The first exchange student in Malvinas returned: "It was the strongest experience of my life"

Five months ago, Nicolás Aguiar prepared his video in English. He participated in a postulation that the British government offers every year to university students to experience an exchange in the Falkland Islands. The appeal has always been integrated by Chile, Uruguay and Brazil. In 2018, it was also decided to add Argentina.

Some universities, including the UBA, have even publicly repudiated the British summons. But for Nicolás, 24, it was a possibility. As a student in International Relations at the University of Rosario (UNR), I have not seen any other more powerful exchange experience than that.. He then sent his video, explained why he wanted to go to the Malvinas, convinced the jury and become the first Argentine student to have pbaded the student trip.

"When I applied, I was aware that it would be a controversial experience and I understand it perfectly.. I understand what this cause means for us, Argentines. Nevertheless, after listening with humility and respect to all the critics, I accepted the trip. I am convinced that intercultural dialogue is always positive, "said Nicolás Infobae.

The student from UNR had already done two exchanges in the United States, as a researcher at the US Embbady. But I wanted to know the Falklands: today a privilege for a few, an expensive trip for others. In mid-October, he learned that he had been chosen and that preparations had begun. He would spend a week in the islands in a family home, surrounded by a supposedly hostile climate.

The tour began in Buenos Aires, where he met with Ambbadador Mark Kent. From there, he went to Santiago, stopped in Punta Arenas and finally landed in Malvinas.

"It was an incredible experience, the strongest of my life, it opened my mind in many ways"said Aguiar. "The treatment has always been excellent, people have been very kind and respectful to me, before going to Malvinas, I imagined a total rejection of them, but fortunately there are people who, despite the conflict, have the opportunity to get to know each other. "he added.

During the week, he had an intense agenda. From tourist activities and adventure like flying in an airplane, visiting an island, doing quad biking, kayaking and trekking. Political and cultural activities: meetings with the island legislators, discussions with the inhabitants, visit to the government and – "the strongest" – traveled by the Argentine cemetery of Darwin, where are the heroes who fought during the war.

Nicolás was surprised to know several inhabitants of the island who had visited Argentina as tourists. "They told me that they liked him a lot," he recalls. The only moment he felt the rejection was at night, in the bars. "I was warned that as Argentina, I was trying to avoid going there, I found locals there. The island who confessed that they hated the Argentine governments, but we still could chat and exchange opinions. "

It is about to be received, but it has not yet defined in what area it will unfold. One of the areas that attracts him the most is precisely diplomacy. His interest comes from high school: he was a fan of United Nations models, he also liked to meet exchange students who attended his school.

Over the years, his interest in international relations has increased. He is now convinced that this type of experience, like the one he has lived in Malvinas, is very rewarding, that dialogue is the only way. But his position is the same as before his trip: "I think our legal arguments are very strong, my position of the Argentine sovereignty remains firm".