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Pre-Departure Handbook

Your Country Guide is your key to preparing for your program and understanding what to expect onsite. This tool is a result of constant feedback from student and parent evaluations as well as from the onsite directors who review these each year.

INTRODUCTION

Greetings from Sol Abroad,

You are about to embark on a life-changing experience. While abroad you will cultivate relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. Our mission is to provide you with an enriching and rewarding educational experience. As part of this mission we want to make sure that you have information about your program site before you leave.

Sol Abroad was founded under the principles of promoting cultural understanding and the lifelong study of foreign languages. While on your program you will learn about the unique cultures and people of the country you are studying in.

Please make sure you read this handbook, it is excellent preparation for your new adventure!

Thanks for choosing Sol Abroad!

PREPARING FOR YOUR PROGRAM

Before you leave on your program we suggest you do some research about Argentina. It can make your experience that much more enjoyable and enriching!

SUGGESTIONS:

• Read articles, books, and travel guides in order to familiarize yourself with the food, culture, and music (we recommend the Lonely Planet guidebook as a good source of information).
• Study the maps of Argentina and Buenos Aires at the end of this handbook.
• Keep a journal and blog documenting your experience abroad!
• Read the local newspapers!
  • Argentine Newspaper CLARIN
  • Argentina Travel Guide

PASSPORTS (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BELOW)

Your passport must be valid at least six months or longer beyond the return date of your trip. Some immigration officers may not allow you to enter the country otherwise. For stays under 90 days, you will be given a free Tourist Visa upon arrival in Argentina, allowing you to stay for up to 90 days on this Tourist Visa. Some immigration officers may attempt to give you less days than your stay (for example 25 days if you are staying 30 days) forcing you to renew your Tourist Visa in Buenos Aires, a procedure that is DIFFICULT AND TIME CONSUMING. It is your responsibility to make sure the immigration officer gives you the full 90 days. If the immigration officer attempts to give you anything LESS THAN the days you are staying, you must ask for assistance from another immigration officer and demand enough days to cover your stay. Our onsite director cannot help you with this because you are still inside immigration at this time. Therefore, if you have to later extend your Tourist Visa, you will be responsible for any fees incurred (of course, you will receive full director support).

TRAVEL VISAS

Summer or short term students do not need any special visa. For stays under 90 days you do not need a special visa to enter Argentina.

 New Argentina Reciprocity Fee for Visitors Entering Argentina

Like many countries are now doing, Argentina has started charging a new "Reciprocity Fee" to enter Argentina (this fee is in response to what the US charges visitors of Argentina when they enter the US).

You will have to pay online BEFORE arriving to Argentina and you will not be allowed to check-in to your flight in the US if you have not paid it.

RECIPROCITY FEE DETAILS:
Fee: USD $160.00 
Paying Online Instructions: These are the exact instructions from the U.S. Embassy in Argentina:

U.S. citizens visiting Argentina for tourism must pay a "reciprocity fee" of US$ 160. This "reciprocity fee" is not a visa, given that U.S. citizens do not require a visa when visiting Argentina. This amount is equivalent to what Argentines must pay when requesting a visa to enter the United States.

1. To pay the reciprocity fee, please click on the following link:https://virtual.provincianet.com.ar/ArgentineTaxes/Registro.aspx

NOTE: If you have problems with any of the steps please try a different browser (i.e. if you are using Opera and it doesn’t work use Firefox, etc.)

a) complete all fields and click "Sign Up" button
b) click the "Pay" button
c) click the "Accept" button
d) Register and fill out the form with your personal data and credit card information (Visa, American Express or Mastercard are accepted). The National Directorate of Immigration in Argentina will receive this information electronically.

2. Print the receipt. This receipt will be valid immediately, as soon as payment is made. We do not require a copy of your receipt.

3. Make sure you have this receipt when you check into your flight in the US, your airline will ask for it.

4. Upon arrival in Argentina, this receipt must be presented to immigration officers (The receipt will be scanned by the immigration control officers, who will verify the data and authorize entry to Argentina).

5. The fee is valid for 10 years from the date of payment, and for multiple entries for U.S. citizens, as established by the National Directorate of Immigration.

PLEASE NOTE:
- This fee only applies to citizens of the US, Canada & Australia.
- This payment transaction takes place in Argentina. Many US credit cards are not authorized to be used abroad and may deny the transaction. If this occurs, please just call your credit card and tell them you will be using this card abroad.

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Sol Abroad recommends that all students register with the US State Department while overseas: This is very simple to do. Please visit the website (www.travel.state.gov) to enter in the requested information.

Under the section titled “International Travel” (located on the bottom left hand side), click on the

“Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)” link. STEP (formerly known as “Travel Registration” or “Registration with Embassies”) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. You can read more about the benefits of this program on the website.

You will need an address and a telephone number to register. Please use the following info:

ADDRESS: Calle Hipólito Yrigoyen 571 Piso 4
Codigo Postal 1086
Capital Federal
Buenos Aires, Argentina
PHONE: +54-11-4345-5954

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Geographic Location Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay

Climate mostly temperate; arid in southeast, sub Antarctic in southwest

Climate Argentina has the rich plains of the Pampas in the northern half, the flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in the south, and the rugged Andes Mountains along its western border.

Climate Buenos Aries is located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata and is opposite Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. The landscape of the city and surrounding province is mainly flat with two low mountain ranges: Sierra de la Ventana and Sierra de Tandil.

Highest Point Cerro Aconcagua 6,960 meters (22,834 ft) is located in the northwestern corner of the province of Mendoza and is the largest mountain in the world outside of the Himalayas.

Governmental System Argentina has a presidential, republican, representative and federal government system. The country is divided into 23 provinces and one federal territory (the city of Buenos Aires) and each of them is self-governed.

Population of Argentina  41,884,081 (2014 estimate)

Population of Buenos Aires 2,891,082

People Most people from Buenos Aires (called porteños) have European ancestry. Spanish and Italian descent is the most common. Other European origins include German, Portuguese, Polish, Irish, French, Croatian and English. In the 1990s there was a small wave of immigration from Romania and Ukraine. There is a small minority of mestizos*, that date back to the Spanish colonial days, and has increased mostly as a result of immigration from the other provinces and from nearby countries such as Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay. There are also Arab (mostly Syrian and Lebanese) and Armenian communities in the city. The Jewish community of Buenos Aires numbers around 250,000 and is the largest Jewish community in Latin America. Most are of Eastern European origin. The first East Asian community in the city was the Japanese. Since the 1970s there has been an influx of immigration from China and Korea.

CLIMATE

The climate in Buenos Aires is strongly influenced by the ocean with hot summers and temperate winters. Humidity is high and precipitations are abundant and distributed over the year. Buenos Aires has a temperate climate and temperatures average around 35°C (94°F) in January to 10°C (50°F) in July. During the Northern Hemisphere summer months it is winter in Argentina. The winter days are normally mild and nice but a cold snap could come so always plan and pack accordingly!

SPANISH IN ARGENTINA

Spanish is the language that is spoken in almost all of Latin America. The accent in Buenos Aires is very unique and takes a little time to get used to. The two main differences are the use of "vos" to say "you" (normally "tu" in other countries) and the pronunciation of the Spanish "y" and "ll" (both of which are pronounced as the sound "sh" as in shout in English).

See the last page of this handbook for a Spanish speaking guide for travelers!

HOLIDAYS

TIME

GMT/UTC minus 3 hours. 2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time.

BUSINESS HOURS

Traditional business hours in Argentina are from 8 AM to 12:00 PM. Then there is a 3-4 hour break when people go home for lunch and a short siesta. After siesta shops reopen until 8 AM or 9 PM.  In Buenos Aires, however, shops in downtown and commercial areas are open from 9 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Shopping malls open every day from 10 AM to 10 PM. Banking hours are 10 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday.

PACKING RECOMMENDATIONS

Generally, Argentines dress very similarly to Americans. However, clothing brands and styles do set Argentines apart from Americans. We suggest you bring the clothes that you are normally used to wearing. The points below are a few things to keep in mind. Seasons are reversed in Argentina from what we are used to in the Northern Hemisphere. When it is winter in the US it is summer in Argentina and vice versa, please keep this in mind when packing. It is very similar to the winter weather in the Southern US. Definitely refer to the climate chart found at the beginning of this handbook. Also, in packing, remember that Buenos Aires is a very cosmopolitan city.

CLOTHING

• Pack light: leave a little room for the things you will buy while abroad!
• Warm hat, gloves, scarf, sweaters (Argentine winter months)
• Fleece or sweater for any trips to the countryside (Argentine winter months in general)
• Bring at least one outfit for going out. Argentines tend to dress up more when going out. Guys, make sure you have dressier shoes for this.
• Comfortable walking shoes. Make sure you break them in before your trip. Also, if you plan on jogging or doing any sports you’ll want to bring the appropriate footwear.
• Flip flops, typically you have one pair for inside the home. House shoes are an important part of Hispanic cultures

MISCELLANEOUS

• Small duffel or backpack for weekend or afternoon trips
• Towel & Toiletries
• Camera and batteries/charger
• School supplies: Notebook, pens, pencils, English-Spanish Dictionary, planner for homework
• Something to use as alarm clock
• Compact umbrella

LAPTOPS

You can definitely bring your laptop! This is great for communication (especially Skype). Increasingly you will find WiFi at the homestay, the school, and at cafés in town. Please be careful, though! This is an item that can get stolen or damaged easily so just be careful with it. Remember, you do not always have to carry your laptop with you, in fact we highly recommend you do not travel with it locally. There are computer labs at the school and Internet cafés all over town so sometimes it’s easier to just use a public computer when you are away from your homestay.

CARRY-ON

Bring an extra pair of clothes & toothbrush in case your luggage gets lost or delayed by your airline.

MEDICAL/SAFETY ITEMS

Bring any prescription drugs that you may use. Make sure they are labeled and if possible, carry your doctor's prescription in the event that customs officials question you about it. This is rare, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

EXCURSIONS

Excursions are a fundamental part of the abroad experience and are included in all summer programs unless stated as optional. We carefully select weekend excursions that allow you to discover more about the country in which you are studying and are selected based on cultural and educational importance or sites of natural beauty. Entrance and transportation fees are always included. Before any excursion your director will go over the itinerary of the trip and what you should pack. If you have a guide book it can make it more interesting to read about the excursion before you leave, the Lonely Planet or similar guides are excellent options.

Argentine Cowboy Ranch

Escape from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires for a weekend excursion to the quiet of the southern Pampas, defined by peaceful villages and breathtaking terrain. This is an ideal excursion to the lands of the mythical Gaucho, or Argentine cowboy, a symbol of the Pampas. We will visit an area offering some of the most diverse and impressive landscapes found anywhere. Here you will experience wild scenery highlighted by valleys, inviting forests, and clear-flowing streams. It is the ideal location for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and biking. We will explore local parks and bike trails that wind through pristine forests. Later, we will visit a typical Argentine estancia, or ranch, and enjoy the famous asado, the Argentine barbeque. If time allows we will visit local communities with their small town charm and quaint shops.

Colonia, Uruguay

Cross the immense Río de la Plata, the widest river in the world, into the Uruguayan town of Colonia. Founded in 1680, Colonia was the only Portuguese settlement ever established along the river. Here it served as a contraband port against the Spanish. Due to its Portuguese past, the town has a very different feel than that of any Spanish colonial city. Today, Colonia’s narrow cobblestone streets and colonial homes are reminiscent of historic Lisbon, Portugal and this unique flavor has earned the town the distinction as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

El Tigre Boat Ride and the Delta Islands

Visit the fascinating river town of El Tigre, located on the banks of the Río de la Plata. Here, the Paraná and Uruguay rivers flow into Río de la Plata, making it the third largest estuary in the world. The region is known as the Delta and El Tigre is the main town. In the Delta, life is the river. People live on the hundreds of islands in the waters around El Tigre and to get anywhere, you must go by boat. We will visit the colonial town of El Tigre, with its famous weekend Fruit Market, and the 200 year-old riverbank mansions of San Isidro. We will also take a boat trip along the mystical river passing countless islands covered with beautiful vegetation and rich in wildlife. Along the way you will see homes built on stilts, typical of the area. This is a unique experience and a voyage into a world unaffected by the bustle of modernity.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Cultural activities are an important part of your experience. You will learn so much by going to classes but you’ll learn just as much, if not more, outside of the classroom. These activities are designed to enhance your experience and show you more of what the site has to offer! Your director will announce the weekly cultural activities every week during your meetings. For summer programs there are 3 cultural activities a week. Cultural activities can include, but are not limited to:

• Tango Performances
• Museum Visits
• Soccer Match
• Buenos Aires City Tour
• Boca Neighborhood Tour
• Recoleta Cemetery Tour
• San Telmo Market Tour
• Theater Night
• Tango Dance Classes
• Salsa & Merengue Classes
• Yoga Classes
• Festivals
• Cooking Classes
• Movie Night

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arriving to an airport overseas is arriving into the unknown! Do not worry, one of your program directors will be there waiting for you when you arrive. This is why we request a photo of you before you depart. You will fly into the Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini de Ezeiza (EZE) which is roughly 22 miles south of Buenos Aires. It is a major airport serving most international airlines as well as being the main hub for Argentina’s two largest carriers. Despite everyone’s best planning, flight delays, bad weather, and other unforeseen circumstances can impact your meeting with your director at the airport. If for whatever reason, you do not meet your director, just use the phone numbers given to you to contact them. Please stay at the airport until we find you. Here is some important information about the airport:

Terminals and Check-In:

The airport has three terminals the International (A), Aerolineas Argentinas (B) and National (C) Terminals. The International (A) is for international carriers, The National Terminal provides services for a number of small domestic and regional carriers and Aerolineas Argentinas is for the two main Argentinean airlines. Free shuttle services are provided between Terminals A and B.

Airport facilities:

The airport has a number of eating options: from small cafés to a more elegant dining experience. There are the usual shops plus a medical center located in Terminal A. There are also two pharmacies available.

Shopping and money:

Terminal A has an ATM on the lower level and money exchange services are also present in both Terminal A and B. There are also three banks on site.

Information:

The main information desk is located on the ground level of the International Terminal. However customer service staff is readily available (look out for staff wearing red jackets). Lost luggage claim is located on the ground floor of Terminal A next to customer service. Ezeiza Airport

MONEY

Argentina uses the Argentine Peso (ARS) the symbol is the $. To find the most up-to-date conversion please visit XE. We suggest that you travel with a credit or debit card. You could also bring some cash that you can exchange at the airport. Whenever you exchange money you will need your passport.

 ATMS

This is the easiest way to get local currency. ATMs are very common. Check with your bank beforehand to see if there are any international charges for extracting cash overseas, some banks may charge up to $5 USD every time you extract money. Although this may seem expensive, it is worth the convenience. We DO NOT recommend taking large sums out when you use the ATM.

 CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards are widely accepted. Some stores apply a 10% surcharge over the cash value. Check with your credit card company beforehand to see if there are any extra international charges and to let them know that you are traveling overseas. Credit cards have a foreign currency conversion fee which is usually from 1% to 3%. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Argentina. Capital One is the only credit card at the moment that charges no foreign currency conversion fee.

*Remember to call your credit/debit card provider before you leave to let them know you are traveling overseas. If you do not, it is possible they will place a temporary hold on your card (to protect from theft) and you will not be able to use it.

 TRAVELER’S CHECKS

We recommend you DO NOT bring any traveler's checks, because they can be difficult to exchange and are not widely accepted. Debit/ATM cards are the easiest way to get local Argentine pesos. If for some reason your debit card is not working or is lost or stolen you can still use the Traveler’s checks. You will need your passport to exchange Traveler’s Checks.

 SPENDING MONEY 

You will want to bring some extra spending money with you. We suggest about $100-$150 per week. This money is for souvenirs & gifts, meals that are not included or extra activities that you may do during excursions.

LOST OR STOLEN CASH OR CREDIT CARDS

If you were ever in an emergency situation that you needed money (such as if you lost your wallet) just let your onsite director know! We will definitely assist you financially until your situation can be resolved.

TIPS

It is customary to leave 10% of the total bill as a tip at cafés, bars and restaurants.

ELECTRICITY

Argentina uses 220 V AC at 50 Hz. Argentina uses the European two-prong and the Australian slanted plugs on most wall electrical outlets.  If you bring an electronic device, you will need a converter and adapter plug. Be wary of plugging electrical items in from the US—check to make sure the item can handle the different electrical current. Hairdryers brought from the US, for example, often short out. We recommend you buy a hair dryer or straighter upon arrival. Most new electronics, such as digital cameras, and laptops are of the 110 V AC – 240 V AC range. If the electrical plug they use has a small box on the cord then you have the built-in converter. Make sure to read the label and manual on your device BEFORE plugging it in, the Argentine 220 V will destroy any other device if you do not use a converter. You can purchase an inexpensive adaptor plug locally in Argentina (this plug can be expensive to purchase in the US).

COMMUNICATION

EMAIL

Internet cafés are very common in Buenos Aires. Keeping in contact with friends and family is a great way to share your experience. Just remember, though, it can take away from your Spanish learning. Attempt to write as little as possible in English while you are there. At least half of the host families have wireless internet in their homes and there are many Internet cafés all over the city!

PHONES

LAND LINES

You can make and receive phone calls from your host family’s home phone. Out of courtesy please let your family know when you use the phone. Just make sure you use a calling card. Major calling cards (such as AT&T and MCI) can be used in Argentina. You can also purchase calling cards in Argentina as you need them. When talking with friends and family in the states we suggest calling collect and then having your friends and family call you back at the host family’s house. Rates are cheaper this way. 

CELL PHONES

CELLHIRE (cellphone rental service)

Sol Education Abroad provides our students with a local cell phone rental option that will be delivered to your home before you travel. The cell phones are rented through Cellhire, based in Dallas, TX. SOL covers the rental fee and all you have to do is decide if you want to sign up for the phone or not!

If you sign up for the local phone, you will only be responsible for any of the usage charges (rate details located on the SOL-Cellhire webpage).

This option will be 30%-65% more cost effective than roaming with your domestic provider. Along with the local phone, Cellhire also has additional voice and data or data only options (iPhone SIM cards and mobile hotspots) that you can rent at your own expense.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Simply register online via this website: www.cellhire.com/sol
2) Select your program, and enter your corresponding promo code: summer14hs

The phone will be mailed to your home address prior to departure so please make sure to allow yourself time to get the cell phone before you leave. For free shipping, you must register at least 3 weeks prior to your program start date.

Any questions regarding the phones please contact Cellhire at: 877 244 7242 OR email [email protected]

YOUR PERSONAL CELL PHONE:

If you take your personal cell phone abroad, please call your US Cell Phone service provider and ask them what your current plan covers internationally or what they can offer you for international rates so that you are not surprised later by international charges.

SKYPE

Skype is a great system and one you can use in Internet cafés or from the homestay if there is Internet When both parties have Skype (for voice only or face-to-face) the service is free of charge! All you need to do is download and install it on your computer. Skype can also be used for outgoing and incoming calls and even sending texts for a small charge. Skype

HOST FAMILIES

The host family is one of the best parts of your experience in Buenos Aires! This will be your greatest and most intimate contact with the culture and people of Argentina. Families in Buenos Aires are middle-class by Argentine standards. Most people in Buenos Aires live in apartments rather than houses. Remember, you may not be the only foreign student in the home. Sometimes families work with other programs and if they have multiple rooms, they may have someone else living there. If this is the case, talk to you director onsite if you have any problems with the housing.

HOST FAMILY GIFT

We encourage you to bring a small gift for your host family to present to them when you arrive. A present is a nice way to break the ice and share some of your local US culture with your Tico family. Some examples of gifts students have given in the past are family-style board games (that don’t require a language), local treats like preserves, candies, or maple syrup, a coffee-table photo book of their hometown, or a dry baking mix like blueberry muffins, biscuits, or scones.

For some student feedback & examples of Host Family Gifts from alumni, check out this article: Un Regalo For Your Host Family!

Some suggestions when living with your family:

• Bring photos of your family/friends/hometown to share.
• Make sure you let your host family know if you won’t be home for a meal.
• Spend time with your family. If they invite you to do something take advantage of this. The more time you spend with your family the better your Spanish will get.
• Be respectful. You are a guest in their home.
• Utilities are expensive in Argentina! Turn off lights when you are not in a room; please be conservative of your water use when taking a shower.

Your director will go over host family rules and regulations more extensively onsite.

MEALS

You will share most of your meals with your host family. You will eat what they eat.  They will accommodate any needs or preferences you may have.  However, please remember that the food will be different to what you are used to eating in the US. Dinner is much later in Argentina than in the US. On the weekdays you will have lunch (included) at a local café right around the corner from school.

LAUNDRY

Your host family will wash your sheets and towels once a week. Every family is different in regards to laundry and your host mother will go over this your first day. Some families will do the laundry for you and with others you are responsible for washing your clothes. They will indicate how and where it is possible to do.

CULTURAL DO?S AND DON?TS

DO´S

• Talk with older people. Older people are respected in Argentina and have lots to share.
• Say “yes” if people offer you food in their home, unless you really, really don’t want it.
• Share your experiences in conversation.
• When greeting women give a kiss on one check (their right cheek). You touch your right cheek to their right cheek, and make a kissing sound. If it is someone that you are really close to, such as a good friend or family member, you may actually kiss their right cheek with your lips. It is up to you.
• Make an effort to speak Spanish.
• Interact with your host family (for example, hang out with them on a Sunday afternoon).
• Try the foods your host family gives you before deciding if it's something you don’t like.
• Ask to use the phone first.

DON’TS

• Do not slam doors (especially car doors!).
• Do not assume things since you are a traveler in a foreign country. Always be extra aware and pay close attention when you are on the streets.
• Do not say that you are American (Americano); you are from the United States (Estados Unidos).
• If you are female do not go out alone--especially with all guys.
• Be aware of Argentinean driving habits. Let the cars go first, Argentineans do not necessarily stop for pedestrians.
• Do not trust strangers or walk home alone after 10 PM. It’s best to take a cab.
• Do not walk in the house barefoot. Make sure you have a pair of flip flops for wearing inside.

TOILETS

In some older buildings in Argentina plumbing often has very low pressure and small pipes. Because of this you should not put toilet paper in the toilet as it can easily clog. If this is the case you will see a trash can next to the toilet for you to dispose of toilet paper. This is less and less common but something to be aware of.

TYPICAL DAY

This is an EXAMPLE of a typical weekday. Some classes start earlier or later than listed below.

8:00 AM                Wakeup and have breakfast with your family

8:45 AM                Leave for school

8:00 AM                Classes begin

10:45 AM                 Mid-morning break

11:15 AM                Return to class.

12:00 PM                Classes end. Check email, visit shops, write in your journal, hang out with friends

12:30 PM                 Lunch

2:00 PM                 Meet for a cultural activity

ACADEMICS

You will find that the teaching style in other countries is different than what you are used to in the US. If you have any concerns or questions about this when you are in Buenos Aires, please ask your director. Our directors are always available for tutoring and any other assistance you may need concerning the academic component of the program.

Your classes are taught at the Academia de Buenos Aires. The Academy is located in a historical building in downtown Buenos Aires near the Plaza de Mayo, one of the most famous parts of Buenos Aires. Classes are normally 3 to 5 students per teacher.

VOLUNTEER

Our programs include volunteer and community service opportunities. We believe there is no better way to give back and develop a deep cultural understanding than by doing volunteer work while abroad.

We offer several unique volunteer opportunities at each site, such as assisting at nutrition centers, teaching English, or any other local service-oriented program. Community service is one of the best ways to give back to the community.

Examples of Volunteering can be (but are not limited to):

• Comedor los Pibes: an autonomous cooperative organization which takes care of children. Volunteers who are able to offer special workshops are specially needed! For example English, music, theatre, hairdressing, dance and crafts workshops. Social workers, psychologists, educators and kindergarten teachers are welcome as well.
• Un Techo Para Mi Pais: While on the project students work alongside Uruguayan high school students to construct wood homes for families in extremely poor neighborhoods on the outskirts of Montevideo, Uruguay.
• San Martin: This foundation receives donations in the form of food from large companies and distributes them to social institutions and soup kitchens throughout Buenos Aires.
• Province San Isidro: This is a civil association that counts three homes for orphans or children, whose parents cannot care for them.
• Teaching English to Argentina children in a public elementary school

SOL DIRECTOR

 Your director is there to help you with many aspects of the program! Their main duties include:

• Orientate and guide the students in Buenos Aires
• Airport transfers
• Making sure that your accommodations are suitable and that you are happy with your family
• Make sure that your classes are appropriate
• Organize cultural activities
• Organize excursions
• Support students in finding volunteer work
• Support students in finding activities and events that interest them
• Accompany students to the doctor
• Your director is available to listen to  and welcomes requests, comments or suggestions about the program
• Director availability: Your onsite director will be available at your school before & after classes every single day of the first week. After that, your director will normally be available every other day at school and during activities and excursions.  Your onsite director will always be available via an appointment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Argentina is a very healthy country for travelers! The main things you should be aware of are personal safety and theft as Buenos Aires is a large city but no more dangerous than any other city such as Los Angeles or Washington, D.C.

PICKPOCKETS

You should never carry around large amounts of cash, your passport, or credit cards unless you have to and whenever you travel, you should be wary of pickpockets. Despite our warnings, every year students get pick pocketed.  Guys, NEVER keep money in your back pocket.

THEFT

Never leave things unlocked and try to keep valuable items out of sight when walking around the city or if you leave them at your home. Never be too trusting!

UNWANTED ATTENTION

Never walk home alone at night and be sure to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Cabs are inexpensive in Argentina, whenever in doubt always take a cab! Make sure to take the Radio Taxi (black with yellow top). Avoid walking in large groups of foreigners. Use the buddy system especially at night.

Cat Calls/Piropos

In Argentina it is not uncommon for strangers or even local friends to make the commonly known gesture of “cat calling”. Either hollering across the street or the most common is yelling out of a moving car. These comments are called “piropos”. Most of the time it is non-threatening and what Argentine’s (and Latino’s in general) consider “playful”. The best method for dealing with this is to ignore them. Making any sort of faces, physical movements, and ESPECIALLY shouting back, will only reinforce and invite them to make more calls, and even to follow you.

TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE

While with Sol Abroad you have the option of using your own health insurance or using the Sol Abroad policy (included in your program price). If your insurance provider DOES cover you internationally, make sure to only use your policy and not ours (insurance companies do not allow you to have two policies). If your insurance provider DOES NOT cover you internationally, make sure you specify this in the form called "Insurance Verification". Sol Abroad’s insurance policy will cover absolutely any medical expenses internationally up to USD $50,000 with MultiNational Underwriters. To verify your coverage, simply call your US insurance provider and tell them that you will be overseas and they will let you know whether or not you are covered internationally and the amount of coverage. Provide your insurance company the exact dates of the program in which you are enrolled. Get the details from them in the event you need to go to the doctor while abroad. If you do use the Sol Abroad insurance please note that pre-existing conditions are not covered, so check with your domestic provider about this before leaving. If you take prescription medication with you make sure that you have a doctor’s prescription in the event that customs officials question you about it. This is rare, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

HELPFUL WORDS & PHRASES

GREETINGS:

Hello Hola

Good Morning ¡Buenos días!

Good Day ¡Buen día!

Good Evening Buenas tardes

Good Night    Buenas noches

How are you ¿Cómo estás?

Fine Bien

Very well Muy bien

So-So Más o menos

What’s your name? ¿Cómo te llamas? (Como se llama usted?)

My name is Me llamo

I live in Vivo en

I am from Soy de

This is my Este es mi _______.

Nice to meet you Mucho gusto/Encantada/o

Thank You Gracias

Friend amigo/a                     

Mother madre/mamá                                  

Father padre/papá    

Sister hermana          

Roommate compañero/a de piso

Teacher maestro/a

Aunt    tia

Uncle  tio

Grandmother abuela

Grandfather abuelo

You’re Welcome De nada

Excuse me (usted) perdone/disculpe

THE QUESTION WORDS (INTERROGATIVES):

Who ¿Quién?

What ¿Qué? 

When ¿Cuándo? 

Where ¿Dónde? 

How ¿Cómo?

How much ¿Cuánto/a? 

How much does it cost?  ¿Cuanto cuesta?

How many ¿Cuántos/as? 

Which ones ¿Cuáles?

DIRECTIONS:

Where is?  ¿Dónde está?

Excuse me, where is the_____? Disculpe, dónde está el/la_____________?

Where are the taxis? ¿Dónde están los taxis?

Where is the bus? ¿Dónde está el autobus?

Whereisthesubway/metro? ¿Dónde está el metro?

Is it near? ¿Está cerca?

Is it far? ¿Está lejos?

Go straight ahead Siga recto.

Go that way Vaya en aquella dirección.

Go back/return Vuelva

Turn right Gire a la derecha

Turnleft Gire a la izquierda

Take me to this address, please Lléveme a esta dirección, por favor

What is the fare?  ¿Cuánto es la tarifa?

Stop here, please Deténgase aquí, por favor.

Does this bus go to Los Osos Street? ¿Pasa este autobús por la calle de los Osos?

A map of the city, please Un plano (una mapa) de la ciudad, por favor.

A subwaymap, please Un plano (una mapa) del metro, por favor.

SHOPPING:

How much does it cost?  ¿Cuánto cuesta?

What time does the store open? ¿A qué hora abre la tienda?

At what time does the store close? ¿A qué hora cierra la tienda?

What would you like? ¿Qué está buscando?

Can I help you? ¿Necesita alguna ayuda?

I would like this Me gustaría esto.

Here it is Aquí lo tiene.

Is that all? ¿Es todo?

I'd like to pay in cash Me gustaría pagar en efectivo.

I'd like to pay by credit card Me gustaría pagar con tarjeta de crédito.

Women's clothes ropa para mujeres/damas

Men's clothes ropa para hombres

blouse, skirt, dress blusa, falda, vestido

pants, shirt, tie pantalones, camisa, corbata

shoes and socks zapatos y calcentines

jeans vaqueros/Blue Jeans

bookstore librería

bakery panadería

market mercado

supermarket supermercado

Can you recommend a good restaurant? ¿Me recomienda algún restaurante?

A table for two, please Una mesa para dos, por favor.

The menu, please La carta, por favor.

appetizers primer plato

main course plato principal

dessert postre

I would like something to drink Me gustaría algo para beber/tomar.

A glass of water, please Un vaso de agua, por favor.

A cup of tea, please Un té, por favor.

A coffee with milk Un café con leche.

I am a vegetarian Soy un/a vegetariano/a.

Do you have a vegetarian dish? ¿Tiene algún plato vegetariano?

That's all Eso es todo.

The check, please la cuenta, por favor.

Is the tip included? ¿Incluye la propina?

Breakfast desayuno

Lunch almuerzo

Dinner cena

Snack merienda

Enjoy the meal ¡Buen provecho!

To your health ¡Salud!

It's delicious! ¡Está riquísima!

It tastes good es muy rico

Plate plato

Fork tenedor

Knife cuchillo

Spoon cuchara

Napkin servilleta

Cup/mug taza

Glass vaso

Bottle botella

Ice hielo

Salt sal

Pepper pimienta

Sugar azúcar

Soup sopa

Salad ensalada

Bread pan

Butter mantequilla

Noodles fideos

Rice arroz

Cheese queso

Vegetables verduras

Chicken pollo

Pork cerdo

Meat carne

Beef 

MAPS OF ARGENTINA AND BUENOS AIRES

Safe travels! And see you soon in Argentina!

Safe travels! And see you soon in Argentina!

the Sol Education Abroad team