Austin Eaves and The Exchange: Spain and Argentina from Texas A&M University

My first few months in Barcelona were incredible and only a prelude of things to come. 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. 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.

Austin Eaves, 2002 Business Graduate

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