The air in Tuscaloosa is thick and hot as September sways amidst the true nature of Alabama’s summer months. That’s no worry for UA Senior, Brittany Greer, who is living it up for the next four months in beautiful Argentina as a part of UA’s study abroad “Road2Argentina” program.

Greer, who will graduate December 12, 2009 with a BA in Spanish and a minor in Biology, eventually hopes to enter UAB’s medical school program. In the mean time Greer says she is looking forward to soaking up all that the rich South American culture has to offer. Currently in Buenos Aires, Greer will spend the next semester traveling through Mendoza; Santiago, Chile and possibly Patagonia.

Having already done a one-month intensive in Spain last summer, Greer is no stranger to travel, however, this excursion does mark the first major trip she’s gone on alone.

Though the program hosts students from all across the globe (Australia, France, and Ireland to name a few), Greer is the only student from UA to participate in this program.

“It is very fun getting to experience all these new things with the people I’ve met,” said Greer.

“We’re all about the same age and none of us have ever been to Buenos Aires before, so it’s cool to see how the culture affects each of us."

A long time lover of Spanish culture in general, Greer is taking advantage of courses such as Spanish Civilization and Tango, which allow her to experience, first hand, the fibers that make up this late night dining, big skirt twirling country. Though the trip will be over in November, it is already evident that she has adopted customs she hopes to bring back to the states.

“The thing that attracts me most to Buenos Aires is how they treat their relationships with friends and lovers alike,” said Greer. “Everybody greets you with one kiss on your right cheek, and everyone is so warm, open and friendly.”

It’s no surprise that America is known for its fast paced lifestyle; however, another aspect of the culture Greer has embraced is their ability to almost stop time to guarantee quality moments with one another. With meals lasting from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. and midnight tango parties in the streets, the people of Argentina are teaching Greer the value of a moment and how important it is to make the most of all you have.

With all that comes and goes in these few short years of college, it’s often hard to realize how far we’ve come since the easy days of high school. It seems impossible that once upon a time we were accustomed to having everything done for us. A major part of the experience that “Road2Argentina” offers focuses on challenging its participants to embrace their sense of independence. It’s one thing to lose your bankcard in a small college town where everyone speaks the same language and the answer to your problem is only a phone call away, but when you find yourself in a foreign city of 33 million, the waters are truly tested. This realization is something Greer has taken full notice of, and though the trip has only just begun, she has already had experiences that she says are certain to stay with her forever.

by Jennifer Jeffcoat