studying argentina

Spanish in Argentina

2009-12-22T15:47:00.000-08:00

An official certification is granted by Argentina. Therefore, a Consorcio Universitario (Consortium of Universities) responsible for managing and granting governmental accreditation has been set up to that effect.

Teaching Spanish in Argentina

Learning Spanish, or expanding your language knowledge in Argentina is highly recommendable. This country is regarded as having a long-standing teaching tradition during the decades in which the Argentine state was created, and once the civil wars had come to an end and the territory currently identifying our country had been consolidated. (1880-1900)

The endeavours intended to foster the learning of the Spanish language are contemporary to the widespread literacy process inspired by the Common Education Act N°1420, which was enacted in July 1884. Such act set forth that the primary school was compulsory, and required students to acquire a minimum knowledge and develop basic skills.

The above mentioned endeavors were not only targeted at school-aged children, but also at adults, some of whom had been involved in growing urbanization processes and were part of the immigration groups that began to arrive in our country in the 1880-1890 decade.

Such a process together with free-of-charge teaching programs and a widely-known hospitality tradition characterizing our people turned our country into an open society, which rapidly regarded the second generation of Asian and European (not having a Spanish descent) immigrants as hispanic speakers and it allowed the third generation to enter university.

Admission at Higher Education Institutions was followed by migratory movements led by neighboring countries students who therefore managed to have access to a qualified teaching system and to come back to their home country to be professionally engaged, in most of the cases, on an outstanding basis. Such a distinctive mark has been preserved until today and the Argentine state aims at extolling the trust placed upon its higher education institutions.

Read more on Ministerio de Educacion Argentina.

Tango is a feeling

2009-12-21T15:09:00.000-08:00

The origin of the word «tango». Tango music is a feeling and historic testimony of Buenos Aires' citizen's culture. Tango, that often heard and yet mysterious word. Tango's voice can be found in African, Hispanic, and colonial cultures.

Much has been studied about its origin, and although historians and investigators have researched and have entered in heated discussions, the mystery of its origin remains unrevealed.

The word TANGO 's etymological definition has contradictions, some say it comes from African dialects, for example, "Tang" would mean "touch, get close to..", among the Bantus, there are two dialects, one "Tanga" and the other "Tangui". In Spanish, the word Tango is similar to the African "Tang" in its definition of the old Spanish word "Tangir" ot "Tañir", and in Latin "Tangere", meaning "Touch".

The slaves brought it to the River Plate from the "black" continent called their percussion instruments "Tangó", accenting the last syllable.

The word Tango appears in the River Plate (Rio de la Plata) in the mid XVIIIth century, and was the name given to a House and Place of Tango, located on a lot belonging to the Concepción (neighborhood) Parish.

HOTELS DIRECTORY IN ARGENTINA (BUENOS AIRES)

2009-12-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

5 STARS

Alvear Palace Hotel
1891 Avenida Alvear,
Recoleta,
Buenos Aires C1129AAA,
Argentina
Phone: 54 11 4808 2100
Fax: 54 11 4804 0034
Email: info@alvearpalace.com
Website: www.alvearpalace.com

Aspen Tower Hotel
857 Paraguay,
Buenos Aires C1057AAK,
Argentina
Phone: 54 11 4313 1919
Fax: 54 11 4313 2662
Email: sales@aspentowers.com.ar
Website: www.aspentowers.com.ar

Caesar Park Buenos Aires Hotel
1232 Posadas Street,
Capital Federal,
Buenos Aires 1011,
Argentina
Phone: 54 11 4819 1296
Fax: 54 11 4819 1121
Email: aaairoldi@ceasar.com.ar
Website: www.caesar-park.com

Claridge Hotel
535 Tucuman,
Buenos Aires C1049AAK,
Argentina
Phone: 54 11 4314-7700
Fax: 54 11 4314-8022
Email: inforeservas@claridge.com.ar
Website: www.claridge.com.ar

Emperador Hotel
420 Avenida Del Libertador,
Recoleta,
Buenos Aires C1001ABR,
Argentina
Phone: 54 11 4131 4000
Fax: 54 11 41313900
Email: info@hotel-emperador.com.ar
Website: www.hotel-emperador.com.ar

Faena Hotel Plus Universe
445 Martha Salotti Street,
San Telmo Quarter,
Buenos Aires C1107CMB,
Argentina
Phone: 30 6290 1111
Email: res@designhotels.com
Website: www.designhotels.com

Feirs Park Hotel
1366 Esmeralda,
Barrio Norte,
Buenos Aires C1007ABT,
Argentina
Phone: 54 11 4131 1900
Fax: 54 11 4131 1950
Website: www.feirspark.com.ar

Four Seasons Hotel
1086 Posadas,
La Recoleta,
Buenos Aires 1011,
Argentina
Phone: 54 11 4321-1200
Fax: 54 11 4321-1201
Website: www.fourseasons.com

Hilton Buenos Aires Hotel
351 Macacha Guemes,
Puerto Madero
Buenos Aires C1106,
Argentina
Phone: 54 11 48910000
Fax: 54 11 48910001
Website: www.hilton.com

Nh Florida Hotel
839 San Martin Florida Street,
Buenos Aires C1004AAQ,
Argentina
Phone: 54 11 4321.9850
Fax: 54 11 4328 4855
Email: nhflorida@nh-hotels.com
Website: www.nh-hotels.com

Park Tower Hotel
1193 Avenida Leandro N. Alem,
Buenos Aires 1001,
Argentina
Phone: 54 11 4318 9100
Website: www.starwoodhotels.com

Read more on Allo' Expat Argentina.

Embassies List in BA

2009-12-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

ALEMANIA

Consulado: Villanueva 1055
Horario de atención: Lunes a viernes de 8.30 a 11 hs
4778-2500
Fax: 4778-2550

AUSTRALIA

Cancillería: Villanueva 1400
(1426) Cap. Fed.
4777-6580 al 85
Fax: 4772-3349

SUECIA

Cancillería: Tacuarí 147 Piso 6
(1071) Cap. Fed.
4342-1422
Fax: 4342-1697

SUIZA

Cancillería: Santa Fe 846 Piso 10
(1059) Cap. Fed.
4311-6491 al 95
Fax: 4313-2998

UNION EUROPEA

Cancillería: Ayacucho 1537
(1112) Cap. Fed.
4805-3759
Fax: 4801-1594

URUGUAY

Cancillería: Av. Las Heras 1097
(1127) Cap. Fed.
4807-3041/40/60/61
Fax: 4807-3050

VENEZUELA

Cancillería: Virrey Loreto 2035
(1428) Cap. Fed.
4785-2226
Fax: 4784-4311

ESTADOS UNIDOS

Cancillería: Av. Colombia 4300
(1425) Cap. Fed.
4777-4533/34/46/40/05

FRANCIA

Cancillería: Cerrito 1399 (1010) Cap. Fed.
4819-2930
Fax: 4393-1235

Find out where your embassy is on Buenos Aires Times.

2009-12-17T14:38:00.000-08:00

In 2000 the total population in Argentina was estimated at 37 million. Argentina is divided into 23 provinces and a federal district, Buenos Aires, the Capital Federal.

Resources for Health services in Argentina were US$ 22.700 million in 1999 of which US$ 5,400 million were for public hospitals, US$ 8,300 million for Obras Sociales and Pami, US$ 2,300 in Pre-paid services, US$ 6,700 direct payment for beneficiaries.

Health expenditures as percentage of GDP were 7.4% in 1997 and 9.7% in 1999.

The public sector has an annual budget of US$ 13.012 million, representing 1,9% of GDP. The GDP per capita is US$ 8,514. Health expenditures per capita amounted to US$ 675 in 1997 and US$ 826 in 1999.

The compulsory portion of health care has two components: the government-administered component is financed through tax revenue (on a pay-as-you-go basis) and guarantees a standard minimum benefit according to principles of redistribution and insurance; the private component is geared toward savings and security, and takes the form of individual member-capitalized savings plans or company-managed plans that are funded by joint employee and employer contributions, fully and individually capitalised and regulated by the government (i.e., fully funded plans).

The voluntary plans are identical in all respects to the fully funded plans with the exception that they are capitalised exclusively by the beneficiary.

The health services system is composed of four main sub sectors: the public Hospital sub-sector (i.e., government-provided financing and services), the Obras Sociales (employee-benefit plans formerly run by unions and now organized by professional category), the private sub-sector (Pre-Paid voluntary insurance plans based on actuarial risk) and Insurance companies which cover a marginal sector of the economy. There is a strong bias toward curative care, with emphasis on hospital services. Although national, provincial, and municipal policies all define primary health care as their basic strategy, most of the jurisdictions that have adopted this strategy approach it in the form of "programme's" to be carried out at the primary care level.

The Obras Sociales plans are a system of compulsory social insurance that includes other benefits in addition to health care. Their financing comes from employer (5% monthly of salary) and employee (3% monthly) contributions. The Government is expediting deregulation of the sector in order to foster competition between the Obras Sociales plans and private (pre-paid) health insurance companies, encouraging beneficiaries to take an active role in choosing their Obras Sociales plan, and guaranteeing that all plans afford the basic benefits package of main services, diagnoses, and treatments for subscriber and dependants (PMO) as required by law. Benefits for primary and secondary care have a small co-payment (US$ 5 or US$10 for doctor's visits) but in-patient care and complex surgery/ procedures are free of charge. There is a 50% cover for drugs.

These Obras Sociales used to be linked to economic activities. Therefore each industry had its own OS as they vary in their level of quality of service and their services depend on salary scales and contributions. Nowadays members can choose any OS if they deem it to provide better care. By law, OS are not allowed to impose waiting periods, pre-existing conditions or exclusions. There are approximately 260 Obras Sociales providing care to 16 million members.

There are also Obras Sociales not associated to trade unions which offer care to middle and senior management who earn over US$2,000 monthly. These OS are financed like regular OS. The difference lies in the quality of service due to higher revenues. There are 24 institutions of this type in Argentina covering approximately 950,000 members. They have the same obligations as the trade union OS.

Except for those included under special programmes, the public sub-sector does not cover drugs for out-patient care. The public sub-sector of Obras Sociales plans defray a percentage of members' drug costs and fully subsidise all the uncommon, high-cost drugs included in the PMO (Plan Medico Obligatorio).

Pre-paid medicine companies also cover 50% of beneficiaries' drug costs. It is estimated that 8% of the population covered by the OS would also contribute to Pre-paid (PP) medicine. Pre-paid companies amount to 2,200.000 beneficiaries and operate very much any company providing private health insurance.

The only institution, which provides health care for the retired/elderly, is PAMIs, which are privately owned but managed by the government. The level of care and financing is inadequate. Pamis cover approximately 4,500.000 people.
In 1992 there was an average of only one physician for every 367 residents, and a ratio of 1 nurse for every 4 physicians and 5.4 nurses per 10,000 of the population, levels in this category were also considered insufficient. In 1999 there were 24.9 physicians for 10,000 of the population.

The number of available beds was 1,55.749 in 1995, with 54% in the public sub-sector, 2.8% in the Obras Sociales sub-sector, 43% in the private sub-sector. In 1996 there were 824 self'- managing public hospitals, offering a total of 62,402 beds (almost 75.3% of the country's public beds). In 1999 there were 44.8 hospital beds per 1,000 of the population.

In the private sub-sector, the two main subgroups are: professionals who provide independent care services to members of Obras Sociales or private, pre-paid plans; and health care facilities that are contracted by Obras Sociales plans.

Argentina health is not administered as insurance, as is the case with most foreign countries.

Pre-paid medical insurance originated as cover for independent workers. The popular perception is that pre-paid medicine rates very highly, as everybody would like to afford a particular plan. Pre-paid cover has a higher rate of usage than Obras Sociales and the Pre-paid client demands good service and is not willing to pay co-payments. PPs do not need sanction from any government body to operate; they exist to satisfy supply and demand.

Regarding outside cover, there is an international network only for emergencies providing free-of- charge care for accidents and for not pre-existing conditions for up to 180 days abroad. It includes repatriation of mortal remains due to accidental death. There are various plans on offer.

Expatriates are not covered unless they choose one of the pre-paid institutions. The level of care and quality is similar to that in their home countries.

DIRECTORY OF HOSPITALS & CLINICS

Clinica Bessone
Paunero 1648/86
San Miguel
Argentina
Tel: + 54 381 4667 2040

Clinica Del Sol
Av Coronel Diaz 2211
Buenos Aires
Argentina
Tel: + 54 11 4821 1000

Hospital Aleman
Av. Pueyrredon 1640
Buenos Aires
1118
Argentina
Tel: + 54 11 4821 1700
Fax: + 54 11 4805 6087
Email: mterrera@hospitalaleman.com
Website: www.hospitalaleman.com

Read the whole list of hospitals on Allo' Expat Argentina.

Argentina national football team

2009-12-17T13:10:00.000-08:00

The Argentina national football team is the national football team of Argentina and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Argentina has won most international titles by any national team - 19, a record shared with Uruguay.

Argentina is one of the most successful national football teams in the world, and is currently eighth in the FIFA world rankings. The team has twice won the FIFA World Cup, in 1978 and 1986. Argentina has won the Copa América 14 times, a record shared with Uruguay, won the Confederations Cup in 1992 and the Olympic Football Tournament in 2004 and 2008.

Argentina and France are the only national teams which have won the three most important men's titles recognized by FIFA: the World Cup, the Confederations Cup, and the Olympic tournament. They have both also won their respective continental championship (Copa América for Argentina, and UEFA European Football Championship for France).

Keep reading about Argentina's football league on Wikipedia.

National Universities

2009-12-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

"National Universities", also called "Public or State-run Universities", is the name used to refer to all those institutions whose creation arose from the enactment of a National Congress Act, except for those whose creation preceded that of the state itself (as is the case of the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and the Universidad de Buenos Aires). They lie as Public Law legal entities and their regular operation funding comes from the national state, pursuant to what is set out on the annual national budget act.

National universities hold the largest share of the entire Argentine university system: counting over 80% of the undergraduate population and with campuses stretched throughout to all provinces comprising our national territory, they account for over 50% of the country's scientific research while additionally providing technical assistance to both the public and private sectors.

National universities, currently amounting to 38, are attended by an estimated 1275000 undergraduates.Their Presidents sit on the Consejo Interuniversitario Nacional (CIN -National Interuniversity Council), a stage of coordination and concurrence provided for by the 24521 Higher Education Act No. 24521.

Universidad de Buenos Aires

Viamonte 430/444 y Reconquista 694 (C.P.: 1053) Capital Federal Capital Federal
Tel.:(011) 4510-1100 / 4511-8153 www.uba.ar

Universidad Nacional de Catamarca

Esquiú 612 - (C.P.: 4700) S. Fdo. del Valle de Catamarca Catamarca
Tel.:(03833) 42-4099 / 43-5177 / 45-0217 www.unca.edu.ar Contacto: subsec.coordinacion@unca.edu.ar

Universidad Nacional de Chilecito

9 de Julio 22 - (C.P.: 5333) Chilecito La Rioja
Tel.:(03825) 42-6291 www.undec.edu.ar

Universidad Nacional de Córdoba

Haya de la Torre s/n, Pabellón Argentina, Ciudad Universitaria - (C.P.: 5000) Córdoba Córdoba
Tel.:(0351) 433-4072 / 4157 / 3092 / 3094 / 3093 www.unc.edu.ar Contacto: internacionales@pri.unc.edu.ar

Universidad Nacional de Cuyo

Centro Universitario Parque Gral. San Martín - (C.P.: 5500) Mendoza Mendoza
Tel.:(0261) 4494000 al 4020 www.uncu.edu.ar

Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos

Eva Perón 24 (C.P.: 3260) Concepción del Uruguay - Entre Ríos
Tel.:(03442) 421530 / 421500 www.uner.edu.ar

Universidad Nacional de Formosa

Don Bosco 1082 (C.P.: 3600) Formosa Formosa
Tel.:(03717) 430-485 / 434274 / 423922 www.unf.edu.ar Contacto: cooperacion@unf.edu.ar

Read more on Ministerio de Educacion Argentino

Argentinian Traditional Food

2009-12-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

El asado (The Barbecue)

Without doubt, what characterizes us is what we call “asado” (Barbecue). It can be cooked in different ways:Grilled: it uses vegetal charcoal for its baking. Cooking time is around one hour and a half or two. Generally, small cuts to medium are preferred and it is possible to eat it along with achuras (offals) and other cuts like chicken, pig, etc.

A Barbecue can be made al “asador”. In this case a fire is made on the ground or in a fire pit and surrounded by metal crosses of around 1, 30 mts (asadores) that hold the entire carcass of an animal splayed open to receive the heat from the fire. Generally this style is used for cuts of meat of about 10 kg and its baking is made with wood since the metal crosses are placed at 45 degrees on the fire and is the heat of the flame which cooks it. Cooking time is of 5 hours approximately. It is begun to cook on the side of the bones for three hours and a half, after this, it is turned over, to cook the fat side.

Learn more about te Argentine Asado on visitargentina-arg.blogspot

HOUSING IN ARGENTINA

2009-12-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

General

Finding reasonably priced accommodation to rent will be relatively easy in Argentina depending on the area you are looking in. This section gives you information about the Argentinean housing market, as well as a wide range of tips and tricks for your housing search.

Latin America has a high percentage of its inhabitants living in big cities. Argentina is no exception to that. The downtown areas are mainly characterised by apartment buildings. When moving away from the centre a wider variety of housing is found. Argentina is an immigrant country which is clearly noted by the architecture of its housing. For example, in the outskirts of Buenos Aires you are likely to come across English style houses, whereas the downtown area resembles Italy and Spain. Near Cordoba and in Bariloche you will often have the feeling of being in Southern Germany or Switzerland.

Things to bear in mind on your search
Accommodation prices in Argentina are determined by the size and location. This holds for both renting and buying. Accommodation is measured in square meters. Furthermore, and this may come as shock to some, buying a house or apartment in Argentina means most of time that payment in cash is required. With the economy improving this is slowly changing again.

Another factor to bear in mind is that in Argentina apartment and houses are described by the number of rooms or ambientes. This includes the living room and the bedrooms. Take into account that there can be several living or sitting rooms in a house or apartment. Kitchen, bathrooms and toilets are not included in the room count.

Housing in Argentina is either let furnished or unfurnished. The availability of one or the other ranges from where you want to live. In a mayor city like Buenos Aires or Cordoba both furnished and unfurnished are readily available. In a smaller city like Comodoro Rividavia finding a furnished place will be very hard.

The Rental Market

For many foreigners coming to Argentina finding a place will not turn out to be that difficult since prices are still relatively low. Renting a place also means paperwork.

For Argentineans finding a place to rent is becoming increasingly difficult. Since many Argentineans are not in the position to buy property (anymore) the demand for places to rent is high. To get an idea of rental prices, in the most solicited neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires a two room apartment will have an average monthly rent of AR$ 900 in Recoleta whereas in Belgrano it will range from AR$ 550 to AR$ 2000 a month. In the popular neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires a small place to live will hardly be found below AR$400/month. (Source: ReporteInmobiliario.com).

A development that is taking place in the mayor tourist and business areas in Argentina is the increase in short term rentals aiming at foreigners. Places offered in neighbourhoods like Recoleta in Buenos Aires as well as apartments in places that receive many tourists like Bariloche and Villa Langustura, are offered fully furnished at prices lower than the better hotels. Many of these places can be booked online.

Supply and demand can also vary considerably in the course of the year, particularly in cities with a large student population such as Cordoba and Buenos Aires. At the beginning of the academic semesters, which is around February/March and August/September demand tends to be high.

Read mlore on this on Allo' Expat Argentina.

Keeping Fit in Buenos Aires!

2009-12-14T12:40:00.000-08:00

How to eat right, fit exercise into your day and avoid the foreigner 15

Arriving in Buenos Aires can be like arriving as a freshman to college. Promises of big parties, all night affairs and schmorgasborg-style eating that seem too good to be true eventually become reality. It’s all fun and games until somebody puts on 25 pounds. Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy Buenos Aires without needing to buy overpriced new jeans because you popped the zipper on your old ones.

How to eat cow and not look like one!
Buenos Aires cuisine is delicious, but really fattening. From steak with all the juicy fat attached to plump empanadas to salads made of mayonnaise and potatoes, it’s hard to stay trim while enjoying the local delicacies.

Here are 10 tips on how to eat and enjoy in Buenos Aires:

1. Order lean cuts of meat, such as bife de lomo, and avoid too much choripan (chorizo sandwiches). Yes, those are chunks of fat if you were trying to convince yourself otherwise.
2. When invited to an asado, bring vegetables that are tasty when grilled, such as pumpkin, corn, sweet potato and bell peppers.
3. When invited to an asado, bring a big salad with a homemade dressing.
4. Shop at organic markets to support small organic businesses and eat healthy! My favorite is the Galpon Organico located by the Subte B Federico Lacroze at 4171 Federico Lacroze Ave. (and Corrientes Ave.) Be sure to plan ahead, though, they’re open Wed. 9am-1pm and Sat. 9am-3pm
5. Don’t order pizza or empanadas to your house – just don’t make it an option. Don’t keep the magnets on your fridge, no matter how cute the delivery boy is. If you’re craving empanadas go to Cumaná, El Sanjuanino or 1810 Cocina Regional and make it worth it!
6. Share entrees when eating out. Buenos Aires restaurants are (in)famous for their big serving sizes.
7. When you need monedas (coins) to catch the bus, go to a fruit stand and buy a few apples or bananas instead of buying an alfajor cookie at a kiosko.
8. Drink mate! Enjoy this traditional tea drink that’s also a great digestivo!
9. Remember what dulce de leche is made of.
10. Order a café or cortado instead of café con leche (most cafes don’t have reduced fat milk)

Exercising porteño Style!

Porteños love to look good and stay fit. This is proven by a phenomenon I call “that hot chick turned around and she had the face of a 70-year-old.” You’ll be walking down the street and spot a trendy looking young girl from behind. She’s trim and has all the right accessories. She looks like she was born on a Stairmaster and has beautiful shiny hair. All of a sudden, girlfriend turns around. The combination of wrinkles and botox is shocking, but damn! She takes good care of her body. She fills me with hope for the future and a desire to work out.

The men and women of Buenos Aires are very concerned with their appearance, take pride in their bodies and thanks to them, Buenos Aires is full of gyms.

From mega-fashion Megatlon to the rinky-dink Average Joe’s style gym, everyone can find one that fits their style. My style was the overpriced Sport Club (190 pesos per month) until I decided I’d never achieve the buns of the girl with the steal tush implants, so now I’m heading to the dive gym on the corner (65 pesos a month). Most gyms that have a pool are slightly more expensive. Just splurge during summer months. Don’t pay for the pool access during winter, you won’t use it. Those looking JUST to use the pool can also sign up for exclusive pool use at many gyms.

Tip: Many big gyms have “promotional plans” where if you pay with a debit or credit card you have a reduced price. Any special like this has a catch, so always read your contract carefully. I learned this lesson when I signed up at Sport Club a few months ago. Instead of the regular 350 peso a month membership I signed up for the 190 peso a month deal. Soon I realized it wasn’t for me and when I went to quit, the manager said that my contact was for 12 months and to quit I’d have to pay 2-months worth of membership. Turns out, if you drag it out enough, use the word abogado (lawyer) and one other reasonable excuse they’ll waive the fee. This isn’t a country where taking someone to court is a solution, so don’t give up all your money at first. Quitting the gym shouldn’t be an express kidnapping.

Finish reading this usefull article on LandingPad BA.

Studies at Favaloro University

2009-12-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

Degree	Duration	Level
Graduate In Biological Sciences With Guidance In Health Sciences - Favaloro University		Undergraduate
Graduate In Biological Sciences With Guidance In Ecology And Environment - Favaloro University		Undergraduate
University Bachelor In Engineering Sciences - Favaloro University	36 Months	Undergraduate
Biomedical Engineer - Favaloro University	36 Months	Undergraduate
Doctor - Favaloro University	72 Months	Undergraduate
Graduate In Physiotherapy And Physiatrics - Favaloro University	60 Months	Undergraduate
Graduate In Physiatrics - Favaloro University	60 Months	Undergraduate
Masters In Genetic Engineering And Molecular Biology - Favaloro University		Postgraduate
Specialization In Cardiology - Favaloro University		Postgraduate
Specializing In Diagnostic Imaging - Favaloro University Read more on Study Argentina		Postgraduate

ACCOMMODATION IN BUENOS AIRES

2009-12-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

B.A. Plus Spanish School has a permanent connection with Argentina Global Rent, Touristango Aparts, Homes B.A. and Welcome2BA, prestigious real estate agencies with extensive experience in the temporary rentals business. If you wish, B.A. Plus will arrange the appropriate residency to suit your needs from our network of houses and apartments. The options you may choose from are:

Fully equipped furnished apartment (individual or shared).
Host Family House.

In any case above, you will be placed near the school (Downtown Buenos Aires) or will be just a quick subway trip away. If instead you would prefer to stay at a hostel or hotel, cntact us and B.A. Plus will offer you a wide variety of options to choose from. Once you find the one you like, we will make the corresponding reservations for you.

For more info go to BA Plus Spanish School.

Learn Spanish in BA Plus Spanish School

2009-12-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

• Why Spanish?

Spanish is spoken by more than 450 million people today (native or as a second language). Also Spanish is the official language on four different continents. The ability to speak this beautiful language will serve to enrich your travel experiences. Spanish lessons will be your door to new advantages and important opportunities.

• Why Buenos Aires, Argentina?

The second largest country in Latin America (and the biggest among Spanish - speaking Latin American countries), Argentina is a continent in its own right. With its deserts, jungles, mountains, beautiful beaches and wide plains, it's not enough to decide to visit this amazing country; you will have to decide what destination in Argentina is best for you. Its capital city, Buenos Aires, is the gateway to Latin America: incredible food, an unbeatable cultural scene, a friendly environment and an intense nightlife are just a few of the attractions that make this thriving city a traveler's must.

• Why B.A. Plus Spanish school?

Learn Spanish with a select group of language experts in Buenos Aires, each possessing extensive teaching experience with students from all over the globe. Our Spanish School will permit you to choose the program that best suits your needs (Intensive, Extensive, Basic Spanish Course for Travelers and other Special Courses), which you can take in a relaxed atmosphere and comfortable classrooms, while meeting friendly people. The content of our syllabuses has been carefully revised so that each Spanish level satisfies one fundamental step in the student's conversational, grammatical and linguistic ability. Our courses are also flexible enough to be adapted to each student's particular needs. What better way of studying Spanish than by having the chance to practice it with locals? Buenos Aires and BA Plus Spanish School are waiting for you.

Learn more about this school on BA Plus Spanish School.

Bueno, entonces... Spanish Class 13

2009-12-10T14:51:00.000-08:00

Admission of pets into Argentina (just in case you need to bring some friends)

2009-12-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

The requirements to be fulfilled to get dogs and cats into Argentina are the following:
1. Complete information on the owner:
• first and last name;
• country of origin or departure;
• countries in transit (if any);
• address.

2. Information about the animal:
• breed – sex;
• birth date – size;
• weight–fur colour;
• particular signs.

3. Vaccination certificate against rabies for animals over 3 months old.
For animals under 3 months old or that are coming from a country free from rabies and/or where anti–rabies vaccination is prohibited, this situation has to be stated on the certificate issued by the official sanitary authority.

4. Zoosanitary certificate issued by the official sanitary authority of the country of origin that should state:
• that the animal prior to leaving the country had no signs of any infectious–contagious or parasite disease, characteristic of the species.
• if the animal is coming from countries that declare before the International Office of Epizooties (O.I.E.) the presence of african equine pest or Valle del Riff fever, shall certificate that in the area of origin, or where the animal is coming from, and in an area within fifty (50) kilometers of such, there have been no reports of those diseases in the last 12 months or that during that period the animal has not been taken to the affected regions.

5. Quarantine: the animals that fulfill the mentioned requirements will not undergo an import quarantine; if there is a suspicion of infectious–contagious, zoonotic or high risk diseases the SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Animal) (National Office of Animal Sanitation) will decide on the means to assure the animal’s isolation and the corresponding sanitary measures.

More info on Argentina.gov

Bueno, entonces review on Facebook

2009-12-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

I've tried a whole slew of resources to maintain and improve my intermediate-level Spanish - magazines, private tutors, group classes, self-learning CDs, Spanish podcasts - but this is the first method I've tried that actually keeps me engaged and motivated. The characters Jimena and David are so charming, you are practically transported right to Buenos Aires with them. The visual component makes it about five times easier to learn and remember new words and grammar (versus most rich media language applications which are audio only). I'd strongly recommend this app to anyone looking to boost his/her beginning to intermediate level Spanish.

Check out more reviews on facebook.com/buenoentonces

Learn Spanish in Argentina at ECELA Buenos Aires

2009-12-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

Find more Spanish Schools and watch how they look like on Youtube.

From the North of Argentina to the World!

2009-12-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

Check out more pics on Flickr.

The Bueno, entonces Formula: Engaging + Interesting + Funny = Retention

2009-12-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

1. Make The Classes Interesting & Engaging
Engaging students is crucial to learning and remembering material. Using wit and charm, Bueno, entonces… not only engages; it keeps you thinking about the last lesson and looking forward to the next one. Like your favorite teachers, David & Jimena know learning doesn’t have to be dry and boring.

2. See The Words As You Hear Them
Some people are audio learners, others learn visually – most people need both, absorbing different concepts in different ways. With Bueno, entonces... every word is on-screen so you see the spelling while hearing it pronounced.

3. Color-Coding.
Words on-screen are color-coded in Spanish and English to help you understand word usage and sentence structure. You’ll quickly see, hear, and understand how words in Spanish correspond with English ones, and how they are used in sentences.

4. Symbols & Illustrations.
Verb tenses and grammatical concepts are represented by clear symbols so you quickly learn and understand their usage. Iconic illustrations easily associate images and words, burning vocabulary into your brain.

5. REPETITION - The Key To Languages.

Any teacher will tell you this, and here’s the problem with old audio books and language software – they’re mind-numbingly boring, making them painful to repeat. Bueno, entonces… is engaging, fast-paced, and fun. You’ll repeat all 30 classes over and over, learning more each time – as your Spanish progresses, you pick up more of the humor, making it easier to repeat.

To get more info, go to General Linguistics.

BA Basics: Conversions: Weight, Temperature, and Seasonal Climate Changes

2009-12-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

One of the joys of adjusting from life in the US to life here in Buenos Aires is learning how to convert our screwy imperial units of measure (pounds, degrees Fahrenheit, feet and miles) into those handy metric units (grams, kilograms, degrees Celsius, meters and kilometers). Since at first this task can be just a bit perplexing, here are a few quick hints to making these adjustments yourself:

Weight (1 pound = 450 grams)
You will most frequently need to be familiar with the conversion between pounds and grams while visiting your local fiambrería (deli meat seller), carnicería (butcher) or verdulería (vegetable seller). Ordering meats and vegetables are the easiest, as you can just request “dos pechugas” (two chicken breasts), or “tres zanahorias” (three carrots), and be on your merry way. Ordering deli meat is a little trickier, however, as the density of the meats varies by type. As a rule of thumb, I typically buy 100 grams of dense salted meats, such as salami, but opt for 200 grams when ordering the more common sandwich companions, including cheese, ham or turkey. These portions are just right, as they are enough to sustain me through several lunches, but won’t last too long and go feo.

Weight (1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds)
When I moved into my first apartment here in Buenos Aires, I was also pleasantly surprised to see a scale in the bathroom. Only problem? It weighed me in kilograms. If you are watching your weight while you’re here, this simple conversion is handy to keep in the back of your mind.

Temperature (°C = (°F -32) x 5/9)
The conversion between degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit is not only the measure that you will most frequently encounter, but also the one that can be the most perplexing. As you can see, the formula for making this conversion is a doozy!

Thanks to a dear Argentine friend that I met while still in the US, I now know a simpler way to get a ballpark figure for the conversion: just take the temperature in Celsius, double it, and add 30. This figure will always be slightly off from the exact temperature reading, but it works in a pinch.

Weather, Seasons and Average Temperatures
If you don’t already know, the seasons south of the equator are the opposite of those to the north. That means, that when it is summer in the northern hemisphere, it is winter in the south, and vice versa.

Read the rest of the article on LandingPad BA.

Your Planet Ambassador Program

2009-12-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

Description: The YouPlanet Ambassador program enables you to earn money while traveling. As a YouPlanet ambassador, you will approach hotels, restaurants and experience providers and offer them the opportunity to become partners which will enable them to reach travelers worldwide. The Partner pays a yearly fee of which you as an ambassador get a large share, transferred directly to your online e-wallet account.

By being a YouPlanet ambassador, you can travel to places around the world earning instead of spending money. With only a few sign-ups every week you will earn more than enough money to explore the world.

Highlights: We want three things with YouPlanet:

- Enable our users to earn money while they are out traveling

- Our users to have access to a great travel community where they, among other things, will be able to find updated information from smaller hotels, hostels, restaurants and experience providers

- Let these smaller hotels, hostels, restaurants, and experienced providers get online with tools they manage themselves and reach an international base of travelers that has not been accessible before.

Therefore we have created the YouPlanet ambassador program. You will get the chance to finance your trip - while you are on the road!

Qualifications: Social, English language skills

Job Types :

Marketing, Ad, PR
Sales
Tourism

Salary / Pay: Provision based salary - up to 60 euros per sale!

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently.

For more info, visit Jobs Abroad.

10 Reasons to Study Spanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina

2009-12-01T14:33:00.000-08:00

You may be thinking of planning a study abroad trip and are trying to decide where to go. Look no further, the list below will show you that Buenos Aires is the number one hot spot in Latin America.

Why Study Spanish in Buenos Aires?

1. Buenos Aires is a beautiful, exciting, cosmopolitan city in Argentina. This ‘Paris of South America’ offers and endless list of things-to-do as well as incredible restaurants, bars, nightclubs, art galleries, museums, theatres, parks, historical sites, and much more.

2. Portenos (people of Buenos Aires) are outgoing, kind, and friendly; perfect to make some local friends.

3. The food: parilla, pizza, wine, meat, cheese, international, fusion, etc.

4. To see the sensual and seductive Tango danced by professionals from Argentina.

5. The nightlife is one of a kind, comparable of that to Paris, New York, and Madrid, and simply must be experienced.

6. Argentine Spanish is unique in the world of Spanish and some of the best slang around.

7. The art, museum, and culture scene is never ending as there is always a different gallery, exhibit, or show to be enjoyed.

8. If you are looking for a new style, the shopping in Buenos Aires will give you just that; everything from local labels, to vintage, to top labels can be found on shopping streets and in shopping centres.

9. It is affordable. Many currencies have an advantage over the Argentine peso giving foreigners a financial advantage in the city.

10. To leave it! There are so many incredible destinations that should be visited in the country, perfect for weekend getaways or school breaks. Head to the North, Centre, or South of Argentina and discover a whole new world.

Learn spanish with Bueno, entonces on Facebook

2009-12-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

Check out the Bueno, entonces... fan page on Facebook and learn new words, insults, piropos... and anything you need to speak Spanish conversationally!!!

Become a fan and enter to win cool prizes every week (see contest rules in notes section)!

A new way to learn Spanish - developed specifically for the iPhone and iPod Touch and now available on DVD or by instant download (visit www.buenoentonces.com to purchase). This new technique combines hard-core grammar and vocabulary lessons with a witty and engaging conversational style.

Become a fan on Facebook.com/buenoentonces

Oh, San Telmo...

2009-11-30T09:27:00.000-08:00

Before I move on to telling you all about my time at the in-laws, I need to tell you about San Telmo how I love San Telmo and how I haven’t spent enough time there. Sundays in San Telmo are lovely.. they get a bit touristy but the street music and street theatre are just really charming. There’s a student orchestra that plays in the middle of the street in Defensa and I can listen to them forever.

San Telmo is very very tango, has gorgeous antiques and an antiques market on Sunday, but also a shop where I found my new favourite bag, made out of a recycled inner tube. It’s made beautifully and the strap is made out of a bicycle inner tube. Love this stuff, and goes well with my crazy bag collection.

While I’m here I’m also trying to watch ALL the Bueno Entonces episodes I have in my iTunes. We’re upto the telo part, which is very funny...

Get to know more Vibe's experience on beadventuresinba.blogspot

Maradona by Kusturica (movie)

2009-11-29T13:17:00.000-08:00

This is Maradona as the two-time Palme Dor winner Emir Kusturica sees him: the revolutionary, the footballer, the man, the God, the family man, the drug-addict, the legend. Acclaimed filmmaker Emir Kusturica traces the remarkable story of soccer legend Diego Maradona in this documentary featuring music by composer Manu Chao and Sex Pistols. Maradona has a reputation as the people's champion, an athlete who rose from humble beginnings to achieve worldwide fame, and who has overcome incredible adversity to become a living legend. As the director and his subject grow increasingly intimate, Maradona reveals details about his life that have never come to light in the public eye. A tour of the places that mean the most to Maradona offer a unique look at the way the soccer star was shaped by his surroundings, and conversations with the people closest to him offer a unique glimpse into his colorful personality. A conversation with Cuban leader Fidel Castro highlights how even the most powerful personalities become awestruck while speaking with Maradona. This is Kusturica's most expressive in form and the most radical in content since at least Black Cat, White Cat where Kusturica values Maradona not only as a virtuoso player but as man with a political view.

Read more on IMDb.

Book Review: ‘Che Boludo: A Gringo’s Guide to Understanding the Argentines’

2009-11-29T10:26:00.000-08:00

By James Bracken, Ediciones Continente, 30 pesos, 61 pages Reviewed by Stephen Page

On a recent sunny spring day, while wandering the streets of Buenos Aires, searching for a café where I could sit outside at a table and sip an espresso while looking at the passers-by (a popular Argentine custom), I detoured into a bookstore.

On the very first shelf I came to, I found a pocket-sized book titled Che Boludo, with the subtitle: A Gringo’s Guide to Understanding the Argentines.

I opened the book and discovered it was a dictionary of sorts, filled with words I had never read before. The words were contemporary Argentine slang, and the definitions were in English. “What a great find,” I thought.

After a decade of living in Argentina, I have been missing some of the slang while talking with friends, or at Sunday family get-togethers (they don’t teach Argentine slang at US universities, or in most of the Castellano classes offered in Buenos Aires). I was growing tired of repeatedly asking, “What? What does that mean?”

The title of the book translates to, “Hey Idiot!” or “Hey Buddy!” or “Hey Friend!”—depending on to whom you’re talking and your tone of voice. “Boludo” literally means “one with big testicles,’which does not mean “ballsy” or “brave,” but instead denotes a lack of cerebral functions. In Argentina, the young as well as the old use slang. You might hear an elderly man with a cane standing on the street corner waiting for the green crossing light mutter “¡miercoles!”—which translates to “shit” or “Goddamnit” or “hell”; you might hear a sophisticated woman in a fur coat call her husband’s new secretary a “puta” (whore) or a “babosa” (horny woman) even if she knows bystanders are listening to her; you might hear a teenager say to his brother, “No me hinchés las pelotas,” which means, connotatively, “don’t be a pain”—but denotatively means, well . . . you’ll have to read the book to know that one.

The book also contains drawings of the more popular hand gestures Porteños use—gestures that have risqué yet non-offensive meanings.

To read more go to The Argentine Post

Semester in Argentina

2009-11-28T11:59:00.000-08:00

Description: The Semester in Argentina allows students with an advanced level of Spanish to take courses with Argentine students in a wide array of disciplines including architecture, agronomy, economics, natural sciences, mathematics, health sciences, law, social sciences, humanities, engineering, information technology and languages.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students with a good command of the language to meet Argentine students and experience education abroad.

Highlights:
* A semester in Buenos Aires, considered the Paris of the Americas.
* An opportunity to take courses in a wide array of disciplines with Argentine students and faculty members
* Immersion activities and travel in Argentina linked to your coursework
* Housing, cultural immersion and local excursions included in program fees
* Earn 12-15 credits toward your degree through fully-accredited coursework
* Inclusive fees and great program value

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas :
Accounting Agronomy Architecture Economics Engineering (Electrical)	Engineering (Mechanical) Health Sciences Humanities Information Systems Law	Mathematics Natural Sciences Social Sciences Spanish

Cost in US$: Please contact us for up-to-date program fee

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements :

Apartment/Flat

Home-stays

Participants Travel to Argentina Independently or in Group.

To get more info on this subject, visit Study Abroad.

Studying Abroad at Universidad de Buenos Aires

2009-11-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

About Universidad de Buenos Aires in Argentina

The oldest public university in Argentina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) also is one of the most challenging. Nearly 350,000 students attend UBA. You won't find a central campus here. Instead, the university is spread throughout the city, with each faculty or department operating more or less independently. Thanks to its status as a public institution, UBA is very affordable and therefore its students represent a good cross-section of Argentine society. Students may take classes at the Facultad de Filosofía y Letras and Facultad de Ciencias Sociales only.

Remember that in addition to your university course work, you must take the mandatory IFSA-Butler Advanced Spanish and Argentine Culture course.

Top departments
• Philosophy
• Social sciences
• Humanities

http://www.uba.ar

Online Course Catalog- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales
Online Course Catalog- Facultad de Filosofía y Letras

Learn more on Institute for Study Abroad.

Music to help you Learn Spanish - Me Voy (Julieta Venegas)

2009-11-26T15:19:00.000-08:00

This is the General Linguistics method to teach foreign languages in action! You'll see the lyrics of the song Me voy by Julieta Venegas in the "Pizarra Mágica" or Magic Whiteboard and will be able to sing along.

Check out more videos to learn Spanish on Youtube.

Studying Abroad at Universidad Católica de Argentina

2009-11-25T09:50:00.000-08:00

About Universidad Católica de Argentina in Buenos Aires

The Universidad Católica de Argentina (UCA) is a private university with about 15,000 students. The campus is in the center of Buenos Aires, along the wharf at Puerto Madero on the Rio de la Plata. It is part of IFSA-Butler's Argentine Universities Program and the home of our Buenos Aires Intermediate program.

UCA is known for small classes and personal attention. For AUP students, remember that in addition to your university course work, you must take the mandatory IFSA-Butler Advanced Spanish and Argentine Culture course.

Top departments
• Humanities
• Politics
• Communications
• Business

http://www.uca.edu.ar

Online Course Catalog

Learn more on Institute for Study Abroad

STUDY IN ARGENTINA

2009-11-24T09:01:00.000-08:00

Argentina have high academic standards, in particular at the University of Buenos Aires, students will receive teachings from many of the country's most respected writers, historians and analysts. Course timetables are flexible, to allow students to work to pay their education, generally, the classes take place between 7.00 am and 11.00 pm

If you are a foreign student with residence in Argentina, shall comply with the admission requirements applicable to Argentine applicants; if you are not Argentine resident, yo have to go to the Argentine consulate in your country, and request for a seat under the Ministry Resolution No. 1523/90 ruling. For more information, contact the Secretariat of University Policies of the Ministry of Education.

The following is the information required to enroll in University in Argentina:

First, second and last names.

Birth date.

Passport or Identity Card number.

Country of birth / nationality.

Marital status / profession / religion.

Country of residence.

Consulate where the passport will be visaed.

Address of residence in Argentina.

To see the complete list of all the documents required, visit the Secretariat of University Policies of the Ministry of Education page.

If the student want information about to validate a degree or equivalences, must contact to the Department of National Validation of Degrees and Studies

You can check the list of universities and university institutes (both public and private) of the Argentine Republic, issued by the Secretariat of University Policies of the National Ministry of Education.

Learn more on Argentina Travel.

Colleges and Universities | Argentina

2009-11-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

Check out more universities in Argentina on Find a School

Ski Centers in Argentina

2009-11-21T15:03:00.000-08:00

Catedral Ski Center

Cerro Catedral is located in the Nahuel Huapi National Park, surrounded by a unique landscape of lakes and mountains, and only a 19 Km paved route away from San Carlos de Bariloche, a city with lodging and food infrastructure at the most demanding international tourism level.

Chapelco Ski Center

Chapelco is one of the most attractive places to enjoy the splendor of snow, with the incomparable Andes mountain range in the background, and panoramic views of lake Lácar and the volcano Lanín in all directions.

Las LeñasSki Center

Valle de Las Leñas is located in the middle of the Andes mountain range, in the province of Mendoza, and 2,240 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by the mounts Torrecillas, El Collar, Ponce, Las Leñas, Entre Ríos, Martín and Los Fósiles.

Che Malambo Traditional Dance

2009-11-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

It's a very Argentine dance, not from Buenos Aires though. Look at their feet. They imitate how the gauchos used to dance.

For more videos go to Youtube.

Andes Air - Cheap Flights

2009-11-20T08:36:00.000-08:00

I flew Andes Air during the July vacation period when I had family in town. We flew from Buenos Aires to Salta during the high-season and paid around 800 pesos round trip which was a significant savings from other airlines. (FYI: Taking the 22 hour bus was about 650 pesos round trip.)

Andes serves the Northwest Region, Iguazú and Puerto Madryn. I was initially pretty nervous to fly an airline that I had never heard of before, but after talking to a travel agent friend they assured me that it is a legit company.

Although their website is pretty terrible and they sometimes don´t answer their phone (oh Argentina!) I am satisfied with the service. The plane was much bigger than expected -- 3 seats on each side of plane!

Even better is that they did not charge a different price for foreigners, it was all the same fare! If you travel in low season they had some excellent promotions as well.

Here´s the link: http://www.andesonline.com/

I would recommend going to the agency in person to book the tickets. It is located on Córdoba 755.

To read more go to budgetba.blogspot

Teaching English in Buenos Aires

2009-11-18T12:42:00.000-08:00

Despite the Poor Economy in Argentina, English Classes Are Popular

By Cara Pulick

If you think Argentina's recent economic woes make it difficult to find a job teaching English in Buenos Aires, think again. The worldwide truth is that English is becoming more of a necessity and less of a luxury to be chopped when budgets get tight. Thus, despite an economy that is struggling to right itself, EFL jobs are out there in Buenos Aires. And you needn't look far to find them.

Native English speakers are a prized commodity in this stretch of the world and, with just a little legwork, can find placement in classrooms around the city in a matter of weeks or even days. Assignments cover an astounding, and entertaining, array of classroom environments, curricular programs and student demographics. Recent placements for new TEFL teachers in Buenos Aires have included a class of employees of a local brewery, at-home conversation practice for teenage brothers moving to the U.S., and private lessons on fishing terminology for a man preparing for an upcoming vacation.

Work in Buenos Aires can be found in a number of ways. A highly effective one is simply to contact the dozens of English institutes located throughout the city. Usually a resume and an interview are all you need to get started, though experience and/or a TEFL certificate certainly won't hurt.

While institutes often offer new teachers several classes at once, don't be afraid to accept a random class here or there, or even to substitute for another instructor; these short-term or one-time deals often turn into more substantial assignments, especially if you prove to be a reliable teacher. Do check into the hourly pay, as well as whether transportation time is included. Wages tend to vary significantly by institute and by class (sometimes group classes actually pay more), generally ranging from 7 to 16 pesos ($3-$5) per hour.

To read more go to Transitions Abroad.

VISA FOR STUDENT

2009-11-18T09:34:00.000-08:00

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A.1. (Private Universities -or Private Schools- and short studies) LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY, specifying the studies you are accepted for. This letter is always necessary for studies to be followed in a private university and also for short studies in a public university (Seminars, Pos. Degree, Isolated subjects, etc.).

(*) For minors (less than 18) or in exchange programs organised by Rotary Club, AFS, Youth for Understanding and similar systems: Such letter of acceptance must be also a warranty:

a. Taking moral and financial responsibility for the minor whom the visa is requested for.

b. Certifying that the minors will go and return with paid tickets.

c. Certifyng the family name, surname and address with whom the minor will live in Argentina.

or A.2. (Complete Careers in a Public University) You do not need the letter of acceptance only if you will follow a complete career in a public university.
In such a case you should get in contact with the Argentine Embassy -Cultural Section- before November (to begin your career in March the following year). Your registration will be done by the Argentine Embassy after having evaluated your secondary school certificates and your level of Spanish.

B. Valid Norwegian ( or other from other countries) Passport.

C. Police Certificate (it is a form that certifies your lack of record). It is possible to get it in Spanish directly from the police (most of police stations have it) and thus avoid translation expenses.

D. Medical Certificate with statement you are not suffering from infectious disease or psychic ailments and informing your RH factor.

E. Birth Certificate. Given by the Folkeregister. It is also possible to get it in Spanish directly from the Folkeregister and thus avoid translation expenses.

F. All the documents in Norwegian or English must be translated into Spanish by a certified official translator (for example: Mr. Francisco García Mora: 2223 5888 in Oslo).

G. All the documents must be legalised by a Notarius Publicus and the local Fylkesmann (The Fylkesmann’s seal is called “APOSTILLE”).
In fact, the Argentine authorities require just the APOSTILLE. But some Norwegian Fylkesmann request legalisation by a Notarius before signing the APOSTILLE. Ask your Fylkesmann what she/he considers necessary.

H. One photograph (4 x 4 cm).

I. Minors (less than 18 years) must go to the Argentine Embassy accompanied by their parents one week before travelling.

After getting the above mentioned documents and -minimum- one week before travelling. (Please arrange a meeting in advance with Jesse or other visa officers in the Embassy):

J. Lack of international records declaration (possible to be made at the Embassy).

K. Request of Visa forms: to be fulfilled at the Embassy.

Images of Argentina

2009-11-17T09:41:00.000-08:00

More of theses pics on Flickr.

WORK PERMIT IN ARGENTINA

2009-11-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

In general, a foreign applicant (the "employee") assigned to work in another country must evidence a degree of proprietary knowledge, specialized skills, or managerial/ executive-level skills that are not readily available in the destination country's domestic labour market.

The following is a general summary of the types of employment visa categories that are common to corporate, international transfers into Argentina.

"Regularization" of immigration status from Visitor status to Work Status

A foreign national employee from a bordering country can convert his or her immigration status from a Visitor status to Work status while remaining in Argentina; however, this process may take upwards of six months to conclude.

During the "regularization" period, nationals from a bordering country can apply for a special certificate, called a "Certificate of Precarious Residence" which will allow these nationals to reside, work, study, and re-enter Argentina while the long-term work and residence permits are awaiting approval. These are specialized applications that will require the review of this firm's Argentine immigration advisor.

For those nationals coming from non-bordering countries, these nationals CANNOT regularize status in Argentina from a Visitor to a Work status. While the application to obtain work status can be made directly with the DNM, non-bordering foreign nationals are not allowed to work in Argentina. Non-border nationals can physically remain in Argentina as a visitor while the work permit application is pending approval; however, once the work permit application is approved, the employee and family members must return to their country of legal residence to apply for the work and residence visa.

Types of Work Visas

The major types of Argentine employment visa categories are as follows:

A) Article 29 (e) Visa – Valid for providing short-term, temporary work duties (or technical duties) while in Argentina. This visa is valid for an initial period of 15 days and can be issued by either an Argentine consular post or by Migrations in Argentina. This visa can be renewed for an additional 15 days with the migration authorities in Argentina. This visa requires prior approval of the migrations authorities and is generally required for visa nationals of non-bordering countries if in Argentina for short visits while the migrations authorities process a long-term work permit application.

B) Article 23 (A) Visa ("Labour Contract - Temporary Residence" Visa) – This visa is designed for those employees who are contracted by corporations settled in Argentina for at least a 6 – 12 month period AND will be assigned to the Argentine payroll as a "localized" employee. If the employee is to be paid from the Argentine payroll. A formal Labour Contract must be executed between the employee and the Argentine sponsor. This visa requires prior approval from the migrations authorities prior to applying for this visa at an Argentine consular post.

C) Article 23 (E) Visa ("Secondment -Temporary Residence" Visa) under Provision 18/94 – This visa is designed for those employees who are transferred to Argentina by a subsidiary corporation or from the same corporation group, for at least a 6 – 12 month period. This is the typical type of transfer for most assignments to Argentina. This visa does not require a Labour Contract but prior approval from the migrations authorities prior to applying for this visa at an Argentine consular post.

Read full article on Allo' Expat.

Argentina: Getting there & away

2009-11-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

Tickets

From almost everywhere, South America is a relatively costly destination, but discount fares can reduce the bite considerably. Contacting a travel agency that specializes in Latin American destinations often turns up the cheapest fares.

Sea

Arriving in Argentina by sea is uncommon indeed, although Chilean company Navimag (www.navimag.com) operates the famous ferry from Puerto Montt, Chile (near Bariloche), down the length of Chilean Patagonia to Puerto Natales, Chile, near Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (due west of Río Gallegos).

Water

River

There are several river crossings between Uruguay and Buenos Aires that involve ferry or hydrofoil, and often require combinations with buses.

Buenos Aires to Montevideo High-speed ferries carry passengers from downtown Buenos Aires to the Uruguayan capital in only 2¾ hours.

Buenos Aires to Colonia Daily ferries (50 minutes to three hours) head to Colonia, with bus connections to Montevideo (additional three hours).

Tigre to Carmelo Regular passenger launches speed from the Buenos Aires suburb of Tigre to Carmelo (services also go to Montevideo from Tigre).

Land

Border crossings

There are numerous border crossings from neighboring Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay; the following lists are only the principal crossings. Generally, border formalities are straightforward as long as all your documents are in order. For info on necessary visas and documents.

Current weather conditions, hours of service and other useful information for Argentina’s border crossings are provided online by the Gendarmería Nacional de Argentina (www.gendarmeria.gov. ar/pasos/pasos1.htm).

Bolivia

La Quiaca to Villazón Many buses go from Jujuy and Salta to La Quiaca, where you must walk or take a taxi across the Bolivian border.

Aguas Blancas to Bermejo From Orán, reached by bus from Salta or Jujuy, take a bus to Aguas Blancas and then Bermejo, where you can catch a bus to Tarija.

Pocitos to Yacuiba Buses from Jujuy or Salta go to Tartagal and then on to the Bolivian border at Pocitos/Yacuiba, where there are buses to Santa Cruz.

Brazil

The most common crossing is from Puerto Iguazú to Foz do Iguaçu. Check both cities for more information on the peculiarities of this border crossing, especially if you’re crossing the border into Brazil only to see the other side of Iguazú Falls. There are also border crossings from Paso de los Libres (Argentina) to Uruguaiana (Brazil) to São Borja (Brazil).

Chile

There are numerous crossings between Argentina and Chile. Except in far southern Patagonia, every land crossing involves crossing the Andes. Due to weather, some high-altitude passes close in winter; even the busy Mendoza–Santiago route over RN 7 can close for several days (sometimes longer) during a severe storm. Always check road conditions, especially if you have a flight scheduled on the other side of the mountains. The following are the most commonly used crossings.

Salta to San Pedro de Atacama (via Purmamarca) Twelve-hour bus ride through the altiplano with stunningly beautiful scenery.

Mendoza to Santiago The most popular crossing between the two countries, passing 6962m Aconcagua en route.

Bariloche to Puerto Montt The famous, scenic 12-hour bus-boat combination runs over the Andes to Chile. Takes two days in winter.

Los Antiguos to Chile Chico Those entering from Chile can access the rugged RN 40 from here and head down to El Chaltén and El Calafate. Best in summer, when there’s actually public transport available.

El Calafate to Puerto Natales & Parque Nacional Torres del Paine Probably the most beaten route down here, heading from the Glaciar Perito Moreno (near El Calafate) to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine (near Puerto Natales). Several buses per day in summer; one to two daily in the off-season.

Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Daily buses in summer, fewer in winter, on this 12- to 18-hour trip (depending on weather conditions), which includes a ferry crossing at either Porvenir or Punta Delgada/Primera Angostura.

Uruguay & Paraguay

There are two direct border crossings between Argentina and Paraguay: Clorinda to Asunción, and Posadas to Encarnación. From Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, you can also cross through Brazil into Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.

Border crossings from Argentine cities to Uruguayan cities include Gualeguaychú to Fray Bentos; Colón to Paysandú; and Concordia to Salto. All involve crossing bridges. Buses from Buenos Aires to Montevideo and other waterfront cities, however, are slower and less convenient than the ferries (or ferry–bus combinations) across the Río de la Plata. The crossings at Gualeguaychú and Paysandú may be closed due to conflict surrounding the construction of a pulp mill on the Uruguayan side of the river.

Bus

Travelers can bus to Argentina from most bordering countries. Buses are usually comfortable, modern and fairly clean. Crossing over does not involve too many hassles; just make sure that you have any proper visas beforehand

Entering the destination

Entering the country

Entering Argentina is straightforward; immigration officials at airports are generally quick to the point and waste few words, while those at border crossings may take a little more time scrutinizing your passport before stamping it. Anyone entering the country is required to have a valid passport. Once you’re in the country, police can still demand identification at any moment. It’s a good idea to carry at least a photocopy of your passport around town at all times.

When entering by air, you officially must have a return ticket, though this is rarely asked for once you’re in Argentina. However, it is commonly asked for by the airline in the country of origin. Most airlines prohibit from boarding any passengers without proof of onward travel, regardless of whether the person was sold a one-way ticket or not. They do this because the airline would be responsible for flying you back home should you be denied entrance (which is highly unlikely) once you’re in Argentina. For those planning to travel indefinitely, the only way out of this predicament is to buy a cheap, fully refundable onward flight (say, Mendoza to Santiago, Chile) and either use it or get the refund once you’re in Argentina. The refund, however, can take months to process.

Air

Argentina has direct flights between countries including North America, the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Italy, Spain and South Africa, and from all South American countries except the Guianas. Alternatively, you can fly to a neighboring country, such as Chile or Brazil, and continue overland to Argentina.

To read more go to Lonely Planet.

The General Linguistics Method for Teaching Foreign Languages

2009-11-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

Created by linguists, teachers and students from a half-dozen countries, General Linguistics developed Bueno, entonces… to incorporate all the best elements of the software and audiobook language learning methods like Pimsleur and Rosetta Stone that have been around for decades.

We mixed the comprehensive learning material of the audiobook courses with the addictive, fun and universally beloved format of a television show to create the Bueno, entonces… series. Each of the 30classes is 30-40 minutes long, proven as the perfect length for a language course - long enough to cover vocabulary and grammar topics but short enough to keep you interested the whole time. The challenging fast pace and edgy, entertaining style of Bueno, entonces… will keep you coming back for more.

Learning Spanish doesn’t have to be boring and monotonous. Bueno, entonces… infuses a witty, engaging storyline into the learning process - and by following along you absorb more Spanish, morequickly than you ever thought possible. By the end of the 5-week, 30-class series, you
will be speaking and understanding native conversational Spanish!

Bueno, entonces… incorporates the following 5 principles to make learning Spanish fun, painless and effective:

1. Make The Classes Interesting & Engaging With Wit and Charm.

If you are not engaged, you are not going to learn or remember anything. Learning doesn’t have to be boring — remember your favorite teachers? Well, wait until you meet David & Jimena…

2. See The Words On The Screen.

Some people are audio learners, some people are video learners - most people are both, and learn different things in one way or the other. With Bueno, entonces… every word in Spanish is written on the screen so you can see how it is spelled while you hear it being pronounced. Old-fashioned audiobooks only get your half-way there.

3. Color-Coding.

Everything on the screen is color-coded in Spanish and English to help you understand word usage and sentence structure. You’ll start to quickly see and understand which words in Spanish correspond with similar words in English, and how those words are used in a sentence.

4. Symbols & Illustrations.

The symbols will help you learn and remember verb tenses and grammar concepts. The illustrations will burn iconic images into your brain so you remember vocabulary easily and instantly.

5. REPETITION Is The Key To Learning Languages.

Any teacher will tell you that, and it’s one of the big problems with traditional audiobooks and software programs - they are mind-numbingly boring. Bueno, entonces… is engaging and fast-paced and fun. You can use these classes over and over and get something new every time.

To read more go to buenoentonces.com/blog

Media in ARGENTINA

2009-11-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

Argentina is one of South America's leading media markets. The country has well over 150 daily newspapers, many hundreds of commercial radio stations, dozens of TV stations and one of the world's highest take-up rates for cable TV.

Large media conglomerates have emerged. Public broadcasting plays a minor role. Television is the dominant medium. The main national free-to-air networks - Telefe, America, Canal 9 and Canal 13 - are privately-owned.

Argentine readers are among Latin America's most voracious newspaper consumers. Clarin and La Nacion are the best-selling national dailies.

Media freedom is guaranteed by the constitution. However, Reporters Without Borders maintained in 2008 that "direct attacks on the media and obstacles to press freedom... remained high". It said former President Nestor Kirchner had shown "great hostility" to the media - and particularly the conservative La Nacion daily - while in office.

By December 2008, Argentina had 16 million internet users, comprising nearly 40% of the population (Internetworldstats.com) and giving the country the second-highest number of surfers on the continent, after Brazil.

The press

· Clarín - popular daily

· La Nación - respected conservative daily

· Crónica - tabloid daily

· El Cronista - business

· La Prensa - Argentina's oldest newspaper

· Pagina 12 - left-wing daily

· Buenos Aires Herald - English-language daily

Television

· Telefe (Canal 11) - leading national network, operated by Grupo Telefe

· Canal 13 (El Trece) - leading national network, operated by Grupo Clarin

· Canal 9 - popular national network

· America (Canal 2) - popular network

· Todo Noticias - cable/satellite news channel owned by Grupo Clarin

· Canal 7 - state-run cultural, educational network

Radio

· Radio Mitre - private, speech-based, operated by Grupo Clarin

· Radio Nacional - state-run, cultural

· Radio America - private, news

· Radio Continental - private AM (mediumwave) speech-based network

· Los 40 Principales - private FM music network

News agencies

· Diarios y Noticias (DYN) - partly owned by Grupo Clarin

· TELAM - state-run

· Noticias Argentinas - set up by privately-owned newspapers

Check out more info on BBC News Argentina.

Study Abroad at Argentine Universities Program in Buenos Aires

2009-11-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

What the AUP has to offer
• Amazing academic flexibility
• Program located in one of the world’s most exciting and cosmopolitan cities
• Students can cross-enroll in up to four prestigious Buenos Aires universities
• Study available at Universidad Católica Argentina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Universidad del Salvador or Universidad Torcuato Di Tella
• All university classes taught in Spanish and integrated with degree-seeking students
• All students take the Advanced Spanish and Argentine Culture course designed exclusively for IFSA-Butler students
• Seven academic models available

Academic Concentrations
Traditional Concentration:
• Students complete their class schedule with integrated courses at one or more of the AUP universities
• Students may also take one of three special IFSA-Butler program courses designed to complement their direct-enroll experience

Directed Research Concentration:
• Students may replace one to two integrated university courses in the Traditional Concentration with a 6-credit Directed Research Project focusing on social problem analysis
• The Fundación Simón Rodriguez appoints an Academic Director and a committee of field experts to oversee each student’s academic progress and research paper

Human Rights Concentration:
• Students enroll in both university and IFSA-Butler program courses while completing a field experience and research component
• Concentration coursework includes: Human Rights in Argentina and Latin America, one to two university courses, and Methodology of Research Seminar and NGO field experience

Gender, Diversity and Minority Studies Concentration:
• Students participate in both integrated and specialized program courses along with their research and field experience
• Concentration coursework includes: Diversity, Minorities, and Gender Studies, one to two university courses, and Methodology of Research Seminar and NGO field experience

Literature Concentration:
• Hosted at Universidad Torcuato Di Tella
• Involves four fields of study: creative writing, journalism, literary translation and publishing
• Will include a seminar on Literary Studies Methodology, as well as a writing workshop or an internship
• Students who enroll in this concentration must have a major or minor in literary studies, comparative literature, Spanish, Latin American studies, journalism or a special interest in these subjects. A background in literary studies is not necessary.

To get more info, go to Institute for Study Abroad

Spanish in Salta

2009-11-11T07:08:00.000-08:00

SALTA

Salta is a city in northwestern Argentina and the capital city of the eponymous province situated at the foothills of the Andes mountains.
It has more than 464,000 inhabitants as of the 2001 census, making it Argentina's 8th largest city. The city is located in the Lerma Valley, 1,152 meters above sea level. The weather is warm and dry, with annual averages of 756 mm of rainfall and an average temperature of 16.4 °C(20.4 °C in summer, 10.8 °C in winter). January and February are the months with greatest rainfall. During the spring, Salta is occasionally plagued by severe, week long dust storms.
Nicknamed Salta la Linda ("Salta the Beautiful"), it is a tourist destination in part due to its architectural attractions, such as the 18th century Cabildo, the Cathedral, and the Plaza 9 de Julio city park. It has also a number of museums, including the Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña, which houses the bodies of 3 Inca children found frozen at the summit of Mount Llullaillaco. Salta is also the starting point of the "Train to the Clouds" (Tren a las nubes), and on the way to red-soiled Cafayate, as well as to other nearby tourist destinations.
The Martín Miguel de Güemes Airport(IATA: SLA, ICAO: SASA), at coordinates 24°51′S, 65°29′W, 6 kilometres southeast of the city, has regular flights to Buenos Aires, Tucumán, Jujuy, Córdoba and Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia).

SPANISH SCHOOL IN SALTA

Patagonia School is in the center of Salta, just 5 minutes from the terminal bus and two blocks from the Cathedral.

Study and learn Spanish:

Spanish Courses:
with 1 student: 15 hrs:125 u$s p/week with 2 students: 15 hrs: 100 u$s p/week
Group & One-to-one lessons, tailored for each student.

You do not need to pay registration fees.

Levels:
Basic
Advanced Spanish
Intensive courses for tourists

Spanish Course include:Textbook and other materials Certificate of attendance Volunteer work (Optional) Theater lesson on Saturdays

Learn more on spanishinsalta.blogspot.com

Reviews of Bueno, entonces... from iTunes

2009-11-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

by ivegotmeow

I’m moving to buenos aires and BUENO, ENTONCES was recommended to me as a cool way to learn spanish. I really dig it so far. the concept is creative, it is fun to watch, and the content is challenging. I’m happy they don’t dumb it down for you , but I can see why some people think it’s a little fast. Truthfully, I had to watch the episode twice to feel I’d gotten everything. I love the ease of having it on my iphone and watching it at my convenience. It’s hard for me to commit to a physical class (due more to laziness than time constrictions), so it is a great alternative way to learn spanish.

Read more on buenoentonces.com/blog

J'apprends l'espagnol !

2009-11-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

Ça suffit les folies. Je me mets sérieusement à l’étude de l’espagnol. Depuis le temps que je reporte ce projet aux calendes grecques !

Il faut dire que je m’obstinais à vouloir d’abord maîtriser le chinois (OK, « maîtriser » est peut-être un peu ambitieux… lol). Mais même après un an et demi d’immersion et environ trois mois de leçons intensives, je n’arrive toujours pas à soutenir une conversation dans la langue de Mao (par contre, si vous voyagez un jour avec moi en Chine, je pourrai vous éviter l'humiliation de devoir mimer une poule ou un poisson au resto pour vous nourrir !).

Comme j’ai besoin d’un coup de pied au bon endroit pour entreprendre un projet personnel de cette envergure, je m’en suis auto-infligé un en m’organisant un voyage éclair (cinq grosses journées !) à Buenos Aires. Je pars samedi. J’ai trouvé ce qui me semble être la meilleure manière de me faire entrer quelques notions de base dans le crâne : Bueno, entonces…

Ces 30 leçons d’espagnol peuvent être visionnées à l’aide d’un ordinateur, d’un Blackberry, d’un iPod ou d’un iPod Touch (c’est ce dernier que j’utilise – j’ai acheté les premiers épisodes sur iTunes à 2,99$ chacun plutôt que d’acheter le cours en entier). Des DVD sont également en vente.

La publicité présente Bueno, entonces... comme « the Grand Theft Auto of Spanish Classes ». Plus proche de la série pour ados que du cours magistral, on me promet même quelques gros mots ! Le ton des extraits visionnés me rappelle vaguement celui de L'Auberge espagnole (probablement à cause du personnage masculin, un Anglais qui a une certaine parenté avec William, incarné par Kevin Bishop). Les cours se déroulent toutefois dans la capitale de l'Argentine.

Je n'aurai probablement pas beaucoup de temps pour « étudier » avant mon départ, mais tant pis : les 17 h passées dans l'avion et à l'aéroport de Toronto seront bien rentabilisées ! Pas le choix : les travaux pratiques débuteront dès mon arrivée. Je vous en reparle…

P.S. : Au cas où mon cerveau afficherait les mêmes messages que mon ordinateur en ce moment (« mémoire pleine » !), j’ai aussi téléchargé deux applications de traduction… ;-)

Read more reviews about Bueno, entonces... on En Transit.

The Best Language Schools in Buenos Aires

2009-11-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

So Many Spanish Schools From Which to Choose in the Capital of Argentina

Article and photos by Dan Smith

2007 was going to be my year away from the working world; having been laid off from my job I was determined to make the best of the situation and use the entire year as a sabbatical to live abroad, learn a new language, and do a lot of traveling on the cheap whenever presented with the opportunity. Having previously been to Buenos Aires, I was attracted by the relatively high standard of living, fantastic rate of exchange, great night life, incredible food, impressive architecture, and multiple travel attractions across the country. In short, I knew it was the city that I wanted to live in while learning Spanish.

After using the Internet to arrange a long term apartment in a suitable part of the city, the most pressing issue that remained was finding the right school to attend. Several hours of research left me with information overload as it yielded dozens of schools in the city–a confusing mix of brand-new and long-established institutions with varying programs and services at prices all over the map. Which, if any of them, would be the best?

As a student-to-be in my late-30s I wasn’t as price sensitive as I would have been years past, although if there were good deals to be had at lower prices, so much the better. On the other hand, I didn’t want to end up being “the old guy” at the school, which was a concern in terms of after-hours socializing and travel. I also preferred schools that were not overrun with students from the U.S.A. or Europe, which would ensure actually practicing Spanish to communicate instead of defaulting to English—as tends to happen among students from those countries.

All schools under consideration had to be reputable, well-established, reasonably priced within the market, and located near the subway and bus lines. After much investigation, the schools that made the final cut were: Comisión de Intercambio Educativo (COINED), Instituto de Lengua Española para Extranjeros (ILEE), and International Bureau of Language (IBL). Generally speaking, all of these schools offer the option of individual or group classes, “intensive classes” lasting five or more hours per day, language specialization courses (medical, business, etc), homestay options with families (including meals if you want them), plus weekly activities.

In regard to pricing, with annual inflation in Argentina running around 12% to 20% in 2007, it’s wise to keep tabs on the prices posted on the listed websites in case rates unexpectedly go up. Also note that June and July are Brazil’s winter vacation months, so nearly every school in Buenos Aires is overflowing with Brazilians simultaneously bent on Spanish language improvement and late night liver damage at the local boliches (discos/nightclubs).

Comisión de Intercambio Educativo (COINED) was the first school selected and, in my opinion probably the best, since I ended up staying there for 12 weeks while originally intending to only stay a maximum of 8 weeks. It was the largest school, in terms of students and facilities, with a curriculum developed at the University of Buenos Aires. The classes also utilized a lot of Argentine culture (novels, cinema, music, etc) to supplement the learning. The majority of the teachers were undergrads (pursuing an advanced degree) although the study materials were probably the lowest production quality (format, legibility, bindings, etc) among all of the schools. The student body composition was diverse: Brazilian, North American, Western European, Japanese, Russian, and an occasional Aussie here and there. 85% of the students ranged from 21 to 29 years old, so those of us 30+ were easily in the minority. COINED has a “residence hall” that the vast majority of students used for accommodation, which not-so-coincidentally made this the school with the most extracurricular partying going on in the wee hours of the morning. Price-wise it occupied the middle ground between the more expensive and cheaper schools, which included two to three activities per week.

Instituto de Lengua Española para Extranjeros (ILEE) bills itself as the only school “where all the teachers hold a University of Buenos Aires Masters degree, either in Literature or Education, and have taught Spanish as a foreign language for 3+ years”. In my experience ILEE was also the smallest school, with the lowest teacher-to-student ratio, as well as the most expensive of all the schools. As such, the student body consisted exclusively of Western European and North American professionals, with an average age around 35-40. Night outings among the students tended to be weekends-only, although daytime excursions in the city were plentiful (however, the school’s planned weekly activities usually involved an extra fee of some sort). I found that the placement tests were not very effective and actually ended up being the poorest of any of the schools. On more than one occasion, an unfortunate beginner was mismatched with higher level students, causing no small level of frustration on both sides. However, the course materials were excellent and probably the most useful of any of the schools. In the end, I moved on three weeks earlier than planned due to the lack of any added value the education offered me for the higher price.

2nd Semester of Spanish, Spanish Love Song starring Erik Estrada

2009-11-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

This is hilarious!! Check it out one more time on Youtube.

The Pizarra Mágica Explained video

2009-11-07T15:27:00.000-08:00

Easy way of Learning Spanish with Bueno, entonces...

Watch more and more on Youtube.

Argentina To Offer To Settle Paris Club Debt By Issuing Bond

2009-11-07T07:44:00.000-08:00

BUENOS AIRES (Dow Jones)--The Argentine government will try to settle its roughly $6.5 billion debt with members of the Paris Club by offering to issue a new bond, the Economy Ministry said in a statement Thursday.

Economy Minister Amado Boudou will pitch the idea to club members at a G20 meeting in Scotland later this week.

Before leaving for the trip, Boudou shared the idea with officials from the French Embassy in Buenos Aires. He said the plan entails issuing a new bond whose value would be equivalent to the debt owed to club members.

While in Scotland, Boudou will try to convince other Paris Club members that they ought to accept the proposal instead of a typical repayment plan, the statement said.

The bond would reportedly have the same payment structure as the loans owed to the Paris Club.

Argentine officials had previously given few details of how they planned to reschedule the debts owed to the Paris Club, which have been in default since Argentina's financial meltdown in 2001-02.

Around 14 months ago, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez announced a plan to settle the debt by making a lump sum payment.

But that bold plan fell apart within weeks as the global financial crisis clobbered world markets and crimped credit.

News of the new proposal comes a day after Argentina's House of Representatives passed a bill reopening a debt swap for the holders of about $20 billion in defaulted bonds.

The Senate has yet to debate the bill authorizing the offer, which requires congressional approval because a 2005 law expressly blocked a new swap.

The country is preparing a proposal to end the conflict with the holdouts who refused to accept terms of the 2005 swap. That swap involved a 65% discount, and any new offer will be on terms "more advantageous to Argentina," Boudou has said repeatedly.

To read more go to Google News.

Travel Guide to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Watch this video

2009-11-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

And to see more and more about Argentina, go to Youtube.

Study Spanish in Córdoba. Immerse Yourself in Argentina’s Rich Culture

2009-11-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

Spanish continues to be one of the most popular foreign languages for Americans, and every year thousands of students of all ages travel abroad to Spanish-speaking countries to study the language. Argentina ranks high on the list of great destinations for Spanish classes for a number of reasons. Despite a weakening dollar Argentina continues to be a very affordable destination for language students from the U.S., and the country offers great cultural diversity, outstanding natural beauty, and a welcoming people. Argentina is also a well-developed country with a high standard of living, and foreign students will find all the amenities they are used to from home.

Córdoba, located in central Argentina about 500 miles inland from Buenos Aires, stands out as one of Argentina’s best locations for foreign Spanish students. Córdoba is smaller and more intimate than Buenos Aires, and Spanish study provides a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, make friends with the locals, and learn the language. The cost of living is also lower in Córdoba than in Buenos Aires, and so are the course fees. The city has a large student population, which gives it a very dynamic cultural and social life. The city center, where the university is located, is alive with coffee houses, bookstores, bars and restaurants, as well as pleasant pedestrian malls, a busy shopping district, and large tree-lined squares. Language students will be able to enjoy movies, art exhibits, tango, as well as folkloric performances and a contemporary music scene all close to the city center.

Although Córdoba is today a large modern urban center with 1.2 million inhabitants, it retains much of its historic heritage, among them the rich Jesuit history with its university, as well as churches and other colonial buildings. The Jesuit block in Córdoba and several historic Jesuit farming estates in nearby towns are today part of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage. Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to do in the vicinity of the city. The Quebrada del Condorito National Park, located in the Sierra de Córdoba mountains, is the easternmost range of the majestic Andean condor, and visiting the mountains for a hike or birdviewing trip is a great weekend getaway.

Spanish Schools in Cordoba

Able Spanish

Independiencia 233 - Centro, Córdoba, Argentina, Tel: +54-351-423-3300; ablespanish@hotmail.com; www.ablespanish.com.
$30 registration fee. Offers group courses (20 hrs/wk; $120), intensive courses (30 hrs/wk; $200) and private classes ($12/hr). Refers lodging at student residences ($60-$100/wk), homestays ($75-$110/wk), hostels and hotels.

A.I.E. Argentina Idioma Español

Otto Meiling 357, 8400 Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina. info@patagoniaspanish.com, www.patagoniaspanish.com.
$60 registration fee. Offers year-round classes in Córdoba, Buenos Aires, and Bariloche for several skill levels. It is possible to combine different locations. Offers group courses (20 hrs/wk, $210, max. 6 students), intensive courses (group & private instruction, $380/wk), and private classes ($18/hr). Homestays are available for $150/wk, including two meals/day; offers excursions and cultural activities.

Caseros Spanish School

Caseros 873—5000 Cordoba, Argentina; Tel: +54-351-4247877; cordoba@hya.com.ar; www.cordoba-spanish.com.ar.
$45 registration fee; offers group instruction (20 hrs/wk, $125), intensive courses (additional 10 classes of private instruction, $225/wk, with extra cultural immersion activities: $350), and private classes ($12/hr).

Espanex

Av. Rafael Nuñez 5675 – Córdoba, Argentina; info@espanex.org, www.espanex.org.
$40 registration fee. Offers group courses with up to 5 students/class (20 hrs/wk, $125), intensive courses (20 group & 10 private classes $220/wk), and private classes ($12/hr). Provides homestays ($60-$130/wk) and student apartments ($70-$110); offers excursions.

Argentina I.L.E.E.

Av. Callao 339, 3rd fl., 1022 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Tel: +54-11-47827173; info@argentinailee.com, www.argentinailee.com.
Offers Spanish classes in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Bariloche, and Ushuaia. It is possible to combine different locations. $60 registration fee. Offers group courses (20 hrs/wk, $210), intensive courses (20 group &10 private classes, $380/wk), and private classes ($20/hr). Additional five tango classes/wk for $70. Students have to complete one week in Buenos Aires before continuing in Córdoba. Homestays are available for $150/wk (with breakfast/dinner); offers excursions and cultural activities.

Check out more Spanish Schools on Transitions Abroad.

WHAT IS Bueno, entonces... exactly?

2009-11-04T15:47:00.000-08:00

Bueno, entonces... is the best selling language-learning program for the iPhone, now available on DVD and instant download! Featured by Apple as New & Noteworthy, tens of thousands are already learning Spanish with Bueno, entonces…

Taking the most effective elements from traditional audio books and software programs, Bueno, entonces... has revamped language-learning by incorporating those features into a 1-on-1 Spanish lesson format, where you sit in on private classes with fresh audio/visual teaching tools, a huge improvement over programs currently available on the market.

Bueno, entonces... takes you inside 30 private Spanish lessons with Jimena, a gorgeous Spanish instructor, and David, her jackass student from London as he learns Spanish in beautiful Buenos Aires. Like learn-Spanish reality TV, but without the guilt of getting addicted, because in just 5 weeks you'll be speaking Spanish conversationally.

Developed by world-class linguists and seasoned comedy writers, Bueno, entonces... is the most entertaining, effective language program available. Instead of your Spanish lessons being torture, you’ll look forward to every class and want to watch them over and over again!

Bueno, entonces… is the only learn-Spanish program offering true Spanish language immersion. We relocated personnel from 6 countries to produce on-location in Latin America so students get a taste of authentic language and cultural immersion.

To learn more about Bueno, entonces, go to General Linguistics.

"One semester of Spanish" video. Really fun!!!

2009-11-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

Check out more videos on Youtube.

Dancing TANGO video.

2009-11-04T11:59:00.000-08:00

Take a quick look at this video and see how they dance tango!

To see more, go to Youtube.

Argentina's map

2009-11-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

View Larger Map

Find more map on Google Maps

Intermediate Spanish Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina

2009-11-03T09:52:00.000-08:00

What the Buenos Aires Intermediate program has to offer

• An intermediate Spanish language program perfect for students with two to three semesters of university-level Spanish
• Program located in Buenos Aires, the vibrant cultural capital of South America
• Combination of intermediate Spanish courses and integrated university courses at Universidad Católica Argentina's (UCA) Latin American Studies Program
• Program excursions and activities focused on the art, culture, sports and lifestyle that make Buenos Aires one of the world's most exciting and cosmopolitan cities

Housing
• Housing is with a carefully selected host family
• Program fee includes two meals per day Sunday through Friday and one meal on Saturday
• IFSA-Butler houses only one student per family for maximum cultural and language integration

Academics

• All courses are conducted in Spanish by university faculty
• Two program courses, Intermediate Spanish and Latin American and Argentine Literature (3 U.S. semester credit hours each), are mandatory for all students
• Students directly enroll in one to three courses in UCA’s Latin American Studies Program, taking specially designed classes alongside Argentine and international students
• Available UCA subjects may include international relations, political science, language and literature, film studies, community service, history, business and more
• Earn university credit for community service with local organizations through a special course at UCA
• Academic tutors available

Learn more on Institute for Study Abroad.

This is the Northwest of Argentina.

2009-11-02T05:57:00.000-08:00

This video shows the very best places you can visit in Salta, Jujuy, Tucuman and Catamarca provinces.

Go to Youtube to find more videos about Argentina.

Argentine Congress considers same-sex marriage

2009-10-31T12:59:00.000-07:00

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Is Argentina ready to become Latin America's first nation to legalize gay marriage?

Gay and lesbian activists think so — and they have a growing number of supporters in Congress, which opened debate Thursday on whether to change dozens of laws that define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

"We can't expect social equality if the state is legitimizing inequality," said Maria Rachid, president of the Argentine Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Federation. "We now have the social and political context necessary to change the law."

It remains to be seen whether activists have enough votes to overcome opposition from religious groups. The Roman Catholic Church remains a driving force in Argentina, where presidents were required to be both married and Catholic until a 1994 reform.

Some Catholic and evangelical Christian groups have accused the government of trying to subvert the natural order of life, promote perversions and destroy the family as an institution.

"This should not be understood as the denial of anyone's rights," said Archbishop Jose Maria Arancedo of Santa Fe, who took a gentler tone in a recent radio address. "It's possible both to be progressive and to defend the family, founded on the institution of marriage."

Argentina's capital established its gay-friendly reputation in 2002 by becoming the first Latin American city to legalize same-sex civil unions. Four other Argentine cities later did the same, and such unions also now are recognized in Mexico City and some Mexican and Brazilian states. Uruguay alone has legalized civil unions nationwide.

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Mate-Argentina's National Drink video

2009-10-24T07:36:00.000-07:00

How to prepare an Argentine mate!

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Religious Theme Park Considering Maradona Water Slide

2009-10-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Maradona's celebration of the Argentine national soccer team's win over Peru has become so popular, that Tierra Santa, a religious theme park in Buenos Aires, is considering building a water slide to honor it.

The proposal is for a giant water slide with a statue of Maradona at the top with arms outstretched. But there are a few minor considerations, the first is that the slide would not be in keeping with the major theme of the park, Christ's Crucifuxion.

"We are in negotiations now," says a spokesperson for the park. "We are thinking we might have a separate area dedicated to the slide. But it still depends largely on the performance of the national team. If they win the world cup, it would indeed be a miracle."

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