In December 2024, Professor Monica Malamud led an unforgettable Community Travel Program to Argentina, where participants traded winter chills for Argentina’s vibrant summertime! From December 8-18, travelers embarked on an exhilarating ten-day adventure, exploring the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and lively cities. Kicking off in the dynamic capital of Buenos Aires, the group immersed themselves in the local rhythm before setting off to discover Argentina’s diverse regions. The SMCCCD Study Abroad Program made this extraordinary journey possible, offering community members a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Members immersed themselves in Argentina’s rich culture and towns. They tried different foods while also participating in traditions, such as folklore music and tango dance, which was born in Buenos Aires. Venturing into Argentina’s more rural regions, members saw the tradition and beauty behind the country’s countryside, learning about the longstanding practices of horsemanship firsthand at a local ranch.
Along with seeing and experiencing the diverse culture of Argentina, the community travel group ventured into the wonders of the famous Iguazú National Park. Program participants explored various trails throughout the Iguazú National Park for a whole day, seeing the grand Iguazú Falls from all angles imaginable while simultaneously seeing wild animals, such as monkeys, butterflies, and many tropical birds. One of their visit’s main highlights–and the program’s most incredible adventure – was the boat ride on the Iguazú River. Although members got soaked during the boat ride, the up-close views of the waterfalls were worth the temporary mess!
The members also enjoyed sightseeing in Argentina’s breathtaking mountains. Having flown to the charming town of Bariloche, they enjoyed views of crystalline lakes and the majestic snow-capped Andes mountains. They took a chairlift up to Mount Campanario for a 360-degree view of the area and went on a catamaran ride to an island on Lake Nahuel Huapi.
At the very end of the program, everyone was sad to leave but happy to have seen and experienced such beauty, forming new friendships, and exploring new terrains. As a farewell to Argentina, everyone gathered for a farewell dinner alongside an excellent tango and folklore music show. Between the beautiful sightseeing, cultural experiences, fantastic food, and camaraderie we shared, the 2024 Argentina Community Travel Program was a memorable trip for everyone.
A special shoutout goes to Mr. John Day, whose adventurous spirit and love for exploration made him a cherished member of our Community Travel Program! Having embarked on three incredible journeys with us—to Italy, Cuba, and now Argentina—John’s enthusiasm and passion for travel continue to inspire us all. We are grateful for his continued participation and can’t wait to see where his next adventure takes him!!
The Community Travel Program was created as a way for SMCCCD to connect with the larger community of San Mateo County and help our students live and learn in other countries. For many college students, studying abroad is a special goal of their undergraduate years; however, the experience is often financially out of reach. With the Community Travel Program, $500 (tax-deductible) of each participant’s program fee goes directly into the SMCCCD Foundation for Study Abroad Scholarship Fund, helping make transformative global opportunities more accessible for our students. If you are interested in learning more about community travel or leading a future program, please contact Kelly Li at studyabroad@smccd.edu. You can also learn more by visiting the SMCCCD Study Abroad Facebook page or Instagram page @smcccd_study_abroad.
Article by Professor Monica Malamud, Kylie Chan, and Kelly Li
