Mi nombre es Matt, o--en Córdoba, Argentina, me llamo Matías.  When I arrived in South America 9 days ago, I did not even know how to say the most basic things like, “My name is Matt.”  It just shows how incredibly busy I was pre-RY3.  No time to learn a new language when you’re packing your life into a storage unit.

But, a little over a week in Córdoba, and I feel light years ahead of where I was.  For one, I’m taking weekly Spanish lessons with our “profesora” Vicky (above).  And, two, I’m spending a lot of time in Duolingo, a phenomenal App that makes learning a new language like playing a game.

In the first Spanish class, we focused on “presentación”, aka introductions.  Vicky reviewed some basics and then asked the class for other questions we might ask a person we just met.  I blurted out, “Are you single?”, which drew a roar of laughter.  I didn’t really mean it to be funny--it seemed muy importante!  Thanks to Vicky, I now know how to say “Estás soltera?” and I feel much more equipped to hit the streets of Argentina.

For real though--being a non-Spanish speaking foreigner is incredibly humbling!

I pride myself on being a strong communicator, but now I can't even talk.  Now, I have a much deeper respect for foreigners who don’t speak the native tongue.  I highly encourage my fellow Americanos to have more empathy for people who don’t speak English.  IT AIN’T EASY being on the outside looking in.  Be kind, mmkay?