5Q: Whitney Antle Studies in Argentina with CCIS

You know the drill as our “Five Questions” series keeps rolling.  In this visit, we chat with Whitney Antle, a Class of 2010 student from Hardin County.  Like several Academy students this summer, Whitney spent some time abroad.  Though the Gatton Academy’s programmatic emphasis is on math and science, we strongly support the development of students’ passions in language, the arts, and culture.  There are few better ways to accomplish this development than study abroad.

1. Tell us a little about the project or program in which you participated.

From mid-June to mid-July, I studied abroad through CCIS in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I lived with a host family that did not speak any English. I attended La Universidad de Belgrano, where I studied in an intensive language program for five hours every day. During my spare time, I explored the city, made new friends, and practiced speaking with my host family. I was able to live the life of los porteños, the people of Buenos Aires, whose language and culture are very different from my own.

2. What is the part of the summer experience did you enjoy the most?

In all honesty, I loved every bit of it! But, I would say the best part was learning to speak Spanish with greater fluency. I was able to practice not only in my “No Inglés” Spanish class, but also just by talking to my friends and host family. I loved sitting down with Cheche, my host abuelo, and listen to him talk about his family’s history. The most rewarding thing was being able to walk down the street or ride on the Subte and understand the people around me. (Tango class was pretty great, too!)

3. How is this different from the way you think most high school students spend their summers?

During my time abroad, I lived with a family I didn’t know, in a country whose language I was still trying to learn. Unlike most high school students abroad, I was not on vacation or on a school trip; I went to school every day, and I didn’t know anyone. It was truly one of the most challenging things I have ever done because I was totally responsible for myself. The degree of independence was so much greater than any I have ever had before. It was difficult at times, but so worth it simply because of the confidence I have gained.

4. How does this research experience or internship fit into your educational and professional goals?

Even though my class was not directly involved with math and science, I can use what I have learned in almost any profession. We have to be able to communicate in anything we do. Language skills are becoming more important every day. Now I can learn from people that I otherwise would not be able to understand, and they can understand me, too.

5. What are you looking forward to the most about your second year at the Academy?

I am looking forward to spending time with my friends and getting to know the new juniors. I also can’t wait to start my new classes!

argentina, CCIS, study abroad, Summer, whitney antle