During this past spring break, I embarked on a 10 day journey with 10 other student in my sophomore class, all Spanish language students, to San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. Bariloche, as it is known, is a stunning region of Patagonia known for artisanal chocolatiers, alpine lakes, gorgeous hiking trails, "Andean-Alpine" architecture, and distinct cuisine and gastronomy.
This trip was through the interim program at Fountain Valley School, a program that all students participate in designed to break the algorithms of our normal habits and get us out into the world.
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Our trip began with a 4 day exchange with a local school, Colegio QMark, known for their intimate, small size, experiential learning, and immersive practices. The goal of our trip was Spanish language immersion; by living in homestays and communicating almost exclusively in Spanish, everyone's language and communication skills grew. We took classes like earth sciences, communications, and even tried a mate-making workshop. In the afternoons, we participated in activities organized by our host families; I was lucky enough to go on a boat through Patagonian lakes, walk through the city square (el centro), and try the best Argentine ice cream.
While it was initially challenging staying in a new location with only your host family, I ultimately found comfort in the unknown. I loved the most basic daily tasks, like going to the supermarket, and seeing how they operate in a new space. I even got to see a protest happening concerning workers' rights under the new regime in Argentina.
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The Hiking Excursion
After our 4-day exchange, we went on a 3-day hiking expedition through Mount Tronador. This mountain extends into both Argentina and Chile, and was about 15-16 miles round trip. We woke up around 5 a.m. to meet at Colegio QMark around 6 a.m. for our 2 hour drive to basecamp.
From there, we ensured we had all the right materials and clothing packed, as well as food and water for the 6 hour hiking day ahead. We started the trail around 10 a.m. and reached the Refugio by 4 p.m. The Refugio is a rustic, remote cabin-like shelter for hikers on their journey. A few workers live there, and they prepare food daily for hikers passing through.
We spent 2 nights at this refuge, staying indoors the 2nd day because of harsh hail and rain. However, we were lucky enough to see and touch the famous Alerce Glacier which sits on the mountain, and is slowly shrinking due to climate change. We came down the mountain on the third day, taking us about 3.5-4 hours. We made it back down to base camp, ate lunch, and rode the bus back to our homestays. On our final night, a few of the homestays gathered for a final dinner party and goodbye. We packed up and the next morning took our flight to Buenos Aires, where we would then connect to Miami, and finally Denver.
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Closing Reflections
Before going on this Interim Expedition, the idea of it was daunting and scary. I was going to a foreign country, utilizing a language without much proficiency, and with a group of people I wasn't too close with, but this trip was amazing. We grew closer as a group and were able to form bonds with the students we met forever. We saw stunning architecture, swam in Patagonian lakes, and traversed glaciers.
Let this be a sign to take the leap! Do the thing you're nervous about, whether it be going to a new place, getting a new job, or even just taking a test.