From Buenos Aires to Business Insight: One Poole Student’s Study Abroad Journey

For Poole student Krista Benitez, the summer of 2024 was one she will never forget. Choosing to study abroad in Argentina through a Maymester program, she immersed herself in the country’s vibrant culture and took courses that connected theory with real-world business insights. This decision gave her a profound experience that extended beyond academics, shaping her personal and professional perspectives.

Reflecting on her time in Argentina, Benitez recalls the thrill of arriving in Buenos Aires, quickly falling in love with culture, people and cuisine.

“One of my life’s peak moments,” she calls it. Her coursework included Marketing Methods (BUS 360) and Doing Business Globally (M 380), two courses that provided practical, cross-cultural business skills. But it was the cultural immersion that left the deepest impact.

A cooking class on day two, where she learned to make traditional Argentine dishes like Milanesa and sampled the iconic drink mate, was a catalyst for a deeper connection with the local community. Mate, a tea-like beverage, is central to Argentine social life.

“Drinking mate is a whole ritual,” Benitez explains. “It’s meant to be shared, and it’s rude to move the straw, called bombilla. Little things like that make you realize how deeply tradition runs.”

Studying abroad was more than just cultural immersion; It was a chance to hone her Spanish and build global business acumen. “I wanted to improve my Spanish and understand Latin American culture up close,” she says. Visits to businesses like Globant, a major technology and software development company, introduced her to unique approaches to problem-solving in Argentina. Seeing these strategies firsthand was invaluable, and Benitez says it has prepared her to enter multicultural work environments with a fresh perspective and adaptability. 

“Krista was an incredibly engaged student in the Argentina: Marketing Methods in Buenos Aires program,” says Katelyn Brown-Gomez, Poole College’s assistant director of global programs. “She was open-minded, excited to explore and learn more about Argentine culture and business. After studying abroad, Krista has continued to support Poole students by taking on a leadership role within Poole Global Corps where she encourages other students to study abroad and provides mentorship.”

Each day in Argentina offered new learning experiences. Mornings began with a scenic walk to class, followed by engaging lectures until midday. Afterward, Benitez and her classmates would venture to local cafes, where they discussed current events with their program guild, Guille.

“These conversations taught me more about Argentine daily life than any textbook could,” she reflects. Afternoons were for catching up on coursework, or exploring iconic sites like the Jardín Japonés or Caminito.

Through the challenges of navigating a new culture, Benitez found herself overcoming imposter syndrome. “I struggled with feeling like I didn’t belong,” she admits. “But I realized everyone felt a bit out of place, and that gave me confidence.” She coped by journaling and leaning on her classmates, ultimately building resilience and self-assurance that she’ll carry with her.

“The resources are there, take advantage of them. Set clear goals and reflect on them as you go; It’s amazing to see how much you’ll grow.”

Benitez’s goals for her study abroad program were ambitious: gaining fluency in Spanish, enhancing her cultural awareness, and preparing for a global business career. By the end of her high-impact experience, she’d made significant strides in each. Daily conversations with locals helped her become more fluent, giving her the confidence to speak and understand nuances that a classroom setting couldn’t offer. “I’m still working toward complete fluency, but I’ve made progress that’s priceless.” she says.

Looking back, Benitez credits her mentor, Terry Price, for guiding her toward study abroad.

“Terry has been my mentor since freshman year, encouraging me to set big goals and supporting me every step of the way,” she shares. Their discussions sparked Benitez’s interest in finding the right program, and Price’s unwavering belief in her fueled her journey.

Back in Raleigh, Benitez is applying her experience to her studies with a new sense of purpose. Academically, she approaches topics with a different perspective, considering cultural and economic diversity. Her study abroad experience has reinforced her desire to work in an international role where she can apply her skills to make a meaningful impact.

To students considering studying abroad, Benitez offers heartfelt advice: “Be open to new perspectives and let the experience change you. The resources are there, take advantage of them. Set clear goals and reflect on them as you go; it’s amazing to see how much you’ll grow.”