Christos M. – Industrial Engineering
One of the most rewarding aspects of my trip to Montevideo was interacting with locals and
making real friendships with Uruguayan students. At first, I was concerned that language
and cultural barriers would prevent deeper connection, but I quickly found that hospitality
runs deep in Uruguay.
I was assigned with a Uruguayan student named Juaquin through the program as out tour
guide. Juaquin introduced me to the city in a way no tourist map ever could. From showing
me the best chivito sandwich spots to explaining how to properly drink mate, he helped me
integrate into the culture. We spent weekends exploring neighborhoods like Ciudad Vieja
and Pocitos, going to the clubs and attending fútbol matches (Nacional) that gave me a
new appreciation for South American sports culture.
At school, I learned about the country’s history, political structure, and its emphasis on
social welfare from peers who were deeply passionate about their national identity. It was
humbling and educational to hear firsthand accounts about how Uruguayans view their
role in Latin America and the world.
Being an American abroad taught me to listen more, speak less, and approach every
interaction with humility. It’s easy to assume we have all the answers, but in Uruguay, I
learned that there’s so much to gain by simply observing and learning from those around
you. These friendships are what truly made the experience unforgettable. Everywhere in the
world is different for example I have been to 15 countries and each of them is very unique,
with their own language, culture, food, heritage and you really get a sense of appreciation
to be able to see the world from a different perspective especially in Latin America where it
feels like they are disconnected from the rest of the world.
Swanson School of Engineering 