Argentine Fulbright students take New York City by storm

Sebastián Dell Elce, one of 10 Argentine students participating in the Friends of Fulbright Argentina Undergraduate Exchange Program at Virginia Tech, wrote recently about the group's trip to New York City.

Exploring New York's Chinatown.

And just like that I woke up in the City That Never Sleeps. I had always dreamed about visiting this place, and finally I was there, in the city where dreams come true, where a great part of the main events of the world take place. So many dreamers, such possibilities, and yet I still could not have foreseen the incredible day it was.

The rest of the Friends of Fulbright students and I started the day with a surprise birthday party for our peer and friend, Agustina. A muffin and some balloons were set in anticipation for the coming day.

 We began our tour visiting Grand Central Station. Thousands of movies show New York City’s famous station, and we discovered why. Its majestic lamps, huge posters and well-known clock make this station unique. Then we went on and walked to the New York Public Library. But not only for the books is it famous; its architecture and art pieces are human heritage. By the time we left, it was already time to stop for lunch — but only for a small break, as we didn’t want to lose a second. The best was about to start.

"The 11th Argentinian Hokie.Argent"

We walked between never-ending skyscrapers for some minutes and then went inside one. They were waiting for us, “the Argentinians.” All of a sudden, a man appeared speaking in very Argentinian Spanish. We sat in a meeting room, and he started talking. We had never imagined such an inspiring story. He was also a Fulbrighter, very involved with his job, which consists of South-South and triangular cooperation. His passion for and confidence in what he does was breathtaking. He also mentioned the importance of having a worldwide perspective, and how you can change the future independently where you work.

We then moved to another building — as astonishing as the first — for a second meeting. After going upstairs, an Argentine shield appeared. Finding that Argentine symbol in the middle of the big city was moving. It was the Permanent Mission of Argentina in the United Nations. After introducing ourselves, they started explaining what they do and how they are representing Argentina to the world, before later opening a discussion regarding Argentina’s role in the world.

The day went on, and we attended the MoMA to see some of the most famous pieces of art in the world. After eating some slices of famous New York pizza while sitting in the street with our formal clothes, we returned to the hotel.

That’s how I finished one the most incredible days in my life, proud of the Argentinians who are representing my country, and inspired by their lives to be a better world citizen and a better professional.