Preamble: During my visit to Australia, I learnt that my younger son Tarun had as housemates youngsters who had come from other countries like Argentina, Mexico and Japan on a student visa. Apart from studying, they supported themselves by taking up part time jobs. My curiosity was aroused and I felt that an interview would be an opportunity to know more about another country as also the circumstances under which they chose to come to Australia. In this regard, it was a pleasure for me to interview Juan Cruz from Argentina who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in digital design.
Argentina is a country in the southern half of South America. It is the largest Spanish speaking nation in the world by area. It has a population of 45.38 million. At one time held among the top 10 rich nations of the world, Argentina presently is a developing country with the second highest human development index (HDI) in Latin America after Chile.
Rajeev Moothedath (RM): It is a pleasure to meet you Juan Cruz and to have this conversation with you.
Juan Cruz (JC) : Thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you too. Looking forward to our interaction.
RM: At the outset, would you like to tell us a little about where you lived and grew up in Argentina?
JC: I was born and brought up in Palermo, a neighbourhood of Buenos Aires situated in the north of the city. My father is a car consultant in a Japanese company and mom, a consultant in a HR consultancy firm that was founded by my maternal grandfather.
RM: which school did you go to? Could you share a little about your school life experiences?
JC: I studied at the St Xavier's school in Palermo. I was not particularly interested in the formal subjects taught in school like math and science. My interest was in music. Fortunately for me, we had some good teachers who introduced me to music and art/ drawing. They encouraged study of poetry, literature and learning of languages like English apart from Spanish. They introduced auditory learning with the focus on mimicking the new language.
RM: Sounds interesting. How did you spend your free time back then in Argentina after school and in the weekends?
JC: As I already mentioned, I loved music and spent around six hours everyday for practice. During the weekends, we went to parties- talked, chatted, listened to music and enjoyed barbecue!
RM: Did you have any difficulty in completing school, given your lack of interest in formal subjects?
JC: Well, I took help including attending extra classes after school and passed the 12th grade equivalent in our country. I then enrolled for a 4 year advertising course but gave it up to pursue a job. I felt that further studies can be continued later in a foreign university. I worked at the job for two years in an agro based company, assisting in designing the image of products for marketing department.
RM: So, how and when did you decide to move to Australia and resume studies?
JC: I happened to meet and become friends with an Australian by name Jock, who basically hailed from the country side in Australia. We talked freely; he also visited my house and met my family. Jock invited me to come down to Australia to work and study. I came to Australia on a student visa to do B.A.Digital design which I would be completing in June next year.
RM: So what jobs did you take up to support you during your stay in Sydney?
JC: I worked at a gourmet food joint for one and half years and presently for about a year , I am working with a wine seller. In the present job, I get to manage time better and am able to find more time for studies.
RM: How would you describe Argentinians? What four things would you say is important to them?
JC: Well, basically Argentinians are charismatic by nature. The problem is we also choose our political leaders based on their charisma and not on their plans or ability to govern the country. As a result, our country is not doing very well unlike countries like Germany whose citizens are frugal, disciplined and know how to get their country to work. Presently, the people are angry because there is no money.
The four things important to an Argentinian would be politics, foot ball, family and barbecue.
RM: That is an interesting observation. What other information would you like to share about your country and country men?
JC: Argentinians are inclusive and welcoming of people of other cultures who come and live in Argentina. However, after they have come, it is expected that they merge into the lifestyle and culture of the local people. Therefore, you will find that over a period of time many have taken Spanish names and adapted to the culture.
In Argentina there is no dearth of good raw produce of cattle, milk ,cheese and other related products. This means that we get quality, fresh food and we know how to cook our meat in a good, tasty manner. However, there is a homogeneity in the style of cooking with hardly any place for variety. In Sydney, on the other hand, with the intermingling of many cultures there is so much of variety!
RM: Going forward, what are your future plans both professionally and personally?
JC: I am planning to complete my course and work in the area of design in any advertising company. I am also hoping to get a work visa in two years time so that I can work in Australia. In the personal front, I seek to keep expanding my knowledge in terms of understanding life, have time for my passion of music and guitar.
RM: Why is it that you prefer to work in Australia?
JC: As against the homogeneity in my own country, Australia gives exposure to a number of cultures, be it domestic, European or Asian. It opens the possibilities to meet and learn more about diverse cultures which I value a lot.
RM: In your present abode at Sydney, you have housemates from other countries and have had opportunity to taste their food as well. Which Indian food do you like the most and why?
JC: That is an easy question! I love the Indian palak paneer and can eat any amounts of it at any time. I love its colour and texture; it is a humble yet tasty dish!
RM: Now that is a wonderful way to end this conversation. Thanks a lot Juan for your time and informative answers. We not only got to know a lot about you but your country as well!
JC: Thank you. I also thoroughly enjoyed this interaction.
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