Argentina: Wasuk Kose

Program: UW Activism through the Arts, Winter Intersession

Majors: Political Science; Legal Studies; Community and Organizational Development

How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?

The academics of my program differed significantly from taking classes at UW–Madison, both in structure and in how learning unfolded. Unlike a traditional semester-long course, this class operated on a much less formal timeline. In just two weeks, we covered a wide range of topics, each one substantial enough to be a full course on its own. The pace was admittedly intense. What made the class unforgettable was how learning extended far beyond the classroom. Mornings were spent engaging with course material, building historical and social context. In the afternoons, we stepped directly into that content, visiting the very places where these events occurred. Learning didn’t feel abstract; it became physical, immediate, and impossible to ignore. Understanding history while standing inside it made the material more powerful and easier to grasp and remember. Rather than structured lectures, our class often felt like one long discussion section. Students constantly connected course content to their own lived experiences, drawing parallels between life in Argentina and the realities of living in the United States. That constant exchange made the learning feel much more collaborative. This course pushed me to think beyond surface-level analysis and challenged me to sit with complexity in ways I rarely experience in traditional classrooms. Despite its short length, it stands out as one of my favorite classes I’ve ever taken, and one of the most impactful.

How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?

My identities deeply shaped my experience abroad. Every time I stepped outside my homestay, the eyes of passersby quickly fell on me. As I walked past restaurants, conversations paused and heads turned, eyes following me through the glass. On the subway, the moment the doors opened and I stepped inside, I was met with immediate stares. Cars honked as they drove by, people discreetly pulled out their phones to take photos, strangers asked to take pictures with me, and others stopped me in the street, bombarding me with questions about who I was and where I came from. I have always been aware of my identity as a tall, dark-skinned South Sudanese woman, and I expected that visibility would come with some attention. However, nothing could’ve fully prepared me for the extent of it in Argentina. Knowing that Argentina’s Afro-Argentine population is estimated to be less than 2%, with many Afro-Argentine people not openly claiming their identity, helped explain the reactions but that did not lessen their impact. There were moments when the experience felt deeply isolating. Even while surrounded by my peers, I often felt singled out. My identity followed me everywhere, whether I liked it or not, and shaped my day-to-day interactions. For students with similar identities considering a similar experience, understand that other people’s reactions are not a reflection of who you are. Be so rooted in your identity that outside opinions cannot shake you. I often had to remind myself that what is normal to me may not be familiar to others. I learned to place myself in their shoes, even when it felt uncomfortable or frustrating, and to respond with patience rather than frustration. I tried to see these moments as opportunities to educate, to challenge assumptions, and to represent my culture simply by existing. That shift in perspective didn’t erase the difficulty but helped me give it meaning.

How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?

This experience forced me to reshape how I think, learn, and move through the world. Being immersed in a different country forced me to step outside theory and into reality. I learned what it means to sit with discomfort instead of rushing past it, to ask deeper questions, and to understand issues through their cultural, historical, and human weight rather than at a distance. That shift will stay with me as I continue my studies, pushing me to engage more critically and thoughtfully with the material I encounter. Outside the classroom, the experience demanded growth. Navigating unfamiliar environments strengthened my adaptability and confidence, but more importantly, it taught me how to listen before reacting and how to engage across difference with intention and humility. I became more aware of my own perspective. These lessons will shape how I work with people, communities, and systems long after this program. Most of all, this experience clarified the direction I want my future to take. Witnessing how identity, history, and systemic inequality unfold across borders deepened my commitment to justice-driven work. It reminded me that meaningful change requires patience and accountability. Moving forward, I will carry this experience not only as a memory, but also as a foundation for how I want to learn, lead, and advocate.