Have you studied Spanish for a lifetime, but don’t want to study in Spain? Do you want the conveniences of Europe without doing what everyone else does? Well ,thinking south to GLA’s new Argentina program might be best direction for you to be heading.

For those who think this is hyperbole, let’s play a game. Imagine you are walking through a town square watching the locals sip coffee underneath the Baroque lined buildings. Are you in Madrid or Buenos Ares? Well it’s a trick question, you could be in both. From lifestyle to architecture and everything else in between, the Argentines take deep inspiration from their European compatriots.

If your ideal study abroad dinner consists of a rotation of pasta, sausages, endless desserts and copious amounts of wine then Argentina can cover you just as well as Italy, England, Switzerland and France—and sometimes even better. Argentinian favorites such as Asado, Empanadas, and Dulce de Leche add European sophistication to your palates with some South American intrigue. And while the vineyards of France are world-renowned, Argentine reds such as Syrah and Malbec have held their own in any world wine competition (though you won’t be drinking any wine while on your trip with GLA, you can appreciate its history and local cultural significance).

For many students, experiencing the local culture of their host country is just as integral as what they learn in the classroom itself and Argentina lends itself to European sensibility with a touch of Latin flair—no wonder many call Buenos Ares the Paris of the East. Many of the aesthetic qualities of architecture and fashion allow you to trace the integration of Spanish and other Euro centric influences from 17th century until today. The colorful neighborhood of La Boca in Buenos Ares for example is modeled after many of the architectural styles of Genoa, Italy.   When going out to watch a night of sports, both the fandom and play of either soccer (or football) and rugby equal many of Europe’s most talented clubs. Just remember to carry a shirt to cover up your blue and white painted chest for when you hit the town for a few Cervesas after the match. When in Rome; or Buenos Ares I should say.

Contributed by Matt Zonis

Are you a sports enthusiast with a passion for adventure and community building?

Remember the first time you were introduced to your favorite sport? For many of us, we got inspired after playing with our friends or family. Sports connected us to our communities and gave us something to look forward to every week. Sometimes competing was stressful, but we always had our team to lean on and cheer us up. Now that we’re older, we realize that winning isn’t everything—bonding with others is. And although you may not consider yourself an expert, you know your sport well enough. Most importantly, we know how to make it fun.

That’s all you need 🙂

You may not realize this now, but your sport will allow you to connect you with incredible people from all over the world. Sports transcend language barriers. If you’ve ever visited the beach when traveling, you may have seen this. With only a soccer ball or frisbee, you can start playing with almost anyone. You might not even speak the same language! But you’ll be smiling and laughing all day because fun is universal.

Perhaps you’ve considered teaching your sport? Maybe you’ve also wanted to travel and experience a new culture?

As a teen, you have plenty of good options to explore. Even if you’re one of those hardcore athletes, you’ll benefit from going outside your comfort zone in this way. Teaching your sport and training in a new environment is a fantastic time. You naturally strengthen your foundation by discovering what’s most important.

But it’s hard to do this alone. We all need a team that’s experienced, supportive, and been there before.

If exploring a new culture and connecting through sports interests you, then definitely check out GLA’s new Ghana Sports Program! The two week program is run by amazing staff that love traveling, learning from other cultures, and contributing in a meaningful way. Your team includes like-minded teens that also want to create an active, unforgettable adventure in Ghana. When traveling, it’s actually quite difficult to genuinely experience and contribute to another culture. You often have to wait until you’re an adult in the US (most of us wait longer), and even then it takes time to really get to know people. Which is why it’s so helpful to get started by doing the right program whose values and culture suit you.

Consider this one of your few chances to dive into the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.

What’s your favorite sport and why? Feel free to share in the comments below!

Contributed by Nick Fochtman