Hello! My name is Vinai Thomas Uthipratuma, and I am a senior in the Global Studies/Spanish programs. Currently, I am studying abroad in Córdoba, Argentina where I am observing sociological, political and cultural difference and similarities of South and North American cultures. One of my main reasons for choosing Argentina as a site to study abroad was, of course, the chance for language-immersion. I realized even after the second month of my stay, I could already express myself fluently and understand everyone who spoke to me in Spanish. One thing I am really enjoying right now about Argentine culture relates to the election of Buenos Aires’ archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now called Francisco I, as the Pope of the Catholic Church. We are experiencing a surge of religious activity and nationalism that Argentina has supposedly not seen in quite a while. Merchandise, football games, and even currently lottery winners claim divine support from the new “Argentine” Pope. Indeed, being in this country at this moment is something I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.