Summer in Argentina: Agriculture & Ecosystems
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 has 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. However 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 Senora Santa Maria 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 Colon, 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 Peron 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 find 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 found 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.
