Porque La Plata?

Several people have asked me a) why I'm going abroad, b) why La Plata, and c) how I could possibly fit that in as a Chemistry-Hispanic Studies double major.

a) I'm going abroad for many reasons, not the least of which was watching (and being insanely jealous of) my brother's fantastic experience in London. Also, why not? When's the next time that I'll have the opportunity to travel as extensively as I can as a student? When's the next time my parents will pay for my airfare overseas? Another financial plus to my trip is that I'm lucky enough to be studying somewhere with minimal tuition. It works out that a semester in La Plata is slightly cheaper than a semester at W&M, even as an in-state student.

b) My reasons for going to Argentina fall into the categories of why it's practical, and why it's exciting. Practically speaking, if I study abroad through William and Mary I can guarantee that credits will transfer and count towards my major. I can also easily accomplish my practicum, which is loosely equivalent to a mandatory honors thesis. As it turns out, W&M has Spanish programs in Cadiz or Seville, Spain; Morelia, Mexico; or La Plata, Argentina. Of these, I feel Spain is slightly cliche, and Mexico is the easy route. Argentina is the road less traveled. Besides, It'll be much easier to visit or even move to Spain or Mexico on my own than it would be to go to La Plata. The program in La Plata has another bonus - an internship. Not only will I be taking classes at La Universidad de La Plata, but also interning with La Comision Provincial por la Memoria. La Comision is a human rights organization interested in promoting democracy and studying the past political turmoil.
And for the excitement. Argentina is generally considered the Europe of South America. Want proof? Polo was declared the national sport. 86% of the population consider themselves of European descent. Argentines speak Spanish with an Italian accent. It's a fashion-conscious nation that likes to gab at coffeehouses or over wine from Mendoza. The diet consists of lots of beef and no spiciness. (Interestingly, the word for beef, carne, is the same as the word for meat in general, and saying I'm vegetarian only means I don't eat the former.) La Plata is the 5th largest city in Argentina, roughly the same size as Atlanta, and only a short train ride from Buenos Aires.

c) As for the final question, I took the Chem AP test, and scored well enough that I don't have to take Gen Chem 1 or 2, the latter of which is the typical course for 2nd semester sophomores. The other APs I took in high school allow me the luxury of enough credits to graduate on time, barring disaster. (knock on wood...)

6 days until I fly out!

Abrazos por todos y besos por Matt,
Emily