• EXPANISH• STUDENT HANDBOOK

• EXPANISH •
STUDENT HANDBOOK
WWW.EXPANISH.COM
INDEX
01
Welcome to Expanish! . pg.2
02
Our School .................. pg.3
03
Expanish Staff ............ pg.4
04
Code of Conduct ......... pg.5
05
Course Schedules and
Attendance Policy ...... pg.6
06
Housing ....................... pg.7
07
Map .............................. pg.8
08
Public Transport ......... pg.9
08.a Subway Map ..... pg.10
WWW.EXPANISH.COM
09
Staying in Touch ........ pg.11
10
Life in Argentina ....... pg.12
11
Places of Interest ..... pg.13
12
Health and Safety ..... pg.14
01
WELCOME
TO EXPANISH!
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Expanish community! We
know that choosing a Spanish school in Buenos Aires is no easy task and therefore we
would like to thank you for choosing Expanish. It is of the utmost importance to us that you
have an overall positive experience in Argentina and enjoy every aspect of your program.
In order to gain as much knowledge as possible we encourage you to work hard, remain
positive, participate in activities, speak Spanish, and have a good time.
We understand that traveling to a new country can sometimes be frustrating and confusing,
but we also know that it can be a very rewarding and an unforgettable life experience.
Our diverse staff hails from around the world and we all share a passion for combining
education with cultural immersion. Our staff is here to help you with any problems or
questions that may arise and to assist to make your stay as comfortable as possible. We
hope that this handbook will answer many of your questions and serve as an introduction
for your exciting adventure you have ahead.
• ¡Bienvenido a la familia Expanish! •
02
02 OUR SCHOOL
OUR FACILITIES
6th
Student Lounge
5th
Classrooms
501-506
4th
Classrooms
401-406
rd
3
Classrooms
301-306
2nd
Classrooms
201-206
1st
Student Services
Ground
Floor
Central Location
CLASSROOM HALLWAY
FREE WI-FI THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING
Network: expanish • Password: internet
Entrance
Internet
Disabled Facilities TV & Video Heating & AC Computers
03
6TH FLOOR STUDENT LOUNGE
03 EXPANISH STAFF
All your needs during your stay in Buenos Aires, both foreseen and unforeseen, will be taken
care of by the Expanish team. Feel free to contact our staff by phone or email at anytime.
• Academics •
• Housing •
• Activities & Volunteer •
- Can I extend my classes for another week?
- I am not sure I am in the right level
- Can I make any changes to my program?
- Can I stay longer in my Expanish housing?
- I need help communicating with my host.
- Can you suggest a hostel in Buenos Aires?
- How do I get to the Buenos Aires zoo?
- May I have coins for the coffee machine?
- How do I sign up for the tango class?
• Admissions •
- I need help to pay for my extension
- How can I pay for a program?
- I have a friend who wants to study Spanish.
04
04 CODE OF CONDUCT
CODE OF CONDUCT
• Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited in the school (see Terms
and Conditions).
As part of our commitment to you, Expanish will always:
• Food and drinks are not allowed inside the classrooms except for
water.
• Provide a useful and informative introduction to the school.
• Provide an appropriate learning environment.
• Deliver all courses as scheduled or provide an appropriate
substitute if needed.
• The school building is open for student use from 8:30 am to 6:00
pm, Monday to Friday.
• Guarantee comfortable and quality accommodation.
• Attendance should be regular and punctual.
• Value your feedback and address any complaints that you may have.
• Students must send an email to clases@expanish.com if they are
absent from class.
As your commitment to us and to your academic success, we ask
that you always:
• Expanish expects students to demonstrate courtesy and respect for
others (including student’s personal hygiene).
• Attend all scheduled classes to gain the maximum benefit from
your program.
• Students are expected to respect the property of others, including
the School’s property and facilities.
• Send an email to clases@expanish.com if you will miss a class.
• Violence will not be permitted under any circumstances, on any
school property, or at any school activity. Any student who commits
an act of violence towards a professor, student, or member of staff
will consequently have his/her program cancelled.
• Actively participate in class activities and keep a positive attitude
towards your studies.
• Show consideration and respect to your classmates, professors,
and staff members.
• No student should engage in verbal abuse, based on race, place of
origin, color, ethnic origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, creed,
age, marital status, family status or handicap.
• Inform a staff member of any complaints or concerns you have
during your stay.
05
05 COURSE SCHEDULES & ATTENDANCE POLICY
INTENSIVE SPANISH 20
ALL PRIVATE LESSONS
Classes Start
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Session 1
10:30 - 10:50
Break
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Session 2
11:50 - 12:00
Break
9:00 am
12:50
Claasses End
INTENSIVE SPANISH 30
• One-to-One
• Business Spanish
• DELE Preparation
• Latin American
Cultural Classes
• Medical Spanish
Please consult the academic director
for other possible schedules.
INTENSIVE SPANISH 20+10
PUNCTUALITY
Morning Classes Start
9:00 am
9:00 am
Group Classes Start
10:30 - 10:50
Break
10:30 - 10:50
Break
11:50 - 12:00
Break
11:50 - 12:00
Break
12:50
12:50 - 2:00
Morning Classes End
Lunch Break
12:50
Group Classes End
12:50 - 2:00
Lunch Break
2:00
Afternoon Classes Start
2:00
Private Classes Start
4:00
Afternoon Classes End
4:00
Private Classes End
06
Punctuality is very important for your
academic success. Please arrive on time
for you class. If you do arrive late one day,
please wait until after the next break to join
your class.
80% ATTENDANCE
Expanish requires all students to attend at
least 80% of their classes each week. This
means that you can miss up to 1 day of classes
during a 5-day week without disrupting your
program. If you do miss more than one day
of class, please let the Academic Director
know as soon as possible.
06 HOUSING
MAKE THE MOST
OF YOUR HOUSING EXPERIENCE
BY KEEPING THESE TIPS IN MIND!
SAY HELLO
Greet your host(s) or roommate(s) when arriving home, either
with an Argentine kiss on the cheek or a simple “hola” with a
smile. Going straight to your bedroom and closing the door can
give off negative vibes.
LOCK AND KEY
DO
Homeowners take safety VERY seriously in Buenos Aires, so make
sure that you always close the doors to the building and to the
apartment with your keys.
SMALLER THAN AVERAGE
Apartments in the city tend to be smaller than what you might
be used to in your home country. It is also common to sleep in a
single bed.
“SOBRE MESA”
DON’T
Say hello to your host when
you arrive
x Invite guests without
Practice Spanish at home.
x Give your keys to anyone
Keep your room tidy
x Waste water and electricity
Let your host know if you will
miss a meal or arrive late.
x Treat your host like an
Discuss rules and guidelines
with your host
x Leave common areas dirty
asking your host
employee!
after you use them
1. Abuse of alcohol is prohibited in all Expanish housing
2. Possession or use of illegal drugs is prohibited in the house
3.Overnight guests are not allowed under any circumstances
Sobre mesa is the time after meals when Argentines sit at the
table and talk. It is uncommon to quickly eat a meal and part ways,
so take advantage of this time to practice your Spanish!
07
07 MAP
5a
1. Grocery store
1a. Carrefour - Maipu 171
1b. SuperMac- Maipu 235
9b
2. Office Suplies
Rodriguez Sa - Sarmiento 835
9d
2
3. Tourism Center
Centro de Información Turistica - Florida 100
1b
4b
9a
9e
6a
5b
7
1a
6b
8
4a
4. Banks
4a. HSBC - Florida 201
4b. Standard Bank - Florida 99
5. Sim Cards for Cell Phones
5a. Personal - Corrientes 566
5b. Claro - Perón 541
9c
3
6. Post Office
6a. Correo Argentino - Perón 300
6b. OCA - Presidente Roque Saenz Peña 625
7. Internet
Locutorio - Florida 182
8 Pharmacy
Farmacity - Florida 118
9f
9 Places to eat
9a. Town Pizza - Perón 707 BENEFIT CLUB
9b. Fusion Bar - Florida 328 BENEFIT CLUB
9c. PicNic - Florida 102 BENEFIT CLUB
9d. Café Paulin - Sarmiento 635
9e. Parilla La Tropilla - Perón 928
9f. Café Tortoni - Avenida de Mayo 825
08
08 PUBLIC TRANSPORT
SUBTE
COLECTIVO
Subway lines: A, B, C, D, E, and H
Stations near Expanish: A (Peru) , B
(Carlos Pelligrini), C (9 De Julio), D
(Catedral), E (Bolivar)
Hours: 5:00 am to about 10:30 on
weekdays
Cost: 2.50 Argentine pesos per trip.
TIP
THE SUBTE IS A GREAT WAY TO
GET TO SCHOOL IN THE MORNING!
Some Buses to Expanish: 6, 7, 9, 10,
17, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 33, 45, 50, 56,
59, 61, 62, 64, 67, 74, 70, 86, 91, 93,
100, 105, 111, 126, 129, 130, 140, 143,
146, 152, 159, 180, 195
Cost: 1.50 to 1.70, depending on distance
Hours: 24 hours (less frequent from
10:00 pm to 6:00 am)
TIP
BUSES RUN 24/7 SO YOU CAN ALWAYS
GRAB ONE AFTER A NIGHT OUT.
How Can I Get a SUBE Card to pay for
public transport? 1. Go to a designated SUBE distribution office.
2. Make sure you bring your passport.
3. Pay 15 pesos.
4. Complete the application form.
TAXI
TREN
The safest way to take a taxi is to call
the company in advance, but you can
also hail the taxi in the street as long
as it has a sign on the top that says
Radio Taxi.
Cost: The price of the taxi is always
based on the meter.
Contact: Taxi Premium: 5238-0000
Radio Taxi Pídalo: 4956-1200
Taxi Porteño: 4566-5777
Trains are mainly for travel to
destinations outside of the city, so
you will most likely only need the
train in order to visit the Tigre River
Delta, a popular tourist destination.
Main Train Station: Retiro
Cost: Between 1 - 3 pesos one-way
depending on distance
Hours: We recommend taking the
train only during the daytime
Where can I get the SUBE Card?
Here is the closest office to Expanish:
OCA - Presidente Roque Saenz Peña 625
Mon -Fri (8:30am to 7pm) and Sat (8:30am to 12pm) You can search for the one nearest your location at:
http://www.sube.gob.ar/centros-de-obtencion-sube/
How to Add Funds to a SUBE Card? Subway stations will be able to add funds to your card as well as many
kioskos and other shops. You can find a full list of locations at: http://www.sube.gob.ar/centros-de-carga
09
HELPFUL TIP!
Use this online map to find out
how to arrive from one place to
another inside the city!
http://mapa.buenosaires.gob.ar/
08.a
MORE DETAILS?
CHECK HERE
10
09 STAYING IN TOUCH
SENDING MAIL
RECEIVING MAIL
If you would like to receive mail while abroad, please provide any friends
and family with our Expanish office address. All mail can be sent to:
Attn: Student Name
c/o Expanish
Tte Gral Juan D Perón 698
Buenos Aires, Argentina
C1038AAN
Please be advised that some larger packages can be held at customs or at
the international mail office (Correo Internacional) where it can be time
consuming to obtain.
You can buy stamps a a stationary store but it is more common to go directly
to the post office with your letter/package and send it there.
The closest post office to Expanish:
Correo Argentino Peron 300 - Open: Monday to Friday from 9am to 8am
and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
A LESSON IN DIALING
Argentina Country Code: 54 | Buenos Aires City Code: 11
Cell phone: Cell phones are 10 digit numbers that begin with 15.
Land line: Land lines are 8 digit numbers that typically begin with the number 4.
To Dial from Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires
Landline to Landline: XXXX-XXXX
Landline to Cell Phone: 15-XXX-XXXX
Cell Phone to Landline: XXXX-XXXX
Cell Phone to Cell Phone: 15-XXXX-XXXX
Landline or Cell Phone to a Toll Free number: 0-800-XXX-XXXX
To Dial a Cell Phone in Another Argentina Area Code (Examples)
Córdoba Cell Phone: 0351-15-XXX-XXXX
Rosario Cell Phone: 0341-15-XXX-XXXX
Catamarca Cell Phone: 03833-15-XX-XXXX
To Dial from Argentina to Abroad 00-1-Country Code - Area Code - Phone Number
PHONES
How to get a cell phone: Cell phones can be purchased at Movistar, Claro
and Personal stores as well as at electronics stores. You will also need to
purchase a SIM card for your phone.
Getting credit: If you have a local cell phone while in Argentina, you can
put credit on your account by purchasing a tarjeta de recarga of various
amounts (ARG $15, 20, 30 and 50) from any kiosko or from a service
provider’s office (e.g. Claro, Personal and Movistar). You can also put credit
on your phone by doing a recarga virtual at a kiosko.
Costs: Calling can be expensive with cell phones so most locals prefers to
communicate via text message.
TIP For making calls back home, using Skype is ideal due to costs.
Calling Cards: You can purchase a calling card (tarjeta telefónica prepaga)
at any kiosko. A good calling card brand is Llamada Directa Internacional
or Hablemás.
Using Skype to dial local numbers
To a Buenos Aires Cell Phone: +54-9-11-XXXX-XXXX
To a Buenos Aires Landline: +54-11-XXXX-XXXX
11
10 LIFE IN ARGENTINA
MEAT AND WINE
SET YOUR CLOCK TO ARGENTINE TIME
Everyone should try these typical Argentine wines:
Eat
• Breakfast - 7am – 10am
• Lunch – 1pm – 2pm
• Merienda (afternoon tea) – 4pm – 6pm
• Dinner – 9pm – 11pm
• Malbec
The famous red wine of Argentina - full-bodied and best with a steak.
• Torrontés
A light, white wine with a fruity taste; great with flavorful dishes.
Go Out
Three popular cuts of carne:
Argentine nightlife starts late every day of the week (after a late dinner).
On Friday and Saturday nights in particular it is popular to go to dance
clubs, or boliches, starting at 2am and lasting until daylight.
• Bife de lomo (Tenderloin)
Most expensive, but tender and juicy.
• Entraña (Skirt Steak)
Thin cut of meat but very flavorful.
• Bife de chorizo (Sirloin / New York Strip)
Big and juicy but can be fatty.
GOOD TO KNOW ABOUT ALCOHOL
While many locals may drink a glass of wine at dinner, it is not customary
to drink heavily. Most Argentines will go out dancing all night and only
consume one or two drinks.
SHOP
Retail stores are typically open:
LAWS IN ARGENTINA
• Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm
• Saturday - 10am to 1pm
• Sunday – Most stores are closed
The legal drinking age in Argentina is 18.
The sale of alcohol is only permitted until 9pm.
It is not permitted to consume or carry open containers of alcohol
in public places
Larger grocery stores are open 7 days per week as well as
cafes and restaurants.
12
11 PLACES OF INTEREST
IN BUENOS AIRES
El Obelisco
OUTSIDE OF BUENOS AIRES
The iconic monument in the middle of the 9 de Julio Avenue
Cementerio de Recoleta
A pedestrian street fills with shops and restaurants
San Telmo Antique Fair
An iconic street in the La Boca neighborhood
Colonia, Uruguay
The Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires is
Argentina’s premier modern art museum
Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur
A nature reserve ideal for walking,
biking, or for a picnic
In Palermo, the city zoo is filled with lions,
tigers and bears (oh my!)
Museo Nacional Bellas Artes
Large museum located in Recoleta
Bosques de Palermo
12
The largest green space in Buenos Aires
with bike and running trails
13
Across the Rio de la Plata,
this is a small town that is a
perfect break from the city.
Traditional estancias are historic
ranches offering a window into
Argentine “cowboy” culture.
La Plata
Capital of the province of Buenos
Aires and host to one of the most
renowned universities in Argentina.
San Isidro
Upperclass suburbian town
of Buenos Aires with a
historic city center
Montevideo
Capital of Uruguay with a
beach boulevard, good food
and buzzing nightlife
One of the most prestigious operah houses on Earth - a must see!
Plaza Serrano A bustling plaza in Palermo known for its bars and hip clothing shops
An animal park that includes an
aquarium, a reptile house, tigers,
lemurs, and other creatures.
Estancia
The Argentine president’s office located in Plaza de Mayo
Buenos Aires Zoo
Teatro Colón
Bioparque Temaiken
A weekend fair filled with fun items to browse and buy
El Caminito
Casa Rosada
Tigre is a town located on a
river delta, great for sports
like kayaking and watersking.
The resting place of Evita and Argentina’s elite
Avenida Florida
MALBA
Tigre
12 HEALTH AND SAFETY
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION?
If you have a medical problem or any questions regarding
your health, please contact the front desk on the first floor
for assistance.
Step 1: Contact the appropriate local emergency service (police,
ambulance, firemen, etc.)
Step 2: Contact Expanish staff during our normal office hours or on our
emergency phone.
Step 3: Contact family or friends at home to keep them informed and for support.
Step 4: Complete situation-specific tasks:
• File a police report if victim of a crime
• Contact bank to cancel credit/debit cards
• File a health insurance claim
• Recommended Hospital
Hospital Alemán
Address: Av. Pueyrredón 1640 Phone: 4821-1700
http://www.hospitalaleman.com.ar/
This is a private hospital where you can see a doctor if you have
any health-related issues, ranging from a common cold to a medical
emergency.
IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS
• Recommended Pharmacy
1. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times while leaving the
Farmacity
Location: Throughout the city
(Address closest to Expanish – Florida 118)
http://www.farmacity.com.ar/
This is a pharmacy chain with multiple locations.
Most are open 24/7. At night clients can purchase goods through a
window with assistance from a pharmacist.
original in a safe place in your local housing.
2. Keep safe on the streets by avoiding use of smart phones, wearing flashy
jewelry or speaking loudly in foreign languages.
3. Keep your personal belongings on you at all times, even when sitting
down at a restaurant or bar.
• Women Travelers: Buenos Aires is safe for women traveling and sightseeing
alone, but you should be aware that it is common for men to whistle and comment
out loud on your looks when you pass by. Ignore them and keep walking.
OTHER USEFUL EMERGENCY NUMBERS
EXPANISH NUMBERS
Police: 911
Tourist Police: 4346-5748
Ambulance: 107 Hospital Alemán: 4827-7000
Fire Dept: 100
Radio Taxi: 5238-0000
Expanish Office: 5252-3040
Emergency Number: 15-6975-7143
14
• Thank you and enjoy your experience in Buenos Aires •
WWW.EXPANISH.COM