Campus b – To Go Beyond
Over the course of several immersive days in Buenos Aires, UTK students engaged in an immersive learning experience that blended culture, identity, history, and discovery – designed to deepen cultural understanding and expand their global perspectives.
In this article we invite you to delve into this incredible international learning experience!
Through international immersion, students develop a fundamental understanding of the historical framework of the host country — including its education system, health care, environmental issues, customs, culture, and political structure.
Held in Buenos Aires, this year’s edition of the program emphasized academic exchange, reflections, cultural immersion, and service learning.
From the very first days, students were introduced to Argentina through a combination of academic lectures and city exploration. A foundational class provided an overview of Argentine history and culture — covering topics like gaucho traditions, tango, European immigration, and political transformations. This academic grounding enriched their later experiences across the city. They also took part in a guided city tour through key landmarks like Plaza de Mayo, Puerto Madero, the National Congress, and the iconic Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore — helping them connect classroom learning with real-world context.
One of the most cherished activities for students was the day trip to Estancia La Porteña, a historic ranch located in San Antonio de Areco. Surrounded by countryside landscapes and rich cultural symbolism, the visit offered a glimpse into traditional gaucho life.
The experience included homemade empanadas, escabeche, and refreshing beverages, followed by horseback riding, a guided tour of the historic estate and time with the ranch’s farm animals. Lunch featured a classic Asado Criollo, with various cuts of meat, fresh salads, and dessert, followed by coffee. In the afternoon, students enjoyed folkloric dances, live guitar music, and a traditional mateada, with Argentine pastries like tortas fritas and budines.
Argentina’s most iconic cultural export — the tango — was another unforgettable highlight. During a hands-on workshop and visit to a local milonga, students experienced firsthand the emotional intensity and cultural heritage of the dance.
With roots in Buenos Aires’ immigrant neighborhoods, tango blends African, European, and Indigenous influences, and has left its mark on global cinema, from Scent of a Woman to Assassination Tango.
Led by the team at Pachamama — Argentine Cooking Experience, students rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on cooking workshop focused on beloved national dishes like empanadas and chipas.
With an average score of 9.9/10 for coordination support, and 4.4/5 in perceived safety, students expressed high satisfaction with the on-the-ground team. Campus B’s coordinators helped foster a sense of community, connection, and care throughout the journey.
This journey wasn’t just about discovering Argentina — it was about discovering themselves, and the power of global education to shape who we are and how we see the world.
Our heartfelt thanks to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and to all the students who were part of this journey!
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