MACON, GA — Dating back to its inception, the education system has long-relied upon the traditional approach of in-classroom instruction and localized application. Wesleyan College is challenging that method, developing a commitment and increased emphasis upon experiential learning and hands-on opportunities for its students.
No example of this commitment is stronger than that of Wesleyan’s Model UN’s recent immersive trip to Argentina.
In May of 2024, Seven History, Spanish, Politics and Global Affairs majors traveled to Argentina. All members of the Wesleyan Model UN team across the 2023-24 academic year, these individuals represented Argentina at the Southern Regional Model UN Conference in Atlanta.
This trip, made available through generous donors, allowed the students to experience Argentina up close, exploring Buenos Aires and Salta while meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, non-profit organizations, UN-sponsored human rights groups, and university faculty to learn more about the country's history and politics, economy, and culture. Particular attention was paid to the role of women in Argentina’s political and economic life.
It’s safe to say that the adventure left a lasting impact on each of these young leaders. For junior Brittany Evans, this trip opened eyes towards impressive cultural differences.
"Throughout my time in Argentina, I noticed how alive the streets were,” Evans said. “Every cafe had cozy spots to sit and enjoy your meal and coffee. Meals were seen as something to take your time over, especially with a group of friends. I felt so welcomed throughout my experience. This is in stark contrast to how I feel about the U.S. at times. Everything often feels like it’s at warp speed. We rush through meals and get our coffee to go. We don’t take time to make our streets hospitable to anyone who isn’t in a car. At least for me, I feel wrong for taking up space. Since I have been home I have made an intentional effort to slow down and take up more space. And most importantly, not feel bad for doing so."
While taking in local culture undoubtedly served as a pivotal learning experience, these model UN students were no strangers to developing new perspectives through personal experiences. Now a Wesleyan graduate, Adriana Gonzalez shared how personally impactful this was for her.
"While traveling to Argentina was a wonderful physical journey, doing so was also an intellectual and emotional experience,” Gonzalez said. “Not only did we experience firsthand the economic hardships that encompass the daily lives of people in Argentina, but we also stepped into their shoes and saw Argentina through their eyes. This made our journey through Argentina an intimate experience. Because we got to experience the joys and hardships of people through conversations with them, this enhanced our understanding of the Argentine experience and also allowed us to learn more about Argentinian history and politics through the lens of those who are living through this period of political and economic turmoil."
For students such as junior Alondra Jordan, this adventure symbolized something even bigger than just academic advancement: it was a leap of faith.
"This experience shaped me because I took a gigantic leap of faith,” Jordan said. “I had never been on a plane nor boat before. No one in my family has a passport nor been out of the south. I took a chance and do not regret a single second of it. I have grown in ways I cannot even understand.”
It is because of testimonials such as these that Wesleyan remains committed to providing its students with avenues to explore the world around them and gain knowledge through the power of experiential learning.
Model UN’s studies in Argentina symbolize just a small step toward what the college hopes to be a multitude of new frontiers as it pertains to studying abroad.