International PR in practice: Live with Ricarda in Buenos Aires

She followed her wanderlust: Ricarda, known as Rici, is 23 years old and a former working student at thepublic. At the end of last year, she successfully completed her studies in communication sciences—and then packed her bags. Rici is now working as an international intern at our partner agency Minerba in Buenos Aires. There she is gaining practical experience and discovering the world of international PR. But let’s hear from Rici herself: we’re switching live to her!

Hi Rici, how are you?

Rici: Hello, everyone! I’m doing very well. The first few weeks were exciting, but I’ve settled in nicely now.

How did you end up doing an internship in Buenos Aires?

Rici: After graduating, I was looking for new challenges and wanted to gain more practical experience. At the same time, I had wanderlust and wanted to travel. To combine both, I decided to do an internship in international PR.

How did the search for an internship abroad go?

Rici: It was tough at first. I quickly realized that without any contacts abroad, my chances were pretty slim. So I asked my former boss Meike at thepublic for help. Thanks to the PR World Alliance’s international agency network, I quickly found a suitable position at Minerba in Buenos Aires. I still can’t believe how well everything went! Minerba immediately agreed to take me on as an intern in international PR. I was also awarded an Erasmus+ scholarship, which will finance my international internship.

How brave of you to fly to another continent all by yourself! What was your first impression of Buenos Aires?

Rici: For many people, traveling alone is daunting, and I understand those concerns all too well. My first few days in Buenos Aires were exhausting—after all, you can’t feel at home in a foreign country overnight. I still remember my first morning after arriving: I started the day with breakfast at a small café, where the avocado toast didn’t really taste good. I also had no idea how much I had paid for it, as I wasn’t familiar with Argentine pesos and the exchange rate. The café was also the only place outside my hostel where I felt safe enough to use my cell phone. Looking back, I laugh at myself and how different my perception of my surroundings was back then. Now I don’t want to leave, that’s for sure!

What helped you settle in?

Rici: A few days after my arrival, I started my first day at the agency, and I remember with a smile how my new boss Patricia called a lengthy meeting to find the best long-term accommodation for me in Buenos Aires. I had previously been staying in a hostel. The hospitality and openness I was shown from day one still amazes me a little today. Even though I came to this foreign country alone, I have never felt lonely since the beginning of my internship.

What are your responsibilities as an international PR intern at Minerba?

Rici: My main task at the moment is organizing the PR World Alliance Congress, which is taking place in Buenos Aires this year. I am given a lot of responsibility, which I really enjoy. I am also involved in PR projects that promote the rights of indigenous Latin American women. This gives me the opportunity to get to know Latin America from a different perspective. I really appreciate being able to support such a meaningful project.

How are you getting on with your work in Spanish?

Rici: At the moment, I still get very flustered when speaking Spanish. This is partly due to my still somewhat patchy language skills, but also to the Argentine variant of Spanish: actually, the same language is spoken throughout South America. But that was probably too boring for the different nations, because each country has produced its own version. The Argentine variant seems to be particularly complex and fast. But I’m not giving up and am continuing to study diligently.

How do you experience Argentine culture?

Rici: Argentinians are the most open and friendly people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. The ritual of drinking mate sums this up very well. Whether in the office with my colleagues or in my free time with friends, sharing tea, which is drunk through a metal straw and passed from one person to the next, creates a sense of community. I was particularly impressed by the World Cup, which I was lucky enough to experience. Rarely have I felt such dedication and passion in connection with soccer. Even now, you can still feel the joy of the people over the World Cup title on every corner of the city. And this good mood is contagious!

Would you recommend an internship in international PR in Buenos Aires?

Rici: Absolutely! Buenos Aires is as diverse as its inhabitants. In addition to the new insights that the international PR and working world offers me here, I have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of this vibrant city in my free time, learn a new language, discover the country, and make new friends. This experience is already one that I will never forget for the rest of my life.

thepublic®: Thank you very much, Rici, for the interesting interview and the insights into your international PR internship in Buenos Aires. We wish you all the best and every success with your future projects!