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Written by Administrator   
Tuesday, 11 September 2007

1. What costs are not included in the program fee?

Students are responsible for paying the following expenses:

  • Airfare to and from Buenos Aires
  • Visa or other related travel expenses
  • Transportation around the city and to airport after the program
  • Travel interruption fees
  • Travel Health Insurance
  • Meals
  • Personal spending money for gifts and entertainment
  • Any tips and gratuities

2. How do I get to Buenos Aires?

By Air: If you are descending into Buenos Aries from outside Argentina, you will touch down at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (+54 (0)11 5480 6111/http://www.aa2000.com.ar) more commonly know as the Ezeiza Airport (EZE), which resides 21 miles from the city center. All domestic flights fly into Aeroparque Metropolitano Jorge Newbery (AEP), but unless you are coming to Buenos Aires from another Argentinean city by air, you will never see this place. The Ezeiza Airport has three terminals, although Aerolíneas Argentinas (the national airline) takes up one (B) and the other is private (C). Thus, all international airlines taxi up to Terminal A. A post office, ATMs and a currency exchange bank are also in terminal A.

Major airlines at Ezeiza include:

3. Will someone meet me upon my arrival?

Yes, one of our friendly staff members will greet you at the airport, bus or train station on July 3, 2009 and provide transportation to the accommodations.

4. When should I be arriving?

Program will begin on Friday July 3, 2009. We ask students to please try to arrive Friday morning (July 3rd). Accommodations are covered starting July 3rd therefore if you plan on arriving earlier housing will be your responsibility. If you plan on arriving earlier and need help deciding on accommodations, please do not hesitate to contact us we may be able to arrange for an early check in.

5. What is the cost of the meals that are not included in the program?

The average cost of meals with drinks and tip included is approximately $7- $12 US dollars meal. This varies greatly depending on your eating habits. Kitchen will be available to prepare meals as well.

6. Can I transfer the course credits to my home university?

Yes, you will most likely need to obtain approval from your university prior to the program. The transcripts will be issued by Universidad Nacional de Tres de Febrero. Each course meets for 36 lecture hours and is worth 3 Canada/US credits. Students have the option of enrolling in the 2 course program or 3 course program depending on your interest. All students will in Poverty, Social Struggle and Revolution, as the main course, and either History, Society & Photography and or Intensive Spanish Language Course.

 

7. What are the possible pay arrangements?

Accepted participants will receive further instruction on the payment options available. Typically, after making the non-refundable deposit, students can choose to pay the remaining part of their tuition in two installments.

 

8. How much money should I bring?

We suggest you bring approximately $500-$800 US dollars for a month. Of course, this depends on your personal habits and needs. It is possible to get by on much less it simply depends on your level of resourcefulness. Students in the past have packed lunches and decided to go out for dinner. Buenos Aires has a wide variety of cultural events, from concerts, festivals to all kinds of performances you might want to see, it also has a serious fashion following. Doing a little research may help better judge how much you will be spending. Also, please note ATM machines are widely available and credit cards widely accepted.

 

9. Is it safe to travel to Argentina?

Absolutely! Buenos Aires is a safe city both during the day and night. People are very kind and hospitable throughout Argentina. Argentina is one of the safest travel destinations in the world and hosts millions of tourists every year. Most crime is limited to robbery and petty theft. Violent crimes are very rare, but you should always be aware of your surroundings and avoid unnecessary risks. Don’t carry valuables hanging on your neck or shoulder. Carry cameras, laptops and mp3 players in secure bags. Always remain alert for pickpockets and it is best not to wear very flashy or valuable jewelry. Argentinean police are often patrolling the streets.

Using a little caution and common sense will go a long way and ensure you have a safe and fun experience in Argentina. You will be pleased to find that most people are extremely friendly and helpful.

10. Do I need visa to enter Argentina?

For citizens of most countries a valid passport is sufficient to enter Argentina. Unfortunately citizens of some countries need visa when coming to Argentina. All participants are advised to check visa requirements on Argentinean Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. To obtain a visa, participants should apply in the nearest Argentinean consulate or embassy with the official letter of invitation we will provide.

11. What if I get sick?

There is no need to worry, simply contact one of our onsite staff members and we will make sure you get the assistance necessary based on your specific needs. There are many state of the art hospitals in Buenos Aires as well as clinics and pharmacies in all major towns. Some of the things you can do to be better prepared for unexpected situations include finding information ahead of time at: www.travel.state.gov/

If you want to plan ahead, here is some advice:

Bring your own meds if using unknown brands will make you uncomfortable. This includes over-the-counter medications. Nevertheless, there are many pharmacies throughout the city.

Safeguard Prescriptions. Essential meds should always be packed in your carry-on. Save yourself a phone call back home by bringing a spare doctor's prescription, just in case.

Bring a medical report. Complicated conditions can be helped along in an emergency with a written description from your doctor, especially if you're going out of the country.

Research the Web. Several Web sites, including MedicineNet.com, provide information for travelers.

Read Your Insurance Policy. Some plans will pay for out-of-area coverage only if it's a bona-fide emergency. Others put a cap on medical expenses while you're traveling, and many require you to call for approval before seeking help. Knowing the rules in advance could save you some unexpected expenses later.

 

12. Will I ahve any free time to go site seeing or travel independently?

Yes! Student will have several free afternoons and weekends. This is when students can go sightseeing and exploring through Buenos Aires and even take trips to nearby cities and countries!

13. What can I do in my free time?

There are endless options depending on your interests! There is more to do than you’ll have time for. In previous study abroad programs, many of the students decided to get together and go on trips on the weekends and or after the program ends to maximize their experience.

There are many options varying from day trips to nearby cities, to the spectacular Iguazu waterfalls in the northern province of Misiones. There really are infinite options to travel to depending on your specific interests you could even go skiing in Bariloche. Please note some trips may be better planned before or after the program due to schedule limitations and far distances. If you have questions as always please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

14. What should I take?

Accepted participants will receive a "packing list" in their welcome package. For additional information that could help you decide what to bring please visit the websites listed below.

15. Can I have things shipped to Buenos Aires?

While you can, please note international mail is very, very slow. Customs will also go through all packages and may confiscate items. Students in previous programs has items shipped and were never received. Nevertheless, you can probably purchase just about anything you may need in Buenos Aires.

16. Where can I find out more about Argentina?

Here are some useful links:

Argentinean Government

http://www.argentina.gov.ar/argentina/portal/paginas.dhtml?pagina=356

Argentinean Ministry of Foreign Affairs

http://www.mrecic.gov.ar/

Argentina Secretariat of Tourism

http://www.turismo.gov.ar/eng/menu.htm

Tourism Organization of Buenos Aires

http://www.bue.gov.ar/home/

Buenos Aires Herald

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/

Last Updated ( Thursday, 22 January 2009 )
 

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