Argentina Dossier 2012

ARGENTINA
Argentina offers a wealth of opportunities for
the curious traveler. From the stunning Iguaçu
Falls in the north, to ‘the city at the end of the
world’, Ushuaia, Argentina is blessed with
fantastic sightseeing. Substantial immigration
from Europe means the country has a unique
European flair which is reflected in its
architecture, art and way of life, all of which
are distinct from the other Latin American
countries. Argentina’s population of 38 million
is famous for being fashionable, open and
welcoming - it’s no wonder people from all
over the globe flock to this spectacular
country.
Córdoba
In this dossier you will find information about the four
Argentinean schools, in addition to specific details
about
the
programs,
activities
and
accommodation available at each.
Schools
Buenos Aires
Pg.2
http://www.donquijote.org/english/la/buenosaires.asp
Córdoba
Pg.3
http://www.donquijote.org/english/la/cordoba.asp
Mendoza
Pg.4
http://www.donquijote.org/english/la/mendoza.asp
Bariloche
Buenos Aires
Pg.5
http://www.donquijote.org/english/la/bariloche.asp
Programs
Pg.6
Accommodation
Pg.7
Transport
Pg.7
For more information, please visit our websites,
shown above, or contact:
infocentral@donquijote.org
Mendoza
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Dossier 2012
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Buenos Aires
A lively, complex and
cosmopolitan capital,
Buenos Aires is known as
the Paris of the continent and enjoys the reputation of being one of the most
influential cities in terms of art trends, and education in South America.
The city´s structure is nearly as varied as its culture and heritage and is made up of
individual neighbourhoods each with its own character. From the brightly painted
houses in La Boca, to San Telmo with its rustic tango bars, and Puerto Madero with
its glass skyscrapers, Buenos Aires offers a wealth of attractions.
THE SCHOOL
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Opportunities to immerse yourself in Argentinean
culture abound in Buenos Aires. And not only are
they great fun, but also one of the best ways to aid
language acquisition. Below are just a few
suggestions:
• Handicraft market at San Isidro
• Evita’s grave at Cementario de la Recoleta
• National Congress
• Tren de la Costa - travel along the Rio de la
Plata coast
• ‘Fiesta Gaucha’ or ‘Asado Argentino’ - enjoy
a traditional Argentinean roast meat
• Opera concerts at world renowned Teatro
Colón
• Tango shows
• Watch a football match at the famous
stadium in the La Boca neighborhood
Our partner school in Buenos Aires, is
situated in the fantastic Belgrano district, one of the most emblematic areas of Buenos Aires. The school is situated in a well
eauipped independent building and is near to a wide range of
shops, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and bars, as well as just 20
minutes away from the famous bohemian district of San Telmo.
It has excellent facilities including multimedia classrooms, a tango room and an equipped kitchen.
EXCURSIONS
Day trips are easy from Buenos Aires, as there is lots to see and
do in the surrounding areas, including:
• Colonia, one of the most picturesque and historic sites in
Uruguay, Colonia is just a short ferry-ride away
a tranquil bicentenary city with a
spectacular lagoon
If you fancy traveling slightly further a field, you might consider a
weekend trip to:
• Mar del Plata, a city about 400 KM from Buenos Aires.
Sights include the Museo de la Plata, the El Paraiso wildlife
park, the Aquarium and Punta Mogotes Beach
• Delta del Tigre, take a boat trip on the Tigre River, tour the
Nation’s Naval Museum, take a shopping tour around the
fruit market or visit the Martín García Island.
• Chascomús,
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Dossier 2012
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Córdoba
Córdoba
is
located
near
the
geographical center of Argentina, in the
foothills of the Sierra Chicas mountains
on the Suquía River, about 700 KM
northwest of Buenos Aires. The city has a
population of over 1.3 million inhabitants
making it Argentina's second largest city.
Known as La Docta due to the presence of many students, the active
intellectual university life continues to influence and shape the history and the
culture of the city. Due to the geographical location of the city, Córdoba
makes an excellent base for those who enjoy adventures in the outdoors.
There is great hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and kayaking in the
beautiful rivers and mountains only 30 minutes away.
If outdoor activities do not interest you, there are numerous other attractions, such as the colonial
district, Latin America’s second oldest university, the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, plenty of
modern art and history museums as well as traditional tango bars, and confiterias (tea rooms). The city is
also host to many antique shops, art showrooms, and a huge local craft market, while, if you enjoy lively
nightlife you will love dancing until dawn in the city’s pubs and discos.
EXCURSIONS
Half-Days
• Jesus Maria and Colonia Caroya, be dazzled
by the Old Jesuit estancia (ranch) and casa,
designated as World Heritage Sites
• Alta Gracia, with a rich historical heritage,
there are many things to see including
Tajamar, an artificial lake constructed by the
Jesuits and the house where Che Guevara
used to live
Day Trips
• Valle de Punilla, stunning lakes and valleys
make this one of the most beautiful places to
visit in the Córdoba province
• Valle de Traslasierra, offers an extraordinary
environment with a mild climate, pure air and
clear blue skies situated at the bottom of the
impressive Cerro Champaquí, the highest
peak in the province
Weekend Trips
• The North, traditional rural vistas mingle with
red sandstone landscapes, streams, the deep
green of carob trees, white “quebrachos”
and palm groves - beautiful!
• Mar Chiquita, proclaimed a Provincial Natural
Reserve, this diverse environment is home to a
great number and variety of birds,
including the pink flamingo.
THE SCHOOL
Location
The new Spanish school in Cordoba is newly renovated,
nicely decorated and very comfortable. Moreover, it is
located in the city center, just five minutes away from
the main square and very close to the central shopping district.
Facilities:
Services:
— 8 spacious classrooms
• First day welcome lunch and city tour
— Audio and video room
• Weekly calendar with cultural and fun
— Students meeting room
• activities
— Teachers room
— Equipped kitchen
• Free Internet access — WiFi
— Ping-pong and football table
• Free access to kitchenette
— Garden with barbecue grill
• Free coffee, tea, milk, and refrigerated
water.
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Dossier 2012
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Mendoza is a small city in the west of
Argentina.
With
about
110,000
inhabitants, it is a frequent stopover for
climbers heading up Aconcagua (the
highest mountain in the Western
Hemisphere) or for other outdoor
activities such as mountaineering, hiking, rafting and horse riding. This
picturesque city features five main plazas and wide tree-lined avenues, with
many bars and coffee houses. Mendoza Province also hosts one of the largest
ski resorts in South America as well as many rivers, valleys, mountains, and
world renowned vineyards.
Mendoza
Visitors’ favourite activities include touring the wineries and national parks, or
participating in water sports, such as windsurfing, fishing, water-skiing, or
sailing, which can all be enjoyed a few kilometres away from the city. For
those hungry for more adventure, rapids descending from the Andes are the perfect spot for white
water rafting and kayaking. Transportation is available if you are interested in heading to the Andes.
Moreover, Mendoza is well-equipped with good public transport services.
EXCURSIONS
Half-Days:
• Parque San Martin, this national park is famous for its indigenous
horticulture and houses a zoo and national science museum. Also
visit the soccer stadium built for the World Cup and have a go at
hang gliding!
• Acuario Municipal de Mendoza, the first in the country, this aquarium
houses a wide variety of fish, amphibians and reptiles
• Puente del Inca, the Inca Bridge near Mendoza is on the route taken
by ancient people traveling from the Andes to the sea. It is a natural
formation over the Cuevas River. Nowadays it is possible to visit the
ancient thermal baths and to bathe in the hot waters
• Reserva Natural Villavicencio, 45 KM from the city and covering
160,000 acres, the Reserva was created to protect biological,
historical, cultural and archeological diversity. The Villavicencio hot
springs, at 1,800 meters above sea level, are famous for their healing
properties
Weekend Trips:
• The State Park of Aconcagua, a natural wonder, Aconcagua's peak
is the highest in the Western Hemisphere
• Uspallata Pass to the border with Chile - one of the most spectacular
trips to be made from Mendoza
• Laguna del Diamante, in the south of Mendoza province lies a mirror
of bluish-green water reflecting a magnificent Maipu Volcano
THE
SCHOOL
Location
Our school is in a neat renovated house
ideally situated to the south of the citycenter, 20 blocks away from the main
square. It has easy access to public transportation, and is
just 5 blocks from the Aristides Villanueva Avenue, wellknown for its restaurants, night clubs, pubs and
international hostels. You will also find the city’s most
important monuments, the ‘Parque Cívico’, City Hall and
‘Casa de Gobierno’ very close by.
Facilities
• 8 spacious classrooms
• Meeting room for breaks and free time
• Kitchen where coffee and tea are served
• Multimedia room with audio and video facilities
• Computer room with free Internet access
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Dossier 2012
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Bariloche
Bariloche is a city in the province
of Río Negro, situated in the
foothills of the Patagonian Andes
and surrounded by lakes and
mountains.
Known as the little Switzerland of Argentina, the city of Bariloche lies in a
valley that enjoys the reputation of having the best and largest ski resorts,
including Cerro Capital - one of the most important resorts in South America.
Trekking in the mountains, almost completely wild and uninhabited with the
exception of a few high-mountain huts, is also a popular activity.
The region is also home to indigenous communities which still preserve their
unique languages and cultures. Bariloche is in a continental cold weather
zone with a dry season. Average temperatures range from 2º C (36º F) in the
winter to 16º C (61º F) in the summer.
EXCURSIONS
Half-Days:
• Circuito Chico takes you westward
along the shore of the lake and up
to the Punto Panorámico, with its
breathtaking views over the water
toward Chile. It offers multiple
activities including walking along
paths
through
the
woods,
horseback riding, climbing slopes,
and beaches
Day Trips:
• Circuito Grande, on this 250km tour
you can see the picturesque Limay
River
and
traverse
ancient
mountain paths such as the
Cardenal Samoré Pass, the Chile
Pass and La Villa La Angostura Pass
Weekend Trips:
• Nahuel Huapi National
Park
preserves
an
extensive area of the
Andean region of north
Patagonia. The park’s main
features are glacial lakes
and rushing rivers that flow
into both the Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans
• Los Alerces National Park is
just 45km from Esquel. It has
13 lakes, 7500 mountains,
and trees more than 300
years old. The park offers
beautiful views of Andean
Patagonia which you can
enjoy while skiing, trekking,
rock climbing or mountain
biking at Comarca de los
Alerces
Location
The school is a restored inn, located
conveniently close (no more than 400m) to
the center of town . You will receive a
welcome lunch and a city tour on the first day
Facilities
• 10 spacious classrooms
• Student meeting room and audiovisual room
• Free WiFi access
• Weekly leisure and cultural activities
• Free coffee, tea, milk and chilled water
• Beautiful garden and fully equipped kitchen
THE
SCHOOL
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Dossier 2012
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General Information
• All classes last 55 minutes
• Average of 3 students per class and a
Programs
Intensive
Group
maximum of 7 (6 or 8 in Buenos Aires)
Made up of 20 group lessons per week
these classes aim to develop your
communicative competence in Spanish
in the four main skills: speaking, reading, listening,
and writing. Teachers also expose students to the
local culture by complementing the course with
extra-curricular activities.
• All levels of Spanish are welcome
• Starts dates every Monday of the year
(specific start dates for beginners in
Belgrano, Buenos Aires)
• Minimum age of 18 years
• All study materials are included
• Courses can be combined between
different schools
This course is designed for students who would
Super
like to deepen their learning experience and Intensive
accomplish a higher level of proficiency in a
Group
shorter amount of time. It includes 30 group
lessons per week.
One-ToOne
This course is designed to meet your individual needs and is ideal for those planning to take a
specific Spanish exam, for those needing Spanish for work, or if you are preparing to go to a
Spanish-speaking university. During the course, you will be exposed to a wide variety of
topics according to your own interests and pace. This course is available at all levels, from Beginner to
Advanced, in packs of 10 lessons per week.
For anyone wanting to learn Spanish in a different setting there is also the option of doing Volunteer
voluntary work in Argentina. These unpaid placements give students the chance to learn
Spanish whilst undertaking meaningful projects in a variety of settings, including community
development, education, health care
and the environment.
N.B. This program is only offered in Buenos
Aires and Córdoba. A four-week
intensive Spanish course is required to be
eligible for this particular program.
Spanish &
Tango
This course is ideal for the tango lover and is made up of 20 regular group Spanish lessons
in the mornings plus 8 dance and cultural lessons in the afternoons or evenings. Buenos
Aires and Córdoba also offer plenty of shows and real-life opportunities to dance at
popular milonga and tango bars. All levels are catered for and a minimum course length of one week is
required. The course also
includes one conceptual tango
lesson and a trip to see a tango
show during the first week.
N.B. This course is only available
in Buenos Aires and Córdoba.
N.B. In the exceptional case that there is only 1 student enrolled on a course in the same level group,
the number of classes per week will be reduced slightly.
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 2012
January 1, February 21, March 24, April 2, April 6, May 1, May 25, June 20, July 9, August
20, December 8, December 25
ADDITIONAL REGIONAL HOLIDAYS:
Buenos Aires: February 22, October 8
Cordoba, Baroliche & Mendoza: February 20, October 15, November 19
N.B. In the event that a national holiday falls on a weekday, there will be no classes.
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Accommodation & Transport
Homestay in Mendoza
HOMESTAY
This accommodation offers total immersion into Argentinean culture and the
opportunity to experience the typical life of an Argentine family. You may
choose between single or shared rooms and the homestays are usually 15-25
minutes away from the school (25-35 minutes in the case of Buenos Aires)
and tend to be a house or an apartment. Households are always wellprepared to welcome their guests, and food is provided - you may choose
whether you’d like B&B or half-board. Additional services such as changing of
sheets and towels once a week are included, while laundry is optional. Please
note that in Bariloche, double rooms are only for two students traveling
together.
HOMESTAY PLUS
Our homestay Plus Package guarantees the student a bigger room, food that
is better suited to their tastes and accommodation with some extra features,
such as a private bathroom, a swimming pool, garden or better location, for
example. This option is available only in the Belgrano school of Buenos Aires.
Homestay in Bariloche
STUDENT RESIDENCE/ SHARED APARTMENT
Student
Residence,
Córdoba
This type of accommodation is available in Buenos
Aires and Córdoba and one of the main benefits is
that they allow plenty of student interaction and are
often centrally located. They may be a house or an
apartment, depending on availability, and most have
more than 6 rooms. There is also the added security of
a doorman, who may or may not live on-site.
You may choose to stay in an individual room or share
a double room with another student. In Córdoba, only
double rooms are available in student residences.
Breakfast is optional, while other meals can be
managed by meal vouchers that are valid in various
restaurants.
Our residences are open to both sexes and are
located throughout the cities. All residences have
private or shared bedrooms and all the facilities that
students might need such as a common room with
television, kitchen and internet access.
Classroom,
Buenos Aires
N.B. No meals are provided on Sundays in any type of
accommodation.
Common Room,
Mendoza School
Swimming Pool,
Córdoba School
TRANSFERS
Upon request, a 24-hour transfer service is available for students, with costs depending on
the location. This service is compulsory for students arriving at their destination airport
between 10pm and 6am. Flight details should be provided one week in advance.
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