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Learn Spanish in Argentina - Language course Buenos Aires
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
Minimum Age: 17 years; Average Age: 23 – 26 years
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| Buenos Aires | Language School | Spanish Courses | Exam Preparation Course | Special Programs | University Credit | Dates | Activities/Excursions | Further Information | Accommodation | Prices | Registration | Visa | Visit Argentina | How to get to Buenos Aires |
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Buenos Aires
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| Learn Spanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina with StudyGlobal. Intensive Spanish programs with a variety of extra activities. | Buenos Aires is also called the "Paris of the South", strongly influenced by European culture while retaining Latin charm. It is one of the most sophisticated cities in Latin America, renown for its nightlife and cultural activities. With its countless bars and cafes, bustling streets and nocturnal population, Buenos Aires is a place of infinite movement. It seems hard to find another city in Latin America with so much passion and excitement.
Since Buenos Aires remains largely undiscovered by most tourists, you will quickly be embraced by locals (porteños) happy to meet foreigners. With high standards of living, very low crime rates and a relatively small tourist crowd, our students have found Buenos Aires to be an ideal place for learning Spanish. | | Whether sitting at an outdoor cafe watching the beautiful porteños, dancing Salsa until morning, playing soccer in the parks, or watching a world famous Tango show, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires provides entertainment for everyone. The city is quite large (three million residents), however it is very walker-friendly and public transportation (metro and buses) offers fast and efficient movement between all of the traditional neighborhoods. Despite the energy supplied by the porteños and the nightlife, Buenos Aires is a remarkably safe city at all hours and students will feel comfortable in our neighborhood. Standards of living are high and drinking the local tap water presents no problems. |  | South of Buenos Aires lie many beaches, including the famous resorts of Mar Del Plata (140 km from BA). All of Argentina's tourist locations are easily accessible from Buenos Aires, by economical domestic flights, by rail and by bus. Surprisingly Affordable Until a few years ago, Buenos Aires was one of the world's most expensive cities, but since the peso crashed in 2002, the city has become a bargain. Students at our Spanish school enjoy some of the world's best restaurants and entertainment at a fraction of the former cost.
|  | Access to Argentina's Nature Buenos Aires is the travel hub of Argentina. Domestic flights can take you north to Iguazzu Falls, south to Patagonia, or west to the Andes mountains. A short ferry ride will get you to Uruguay and its famous beach resort, Punta Del Este. Music and Shows Buenos Aires has many cinemas and theatres. The Teatro Colón (Colón Opera House), a monumental coliseum of extraordinary acoustics, hosts international concerts, opera and ballet. At night you can see tango shows in different places. | |
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Language School
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Our partner school is located in Buenos Aires' most famous and premiere neighborhood, Recoleta, and provides an ideal setting: - 5 blocks from the Subte (Metro-Underground) station Pueyrredon
- 3 blocks from the famous Recoleta cemetery where Evita is buried
- Safest and cleanest neighborhood of Buenos Aires
- Public transportation (colectivos) at the front door
- Many housing options in neighborhood
- Students living in the very center have an easy 10-15 minute subway ride AGAINST rush hour traffic
- Many stores and options for culture and entertainment
The school is very spacious and comfortable, with beautiful decoration from the beginning of the century including sophisticated marble stairs and handmade floor mosaics. 3 floors include 18 classrooms, 6 restrooms, common areas, a kitchen, inside patio, inside and outside balconies, a large roof terrace (capacity 150), BBQ area, free purified water, coffee, tea and snacks during breaks as well as Internet connection + WIFI. The total capacity of the school is 160 students. Directions from Subte (via metro): 1. Take Green Line Subte (Metro-Underground) to "Pueyrredon". 2. Exit Subte and walk down Santa Fe five blocks to Junin, take left onto Junin. 3. The school is located in the Junin street. | | - FREE Internet + WIFI: Use our computers or bring your own.
- FREE Tutorial: The helps sessions are free for enrolled students.
- FREE Drinks & Snacks: Our kitchen "tias" keep you energized.
Our partner school is recognized for academic credit by the Universidad de la Marina Mercante. Teachers All of our teachers are native speakers with university degrees and have experience teaching Spanish to foreigners. Most have learned a second language themselves and therefore understand the student's perspective. They are devoted to helping students best reach their goals and to keeping the classes enjoyable and entertaining. |  | | For more information about the Spanish language school and Buenos Aires, please go to Spanish language courses in Buenos Aires | |
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Spanish Courses
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The structure of the classes is both flexible and tuned to fit the student and his/her personal language needs. Our programs include group classes, private classes, and specialized courses that combine both private and group instruction. The school uses their own text books developed by a team of teachers. These learning materials are used for about half of the class, while the other half of the class is devoted to special class needs and the use of supplementary information such as selected audio, video, and “current affairs” materials. Every class is held in the classroom but for a change of pace, your class may occasionally take place outside of the school, at a cafe or a park for example, especially for those taking private lessons. | Details: - 1 lesson = 50 min. of class teaching "face-to-face"
- Placement test upon arrival, including written and oral evaluation.
- Certification/diploma is given upon completion of course.
- Start dates every Monday, all year round
- Maximum 6 students per group class
There are two class schedules for group and one-to-one lessons. The assignment of a student´s shift takes place upon arrival after completion of the placement test: - Morning: 9am - 1pm
- Afternoon: 2pm - 6pm
|  | Learning Materials : are included in the price. You just have to bring a notebook and a pocket dictionary.
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More info on levels (please click here)
Our program is divided into 6 main levels of study (12 levels incl. sublevels). The first four are concentrated on grammar, vocabulary, practical situations, and conversation. The fifth and sixth level, advanced and superior, are focused mainly on conversation and advanced reading and writing topics while the seventh includes Electives courses (Spanish composition, Literature, Advanced Oral and listening Skills, Culture). One elective open per week.
Students can expect to advance through each of the first four levels in three weeks each, while the advanced course can be taken for several months. In order to get a better idea regarding the placement level, a quick Placement Exam will be given upon arrival.
NOTE: Content descriptions are examples of topics covered. Discussion topics and themes vary.
| Levels
| Beginner 1 (No Spanish):
| Pronunciation, identifying people and things, present tense, family members, "ser" and "estar", interrogative pronouns, indefinite/definite articles, greetings, demonstative adjectives, present progressive tense, "hay" and "tener", days and months, possessive adjectives.
| Beginner 2:
| Reflexive verbs and pronouns, sports and activities, future informal ("ir" + ), preferences and desires, "nunca"/"siempre", imperative tense, ordinal numbers, "tener que", "haber que" and "deber que", prepositions of time and place, imperfect tense.
| Intermediate 1:
| Relative pronouns, interrogative pronouns, "para" and "por", past perfect irregulars, future imperfect, conditional tense, present subjunctive, uses of subjunctive verbs, "seguir" and "quedar", preterite perfect "estar" + gerund, irregular subjunctive verbs.
| Intermediate 2:
| Preterite perfect subjunctive, passive voice, uses of "se", verbs with prepositions, adverbial expressions, diminutives and augmentatives, idomatic expressions, preterite imperfect subjunctive, prepositional phrases, synonyms and antonyms.
| Advanced:
| Passive voice; review of preterit v/s imperfect; indicative v/s subjunctive; subjunctive with expressions of emotion, influence, will and doubt; Greek and Latin prefixes; subjunctive in subordinate clauses; use of different prepositions, conjunctions; pronominal complements; Greek and Latin suffixes; literal orthography.
| Advanced Superior:
| Advanced Superior: Punctuation; common errors of speech; “queismo” and “dequeísmo”; accents; neologisms, foreign influence and barbarism; Topics of conversation vary; composition and writing exercises. Oral practice is the main focus of the course.
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Sample timetable (please click here)
This is what a typical day looks like (example for morning shift): - Classes normally begin at 9 am. Students and teachers generally show up a few minutes early for coffee, tea, etc.
- The first session lasts until 10:30 am. After a short refreshment break of 20 minutes, there is a second session until 11:50 am. And the last session is held from 12:10 am to 1 pm
- After class most students have lunch with other students and/or teachers.
- Afternoon classes (2 pm to 6 pm) will take place for students requesting additional hours.
At night most students enjoy Buenos Aires nightlife or take part in cultural activities such as cooking and Tango or Salsa courses. |
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Standard Spanish Course (20 lessons per week)
| | This course is structured to meet your level and is taught in a small group (max. 6 students). The class schedule is assigned upon evaluation of the placement test at the school. You are working with text books for about 10 lessons per week whilst the other 10 lessons per week are are dedicated to special class needs and the use of supplementary information such as selected audio, video, and “current affairs” materials. | Details: - 20 lessons per week (1 lesson = 50 min)
- Duration: 2-36 weeks
- All levels available
- Start dates every Monday, all year round
- Maximum 6 students per group class
- Time Schedule: class sessions are in the morning from 9am - 1pm or in the afternoon from 2pm – 6 pm.
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Intensive PLUS Spanish Course (20 group + 4 private lessons per week)
| This course combines the Standard Spanish course with 4 additional private lessons per week. The class schedule is assigned upon evaluation of the placement test at the school.
| Details: - Standard Course 20 lessons per week plus an additional 4 lessons One-to-One*
- Duration: 1-36 weeks
- All levels available
- Start dates every Monday, all year round
- Maximum 6 students per group class
- Time Schedule: group sessions are in the morning from 9am - 1pm + private lessons in the afternoon or group lessons in the afternoon from 2pm – 6 pm and private lessons in the morning
- The course is ideal for students that want to focus on specific topics in additional one-to-one lessons*
| | | *One-to-One elements can be focused on Business Spanish or Spanish for Medical/Law purposes (Special focus for 25% more than the regular one-to-one cost) | | | |
Super-Intensive Spanish Course (20 group + 8 private lessons per week)
| This course combines the Standard Spanish course with 8 additional private lessons per week. The class schedule is assigned upon evaluation of the placement test at the school. The course is ideal for short stays with rapid progress and recommended for Business purposes.
| Details: - Standard Course 20 lessons per week plus an additional 8 lessons One-to-One*
- Duration: 1-36 weeks
- All levels available
- Start dates every Monday, all year round
- Maximum 6 students per group class
- Time Schedule: group sessions are in the morning from 9am - 1pm + private lessons in the afternoon or group lessons in the afternoon from 2pm – 6 pm and private lessons in the morning
| | The course is ideal for students that want to focus on specific topics in additional one-to-one lessons* *One-to-One elements can be focused on Business Spanish or Spanish for Medical/Law purposes (Special focus for 25% more than the regular one-to-one cost)
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One-to-One Spanish Course (min. 5 private lesson per week)
| This private course is designed for students who would like to focus on certain subjects following a course adapted to their individual needs. The personal attention of their teacher allows students to work at their own rhythm and to specialize in particular areas of interest, e.g. business Spanish, Spanish for medical/legal purposes. Students have two options: | - One-to-one lessons only
- One-to-one lessons combined with group lessons.
Details: - Minimum Duration: 1 week
- All levels available
- Start dates every Monday, all year round
- Time Schedule: morning or afternoon classes
- The course is ideal for students that want to focus on specific topics in additional one-to-one lessons*
|  | | *One-to-One elements can be focused on Business Spanish or Spanish for Medical/Law purposes (Special focus for 25% more than the regular one-to-one cost) | |
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Exam Preparation Course
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DELE Exam Preparation Course
| The DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera), issued by Spain's Ministry of Education and administered by the Instituto Cervantes, is an offical accreditation of Spanish language abilities. It is recognized by official institutions of Spanish-speaking countries as well as countries where Spanish is not the official language. The exam verifies abilities in reading, writing, speaking and understanding Spanish with three levels of certification: - Certificado Inicial beginner
- Diploma Basico intermediate
- Diploma Superior superior
Apart from gaining Spanish language certification, the exam preparation course is an excellent way to arrive at a balanced level of proficiency. Course Details In order to prepare for the exam, we have courses devoted entirely to DELE exam preparation. The sessions are one-to-one and enable you to focus on your areas needing rapid improvement. The course is taken as a private course, either full-time (20 private lessons per week) or as the private component of "group + private" (20 hours group plus 4 or 8 private lessons per week). Fees are the same as for the Intensive PLUS/Super-Intensive/One-to-One course, depending on the course option you choose. The preparation courses cover all components with particular emphasis on your areas of more limited capabilities.
| DELE Exam Schedule 2009: - May 16 (registration until Apr 24)
- Aug 21 (registration until July 13)
- Nov 14 (registration until Oct 16)
*Registration for the DELE exam is separate from registering for the language program Exam Fees (not incl. in course price) - Inicial: EUR 76
- Intermedio: EUR 89
- Superior: EUR 99
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Special Programs
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Spanish PLUS Medical Experience Program
| The program we have developed for medical professionals combines the regular Spanish immersion program with medical-specific Spanish and cultural training. Morning group classes never have more than six students. After morning classes, students find themselves engaged in a variety of medical-oriented activities in the afternoon.
Clinical Shadowing: The main portion of the medical package is clinical shadowing in either a hospital or health clinic. Students can observe professionals interacting with patients in Spanish and observe the similarities and differences between these clinics and those in the US. 2 sessions per week of min. 1.30hs – max 4hs. |  | Many students also choose supplemental private Spanish lessons, in addition to the standard group course, to focus on particular needs or on "Medical Spanish" (such as role-playing).
Requirements: - Student must wear a white apron and respect all the internal rules at the institution
- Short hair or well kept and tied back
- No piercing Application
Price: 110 USD per week for 2 sessions of Clinical Shadowing |  | |
Spanish PLUS Tango
| Our partner school now offers to learn Spanish and to learn the Tango. Become a real Porteño in only a few weeks as you frequent the city's best clubs, learn to chat with the locals and experience a truly world-class culture. Lessons take place at a beautiful and renowned Tango school. Package: - 4 Tango lessons (2 group, 2 private) per week; groups of max. 6 students (Price: 110 USD per week)
- Standard Spanish Immersion course
Your advantages: - We work with many of the city's best teachers.
- Free admission to many of the top clubs.
- Smooth integration into the city's culture.
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Spanish + Internship
| Internships are ideal for students who want to gain practical experience via an unpaid internship or volunteer project. All internships are evaluated and supervised throughout the placement. Duration is a minimum of 12 weeks (4 weeks Spanish Program + min. 8 weeks Internship). You choose the duration of your internship completely according to your schedule and your wishes (2 months to 1 year). In order to have sufficient time to become familiar with the country and the people and to adjust to the language and to your internship position, we recommend you to allow at least two months for your internship. Requirements: - 18+ year old
- High School Certificate
- Intermediate Spanish level
- Basic computer skills
Work Fields Examples: - Business: Marketing, selling, accounting, costumer service, exportation
- Health: customer services, nurses, emergency, (different specialities)
- Tourism: costumer services, tour guide, travel agencies, hotel & restaurants.
|  | Starting Dates: any Monday Price: 4 weeks Spanish Course + 450 USD internship placement fee + 50 USD one-time handling fee | |
More details (please click here)
Among our partners are well-known international and national companies, medium-sized and small Argentinean enterprises, private and public institutions, non-profit organizations as well as governmental authorities. Internships are unpaid work experience opportunities. Spanish Classe: 4 weeks prior your internship Choose from any of our general Spanish programs (Standard, Intensive Plus, Super-Intensive, One-to-One). Credit Transfer: You will receive a certificate for your Spanish Program and your Internship experience. Credit transfer is generally possible. The number of credits is up to your home University. From the time of your application for an internship, a one-time registration and handling fee of US$ 50 will be due. This fee includes the translation and/or adjustment of your resume as well as the screening process of possible companies for your internship. This program includes: - Orientation
- 4 weeks of Spanish Program (minimum)
- Internship placement (2 -12 months)
- Ongoing support
- Spanish Course & Internship certification
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Spanish + Volunteering
| In co-operation with different social institutions and non-profit organizations we offer various voluntary work projects. Usually, you work directly with the relevant people and are responsible for the care of ill and homeless children, handicapped or elderly people, homeless or in support of the Mapuche Indians.
Duration is a minimum of 8 weeks (4 weeks Spanish Program + min. 4 weeks Volunteering) You choose the duration of your volunteer work completely according to your schedule and wishes (1 - 6 months). In order to have sufficient time to become familiar with the country, people and to adjust to the language and to your volunteer position, we recommend you to allow at least two months for volunteering. |  | Prior to arrival you will receive a list of possible volunteer areas. Student should select 3 options according to their interests. When the student arrives and begins studying we will arrange a visit to the selected organizations. It is up to the organization to approve a student, however we will help to the best of our abilities. We do not guarantee positions before arrival as students need to visit organizations beforehand. - Minimum level to start volunteer work Low Intermediate
- Application Program enrolment + resume + cover letter
- Application period 2 months prior volunteer work tentative start date
- Itinerary Varies per organization, some projects might be undertaken part time after class while others require full time commitment after student has finished language preparation.
|  | Starting Dates: any Monday Price: 4 weeks Spanish Course + 280 USD for 4 weeks volunteering + 50 USD one-time handling fee / Extra week of volunteering: USD 70 | |
More details (please click here)
Projects: - Day cares
- Sports supports
- Mature adults help
- Hospitals
- Indigene villages, etc.
Spanish Classe: 4 weeks prior your internship Choose from any of our general Spanish programs (Standard, Intensive Plus, Super-Intensive, One-to-One).
From the time of your application for volunteering, a one-time registration and handling fee of US$ 50 (non refundable) will be due. This fee includes the translation and/or adjustment of your resume as well as the screening process of possible companies for your volunteer work.
This program includes: - Orientation
- 4 weeks of Spanish Program (minimum)
- 4 weeks of volunteer work (1-6 months)
- Ongoing support
- Spanish Course & Volunteer certificate
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University Credit
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All students receive a certificate upon completion of the course. This certificate is signed and stamped by the school Director and includes the course dates, attendance percentage, level(s) approved and grades. For University credit, we can also provide the student University certification upon request. This is submitted by Universidad de la Marina Mercante or Universidad Abierta Interamericana in Argentina. For credit approval, the process goes as follows: - We contact the student’s Study Abroad Advisor to get the approval of the course. Most of the universities have different requirements to approve courses. We appreciate that the student help us to get the Advisor contact information. Then we provide the Advisor any documentation required for the course acceptance.
- We inform the student, once approval is confirmed.
- Student study abroad at our school(s).
- Upon completion of course. We submit transcripts to university for credit. Transfer credit fee: 200 USD
* Minimum course length for university certification= 3 weeks (one level) | |
Universities that have already approved our courses for credit (please click here)
Boise State University Carthage College City College of San Francisco East Carolina University Eckerd College Georgia State University Grossmont College Grove City College Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Intensified Learning Opportunity Programme (ILOP) Long Island University Marietta College Murray State University Northwestern University Oxford University Penn State University Philadelphia University Pittsburgh State University Portland State University Towson University University of Alberta University of Arizona University of Colorado at Boulder University of Colorado Denver University of Georgia University of Massachusetts University of Nevada Reno University of North Florida University of Oregon University of Virginia University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Weber State University
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Dates
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Courses begin every Monday incl. complete beginners.
| | Holidays in 2009 | | | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov
| Dec | | | 01
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| | | | | | | | | School will be closed on public holidays, these lessons will not be made up or refunded. There are other holidays where the school will offer a special class of 5 levels, focused on conversation and with no maximum number of students. Classes will be held from 9:30 to 1:30. |
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Activities/Excursions
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Many activities and excursions can be arranged for the students. You can take advantage of the city's attractions, but also go on excursions to nearby places or explore the rest of Argentina's incredible beauty. The nightlife of Buenos Aires offers numerous possibilities to go out and enjoy. Tango and Salsa courses can also be arranged. Spending a weekend on an Estancia watching Gauchos, horseback-riding and participating in the famous Asado (Argentinean BBQ) is the highlight of any short trip within the Buenos Aires region. Every Monday students receive a leaflet with the week's itinerary including details of cost, dates and itinerary. Costs vary from US$2 for transportation to $130 for a full weekend excursion. | | - The northern provinces towards Bolivia offers spectacular trekking and Amerindian villages.
- Andean mountains of the west have excellent ski resorts and sporting activities such as whitewater rafting
- South of Buenos Aires lie many beaches, including the famous resorts of Mar Del Plata (140 km from BA).
- Patagonia, the southernmost region, is rich in marine life such as whales, sea lions, and penguin colonies can be witnessed in this sparsely populated area.
- Tango Classes
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Further Information
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More info on airport transfers (please click here)
Airport Transfer Buenos Aires: USD 45 one way / 90 USD two ways
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Visa information (please click here)
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More on Argentina (please click here)
Argentina
| The country of gauchos, beef and tango, but for most travelers it is the country's natural wonders that are the primary attraction. They range from the northern deserts to the southern Andes and from the Iguazú Falls to the magnificent desolation of Patagonia.
Argentina offers an incredible variety of all possible climates and sceneries: tropical jungles, frozen Antarctica, vast deserts and snow-covered mountains. On top of this the capital Buenos Aires - a fabulous city renowned for its sophistication or derided for its neo-European culture - also known as the Paris of the South.
| Geography
| Only 34 million people live in this country which covers an extension of over 2.7 million square km. (1 million sq. Miles) - more than eleven times larger than the U.K., five time larger than France, four times the size of Texas- spanning from the sub-Antarctic tundra in the south to the subtropical jungles in the north east and the towering desertic Andean peaks and plateaus in the north west. It is the eighth largest country in the world but comprises less than 0.6% of its total population. Although temperate climate is predominant, Argentina offers a wide variety of climes : The barrier of the Andes, with a mean altitude of 4,000 mts. (12,000 ft.), infringes deeply on the northwestern provinces, defining the border with Bolivia and northern Chile. This arid northwestern plateau drops sharply towards the east, giving way to the Chaco flatlands. The scrub forests, flood plains and subtropical swamps of the Chaco region create another boundary to the north, with Paraguay. Northern Argentina is at the same distance from the Equator as the Bahamas.
Located in the southern part of South America and thus in the southern hemisphere, Argentina has an area of almost 3.5 million square kilometres, of which 2.7 are on the continent and the remainder in the Antarctic. Its length of 3.800 Km goes from latitude 22º to 55º. Its frontier with Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile has a perimeter of 9.376 Km. The coast on the Atlantic Ocean is 4.725 Km long. The fundamental characteristic of Argentina is the enormous contrast between the immense eastern plains and the imposing mountain range of the Andes to the west. This is the frontier with Chile and it has the highest peak in the Western hemisphere: the Aconcagua, 6.959 metres high.
In its passage from Jujuy to Tierra del Fuego the range presents marvellous contrasts, the plateaux of the Northwest, the lake region, the forests and the glaciers of the Patagonian Andes.
Between the Paraná and Uruguay, the Mesopotamia of Argentina (the provinces of Entre Ríos, Corrientes and Misiones) is formed by low hills where pools and marshlands show the ancient courses of these great rivers. Such spectacular phenomena as the Iguazú Falls make this region a tourist attraction..
La Pampa, in the centre of Argentina, is the largest and best known area of plains. It has a large amount of agriculture and livestock and includes the provinces of Buenos Aires, La Pampa, the south of Santa Fe and the southeast of Córdoba.
On the Pampa's eastern rim, by the River Plate, is Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital. Twelve million people, over one third of the argentine population cluster in the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area, the economic core of the nation.
The area of Córdoba is famous for its Sierra mountain range and offers spectacular views and small mountain villages all around the city of Córdoba.
Towards the south, from the Andes to the sea, are the isolated and stony plateaus of Patagonia, swept by the wind during most of the year. The Atlantic coast, lined with high cliffs, forms massive indentations like the Valdés Peninsula, with its spectacular and unique colonies of marine animals such as whales, seals and a variety of birds..
The southern tip of Argentina lies close to the Antartic and is characterized by icy glaciers and a harsh climate. However the isolation of Southern Patagonia has a strong appeal on tourists from all over the world.
| Population
| The current population of Argentina is estimated to be about 40 million of which almost half live in the Federal Capital and the province of Buenos Aires. These figures give us a population density of 13 inhabitants per square kilometer. 95% of Argentineans are white and principally descendants of Italians and Spaniards. With the massive European immigration the white and Indian half castes became slowly diluted until today these people only amount to 4.5% of the population. The pure indigenous population, the Mapuches, Collas, Tobas, Matacos and Chiriguanos, amount to 0.5% of the population. In fact, the overwhelming feature of Argentina's largely immigrant population is the degree to which the cultural traits of Europe have remained intact during their transposition to the so-called New World. For such reasons, Argentina is one Latin American country in which Europeans, North Americans and Anglophones can feel at ease and travel relatively inconspicuously. An interest in soccer and some nimble foot skills may be all you need to feel like a local.
| Language
| Spanish is the official language of the Argentine Republic.
| Religion
| There is complete religious freedom in Argentina although the official religion is Roman Catholic. There are also other religions such as Protestant, Jewish, Moslem, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, etc.
| Currency
| The official Argentine currency is the Peso which used to be pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of 1:1. However Argentina devaluated its Peso recently and eliminated the pegging to the Dollar, which made Argentina a cheap country to visit overnight. Please check Currency Converter
| Government & Constitution
| The country is a representative federal and democratic republic with Buenos Aires as the Federal Capital and 23 provinces. There are three authorities: the executive, the legislative and the judicial. The first is exercised by the President of the Nation, elected for a term of four years. He has ample powers, including the power of approving or vetoing decisions by Congress. The National Congress has two chambers. The Chamber of Deputies has 254 directly elected members. The Senate has 72 members elected by provincial jurisdictions, three per province and three for the Federal Capital. The provinces and the city of Buenos Aires are autonomous and elect their own officials, the Governors and the Chief of Government are the ultimate authorities. |
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More on culture (please click here)
Gauchos
| For many people, the word Gaucho means orphan and not without reason as its origins come from two civilizations (the European and the Indian). Possibly the first gauchos were people who broke their ties with the past and went to the loneliness of the great Pampa were there was water and grass for the cows introduced by the European colonists to graze.
Only one hour from Buenos Aires the traveller will be able to learn about the tasks in the Argentinean countryside, the life of the gaucho and his incredible skill with the "boleadoras" (three stones tied together with a rope which, when thrown, tangle with the legs of the cows and immobilize them), the knife, the lasso and the use of the correct techniques for salting the best meat in the world.
Dressed with baggy knee length trousers, sombrero or beret, handkerchief round the neck, spurs and a sharp knife hanging from his belt (which on holidays is changed for a hanging money belt for silver coins) they skilfully ride through the ranches and the prairies. By the light of a campfire and with a delicious Asado they sing their songs.
| Estancias
| Estancias are the typical Argentine cattle ranches where the Gaucho is at home and the Asado is held as a ritual. Here the typical Argentinean farming tasks continue to be carried out: herding and branding of cattle, horse breaking, branding. The visitor takes part in the typical roast (Asado) and has a large choice of sports and recreation (horse riding, polo, golf, hunting, fishing and nature observation).
Many people come here to get away from the city of Buenos Aires and spend a weekend relaxing in the countryside. Most estancias offer all the amenities of a hotel while maintaining the atmosphere of rustic country life. If you want to experience Argentina pure this will be the right place for you to spend a weekend at. Watching the Gauchos using their skills on a working ranch and enjoying beautiful sunsets over the Pampas while participating in the famous Asado will leave you with many unforgettable memories.
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More on food (please click here)
Food
| Buenos Aires offers a wide variety of Argentine specialities, with the best barbecues, and is an open window for both nearby and remote cuisine. You can find a number of Spanish and Italian restaurants as well as Arabian, Basque, Brazilian, Chilean, Chinese, English, German, Greek, Indian, Japanese, Jewish, Mexican, Scandinavian, Swiss, Thai, vegetarian restaurants and fast food, with shows and, of course, many pizzerias. There is also Caribbean, Hungarian, Peruvian, Polish and Russian cuisine. There are a great number of grill restaurants in the city where you can eat the world's best meat and there are restaurants of all nationalities. The "carritos" are well-known and typical restaurants located in Costanera Norte (Riverside Road), along Río de la Plata (River Plate). Probably the most famous Argentine dish is the Parrillada, a mixed grill plate of different meats and sausages (chorizos). It is served to the table on a hot mini-grill with some pieces of glowing charcoal in order to keep the meat hot and juicy. The meat is cooked on a bed-frame-sized grill which is called Parilla. The key to getting the meat just perfect is to leave the coal burning until there is a thin, white layer of ash and then placing the meat on the roast. The Argentine cook will take time to let the meat cook and will only occasionally dare to touch it with his typical meat knife that can be as long as a machete. he Argentinean Asado (Roast) is the most famous open-air BBQ spectacle. This is the basic food in the region of the Pampa because of the large number of cattle, the variety of grasses and the improvement in the breed. Important to mention here is the quality of Argentine meat. Cattle in Argentina grazes on Pampas grass only without any additives in their feed such as hormones. This gives the meat a unique taste that is hard to explain unless you have tried it yourself. Argentina is one of the biggest meat producers in the world. Formerly, the cows were roasted whole in a ceremony which could last up to forty hours. The asado con cuero (roasted with the hide) continues and is done by cutting up a calf and burying it in a trench in which a fire has been burning for several hours. The part covered with the hide is placed face down and is then covered with a layer of zinc on which the coals are placed and kept burning for several more hours. Other methods are roasting on a cross (spit roast) or on a grill which is typical of the country or on a barbecue which is more city style. By whatever method, the secret of a good roast is in the butchering of the meat and the care of the fire. The method of cutting the meat gives the Argentinean roast its excellent qualities. The cuts are asado de tira (crosscut ribs) or whole ribs, vacío, cuadril and matambre which are cuts between the ribs and the haunches, and the achuras - tripes, sweet-breads, criadilla, udder. The achuras, blood pudding, Argentinean sausages - chorizos - are normally served as a starter. The meat is eaten alone or dressed with sauces such as the chimichurri (consists of olive oil, garlic, red wine vinegar and different herbs).
International gastronomy. German cuisine in Villa General Belgrano (Córdoba), Friuli sausages and cheeses in the farming community of Caroya (Córdoba), pizzas and pasta imported by Italian immigrants and Spanish specialities such as rice and octopus. Fish and shellfish in the restaurants near to the fishing port of Mar del Plata and other Atlantic holiday resort.
Desserts. Alfajores from Córdoba and Mar del Plata, biscuits filled with dulce de leche (sweetened milk) and covered with vanilla or chocolate. |
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More on Buenos Aires (please click here)
City
| Buenos Aires is a vibrant metropolis with over eleven million inhabitants. It is one of the largest cities in the world. It is also the most elegant and busiest city in South America and is in some way the essence of the variety of the Argentine people.
Whilst of modern construction and dynamic activity, it has managed to preserve old traditions and charming corners. One is fascinated by the atmosphere, the individual personality of each of its neighborhoods, the cordiality of its people and the wide selection of its cultural and commercial opportunities.
Buenos Aires, close to the splendid countryside surrounding it, is the great cosmopolitan doorway to South America also known as the Paris of the South.
| Buenos Aires Nightlife
| Corrientes Avenue is the center of Buenos Aires, with plenty of cinemas, theatres, shows, restaurants and pizzerias opened until early hours in the morning. Lavalle Street and Santa Fe Avenue share the excitement found at General San Martín, Borges and Recoleta cultural centers, in Paseo La Plaza and in entertainment and gastronomic areas such as Puerto Madero, Recoleta, Palermo Viejo, Las Cañitas, Paseo de la Infanta, Arcos del Sol and Costanera Norte.
Music and Shows Buenos Aires has many cinemas and theatres. The Teatro Colón (Colón Opera House), a monumental coliseum of extraordinary acoustics, hosts international concerts, opera, and ballet. At night you can see tango shows in different places.
| Places
| In the city you can visit many museums, go to horse races in Palermo's racecourse, watch a polo tournament or a game of pato (an Argentine sport played with horses), or stroll along the woods of Palermo the "Rosedal" and have tea in the Japanese Garden or coffee in Tortoni, the oldest literary café in Buenos Aires, located downtown. On Sundays, you can visit the antique market in the neighborhood of San Telmo.
Avenido de Mayo It is interesting to see the variety of cupolas and different building styles of this lovely main road leading into Plaza de Mayo (Mayo Square). There you can see the Pirámide de Mayo (Mayo Pyramid), which commemorates the independence of the first Argentine government. Other important buildings are the Cabildo (town hall of colonial times), Palacio del Gobierno de la Ciudad (Municipal Executive Building), the Cathedral and the Casa Rosada (Government House), seat of the Executive Branch of the Argentine Government. Nearby, you can find the "Manzana de las Luces", a group of buildings related to Argentine history and culture. Towards the river, the renewed Puerto Madero is worth visiting.
From Avenido de Mayo to San Martin Square Starting from Corrientes Avenue, the center of Buenos Aires nightlife, you can see the Obelisk, the symbol of the city. Further you can find cinemas on Lavalle Street and shops on Florida Street. In front of San Martín square there are some of the most representative buildings of Buenos Aires. From the highest spot you can see the intense activity of Retiro (Buenos Aires Train Station).
La Boca Neighborhood Its streets and bright colorful houses are unmistakable. Caminito Street served as an inspiration for the tango, which so well immortalized Carlos Gardel. Recoleta An elegant and exclusive neighborhood full of green streets, cafés and restaurants, antique shops, a cultural center and the Cementerio del Norte (known as La Recoleta Cemetery), a museum of history and sculpture.
Palermo It is one of the largest and most beautiful places of the city. There is a curious Zoo, a Botanical Garden, the former premises of Sociedad Rural and the large Parque 3 de Febrero (3 de Febrero Park). |
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More on Tango (please click here)
Tango is probably the most sensual and erotic dance ever. It has its origin in the 19th century when it was originally danced in the poor Barrios of Buenos Aires. Rather than just a dance Tango represents much more than that. In an almost dramatic piece of theater love, hate, fear and desire are expressed through sensual movements and passion. At the beginning it was surprisingly danced by pairs of men to the music of the flute, the violin and the guitar, the first of which was subsequently replaced by the "bandoneón" (a type of accordion) which gave it its distinctive flavor. With the addition of the nostalgia and melancholy contributed by immigrants, the tango developed to give forth such musicians as Astor Piazzolla and Aníbal Troilo.
Tango has just been discovered by the younger generation in Europe and United States. These days Tango is gaining an enormous popularity worldwide and many have been caught by the Tango fever. Classes and concerts are increasingly offered everywhere from San Francisco to Moscow. The last decade has seen a world-wide explosion of interest in the most unlikely places. In London you can tango every night of the week; in tiny towns in Holland, Germany, even Norway and Finland (where it has been declared as national music and dance) , tango aficionados gather together night after night. Japan has its own tango sub-culture .
The birth of tango took place towards mid-19th century, with the formation of dwelling conglomerates around the young city of Buenos Aires. Those who lived there, peasants from inland, European immigrants and some disadvantaged porteños (born in Buenos Aires) made up a new social class. Perhaps as a way of identifying themselves as a group and of feeling they belonged in their new home, they began to create cultural expressions derived from this mixture. This was the start of tango, characterized by its extremely closed codes, which were only accessible to the working classes. Due to this impossibility of understanding by other audiences, the diffusion of tango was difficult and was basically approached through dance, which was earlier than tango itself in its most characteristic musical format (let alone sung tango, which arrived much later). It is clear that tango culture, understood as some particular usages and customs, is earlier than tango as an artistic expression. Salon dances involving a man and a woman embracing were the precedent for tango, which was refined until it became what has long been known as tango. Somebody said: -Tango is something else than a soft wave turned into music, it is the deepest dance in the world -, and he who spoke these words was not Argentine. The truth is that it must be acknowledged that it represents the last step in the universal dance evolution as regards dances of mixed couples.
What started with dance was eventually coming of age in the expert hands of great men, who, inspired in the popular melting pot, captured the richest part of the Buenos Aires culture in their compositions. Themes always refer to the ordinary man and his problems, the city and memories. Thus, tango becomes a portrayal of Buenos Aires and its people. For this reason, undoubtedly, since the best of the Buenos Aires culture is carried in each song, tango gained ground abroad.
| Tango Concerts (free)
| Palacio de Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires Bolívar 1. Salón Dorado Montserrat 4323-9669. Los domingos de todo el año a las 18.00 hs.
Teatro Nacional Cervantes ORQUESTA NACIONAL DE MÚSICA ARGENTINA "JUAN DE DIOS FILIBERTO" Libertad 815 Retiro 4816-4224. Dirección: Néstor Marconi y Atilio Stampone Martes de Abril a Noviembre a las 19.00 hs. (Sujeto a compromisos de la Orquesta). Entrada gratuita (retirar las entradas en boletería desde las 10 hs.).
Teatro Presidente Alvear Av. Corrientes 1659 San Nicolás 4374-6076/4833 ORQUESTA DEL TANGO DE LA CIUDAD DE BUENOS AIRES Dirección: Carlos García y Raúl Garello Cantante: Hernán Salinas Jueves de Julio a Noviembre a las 13.30 hs. Entrada gratuita.
| Tango shows
| BAR SUR Estados Unidos 299 San Telmo 4362-6086 info@bar-sur.com.ar www.bar-sur.com.ar BUENOS AIRES SUR Villarino 2359 Barracas 4301-6758 CABALLITO BLANCO Marcelo T. de Alvear 479 Retiro 4311-0906 4312-5271 CAFÉ HOMERO Cabrera 4946 Palermo 4777-7015 rubenjuarez@movi.com.ar CAFE TORTONI Av. de Mayo 829 Montserrat 4342-4328 tortoni@infovia.com.ar www.cafetortoni.com.ar CAMINITO TANGO SHOW Del Valle Iberlucea 1151 La Boca 4301-1520 negri@lud.com.ar www.allshop.com/rest/caminitotango CLUB DEL VINO Cabrera 4737 1414 Palermo 4833-0050 clubdelvino@interar.com.ar DENARO Matheu 1498 San Cristobal 4942-7322 / 5598 EL CHINO Beazley 3566 Pompeya 4911-0215 EL QUERANDI Perú 302 Montserrat 4345-0331 / 1770 querandi@querandi.com.ar reservas@querandi.com.ar www.querandi.com.ar EL VIEJO ALMACEN Independencia y Balcarce San Telmo 4307-7388 / 6689 / 6919 valmacen@infovia.com.ar www.viejo-almacen.com.ar ESQUINA HOMERO MANZI Av. San Juan 3601 Esquina Boedo Boedo 4957-8488 info@esquinahomeromanzi.com.ar LA CUMPARSITA Chile 302 San Telmo 4361-6880/4302-3387 LA ESQUINA DE CARLOS GARDEL Carlos Gardel 3200 Abasto 4867-63633 LA VENTANA Balcarce 431 Montserrat 4331-8689 / 0217 / 4334-1314 /5 laventana@sion.com.ar MOROCO Corrientes 2048 Balvanera 4954-6911/12 4954-6912 NUEVO SIGLO TANGO CAFE MOLIERE Chile 299 Montserrat 4957-2823 / 4932-0964 4932-0964 show@nuevosiglotango.com.ar www.nuevosiglotango.com.ar SABOR A TANGO Belgrano 2378 Balvanera 4942-2591 / 4308-6022 sabortango@ba.net SEÑOR TANGO Vieytes 1655 Barracas 4303-0231/34 srtango@softway.com.ar TACONEANDO LA VEREDA DE BEBA Balcarce 725 San Telmo 4307-6696 4307-6696 info@taconeando.com www.taconeando.com | Tango Associations
| Academia Porteña del Lunfardo. Estados Unidos 1379 San Cristóbal 4383-2393 Lunes a Viernes 14.00 a 19.00 hs.
Academia Nacional del Tango. Av. de Mayo 833 1º P. Montserrar 4345-6967
| Tango Visits and Museum
| ASOCIACIÓN AMIGOS BOTICA DEL ANGEL Luis Sáenz Peña 541 Montserrat 4384-9396 Sobre la historia del tango, folklore, ángeles. Visitas Guiadas en idiomas inglés, francés y japonés. Reservas al 4384-9396 Entrada: $ 10. Museo de Carlos Gardel (Casa del Teatro) Av. Santa Fe 1243 Retiro 4813-5906/ 3941. Horario: Jueves 16.00 a 18.30 hs. Entrada: Gratuita. Museo Manoblanca Centenera y Tabaré. Nueva Pompeya Dedicado a la memoria del poeta porteño Homero Manzi. Para visitas guiadas llamar al Tel. 4918-9448. Museo SADAIC. Lavalle 1547, 1º piso. San Nicolás 4371-2883 Lunes a Viernes de 10 a 15 hs. afarina@sadaic.org.ar www.sadaic.org.ar MUSEO VIVO DEL TANGO Piedras 720 San Telmo 4302-2099 Martes a Domingos de 10 a 20 hs. Entrada: $ 3. Visitas guiadas (en alemán, castellano, francés, inglés, italiano, japonés, portugués) Martes a Domingos a las 20 hs., show de tango, cena y clase de tango. Entrada: Menú Ejecutivo $ 40 Menú VIP $ 70 con reserva previa. museo@velocom.com.ar www.museovivodeltango.com | Tango Sightseeing
| Mural de Tango. Cruce de las Avs. Martín García, Paseo Colón y Alte. Brown. La Boca Esquina Martiniano Leguizamón E/ Av. Riestra y Delfín Gallo Villa Lugano
CIRCUITO CARLOS GARDEL EN SUBTE LINEA B
ESTACION FEDERICO LACROZE: Tumba y Monumento a Carlos Gardel, Cementerio de la Chacarita. Av. Guzmán 790. ESTACION CARLOS GARDEL: Monumento y Casa de Carlos Gardel, Jean Jaures 763. ESTACION CALLAO: Museo SADAIC. Lavalle 1547, 1º piso. Tel.: 4371-2883 Lunes a Viernes de 10 a 15 hs. ESTACION CARLOS PELLEGRINI: Av. Corrientes y Esmeralda, conocida como ´´ La esquina del tango´´, placas en homenaje a Carlos Gardel y a otras figuras. ESTACION L. N. ALEM: Plazoleta del Tango
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