Two months in Argentina: A Journey of Learning, Exploration, and Growth
sovanta is an international company: the team in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has the greatest physical distance from the headquarters in Heidelberg. Despite the distance and time difference, we all work closely together. To get to know each other better, we visit each other’s offices. At the beginning of the year, for example, Alina, a data scientist at the Heidelberg site, spent two months working from the office in Buenos Aires. Here she shares her four biggest learnings for anyone who is planning something similar:
In the past two months, I had the incredible opportunity to stay in Argentina to work and immerse myself in the local culture. It’s amazing how much implicit knowledge I’ve gained in such a short amount of time, yet there’s still so much to learn and experience. But to start, I found that work was quite similar to what I was used to, but the quieter afternoons allowed for greater productivity compared to my experience in Germany. And I took advantage of that. Here are my tips for having a good time in Buenos Aires.
1. Be fearless to try out new things
I found the office in Argentina to be well-stocked with snacks, sweet drinks (I particularly enjoyed levite pomelo), and the traditional Argentinean drink, mate. We also had some enjoyable get-togethers where we visited local bars and restaurants. I was encouraged to try fernet with Coca-Cola, which is a popular local drink. Although it wasn’t exactly my favorite beverage, I was happy to try something new and embrace the local culture.
2. Be prepared to work in a different climate
The summer in Argentina can be extremely hot and humid, and without air conditioning, it can be unbearable to stay in one place for too long. However, the electrical network sometimes struggles to keep up with the high demand for AC, leading to power outages from time to time. This makes it even more challenging to cope with the heat. Despite the heat, the city has several parks that provide a respite from the high temperatures. One can relax in the shade and enjoy the greenery while listening to the sounds of the parrots that fly about.
3. Be open to overcome language barriers
Knowing some Spanish is essential to communicate effectively with the locals. However, even with just a few basic phrases, one can manage to get by. It’s always helpful to learn a few words in the local language to make your stay more enjoyable and to connect with the people around you. Buenos Aires is a popular destination for digital nomads who are attracted to the city’s well-developed infrastructure and warm climate. Southern American travelers are also common in Argentina, and they are always eager to explore the country’s many tourist attractions. These travelers are known for their helpfulness and are often willing to share their knowledge of the local culture and traditions.
4. Be curious and travel a lot
While there are many tourist destinations in Argentina, Patagonia stands out for its breathtaking beauty and vast, empty landscapes. Despite its popularity among European and American tourists, the region remains largely untouched and offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience nature in its purest form. From glaciers to penguins, there is always something new to discover in Patagonia. Another must-visit attraction in Argentina is the Iguazu waterfalls. Words cannot do justice to the sheer power and beauty of this natural wonder, and visitors are left in awe of its majesty. Once you have experienced the Iguazu waterfalls, you will never look at waterfalls in the same way again. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you do not want to miss.
