Semester in Argentina: Latin American Studies
Host Country & City
Argentina is one of South America's most popular study abroad
destinations thanks to its unique combination of trendy urban
destinations such as Buenos Aires and stunning natural beauty.
Bordered
from east to west by Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile,
Argentina has been throughout its history one of Latin America's most
prosperous nations having benefitted from a huge influx of European
immigrants, foreign direct investment and a strong agricultural-based
export-led economy during the end of the 19th century. Despite an
economic slowdown during the late 20th century, Argentina still remains
one of the region's most important financial and political centers.
Argentina
is blessed with attractions for people of all ages. The majestic Iguazu
Falls, Perito Moreno's enchanting glaciers, Bariloche and its
world-class skiing facilities, the summit of Aconcagua Mountain, and
the country's innumerable beach resorts where locals parade the latest
trends in European fashion are only few of the many beauties offered to
tourists. But it is Buenos Aires'the crown jewel of South America'which
deserves heaps of praise for its lovely European architecture, wild
nightlife and gourmet restaurants, and important contributions to art,
literature and music.
Buenos Aires
For
decades known as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires is an idyllic
city that combines Europe's charm with Latin America's flair for the
dramatic.
Originally founded as Ciudad de Nuestra Señora Santa MarÃa del Buen
Ayre in 1536, Buenos Aires today is Argentina's capital and, as its largest city,
has a population of well over 13 million. Besides serving as the country's political
and financial center, the city is world renowned for its dedication and contribution
to the arts. The sensuous tango originated among European immigrants in Buenos
Aires at the turn of the 20th century, while the Teatro Colón, one of the
world's most important opera houses, has been blessed with performances by Plácido
Domingo, Astor Piazzola, Luciano Pavarotti and Maria Callas, among dozens of other
remarkable musicians. During the past years, tours have been designed to retrace
the steps of famous Buenos Aires residents such as tango sensation Carlos Gardel,
former First Lady Evita Perón and short story master Jorge Luis Borges.
In
addition to its cultural vivacity, Buenos Aires is a comfortable city
where students will feel at ease and with a multitude of opportunities
to practice their Spanish and experience the life of a Latin American
megalopolis. Transportation within the city is facilitated by an
excellent metro system as well as trains, taxis and buses that
comprehensively cover downtown Buenos Aires and its suburbs.
Restaurants'where you can taste Argentina's famous beef'and coffee
shops are spilled throughout the city, while high-end shopping centers
and supermarkets, movie theaters, nightclubs and sporting events, such
as thrilling first division football matches at Boca Juniors' La
Bombonera Stadium, abound.
This vibrant yet refined lifestyle,
cultural and historical importance, and plethora of options - for the
most part inimitable elsewhere in the Americas'has made Buenos Aires
one of Latin America's most important tourist attractions and student
destinations.
