever be remembered as the time when she stepped outside her comfort zone and discovered new horizons. Her study abroad experience in Argentina not only gave her a deeper appreciation of other cultures but also reinforced her commitment to her future career in psychology.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” she said. “It’s an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I hope to use what I’ve learned to help others in my future career.”
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