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Exchange with Escuela Técnica Otto Krause (ETOK) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2016

I was sitting in Spanish class at Piedmont Virginia Community College when my Spanish professor announced the interchange program with Otto Krause in Buenos Aires Argentina.

Little did I know I would one day fall in love with that place—the country, the people, the history, the city, and of course, the food.

I didn’t know much about Argentina other than about 10 years prior, my oldest brother went to Argentina through the same program and loved his time there! Little did I know what a wonderful country I was to see, a country I would one day dream of visiting again.

I applied to the interchange with the hope of an incredible opportunity that I would otherwise never have. Yes of course maybe one day I could travel to Argentina, and see the sites, but an interchange is a completely unique and immersive experience that is an extraordinary way to see a new country.

I received the honor of being selected for the interchange and made my way to South America!!!

During my time in Argentina, I lived with one family that welcomed me like I was their own daughter. They were patient with me as I adjusted to their beautiful accent. They introduced me to Argentinian pasta and family meals. We would ride the bus to school together in the morning. They took me to their favorite restaurants, historical sites, markets, shops, and even on family holidays with them to the ocean.

There is nothing like this immersive interchange to see a country—not from a tourist’s point of view, but from being held within this Argentinian family and interchange community.

The school was so fun to attend. All the students there were kind and hospitable to me, taking me out to explore the city. I was fortunate enough to go on a trip with one of the classes to a hydraulic power plant. I took pottery classes and literature classes that expanded my world.

There is nothing like being part of the interchange between Otto Krause and my community college, a history of connection that has lasted decades. This exchange was honored by all I met at the school and the many students who were dreaming of getting the once in a lifetime experience, I received. For them it would be immersion in American culture.

This interchange is invaluable. Personally, it allowed me to meet new people and grow a deep love for people far away from my home. It made my perspective grow bigger as I learned about another history and culture.

I am and always will be thankful for the interchange program and hope it continues to impact many to come!

Esther Gritsko, PVCC – ETOK Int. exchange program, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2016

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