For example, us study abroad kids have our days here counted. We know that no matter how great or horrible our experience is, it is just that, an experience. An adventure. Something ephemeral. Maybe it's for this reason that a lot of kids seem to not put much value on creating lasting friendships with locals. It's like, "Well I'm going back to the US, so if I'm friends with people here I'm not really gonna see them again, so why step out of my comfort zone?" I've noticed that kids usually only hang out with other study abroad kids, so their spanish improves, but not enough to blend in. When they go back, they'll have great friends from the US, but probably not be as connected to this place. It's interesting to talk to expats and other foreigners that live here and that don't really see their time here as counted. They realize that since they are gonna be stuck here, they better make bonds and strong ties. They don't have the opportunity to just take off after six months, so they invest themselves here in very different ways. They make this place their home, rather than just a place to pass the time.

Maybe I'm being a little harsh. Maybe it's not really like that. But this is what I've noticed.

written by  poweroflove on April 17, 2009 from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Argentina
from the travel blog: ARGENTINA
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So so true, I noticed that when I was in Spain.

PS - I'M GETTING SO EXCITED FOR ARGENTINA!

written by  vivian on April 25, 2009

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