Study abroad in Buenos Aires

If you are thinking about studying a career, go to post graduate school or simply want to take spanish lessons or learn to dance the tango, Buenos Aires is certainly a place to take in mind in your target list.
These past few years, after the 2001 Argentina crisis, Buenos Aires turn to be a chosen spot for students seeking studies abroad. In fact, this is one of today's greatest income for the country.
I find that this trend is due mainly for two reasons. First, the low cost of the tuition fees and living expenses both in accommodation and meals and second, and excellent academic level. And as a bonus you have all the excitement and activities that a big city like Buenos Aires has to offer. That makes the perfect deal for young people eager for knowledge, social activity and cultural immersion.
Many students also take a chance to visit other interesting places of the country like, Iguazu falls in Misiones, the Perito Moreno Glaciar in Patagonia, ski in Bariloche and many others.

Lately universities discovered the niche of postgraduate courses and summer school, and the offer nowadays is so wide that satisfies all branches of knowledge, from the classical Master in Business Administration (MBA) to more specific specialized programmes. They have departments exclusively dedicated to the recruitment and follow up of international students.
If attending university there is an important point to take in mind and that is what kind of university to choose; a public or a private school.
Public universities are tuition free and with no admission exam for undergraduate careers but you must attend the (CBC) Basic common cycle the first year of study. The academic level is really good, and the University of Buenos Aires has more than 100 degrees to choose from. Considered one of the best educational institutions in the region, where 3 Nobel prizes studied. In argentina undergraduate careers in public universities are longer than in other countries with an average of 5 to 6 years long. Undergraduate Public schools will give a you a unique experience. Be prepared to study in old and not too well kept buildings, with few resourses, get in touch with all social classes and feel that politics is part of the programme, no matter which course you are taking. All the same its worth the experience, mainly because its free and also teachers are the best you can find. Public graduate schools are a different story, you have to pay for any programme you go for, but in exchange you receive a more organized environment.
Private schools are similar to those of any other developed country, although tuition fees are a bargain compared to those countries. There are some of these universities that have a really impressive selection of programmes and the academic level has nothing to envy those of famous universities of the world.
Here is a list of some Universities:
Public
University of Buenos Aires - U.B.A.
Universidad de San Martin - USM
Universidad Tecnologica Nacional - U.T.N
Private
Universidad de San Andres
Universidad de Belgrano - UB
Universidad de Palermo - UP
Universidad Argentina de la Empresa - UADE
Universidad Catolica Argentina - UCA
Instituto Tecnologico Buenos Aires - ITBA
Universidad Austral - UA
Universidad del Salvador
Universidad DiTella

But Buenos Aires has other courses to offer the world, and the high number of people searching this options are growing rapidly. That is Spanish language schools and tango lessons.
The fact that spanish is the official language spoken in nearly all of America, and that latins in the USA have become the first minority, more and more people think that spanish is worth learning.
Spanish schools offer a great deal of activities apart from formal lessons, such as touristic trips, voluntary work and many others, so that their students have the opportunity to feel the argentina culture and learn the language in contact with the local. They also offer accommodation with argentine families or shared apartments.
With the tango lessons something similar is happening. Students interact with real Porteños (as they call the Buenos Aires local people) well inserted in the city´s culture. They attend local “ Milongas” (tango parties) getting in contact with the pure sense of the River Plate feeling way of life. Students can take private courses with the best rated tango dancers or simply attend a tango school. During the month of August the Tango World Championship takes place in Buenos Aires, and there are more and more participants each year. This is an excellent oportunity to live a tango festival with competitors from all over the world.

Buenos Aires is a fascinating city, with plenty of cultural activities to offer, why not then consider this city as a great option for your next study plans?

Apartment accommodation in Buenos Aires

If you are planning a trip to Buenos Aires, one of the most important things to take into consideration is your lodging during your stay in the city. Today Buenos Aires has a wide selection of accommodation and furnished apartment rentals have become a popular choice.

While international known hotels have similar avarage rates in all big cities of the world, apartments rental rates in Buenos Aires offer great amenities with domestic rates, which makes it very attractive for the independent traveler.They find it more convenient and considerably less expensive, specially for long stays. Renting an apartment is the most cost effective way of lodging, giving the traveler more independence in terms of time and of course much more privacy. In an apartment you can cook your own meals in a proper fully equipped kitchen, while enjoying homely comfort.

When traveling with the family there is no doudt that this is the best way to continue with the home routine, having lots space for each member, and more than one room if required. Many students also lower their accomodation costs sharing an apartment during their stay. Executives, tired of hotel rooms and restaurant meals prefer renting an apartment in a high quality building.

There is a wide selection of apartments in every neighborhood of Buenos Aires. All of the apartments are thought and design by their owners to provide the best facilities for the guests whichever their budget is. They are fully equipped and furnished, and include all the linen, crockery or anything you might need during your stay. They all come with cable TV, fridge, microwave oven and now many of them offer a weekly cleaning service and Internet connection.

There are also exclusive luxury apartments, with attractive design interiors, stylish furniture, and the latest entertainment equipment, many of them offer amenities such as swimming pool, tennis court, gym, sauna and maid service. Located in the best neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, such as Puerto Madero, Downtown, Recoleta, Palermo and Las Cañitas, they have nothing to envy a five star hotel suite.
Fortunately, today you can search for a short term rental apartment online before arriving to Buenos Aires. These sites will show you pictures of the apartments, have a complete property description, check the equipment and the availability calendar, locate it in a map and learn about its surroundings.

Weekly rates start at around USD 250 and the monthly rates at USD 550! All included.
Usually studios are for 2 guests and bigger apartments with one or two bedrooms are for 3 or more guests. Some apartments have lovely patios or terraces with barbecues where you can grill your own argentine “asado”. This is definitely the best way to take better contact with the Buenos Aires way of life.

Every apartment is strategically located, close to commercial areas, touristic points, and universities, so if you are comming to Buenos Aires as a tourist, a student or a business executive there is surely a furnished apartment that will suit you best.

Data for the visitor

Here is some useful information for the visitor.

Language: Spanish is the official language but in Buenos Aires people use the "vos" instead of the "tu" as in Spain and the rest of Latin America. Porteños also use a lot the modism "che" when trying to catch a friend's attention. Che was the word given by the indians to the white people.
Money: The Argentine currency is the Peso ($) with bills of 100 - 50 - 20 - 10 - 5 pesos and coins of 1 peso and 50 - 25 -10 -5 cents.
American Dollars are also widely accepted in many places as shops, entertainment centers and supermarkets.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted specially Visa and American Express. The central offices of American Express are right across the street of Plaza San Martin.
You will have to present an ID with your card when puchasing.
ATM: There are ATM machines all over the city in banks, gas stations, shopping centers and supermarkets.
Currency exchange: You can change foreign money to pesos in banks or exchange offices. I recomend changing only a small amount at the airport because they never have a good exchange rate.
Remember to have your passport with you for they will surely ask for it.
Banking hours: Banks open at 10 am and close at 3 pm (some banks extend their closing time to 4 pm). Cash extractions and other transactions may be made in ATMs, 24 hours a day.
For exchange rate you can check in http://www.dolarhoy.com/
Money Transfer: You can send or receive money from other countries using the services of Western Union (look for the nearest office in http://www.westernunion.com/ there are plenty of them in the city.) They only charge a comission for sending money. Money Gram also works through Banco Itau, and have a few offices in the city http://www.moneygram.com/.
Tipping: Tipping is a regular custom in Buenos Aires in bars, restaurants, hotels and delivery services. Tipping is around the 10% of the ticket. Taxi drivers are not expected to receive any tips, but they are welcome.

Comunications:
There are very few public phones in the streets, usually people use mobile phones. Argentina has more than 39 million cellular phones being used! All though the rates a very high compared to the USA or Europe. You can buy a prepaid cellular phone for as low as $120. The rate for the minute will be somewhere around 60 cents. Cards are sold in "Maxikioscos" and phone centers called "Locutorios".
The "locutorios" are excellent places they offer cabins with phones where you can sit and make all the phone calls you need, then pay your bill when you leave. Many of them also have computers with Internet. They charge around 2 pesos for the use of the computer for 1 hour.

Health: The most important health rule when you travel is to take care of what you eat and drink. Minor stomach upsets are the most frequently problem for travelers. The tap water of Buenos Aires is very safe for drinking and food is OK. Public Hospitals in Buenos Aires will attend all pacients for free. Generally doctors and nurses are excellent professionals, very well prepared.
First class private medicine is quite unexpensive compared to other contries, that is why so many people (argentines living abroad and foreigners) come to Buenos Aires for different medical procedures or to go to the dentist.
Dengue Fever: At this moment the dengue fever, a mosquito-spread disease is present in Argentina, specially in the north of the country. There is no prophylactic, but the best way to prevent it is to avoid any mosquito bite.

Working hours:
Shops :9-8 PM monday to friday - Saturday 9-12PM
Restaurants: 10AM to 12 PM
Malls: 10 AM to 10 PM
Supermarkets: 9 AM to 9 PM
Banks: 10AM to 3 PM
Bars: 7 PM to 3AM
Discos: 1AM to 6AM

Meals: Breakfast: 6AM to 10AM
Lunch: 12 to 2PM
Tea Time: 5PM to 7 PM
Dinner: 8:30PM to 12 PM

Transportation:
Taxis: They are all black with yellow on top. They are generally a safe way to move around. The taxi meter shows the fare for the trip. Just pay what the meter says, no more. You can tip the driver if you want but it is not mandatory!
Buses: They are commonly known as "Colectivos" and you can go everywhere in the city if you choose the right one! Bus stops generally have a sign with the route but if not a good thing is to is to ask in a newspaper kiosk or a policeman, they usually know which one to pick. The lowest fare is $1,10 and must be paid in coins. You tell the driver where you are going and he will display in the ticket machine the amount for you to introduce. For long distance trips there is the bus Terminal in the Retiro Area.
Subways: Buenos Aires has 6 metro lines. The "A" line is the oldest inagurated in 1913. Probably the oldest metro wagons still working in the whole world. All made of wood is like moving back to the begining of the 20th. century. The walls of hallways and statiosn of line "A" are decorated with painted tiles. If you have a chance make a trip in this line but avoid the rush hours, because they are crowded, but it is surely the fastest way to move around. The fare is $1,10 the trip and works from 5 AM to 10:30 PM.

Security: Buenos Aires is a safe city but you must take some precautions as in any big city in the world. Keep a constant eye in your bag and pockets. Don't use expensive jewelry and watches while walking in the streets, and if you do , cover them with your clothes. Try not to carry to much money with you, just what you need for the day or use credit card.
Try to avoid lonely places, specially at night.
When arriving in the airport, don´t take taxis offered as you pass by. Go to any of the kiosks offering tranfer services.
Don´t change currency in the streets, even though the deals are relly good. Go to a bank or exchange office.
There is a tourist Police Station located in Corrientes 436. Toll Free: 0-800-999-5000
Tourist assistance line toll free: 0-800-999-2838 Here you can report any problem you might have.

DISCOVER BUENOS AIRES CITY

Discover Buenos Aires City

If you are planning a trip to Argentina, Buenos Aires is a must!
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and one of the most interesting and exciting cities in the world, where anything can happen and will happen.
With more than 13 million people living here between the capital district and the suburbs , the place is a mixture of cultures that have blended together creating a unique stereotype: The “Porteño” which means man of the Port. inspired in Buenos Aires origin as Port.

History

Buenos Aires is quite a new city in America, It was first founded in 1536 by Pedro de Mendoza but the indians “Querandies” faught against them and destroyed complete the settlement.
Finally in 1580 Juan de Garay founded for the second time the city of Buenos Aires where the Plaza de Mayo is located now. It was called Santisima Trinidad and the port was called Santa Maria de los Buenos Aires. At first, surviving the constantly attacks of the indians was the only possible activity.

Leonie Mathis - Santa maria del Buen Aire atacada por los Querandies 1536 -

A fort was built where the actual Casa Rosada is now. From there they could control the River Plate from any ship sailing towards the city. Today you can visit the old fort museum underneath the government house.

Leonie Mathis - La Plaza mayor 1650 -

Even though Buenos Aires had an strategical location as a port it was clossed to commerce by the Government of Peru. For that reason smuggling was the second activity for surviving that desolated region.
Meanwhile all the cattle and horses brought by the conquerors from spain grew wild in the Pampas. The first settlers hunted this animals for some of its meat and skin, but soon realized it was an excellent product to trade with the English and Potuguese, which use the leather for army gear and the dry meat for food for the slaves.
In 1779 the Virreynato del Rio de la Plata was founded and Buenos Aires was no longer under the supervision of Peru. Commerce with Europe started to thrive and Buenos Aires turned to be the most important port in South America.

Leonie Mathis - La Plaza Mayor 1807 -

For many years Buenos Aires would confrontate with the other provinces but at last in 1880 the city was designated the National Capital of the Argentine Republic.

At that time a great mass of european inmigrants who flew from hunger and poverty arrived to Buenos Aires, serching for a new life. More than 3 million people arrived through the city port.
The city grew to be a wonderfull place, compared to cities like Paris. Architects from France and Italy designed most of the buildings following all the european trends. Unfortunately many of them were demolished, but still some places reminds of the early 20th century Paris streets.

Leonie Mathis - Demolicion de la Recova 1884 -

During the first decades of 20th. century, Buenos Aires turn to be the most important city in South America, with a flourishing economy, the future of the city was more than optimist. Unfortunately internal political events put a brake to that growth. Politics in Argentina has had a great influence in the everyday life generating periodicals ups and downs. We can say that we are in a constant crisis with a few peacefull "momentos".

Leonie Mathis -Plaza de Mayo 1920-

Today Buenos Aires has grown to be a cosmopolitan city, center of every political, cultural and social event of the country.

The paintings that show the different stages along the years of the Plaza de Mayo were painted by the french artist Leonie Mathis(1883-1952). She arrived to Buenos Aires in 1912 and became very fond of the Argentina's history and landscapes. Some of her paintings can be seen in the Cabildo, and other history museums in Buenos Aires.

La Casa Rosada Today

Geography

The city of Buenos Aires covers around 200 square kilometers, but the city extends through its heavily inhabited suburbs for 70 km more. The area of Buenos Aires lies on a plain known as the "Pampas", which might be the biggest fertile plain in the world, where crops and cattle grow so well that in the begining of the 20th. century Argentina was called the "world barn".
The climate is very pleasent all year round, with a few days of extreme weather a year. You may find a slight rainy season in spring or fall. With all this climate changes going on there might be some storms with strong winds and even hail, specially when the wind from the southest blows, but nothing to care about. In fact those seasons are the best for visiting Buenos Aires because most of the days are temperate and the vegetation bursts with colors.


Neighborhoods

Buenos Aires has actually 48 official neighborhoods, although the famous tango refers to 100. Each neighborhood has its own history, culture and characteristics and in the city you will find areas within a neighbourhood with its own name different from the official one. That is how you have a Barrio Norte inside the Recoleta neighborhood which is the area surrounding the commercial Avenue Santa Fe. Las Cañitas is a small area between Palermo and Belgrano. Palermo is nowadays divided in to different areas known as Palermo Chico a very exclusive place, Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood, Alto Palermo and Palermo Queens, all part of Palermo neighbourhood or surrounding areas. Abasto is the area nearby the new Shopping center Abasto, where the central market used to be, Congreso and Tribunales are the areas near the National Congress and the Justice Palace.
As a tourist you will only visit just a few neighborhoods. Probably San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Downtown, Recoleta and Palermo.
If you have enough time I recomend visiting other neigborhoods outside the city for a day trip, like San Isidro, Tigre o La Plata.