Pepperdine students summiting the Quetrupillan Volcano in Chile while studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Oct. 22. Multiple students said their time in Buenos Aires made their faith grow stronger. Photos courtesy of Avery Smith
Far from the familiarity of Malibu, Pepperdine students discovered their faith knows no borders in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Sophomore Jillian George, who studied abroad in the Buenos Aires program, said she recommended students consider the program for their international studies.
“Don’t be afraid to look for God in a new place,” George said.
In Pepperdine’s Buenos Aires abroad program, faith only grows stronger as students continue to see Christ’s faithfulness in unexpected places, sophomore Erin Durham said.
“Fruitful” is how Durham described her experience with her faith in Argentina. She said she found her Christ-centered friendships abroad as a source of encouragement throughout her time there.
Charting The Course To Buenos Aires
The BA program gives students the opportunity to live in a homestay with Spanish speaking families, sophomore Kaitlyn Mann said.
“I wanted to live fully immersed in the culture,” Mann said.
Durham said being surrounded by people on different walks in their faith was a beautiful challenge.
“Figuring out how to incorporate faith in relationships besides just being loving and kind has been a process,” Durham said. “It’s thinking about how I can really be intentional about being a vessel for God.”
Buenos Aires Expands Pepperdine Faith Conversations
Being intentional in chasing after the Lord strengthened her faith overseas, Mann said.
“I’ve never been more in the Word than when I’ve been abroad,” Mann said.
George said worshipping and praying alongside fellow students made her experience abroad particularly special.
“For me, Church was sitting in an audience and listening to people on a stage, but being here I’ve had the chance to pray, read Scripture and sing,” George said. “Being an active participant has been something I’ve really enjoyed.”
Durham said there were a lot of open minded people who did not consider themselves Christian, but still came to Bible studies in the Casa.
“They gave their opinion and perspective,” Durham said. “I just really appreciated that because in my past experience I’ve only had these discussions with friends who I already know are Christian.”
Christ-Centered Relationships Find Power Overseas
Mann said she prayed that this abroad experience would not be a gap year in her faith.
“I prayed so hard for someone who would walk alongside me in my faith abroad, and the Lord answered, and he answered loudly with Erin,” Mann said.
Juniors Kaitlyn Mann (left) and Erin Durham (right) pose for a picture at Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires on Oct. 15. Mann said her and Durham were able to explore their faith together.
Mann said the two read their Bibles together and could talk about hard things, knowing that the love between them remained, because God loved them first.
“I’ve found really close relationships because He’s a God that answers, and works out all things for the good of those who love Him,” Mann said.
Matthew 18:20, which reads, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them,” was a key verse for George during her time in Argentina, she said.
“And I truly felt that during my time abroad,” George said.
Juniors Jillian George (left) and Abigail Rader (right) share an embrace at Casa Holden on Dec. 10. George said exploring her faith abroad enhanced her abroad experience.
Mann said she returned home from abroad with a greater desire for a faithful community.
Peers Connect Despite Differences in Practice
The BA program did philanthropic work with the local monastery, George said.
“Sister Verrow — we work a lot with her — and I’ve just been able to ask her questions about the Catholic tradition,” George said, “It’s made me realize that we can work together, despite practicing different traditions.”
Durham said Sister Verrow is welcoming, loving and joyful.
“Really I can just see God in her,” Durham said.
The program visited a parish in Benito, Argentina, where they listened to a Mass in Spanish, Mann said.
“Just to see how faith translates over every single boundary was super awesome,” Mann said. “Even if we seem different to someone else, everyone is a child of the Lord. And in that sense, we’re completely the same. I’m going to carry that with me forever.”
In a country with a different dialect, the worship is the same, George said.
“It was so sweet to be able to realize, as a Christian, we all worship one God, whether I’m in Texas, Malibu or Argentina,” George said.
God’s Faithfulness In Unexpected Places
George’s view of God has shifted since studying abroad, she said.
“I feel like when I was in Malibu, God was a supreme Being, and he was up there, sometimes accessible, sometimes not,” George said. “But being abroad, I feel like I’ve really had to rely on him.”
Mann said her trust and steadfastness has been building through unexpected circumstances.
“Surrendering what I had in my mind over and over again,” Mann said. “It’s helped me grow because the Lord continues to show up for me.”
Mann said the Lord has been working all throughout her life, but has shown up very powerfully abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Take It From Someone Who Has Been There
George said she advises others to continue exploring God abroad.
“Don’t be afraid just because it’s not going to be the same worship experience that you have at home,” George said.
Durham encourages students to join in, no matter what point they may be in their faith journey.
“I would say just jump in — have those deep discussions, ask questions,” Durham said.
Mann said her best advice for students considering studying abroad is to remember that God is going to be there for you.
“Ask the Lord to make Himself known,” Mann said. “Trust His plan, because it’s far better than you can imagine.”
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Contact Hannah Miller via email: hannah.miller@pepperdine.edu
