Study abroad- VALPARAISO, CHILE or BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA?

Should I study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Sevilla, Spain?

• I have to decide where to study abroad (for the spring semester) by October 2nd and I am still completely undecided. I like the idea of going to buenos aires because it is more off the grid than Europe and I think the kids that go there will be more my scene. I also would love to travel to Iguazu Falls and Patagonia and experience such a different culture from my own. However I am worried about safety (especially as a girl) as well as being too overwhelmed in such a big, foreign city (i am from the suburbs and have never lived on my own in a city). I want to remain independent but am afraid I will not want to be bymyself in argentina. I want to go to Europe for sure but I don't want to travel Europe only on the weekends. I think I would rather take a few months after I graduate and just backpack around with a friend or two, no set schedule or time limits. I am also scared that if i go to Spain I will find myself surrounded by the same people I am surrounded by at school (vain materialistic sorority girls and meathead frat boys) and I will just have an american college experience in Spain. I also won't know anyone in either of these countries which is a little scary also. Any insight anyone has would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

• Answer:

  A big city is always dangerous, it doesn't matter in which country it's located. Buenos Aires has an european style and it's a nice place, but there won't be anything left to see after two weekends. And distances in Argentina are big for traveling in just a couple of days. On the other hand Sevilla is the real deal. A lot of history. You'll be busy going around just in Spain. In both places, you just need to get new local friends at the place where you will be studying so they show you around.