Category Archives: information

Day in the Life: Mente Participant Simon

May 02, 2012   MenteArgentina   No comments

Some real, live Mente participants. We just happen to attract naturally beautiful people.

Sure, we’ve all heard stories about studying abroad; but what is it really like?  We were curious ourselves to see what an actual, on-the-ground day in the life involves, so we decided to tag along with some of our participants over the next few months to get a picture of the real Mente Argentina experience.

View from Simon's apartment overlooking the Botanical Gardens

So meet Simon, a participant from Hong Kong. He came to Argentina on vacation to study bartending and wine; not a bad life.  A typical day?  Waking up in a shared apartment on Las Heras, across from the botanical gardens in the heart of Palermo.  Breakfast might be medialunas and mate, an acquired taste, to be sure—but what doesn’t go with medialunas?  It has to be a quick breakfast; at 8 am Simon heads to Spanish class on Calle Florida.

Medialunas and mate outside Recoleta Cementery

Verbs can be fun.  Honest.  At the intensive Spanish class there are only a few students– never more than 8 per class– and each week, the class advances to a new level.  Professors are experienced Argentinians– perfect for adopting the lisp and other peculiarities of speech to make one an authentic porteno.  It’s a four hour class but there’s a break in between; just enough time to grab a quick coffee and chat with the other students, or get insider tips on life in Buenos Aires from the professor.

Nothing caps off a morning of imperfect Spanish verbs like mixing a few drinks.  For the first two weeks of his four week program, Simon is participating in the Barman course, a Mente program which will certify him to bartend internationally.

Definitely a place that inspires learning....

Just a few of the Barman course's school supplies.

 

 

Each day involves learning how to mix drinks, flip bottles in the air, and pour the perfect drink.

At the end of the program, Simon creates his own, signature cocktail: a Ginger Honey Martini.  We could definitely get used to drinking that!

Final Exam: A+

After a tough day of language-learning in the morning and drink-creating– and tasting– in the afternoon, a night out is in order.  Maybe it’s cooking at home, going out in Palermo, or doing a Mente night out– like a group outing to a show like Hombre Vertiente, or bar-hopping with the other participants–whatever it is, there better be time for sleep; tomorrow’s a new day!

Stay tuned for our next post on a real, live, Mente Argentina participant!

Simon with his Barman classmates

Mente participants out on the town

 

 

 

 

–Patricia

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Mente’s Inside Information for an Amazing Semester Abroad!

March 07, 2012   MenteArgentina   No comments
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So you’ve just signed up for a Semester abroad in Buenos Aires. Now what? Here at Mente we are experts on study abroad and we are going to share our knowledge on the must-knows, must-dos and must-sees of studying abroad in Argentina.

First off, the must-knows about going abroad. Before you leave it is important to do some research on basic things such as the climate, history, and little cultural anecdotes which will make your transition that much easier upon arrival. One such anecdote here in Buenos Aires is the use of vos and the pronunciation of ‘ll’ and ‘y’. I’m not going to lie, I studied Spanish for years before setting foot in Argentina, and I did not understand anything when I got here. What the is maawshow? (Mayo, for those you who also aren’t familiar with el castellano porteño).
In terms of Argentine history, it is interesting and extensive with periods of greatness followed by long periods of pure devastation. Argentines tend to be very strong individuals who have lived through difficult times but still maintain a positive outlook. They are some of the most generous people in the world and are always willing to help their neighbor. The difficult times here have definitely bred a strong sense of community, which is evident throughout the country.
Finally, the climate. This is super important because here in Argentina we are in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning the seasons are the exact opposite of those in the US and Europe. We have a relatively mild winter from June to September, an absolutely beautiful spring in October, November and December. Then in January and February it is HOT. Hot and humid, which is precisely the reason most porteños ditch the city and head to the beach! This scorching summer is followed by a pleasant fall with varied temperatures and scattered thunderstorms. Knowing what months (or maybe you will be staying the whole year) you will be here is vital to your packing. A friend of mine who studied abroad TWICE during undergrad said, “study abroad is all about what to pack”. It might seem trivial, but you will undoubtedly be a couple of weeks into your trip and wish you had brought that shirt, those shoes, even that jar of peanut butter that you thought would take up too much space in your suitcase. Trust me, they don’t know how to do peanut butter here. Also, you will most likely be on a budget which won’t allow for purchasing overpriced goods here in Buenos Aires, so just pack it if you even for one second think you will want it.

Must-dos. Buenos Aires is FULL of must-dos, so I’m just going to lay out some basics but I recommend doing some research and making a local friend! The very first thing you must do is learn the buses. This is going to make your life so much easier for the next 6 months. Mente provides you with a Guia-T and we recommend that you take it with your everywhere. In addition to your Guia-T learn check out Mapa2, it is a fabulous website which tells you exactly how to get from point A to point B. In your first few weeks I recommend hopping on a bus and seeing it’s route, then going home another way. Once you have been on the buses a couple of times you will be a natural and it will save you tons of money on taxi fare!
The nightlife in Buenos Aires is quite possibly the most important must-do. Especially if you are coming from the States where bars close up at 2am, you will probably be a little overwhelmed at the beginning. Here porteños don’t even get to the clubs until around 3am (which is why it’s pretty easy to get on a list for free entrance before 2:30!!). One club that cannot be missed is Club 69 at Niceto Vega on Thursday nights. This place puts on a wild drag show complete with the costumes and over-the-top dancers who even leave stage and dance among the crowds. Plan on leaving the club and being blinded by the sun coming up over Buenos Aires.
Another must-do in the city is the parks. Buenos Aires has tons of great parks to spend your Sundays afternoons in, including Bosques de Palermo (which is huge and has lots of great trails and ‘lakes’), the Reserva Ecólogica right along the coast, and several smaller parks scattered throughout the city. Each one is unique, but you always find Argentineans sipping mate passing the day away chatting with friends. On really nice days there are even bands who set up and rock all afternoon.
Finally, you must try the culinary delights of Argentina. Everyone knows that meat is king here, and it is for a very good reason. You have to try parrilla and go to an asado (with locals preferably) during your stay! One well-known restaurant parrilla, Siga La Vaca, has all you can eat parrilla, dessert and wine for about $100 pesos. Go! Really, go. Porteños also know how to do ice cream which is the perfect treat during the sweltering summers in the city. Check out Mente’s previous blog on the yummy helado in Buenos Aires.

Must-see Buenos Aires is kind of general, because everything is a must-see. Just walking through Palermo is a must-see. The Recoleta cemetery is a must-MUST-see; luckily Mente Argentina has a great tour to take you through this fascinating burial ground. Of course you have to go to a Tango show where you will feel like you have been taken back several decades to a simpler time when passion and movement ruled this city. And if you want to practice your own tango skills, sign up for Mente’s Tango program!
There are several monuments, buildings and sites that are worth seeing in Buenos Aires including La Casa Rosada, La Boca and the Women’s Bridge in Puerto Madero. Besides all of these great spots, you should also go to a Boca Juniors soccer match. It isn’t just a soccer game, it’s an experience. From buying the tickets, getting to La Bombanera (the stadium), to all of the chanting and dancing of the dedicated fans. It is an experience not to be missed during your stay.
Outside of the city limits you will find several other great areas to check out. Taking the Tren de la Costa from Olivos to Tigre is amazing, it goes right along the costa and you get a spectacular view of the city. You can hop off and on the train as you wish, so definitely make a stop in Barrancas to check out the antiques and super hip bars in the area. Just a couple of blocks away you can go right to the coast and try out kitesurfing. The next stop, San Isidro, is also worth a look. It has a great little plaza with an incredible cathedral. All-in-all it’s great way to spend a day outside of the city.

So there you have it. Some advice on the things to keep in mind while preparing for travel and while you are here in beautiful Buenos Aires.

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Mente and Spanglish: The Perfect Activity to Practice your Spanish

January 25, 2012   MenteArgentina   No comments
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A great way to practice your Spanish while studying abroad or volunteering here in Buenos Aires is to go to Spanglish!! Spanglish was designed for foreigners to practice their Spanish skills while giving porteños the opportunity to practice English. Not only is it a language exchange, but it’s also a cultural exchange. You can learn about Argentine culture from an Argentine, and also share your cultural anecdotes.
Here at Mente Argentina we believe that cultural immersion is the most important part of your trip abroad and participating in activities that facilitate this immersion will only make your experience here that much more meaningful, which is why we have added Spanglish night to our monthly activities.
How it works: people arrive and there is a 45 minute check in. This gives you the opportunity to chat with everyone and maybe grab a drink at the bar. You are given a table number and when it’s time to begin everyone goes to their first assigned table. Here you chat with your partner for five minutes in English then switch for five more minutes in Spanish. During this time pizza or other snacks are passed around for munching. Then it’s time to switch!
Spanglish events are always held in super hip bars in some of the coolest barrios in Buenos Aires. Last week we went to Klan Bar in Recoleta, right across from the cemetery. This is a well known area for upscale bars and restaurants with a fun vibe. Afterwards people usually go to another bar with their new friends!
At Spanglish I started with a girl who is studying to become an English teacher. She was about 20 years old and just so sweet! She has been studying for about two years and when I asked how long the program is, she told me that it takes about 10 years!! 10 YEARS! Wow, I couldn’t believe it. What a commitment! It didn’t seem to faze her though. As an American, I feel like we are all so eager to finish our studies as quickly as possible, hopefully having a degree by 22 or 23. But, in Argentina it doesn’t always work that way. They have other obstacles to endure, but they still hold their education as the highest of their priorities. This young woman was extremely dedicated and by going to Spanglish she is able to have one-on-one interaction with native English speakers. This is surely one of the few opportunities that she has to speak with natives, so it has become a vital part of her ‘studies’. By going to Spanglish you are not only improving your Spanish, but also helping the locals with their careers, which in turn may help them improve their social and economic status. All in all, it’s a win-win.
One suggestion that I would make is to bring some topics for discussion. Telling five to ten different people the exact same things about yourself will get dull really quick. Think of some interesting questions and conversation starters before heading over. Some ideas could include: dating culture in Argentina, food, best restaurants, best boliches (off the tourist radar), ideas for traveling in Argentina, ask about favorite vacations or an interesting fact about the person. We all know that people love to talk about themselves, so think of something you would like to know about the porteño sitting in front of you (no matter how random) and ask. They can be a great resource for some insight into the city and the Argentine lifestyle.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself into the bilingual community in Buenos Aires!  Whether you’re studying abroad or doing one of Mente’s many internships you will benefit from a night with Spanglish!

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TEFL-ing in Buenos Aires, Everything You Need to Know

December 12, 2011   MenteArgentina   No comments
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So you are thinking about going abroad, but you haven’t figured out the best way to support yourself while adventuring the world. Getting certified in TEFL will open doors to visit, live and experience countries all over the world. You will earn a livable wage and be immersed into cultures in a way that you never could have imagined. If you love travel and adventure, getting your TEFL will allow you visit just about every continent and is an excellent investment in your travelling future.

The first thing you should know is what all this acronym business is about:

TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language

ESL: English as a Second Language

EFL: English as a Foreign Language

TESOL: Teaching English to the Speakers of Other Languages

So, basically you can see that they all pretty much mean the same thing. TEFL is the most common acronym for teaching English abroad.

With a TEFL certificate you will be able to teach in numerous countries around the world, including Thailand, Korea, South America, and Spain. The requirements vary from country to country, but in general you will be considered a good candidate if you possess a TEFL certificate, are a university graduate, are a native English speaker (duh!) and either have lived abroad or have a desire to experience another culture. Some countries have a fairly relaxed system for foreigners entering and working, however others may strictly enforce work visa vs. tourist visa regulations.

Some countries, especially in Asia, will sponsor your visa, pay for your plane ticket, give you housing upon arrival AND pay you a decent living wage. Japan was once the hot spot for teaching English, however now the market is flooded. Korea, however, still actively seeks hundreds, if not thousands, of new teachers every year.

Here in Argentina you can enter on a tourist visa good for three months (this is for citizens of most countries, check http://www.argentina.gov.ar/argentina/portal/paginas.dhtml?pagina=1245 for detailed info on your country) which can be renewed either by going to Uruguay or any neighboring country, or at immigrations. Unless you work for a big, possibly corporate, language institute, you probably won’t be able to get sponsored by your employer for a work visa. There are some English institutes that do sponsor visas, however, you may have to pay for the visa (about $600) and they tend to pay about half the amount that most institutes pay (which is half the amount that you would make if you worked for yourself). Although you aren’t going to get rich teaching English in Argentina, unless you are incredibly innovative and driven, and planning to stay awhile, you will find that you make plenty of plata to support yourself.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (Answers specific to Argentina)

 

Where can I do the TEFL?
Buenos Aires! It is possible to do the TEFL in several locations, in your home country, abroad, even online; however, doing your TEFL in Buenos Aires is certainly the best option if you plan on teaching in BA. During your course you will have a chance to get to know the city, begin inquiring about jobs and make connections. With Mente you can choose to live in a shared apartment where you are sure to meet people  your own age also living in Buenos Aires or private accomodation.

Do I need to speak Spanish?
In your classes it is not necessary to speak Spanish, however knowing the basics will come in handy from time to time. On the other hand, being able to communicate in Spanish outside the classroom will make for a much more enriching cultural experience in Buenos Aires. You will be able to meet more people, have more involved conversations and simply manage the city a little better. So why not sign up for one of Mente Argentina’s intensive Spanish immersion courses to bruch up on that Spanish you learned waaay back in high school?
There is a surprising number of English speakers in the city, whether it’s their first language or not, you will almost always be able to find someone to talk to or get help from if you don’t speak very much Spanish. That being said, you are going to another country and it can be viewed as ignorant if you expect to only speak English. Plus speaking another language is fun!

How long?

As long as you want! Most schools ask for a 6 month commitment, but the reality is that if they don’t provide a work visa for you, you are not obligated legally. However, being the honest and ethic person that you are, you will give at least one month’s notice of leave to your potential employer.

How old?
You must be at least 18 years old.

What if English is NOT my native language?
It will depend on the circumstances. If it is not your native language, but you have lived extensively in an English speaking country and have a fairly neutral accent you may be able to find work. Because English isn’t your native language, you may be required to have additional qualifications, for example a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in English or Teaching English as a Second Language. Check with individual institutes for their specific requirements.

Can I bring my partner/children?
A partner, yes. Children, probably not. If you have a partner who is also a native English speaker, s/he will probably be able to find work as well. However, the salary here is not going to be enough to support children. I know plenty of couples who come down to work and it will actually make your cost of living cheaper, i.e. sharing accommodation and food, but I would not recommend trying to raise children here on teacher wages.

Can I find a job before I leave?
It’s possible, however most companies don’t hire unless you are actually physically here for an interview. Check out craigslist to get an idea of what employers are looking for. You can always email them to get a little more information and send in your resume, but honestly you probably won’t find work until you arrive. But don’t worry, once you’re here you will have more work than you can handle! Especially if you go through Mente Argentina’s TEFL program because the school will assist you in finding local work with a good salary.

When do jobs start?
Argentina is in the Southern Hemisphere which means that their school year starts in March. Even people who are not in school or University will still follow this schedule, and so most institutes don’t hire between December and March either. The best time to start looking for a job is the end of February or beginning of March, then again in June and July when the second semester begins.

Climate?
Buenos Aires is beautiful in the spring (late September to early December) and the fall (late March to early June) and has relatively mild winters with temperatures never falling below freezing and average rainfall. The summers, on the other hand, are insoportable. In other words, unbearable. Hot and humid days followed by hot and humid sleepless nights. During the month of January the whole city seems to empty as most porteños take their vacations and head to the beach! Although it might be a tough time weatherwise, it actually might be the perfect time to do Mente Argentina’s month-long TEFL certification course because then in February when everyone is coming back from vacation and getting back into their routines you will be certified and ready to teach! Not to mention you will have public transportation down and be able to navigate yourself around the city as the people start flooding back in.

Work visa?
In Argentina you probably won’t get a work visa from the company that you work for. So keep your tourist visa current by visiting Uruguay, Brazil, Chile or wherever your heart desires and you will be good to stay in Argentina.

Working conditions?
Working conditions will vary depending on several factors. Most likely you will not be working set hours all at the same company (although some people do) so working conditions can be anything from a comfortable classroom in Palermo to a coffee shop or even at the individual’s office. The hours can be super sporadic as well, so flexibility is key. Here in Buenos Aires you might start out with a couple of classes a week averaging around 10 hours, then you will pick up other hours and after about 2 months likely have more work than you care to take on. Little by little your schedule will come together, then fall apart the next week. While there isn’t a lot of stability, there is almost always enough money.

How much will I make?
On average institutes pay their teachers between 30 and 40 pesos per hour. That is about $8-10 USD which is a livable wage here, providing you are working enough hours. In the beginning it will probably be difficult to have a schedule busy enough to support yourself, but after a couple of months you will likely be making enough to support yourself and enjoy your free time.  The wages earned teaching English, although they may be low by your standards, are actually quite good for a young adult in Argentina because the cost of living is less than the US or Europe. Don’t get me wrong, this city is not cheap, but if you can budget your money (i.e. not eating out every meal, only going out on weekends, doing free activities like going to the park) you will surly make ends meet.

Housing?
During your first month here with Mente’s TEFL program you can elect to stay in a shared apartment, a homestay or a dorm. After that craigslist will be your best friend while you are looking for a more permanent housing situation. There are plenty of shared apartments in the city and depending on the neighborhood you can expect to pay between $300-600USD for a room in a shared apartment. There are several real estate offices where you can find private studios or one bedroom furnished apartments in the city, but expect to pay a minimum of $800USD per month. And unless you’ve landed an AMAZING teaching job, your salary will unlikely support rent this expensive.

Health insurance?
Argentina has socialized healthcare, so going to the hospital in an emergency or for anything really is possible. However, going to a public hospital means an insane wait followed by less than state of the art facilities. Many people, Argentineans included, opt to pay for health insurance outside of the public realm. Private healthcare is excellent, doctors even do house calls! Plan on spending about $100 a month.

Transportation and Travel?
Transportation within the city is incredibly affordable. A ride on the subway will cost you $1.10 peso (about 25 cents) and even leaving the city to the surrounding suburbs is also very cheap. Taxi’s don’t cost too much either, with an average price of about $25 pesos or $6USD obviously depending on how far you are going. However, traveling extended distances like to Iguazu or Mendoza will cost quite a bit (check out plataforma10.com to get an idea). A bus to Iguazu is about $100USD each way.

Who will my students be?
Classes vary and depending on what type of class you prefer to give you will probably be able find what you are looking for. It seems that everyone wants to learn English in Buenos Aires, children, professionals, students, stay at home moms, just about any demographic you can think of will probably have a demand. You might give group classes at a business or private lessons to the guy who owns a local arts and crafts shop down the street. It’s nice because there is always work and it is always a little different.

What if I hate it?
You won’t! Well, I guess I can’t speak for everyone, but this is going to be the experience of a lifetime and if you have an open mind and some motivation you are sure to enjoy your time here! That being said, in the unlikely event that you don’t like the work or can’t find your niche here in Buenos Aires, you aren’t obligated to stay. You may want to try out another city or country while you are here in South America and you will be able to take your TEFL with you! All in all, you don’t have anything to lose!

 

Teaching abroad is the best way to experience a country. You will make great friends, find day to day life to be challenging, but always very exciting and get to see the culture through the lives and experiences of your students.

So if your New Year’s Resolution has anything to do with travel, culture or language, you better sign up for the TEFL now! Spending a year abroad will be one of the most exciting and memorable years of your life, so don’t wait any longer!

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Coping with Culture Shock While Studying Abroad in Argentina

October 17, 2011   MenteArgentina   No comments
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The decision to study abroad in Argentina is an amazing opportunity to transform your life and world view, but it does come with some challenges. You’ll be living in a totally different country; and there will be an initial period of adjustment to social customs and norms that may lead to emotional discomfort and anxiety. Known as Culture Shock, these experiences are a normal part of study abroad in Buenos Aires.

Culture is the pattern of learned behaviors and beliefs of a group of people, something you’ll immediately notice as markedly different as you embark on your journey to study abroad in Argentina. Growing up in our home countries our native culture is like the air we breathe, it surrounds us in every aspect of our lives yet seems so natural it remains invisible to us. Whether it’s how to maneuver your body in a public place, have basic social interactions, or simply order cup of coffee, these daily practices are so obvious to us at home they feel second nature, and we can go through the motions of everyday life without a second thought.

When we arrive in another culture this is certainly not the case! Even if you initially came to study Spanish in Argentina, language probably won’t be the only thing that’s hard to interpret.  Whether you’re bumping into people on the bus, struggling to buy groceries, or awkwardly cheek kissing your classmates , everything suddenly becomes a challenge and that can be frustrating and exhausting. You are not alone!  Everyone coming to live in another culture whether it’s to complete a short course in Argentina, Study Spanish, or Complete a master’s degree in Buenos Aires over a longer period of time has a bumpy transition at first.

Any person moving between countries and cultures experiences some degree of culture shock. Some common symptoms you might recognize when you first come to study abroad in Argentina might include:

  • feelings of helplessness/ vulnerability
  • feeling lost,  confused, overwhelmed
  • anger
  • sadness
  • irritability
  • longing for  home and old friends
  • physiological stress reactions
  • excessive concern over cleanliness and health
  • boredom
  • withdrawal/staying home
  • insomnia or  excessive sleep
  • idealizing home culture
  • stereotyping host nationals
  • hostility towards host nationals

Like any major social transition, adapting to a new culture takes time, and evolves and gets better as time passes. That’s great news! Culture shock can feel like a wild roller coaster with lots of ups and downs but it is important to keep in mind that things do get better with time as you pass through the various marked phases:

 

Honeymoon / Excitement Stage

Everything is new and romantic, leaving you feeling euphoric. Every moment of the first stage is filled with new observations and discoveries about the food, people, and other details of Argentine culture. You’ll be fascinated with the city of Buenos Aires; Spanish, the pace of life, and every moment will feel like an adventure! The rush of foreign stimuli makes you overlook major cultural differences at first, a sense of curiosity and excitement masks any potential discomfort.

Negotiation/  Withdrawal Stage

Weeks pass and  your sense of romantic wonder may fade as you get deeper into your time spent on study abroad in Argentina and cultural differences become more apparent. You’ll notice that there are things you don’t understand, that you have trouble communicating your needs, or make embarrassing social mistakes, all which can lead to frustration, anger, homesickness, and many of the symptoms described earlier. Everything will be strange and unpredictable, leading you to want to withdraw, but stay optimistic and don’t be afraid to seek support! Having a local friend on your side, like Mente Argentina’s always supportive Coordination Team, can be crucial during this bumpy stage.

Adjustment Stage

As more time passes you begin to adapt to differences, discover problem solving strategies, and develop daily routines that help you cope and enjoy life in Buenos Aires. If you came to study Spanish in Argentina, your language abilities will be greatly improved at this point, letting you communicate and minimizing friction with the new culture. You know what to expect, have a new set of reflexes and reactions, and everything starts to make sense. Congratulations! This is the time when you really begin to reap the benefits of your study abroad in Argentina experience, with new local contacts, a deeper sense of cultural understanding, and more access to all that study abroad in Buenos Aires has to offer.

Mastery Stage

Functioning in argentine culture has become second nature to you as you go about your normal life. You can participate fully and comfortably in most Argentine social and cultural events, have many new friends, and enjoy life in Buenos Aires to the fullest. If you have lived abroad for a longer period doing a Master’s Degree in Argentina this is probably you.  Mastering the culture doesn’t necessarily mean blending in and losing your old identity, because now that you have more experience you can pick and choose aspects of both cultures you want to incorporate into your life. You feel at home in multiple countries and cultures, and are a true global citizen. Congratulations!

Time is the number one cure for culture shock; however there are certain practices and attitudes you can adopt to help you along your multicultural journey of study abroad in Buenos Aires!

1.Be Open Minded: The key to reducing culture shock is to have an open and positive attitude towards the country that you’re visiting or planning to live in. There’s no greater guarantee for unhappiness in a foreign environment than taking your prejudices with you. It’s important when trying to adapt to a new culture to be sensitive to the locals’ feelings and try to put yourself in their shoes wherever possible, which will help you understand the new culture. Empathy is key.

2. Be Prepared: Reading up on a country and its culture before you leave home will help you familiarize yourself with the local customs and language, and make the country and its people seem less strange on arrival. You’ll know how to anticipate certain events and interactions, which will make you and the locals you interact with more comfortable.

3.Be Proactive: Make a conscious effort to get involved in the new culture; be proactive and go out of your way to make friends. Join in on activities that you know will put you in contact with local people, such as festivals, courses, or other hobbies. There are a number of local sports clubs where you can practice a sport or work out, join an arts workshop, or learn to cook local dishes, taste wine, etc. Getting involved in stimulating activities will help you socially integrate and distract you from missing home.

4. Be Inquisitive: Although it can sometimes be frustrating to be a novice in everything, use your beginner status in a foreign culture as a way to learn, make friends, and absorb as much as possible.  As adults in regular life we often feel stupid or foolish asking basic questions like  “What is that?” “How is that used?” “Why is it this way?” but study abroad is a great chance to regain that childlike sense of wonder with minimal embarrassment. Capitalize on your own ignorance to strike up random conversations or enter situations you normalls wouldn’t. Friendly and outgoing porteños are generally delighted to explain their own culture, and being appropriately curious is a great was to show respect and interest in someone else’s way of life.

5. Be Positive! It might sound corny, but try your best to be optimistic. Many psychologists believe that true happiness can only come from a sense of lasting self satisfaction and inner strength, two qualities that study abroad undoubtedly brings out in a person. Being thrust into a foreign culture can be scary or challenging, but it shows us that there are always things in our environment that we can’t control and teaches how to be adaptive, flexible, and self sufficient. If nothing else, try to focus on how your study abroad experience is helping you grow as a person. When in doubt, try and live in the moment and enjoy the pleasures of daily life in an exciting foreign culture. Your time doing study abroad will be over before you know it!

 Kayla Burchuk

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Tours in Buenos Aires: Learning the ins and outs of the city

September 03, 2011   MenteArgentina   No comments
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Studying abroad in Buenos Aires is a cultural experience in itself; however, in order to get even more out of your stay here in BsAs, Mente Argentina has collaborated with some local tour guides to provide our Mente amigos with even more opportunity to immerse themselves into the fascinating porteño culture. While your Lonely Planet gives great ideas for places to go, you probably won’t find a section on the ghost of Recoleta, Rufina, or the underground tunnels used by the Jesuits to escape to Rio de la Plata. These walking tours are an excellent way to get to know the city, not just the streets and neighborhoods but also the culture and history embedded into every corner of it.

Having already visited some of the sites in Buenos Aires on my own, I know from personal experience the value of taking a guided tour. It was my third time to the Recoleta cemetery, and it started out exactly the same as every other time I had ventured to the creepy cemetery located right in the heart of stylish Recoleta. We walked through the massive entrance and were greeted by the same haunting cats that roam the cemetery day in and day out. This time though the vaults had a story. The family names encrusted on the granite monuments suddenly had more meaning. Mente Argentina’s wonderful guide gave us an idea of the types of families who bury their deceased in such classy quarters. Ironically most of the vaults are neighboring their enemy’s vault. Can you imagine being buried for eternity next to your arch nemesis?
Evita. Oh Evita. The Duarte vault is a typical, stark black granite giving it a distinct ‘modern’ look, compared to the surrounding tombs that mirror the architecture found around the city. It’s hidden in the maze of narrow, empty paths and you probably wouldn’t even know you arrived (especially if you didn’t know that Duarte is Eva Peron’s maiden name) if it wasn’t for the crowd of tourists squeezing around it trying to get a quick photo. Ask your guide about the many locations that Evita’s body was taken to in Argentina, don’t ask her about Madonna’s inaccurate portrayal of the beloved icon.
Next check out Rufina, the ghost of Recoleta. Her tomb is exceptionally beautiful with a statue of a young woman greeting her visitors. Without a guide you may stop and admire the lovely statue, but with a guide you get the full story. Our guide told us the spine-chilling story of Rufina’s death. It is especially eerie when told by an Argentinean in a calm and casual accented English.
Another great tour in Buenos Aires to take while studying abroad or volunteering is La Boca. Boca has been made famous because of the COLOR! It is just a couple of blocks, but it is completely packed with visual stimuli, which is makes this area great for photography. It is an incredibly touristy area, but worth the $1.20 peso bus ride from San Telmo. Speaking of San Telmo, this lovely barrio is also a part of the Boca tour. San Telmo is one of the most unique neighborhoods in Buenos Aires with it’s antique charm and bohemian culture. Walking down the cobblestone streets or enjoying a coffee while watching an impromptu tango couple in Plaza Dorrego will make you appreciate the simple life that was once abundant in the area.

These tours are especially helpful to do during your first week or two in Buenos Aires , because you will be exposed to several different barrios, bus routes and lifestyles within this immense city.  So before you head off to the first week of your internship or Spanish classes be sure and sign up for one (or all!!) of the terrific tours Mente Argentina offers!

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Photography in Buenos Aires

July 21, 2011   MenteArgentina   No comments
graffiti

Buenos Aires is truly urban in all sense of the term. An international capital with a variety of cultural capital seeping out of in every nook and cranny of the city, making this city the it destination for the artistic community. Photographers and photography students looking to dabble in photo courses flood here because of the notably distinct mix of culture found in Buenos Aires: a beautiful balance of European and Latin American culture, activists and art, conservatives and liberals, which turns the city streets into every photographer’s playground.

Street art: Buenos Aires is known to be the political graffiti capital of the world. It is impossible to walk down any street and see walls, sidewalks, dumpsters, even street signs unmarked, left colorless. But the graffiti culture here is respected as something much more than marking territory – it is also viewed as a thriving street art scene, making every saunter down the road much like a free gallery tour. It began in the 1950s mostly as a form of political expression particularly during a moment of political censorship, but at this time a more aesthetic form of graffiti began to come about. During the dictatorship, street art virtually disappeared but came back gradually in the 90s, and particularly in the year 2001 directly after the financial crises, the streets were suddenly bursting with art of all sorts. The importance of documenting this ephemeral impermanent art has been getting increasingly more attention, and the photography opportunities are endless! You’ll get to hear the full story of the street art movement on the buenos aire graffiti tour, one of  our free cultural activities for study abroad buenos aires students.

Protests: Protests, marches, demonstrations, are a common day occurrence in the city. For a student or intern in Buenos Aires interested in politics or civic action, Buenos Aires is a goldmine of public demonstrations and expression. But these protests are an incredible opportunity to document some of the more charged emotions, anger, excitement, passion, dedication. The protests make for an automatic storyline, and give photographers a chance to record the more pressing issues porteños and argentines face every day while capturing a huge section of their culture. Photographers find this public political culture the best opportunity for the budding photography student!

 

Architecture: The historic city of Buenos Aires still wears much of its history on it’s most outer layer. The architecture noticed in the buildings is a constant mix of old and new, redone or renovated, Italian, French, portugues, Latin American, decorative, functional, and everything in between. The older buildings that catch the photographers eye come from the cities beginnings and early population growth dating back often to the 1880s and early 1900s. During this time, Buenos Aires was one of the richest, most popular, fasting growing cities in the world. It still sports the original architectural design and immigration history. To see some of the iconic areas, photographers like to stroll down the streets of San Telmo or Av. Alvear, through sections of la Boca and historic preservation districts like parts of Caballito. Check out this article and video to find out more about the history. But because of this urban mix and historical overcoat the Buenos Aires wears, it catches the photography students mind and eye.

Fashion: Unlike a lot of urban centers, Buenos Aires residents and visitors alike parade through the streets in a bold pool of color, shape, and design. Down with the grey flannel suit they yell, enough with the black peacoat! All of us study abroad-ers here have had the experience at one point or another, after a long enough stay. We walk into a store, pick up an article of clothing that would never catch ones attention back home, or only would to make a joke about it, and take it to the counter to ring it up. I remember the first time vividly, looking at the store clerk and asking him what he thought, and he simply smiled and told me in soft Spanish what would loosely translate as, “honey, this is Buenos Aires, anything flies.”  Buenos Aires fashion is noticeable and shows a huge part of the city that photographers can’t ignore: the people. They sport their outfits with pride, and being such a dynamic city brings out an equally if not more dynamic look. Check out some staples that you’ll notice in street fashion from BsAs!


 

 

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Dulce de Leche: how to satisfy your sweet tooth in Argentina

July 12, 2011   MenteArgentina   2 Comments
Homemade Dulce de Leche

Dulce de leche is the cure-all medication for all times of the day for all you study abroad students and travelers in Buenos Aires, and simply cannot be missed! It is hidden in your morning facturas (pastries), found in the kioscos in the middle of your alfajores, even added to your ice creams, coffees, and to be eaten by the spoonful. Those in our Mente Argentina cooking course have experienced the secret to making that delicious dulce! If your friends or family want a gift from your study abroad experience in Buenos Aires, DDL (dulce de leche) is the ultimate gift to bring on home, an authentic Argentine treat! Here is the 411 on dulce de leche, what it is, where to find it, and how it’s made:

What: Dulce de Leche is a type of caramel, a sticky and sweet Argentine specialty that seems to go in and on just about every breakfast, snack and dessert.  Pastries of all shapes and sizes, especially croissants, known as medialunas, are filled with dulce de leche. Every grocery store has at least half an aisle devoted solely to dulce de leche. Right up there with cafe and carne, dulce de leche is an Argentine essential. Spread it on bread, fruit, crepes and just about anything else you can think of!

There are different accounts of how dulce de leche was first made, but the most popular myth (according to Argentineans) seems to be that dulce de leche originated in Argentina in 1829 in Cañuelas, a city in the province of Buenos Aires. The full story can be found here, but our cliffsnotes goes as such: Nearing the end of a war, General Lavalle cane exhausted the General Manuel de Rosas campsite, and finding that Rosas was not there, he took a nap in his tent. Meanwhile, a serving woman was preparing la lechada by heating milk and sugar for the camp, and finding the enemy in the tent, ran off to tell soldiers, forgetting about la lechada cooking on the stovetop. The overcooked lechada had truned brown and jelly-like. The say a brave yet very hungry soldier tried the “ruined” batch of lechada, and as we all know, it must have been a big hit!

Where: DDL in both cookies and cream

Alfajores: Alfajores are a particular kind of argentine cookie,  another quintessential Argentine treat, as evidenced by endless array of varieties  and impassioned discussions about them. Find them in a kiosco or learn how to make them in your Argentine cooking course in Buenos Aires

The alfajor (pronounced: alfa-hor) is actually a traditional Arabic confection, still called by its original name alajú in some regions of Spain. The sweet originated in the Middle East and made its way to Spain and was finally brought to South America by Spanish colonists. The basic components of a Middle Eastern alfajor are flour, honey, almonds, sugar and spices like cinnamon and cloves.

Alfajores can be found all over the world in Spain, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Uruguay, Mexico and southern Brazil, but recipes and styles vary widely according to country, and region. Thus, even though the Argentine alfajor originated from the Middle Eastern alfajor, the availability of ingredients and differences in traditions and flavor preferences have resulted in a very different confection.

Alfajores in Argentina begin with soft cookies of a cake-like consistency. The most simple and traditional alfajor is composed of two cookies with dulce de leche in the middle,  finished off by rolling the edges in finely shredded coconut. From there the seemingly endless variations begin.

Some alfajores are composed of 3 or 4 cookies to create a layering effect and a thicker, taller alfajor. Some are filled not only with dulce de leche, but also chocolate. Some are sprinkled with powdered sugar or dipped, bañado, in chocolate- white, milk or dark. Some alfajores are drizzled with icing, some are rolled in nuts like chopped walnuts or almonds, and some are topped or filled with a sweetened peanut butter paste called mantecol. Some have a little bit of raspberry jam inside of the top cookie, called alfajores ojitos. Some are made with chocolate cookies instead of the more traditional plain cookies which are like sugar/shortbread cookies. The astounding variety makes buying an alfajor a tough decision even at kioskos, small convenience shops where they are short on space, but never on the variety of different brands and variations of alfajores.

There is always great debate about which brand of alfajores is the best, it is often narrowed it down between  Havanna and El Cachafaz where there seems to be a current gridlock. Regardless, there is a seemingly infinite number of different brands and varieties of alfajores that each brand produces so it is impossible to say which is best. But I can say with certainty that the best way to form an opinion is to start sampling!

Helado: The dulce de leche ice cream is always a favorite. For those of you looking to kick back after your internship in Buenos Aires, the heladerías (ice cream shops) in the city such as Freddo and Volta are known to be among the best. To help you navegate the different varieties of dulce de leche helado, let Mente Argentina give you a quick break down:

  • DDL con almendras: dulce de leche ice cream with crushed almonds
  • DDL granizado: dulce de leche ice cream with chocolate bits
  • DDL con frutas secas y nueces: dulce de leche ice cream with nuts and dried fruit, my personal favorite!
  • Banana Split: Banna ice cream (made with real banana!) with Dulce de leche and chocolate bits
  • Tramontana: dulce de leche ice cream and chocolate cookie

For a full evaluation on the best place to find some icecream, check out this article from the LA Times travel section!

Dulce de Leche Professionals: When in a city where Dulce de Leche is found around every corner, it’s hard to narrow down who is truely the best, but our suggestions are La Salamandra, a dulce de leche and mozzarela cafe (delcious both seperate and together, try their mozzarella and dulce de leche desert!), and Havanna, known to have some of the best and most popular alfajores, and

How: Lastly, and maybe most importantly, if you want to make your own dulce de leche, it is simple enough if you have the time and energy! Lost of our Mente study abroad students go through the common dulce-withdrawl process, since nothing can quite replace this agentine specialty! Many people say its like making caramel, which is only partially true. Dulce de leche is made by heating sweetened milk over a stove top, and can be flavored with vanilla, cinamon (canela in spanish), chocolate, or kept as is for the original flavor.

These reciepes you can learn during your argentine culinary courses in buenos aires, while you’re here, and each cocinero has their own secret. But if you’d like to give it a try before coming to argentina, here are two different recipes, one using whole milk and one through the combination of condensed and evaporated milk, which should save you some time!

So you study abroad students, invite over your friends for a dinner party and showcase your cooking skills, pop by your local kiosco and grab some delicious snack filled with the typical dulce dessert, or hit up some local dulce de leche cafes that specialize in the dulce, because it’s not the be missed!

Caitlin McCoy

Edited: Rachel Sherman

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Study Abroad City Guide: Public Transportation in Buenos Aires

July 06, 2011   MenteArgentina   No comments
colectivos buenos aires

Getting around the city is an experience in and of itself. While studying abroad in Buenos Aires, you’ll find you learn just as much through your day-to-day travels as you do in your courses – spanish courses teaching you the phrases you need to navigate the city streets (“permiso” “¿bajás acá?” “¿dónde está la parada 68?), DJ courses introducing you to tunes playing from the kioskos and out of car windows,  cooking courses showing you how to make those tasty empanadas and chorizo that you smell as you saunter down the andenes (sidewalks). As many travelers know, one of the best ways to get to know a city as diverse as Buenos Aires is to meet it through the angle of the cotidano, the day-to-day, the public transit.

The city of Buenos Aires extends 202 square kilometers, divided into 48 different neighborhoods (barrios in spanish) with about 13 million people inhabiting this incredible bustling city. Being a business and trade capital of South America, the public transportation that you use to get from your mente argentina apartment or argentine homestay to your internship in the city is also used by the locals, young and old, people living in the city and out in  la provincia, tourists and travelers all year long! Here is a little Mente Argentine break down on how to get around Buenos Aires:

Subte (Subway): The Buenos Aires subway system has 6 lines, differentiated by color and number. Lines E (purple) and A(light blue) run down the southern end of the city, lines B (red) and D (green) on the northern, and the C (dark blue) and the new line H (yellow) run perpendicular and serve as connections In between lines as well. All the lines converge in the very center of the city, around Corrientes and 9 de Julio or near Plaza de Mayo where the casa rosada (president’s house) is located. As Mente Argentine study abroad participants, you will mostly be using the B and D lines that run down Corrientes and Santa Fe, going through the center of the city as well as Palermo, Recoleta, Belgrano, Abasto, Once, Villa Crespo, Micro Centro, all some of the most interesting and popular neighborhoods in the city!

  • Fun Fact: The A (light blue) line is the original subway line opened in 1913 making it the first subway system in all of latin america and the southern hemisphere. The subway cars are older, made of wood and have hanging latern-style lights, the doors still open manually, and the trim on the walls in the stops are marked with different colors so that during rush hour it is easier to see when to get off. If you havent yet ridden the A line, go take a trip to Caballito or Carabobo just to get the original subte experience!

Colectivo (Bus): The bus system in Buenos Aires can seem quite complicated at first, but after a week of getting used to, it is one of the truest porteño experiences you can have! Finally memorizing one of two bus lines can be quite the accomplishment. There are over 135 working bus lines going not only through every neighborhood in the city, but also taking you to several cities in the Buenos Aires province. The bus has to be flagged down when waiting at the bus stop, and you have to tell the driver how much you want for your fare (general 1.20). Before riding the buses, or even leaving the apartment, you should always have you Guia “T” handy, a transportation savior for the student/intern in Buenos Aires. The Guia T is a booklet that shows every neighborhood and every street in Gran Buenos Aires, zoomed in for a neat map view, and divided into pages and quadrants. But the most important part of the Guia “T” is that each quadrant marks which bus lines pass through that square. When you find a bus line that works for you, you look up the streets it runs down in the back, and see where you will have to get off. It sounds complicated, but don’t worry: you will find a Guia “T“waiting for you in our Mente Argentina welcome pack and a happy Mente Argentina coordinator waiting there to explain it to you in more detail. If you happen to lose your Guia “T” they can be purchased at any newspaper stand in the city for about 10 A$R.

  • Fun Fact: The bus system used to work on commission for the bus drivers but it became a dangerously competitive system, and the buses stopped being efficient as well as safe. Drivers would choose not to stop when it wasn’t worth it for the number of passengers they could pick up, and would drive more recklessly. As a solution to these issues, it was changed into a privatized system, meaning individual bus companies own individual bus lines. Because of this, the buses only accept coins, although some are starting to use a city-wide monedero public transit card.  Remember, you should ALWAYS have coins (monedas in spanish) on you to take the bus, and bus rides usually cost abour 1.20 A$R

Trenes Urbanos (Urban Trains): The trains are used mostly by those living out in the province of Buenos Aires, only about 40 minutes to an hour away from the city. But the train is an incredibly easy and cheap way for commuters and travelers to get in an out of the city. There are also long distance trains that can take you to cities outside of the province, to great cities like Córdoba, Tucumán, Rosario and many more. There are a number of different urban trains, but they aren’t used as frequently as the busses or subway. One common trip however is the train to Tigre, a city outside of Capital Federal based on the river, that is often considered a nature escape to the porteños. You will get the train experience and a taste of tigre on our Tigre Excursion included in the program, but if that’s not enough, hop on the train from Barrio Chino (Chinatown) or Retiro for a day trip out of the city!

Extra – Taxis: Taxis in Buenos Aires, like in any big city, can be run through a recognized taxi company or not. Both locals and us here at the Mente Argentina study abroad office stress the use of company taxis, marked as Radio Taxis on the doors or taxi light on top. The Radio Taxi sign simply shows that said taxi is associated with a company that you could call and access, which makes it a safer ride. Though most taxis are painted yellow and black and say taxi on them, not all are radio taxis, and are not as safe as a bet.

  • Fun Fact: Companies and frequent travelers also use Remises which are similar to taxis but are run through a car service. They have a fixed rate and only work when prearranged so it is a very secure form of travel. When coming in to Buenos Aires to study, you will see our Remis or Taxi waiting to pick you up and take you straight to your house

It’s notable that almost everyone in the  city, rich and poor, old and young, locals and foreigners, all use the busses and subways in this city. Don’t worry if it seems difficult at first, any new system takes some getting accustomed to. But, to get a fuller experience, the public transit is something you can’t miss. Whether it’s by overhearing bizzare conversations in crowded areas, bonding with the locals while waiting in line, watching performers and musicians  (whom i endearingly call enterTRAINers) play on the subte, travel around this city is half of the study abroad Buenos Aires experience. Now that your accustomed to the public transit by ear, go ahead and give it a try by foot!

Rachel Sherman

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Mente’s mente on Mate – the magical drink

June 03, 2011   MenteArgentina   No comments
mate

In a city like Buenos Aires that really never sleeps, one starts to wonder what keeps the porteño motor running all day long? When studying abroad in Argentina, you have to learn the ways to wake and KEEP you up: stay sharp for your spanish classes, fit in with your porteño classmates and coworkers at your universities and interships in Buenos Aires, and still have time to drink in this city.  One of their secrets is found in the world of Mate (ma-tay), a traditional and tastey south american drink, if you can handle it. Mente Argentina gives you some basics on Buenos Aires culture, beverage, and how you can take it all in, through a nifty little straw!

  • What is it?: Mate, which is actually the name of the gourd that is used to drink out of, is a sort of tea, made of dried, chopped, and ground leaves called yerba. Although mate can can be bought in a tea bag form (called mate cocido), it is hardly the same drink. Mate can be drinken alone, but it is very much associated with the mate culture that shapes argentina. You will probably see it passed around as much in the streets and parks as you do in your argentine universities and interships in Buenos Aires!
  • Mate has three essential parts to it. the mate- the gourd/cup used to hold the drink, the yerba- the tea that you pour into the mate, and the bombilla- the metal or sometimes straw, slotted straw that is used to sip.
  • What does it taste like?: if you havent had mate before you may be in for a surprise. But, while studying abroad in Buenos Aires, mate is an experience you won’t be able to miss. It can be very strong and bitter, and carries an earthy taste. Many have to get accustomed to mate
  • How do you drink it? Every region (and really every mate drinker) has their own specific method of preparing mate, but the basics for argentina are almost always the same:
  1. before using any mate, you have to cure it. Curing a mate is meant to get a better taste out of the drink as well as assured that the mate will last longer. If your mate is made out of a gourd, generally the first step is to wet the inside and try to remove the loose gourd particles. Then, whether your mate is wood or gourd, the key to curing is pouring yerba in the mate, adding hot water, and letting it sit for 24 hours. The mate will then absorb the water getting ride of any other tastes that will taint its future use. Then simply dump the yerba, clean out the mate, and let it dry.
  2. fill the mate about 3/4 of the way with yerba.
  3. place your hand over the top of the mate covering the hole entirely and shake it back and fourth. This is to get rid of the extra powder or polvo so the mate doesnt taste chalky. shake the polvo off your hands and repeat this step several times. Then shake side to side to settle the yerba.
  4. Bring the mate to an angle so that the yerba is at a slant in the  cup, anthe lower the mate back to normal level.
  5. Put the bombilla in the dry mate at the lower end of the slope of the yerba at a semi/diagonal angle so that its ends is at the deeper side of the mate resting at an angle.
  6. Add cold water almost to the top of where the yerba sits and allow the yerba to absorb the water. this protects the mate from being burnt.
  7. Now pour hot water (below boiling tempurature) in, down bombilla and sip out of the bombilla. Keep adding water without throwing out the yerba until the drink loses its flavor becoming lavado.

**Do not move the bombilla! Some mate drinkers such as uruguayan move the bombilla so that that you drink a fresher section every time it becomes lavado. However, in buenos aires this is less common. Unless the mate-drinker you’re with does, do no move the bombilla!!**

  • What is the Mate culture?: Mate is generally driken in groups, among family, friends, and in a variety of social settings. The mate is passed around, each person drinking the water out and passing the mate back to the server to refill and pass it on to others. Take out that Mente Argentine Mate you got on your first day and inaugurate it for breakfast, pass it around when hanging with other study abroad students in your apartment, dabble in the uruguayan style and even drink it on the go!
  • Why do you drink it?: Aside from mate being part of a tradition and a popular beverage here, it has a natural stimulant, similar to cafeine, called mateina. Mate is often driken here like coffee would be, in the mornings or during the afternoons to give you some extra energy. Mate is also a digestive and has several vitamines and minerals, and has been said to help lower cholestorol!

So, Mente Argentina-ers, take out that beautiful mate we gave to you oh so long ago, invite over all your friends, and follow these steps so that you too can drink your mate while studying and working abroad! You know what they say, when in Baires, do as the porteños do (do they say that?)

Rachel Sherman

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