During my time in Buenos Aires, which focuses on maternal and child health, I rotated among specialties such as obstetrics, pediatrics, and neonatology. I shadowed the staff and assisted with minor patient care tasks. The residents became my friends and the doctors took me under their wing, making sure to explain all the medical terminology that confused me. My internship was successful because I took control over my experience: I was assertive about what I wanted to see, but I also understood when to step back. In this way, I crafted my own schedule around what I was most interested in seeing. Among other things, I saw live births and the patient-physician interaction with children and parents.

Coming to a foreign city by myself, I feared feeling lonely and out of place. Truth be told, I did struggle at the beginning because the weather conditions were nothing short of depressing, which made it difficult to start exploring the city. I had studied abroad in Madrid for a semester, but I at least had fellow students with which to share the experience. In Buenos Aires, it took a few days before I met with other program participants. Towards the end of my time there, I had made more than a few friends with whom I am still in touch. Traveling alone gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone. The best part of the hospital experience was getting to know the people. Everyone was so approachable and welcoming even if my role in the hospital was a bit confusing since I was not a medical student nor a resident. Nevertheless, I improved my Spanish skills greatly, learned a lot about the Argentinian health care system, and benefited from the hospital exposure on my journey to medical school. I’ve learned to be flexible and confident, even in my mistakes, because living abroad for however long is a constant adjustment process.

I am currently studying for the MCAT and doing an internship in cardiovascular research to see if I am also interested in the research side of medicine. I will be entering my senior year at Boston University, and I’m planning on taking a gap year after I graduate in May. My internship has given me the patient exposure that I needed to move forward with my clinical experience and plan for my gap year; it has also solidified my interest in pediatrics.

Connect-123 had my back in Buenos Aires, while also giving me space to be brave and independent. From arranging to pick me up at the airport to securing affordable housing in the city center at the last minute, Connect-123 (especially my program coordinator) made everything fall into place.

Anyone considering the program should take the leap and trust the program coordinators because they do want to give you the best experience. Fear of the unexpected should not hold anyone back because travelling is the best way to gain understanding and compassion. Plus, it’ll be an unforgettable experience!

My supervisor was a busy doctor who allowed me to create my schedule and make my own experience in the hospital. He gave me feedback when I asked and answered any questions that I had. Through him, I met a cardiologist who took me with her one day to another hospital nearby where she practices. That is where my interest in cardiology grew and partly why I am also exploring cardiology research at my current internship.