Category Archives: spanish

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 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
colectivos buenos aires

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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Why do your master’s degree abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina?

October 04, 2011   MenteArgentina   No comments
Graduate Degree in Buenos Aires, Argentina

There are many reasons that can influence your decision to complete your master’s degree in Argentina.

Why do a master’s degree abroad?

Doing your master’s degree abroad is an invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in a foreign culture, become fluent in another language, and network internationally. A master’s degree abroad is a valuable investment, in particular because the diversity of the programs Argentine universities offer and the fact that an Argentine master’s degree is valid almost everywhere in the world.

Doing a master’s degree abroad can also give you an edge if you decide to return to your home country and work for an international company. More and more, companies are looking for graduates who think on an international level and can understand the interconnection between global markets. Completing a master’s degree abroad will help you develop these skills, making you an attractive candidate to hiring managers in an increasingly competitive job market.

Studying at the graduate level can be a major financial investment. There has been a general trend towards marked increases in tuition in recent years, even in countries where tuition fees have generally been much lower than average. For example, Canada has seen tuition fees more than double in the last ten years, and other countries, such as the U.S. and Australia, have also seen significant price increases. This trend has lead to students looking toward other options, such as doing their graduate studies abroad, in order to further their education at an affordable price, avoiding major loans and student debt in the future.

This is when the idea of doing graduate school in Argentina starts forming in many students’ minds. The cost of living is a lot cheaper, and tuition prices are some of the most accessible in the world. Yet some students might have questions: Is it possible to study in a top quality university on another continent? Will my master’s degree abroad be universally recognized?
Argentina is a country known for its delicious steak and fabulous wine, but what some may not know, is the way Argentine culture values education. They pride themselves on their universities’ excellent academic quality.

Argentina’s tuition prices are incredibly low compared to that of U.S. and Europe. Also, the cheaper cost of living lets you enjoy a more comfortable quality of life while you study for your master’s abroad.  Say goodbye to the days of eating only spaghetti while you hit the books, and say hello to a nice apartment, affordable nightlife, and enjoying Buenos Aires to the fullest. Mente Argentina’s Master’s Degree in Buenos Aires programs sets everything up for you. Mente Argentina provides accommodation in Buenos Aires, activities in Buenos Aires, support, guidance, and enrolls you in the university that is best suited to you.  Mente Argentina will even guide you through the complicated visa process, one of the major challenges in doing yourgraduate studies in Argentina.

The Benefits of Studying Abroad:

A recently published article, “New Study Confirms Significant Gains”, By Mary M. Dwyer, Ph.D. and Courtney K. Peters is the first large-scale survey that explores the long-term impact of study abroad on a student’s personal, professional, and academic life. The study showed that study abroad positively and unequivocally influences the career path, world-view, and self-confidence of students.

Regardless of where students studied and for how long, the data from the more than 3,400 respondents (a 23 percent response rate) demonstrates that studying abroad is usually a defining moment in a young person’s life and continues to influence the participant’s life for years after the experience.

Few other experiences in life have proven to have such a positive and sustainable impact. With study abroad offering so many life-changing and enduring academic, career, intercultural, personal, and social benefits, students should carefully consider studying abroad when searching for colleges and during their undergraduate careers.

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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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Mente on Malbec: un blog de-vino

July 18, 2011   MenteArgentina   No comments
miami-wine-tasting

Budding wine connoisseurs of all (legal) ages start from the jumping off point of that well known adage, drink and be merry. Argentina has increasingly been getting more attention for its wine production, both in quantity and quality over the past years. This is why tourists, wine lovers, and the wine interested have started flocking to its thriving Capital, to take wine and sommelier courses in Buenos Aires. Unfortunately, some of us have yet to get the chance to learn all about the world of wines, and so until we can enroll in a class of our own, we will have to start with the basics and work our way up:

According to Wine for Dummies, an admittedly guilty position i have taken, Argentina is the largest producer of wines in South America and 5th largest in the world. And what comes out of the country is even more impressive. Like the immigration history of the Argentine population, most of the grape-producing vines have come over from Italy and taken and impressive strong root in the wine-making country of Argentina. Provinces such as Mendoza, Salta, and Jujuy are the pride of argentine wines and have attracted many visits by travelers and study abroad students in Argentina! Both the wine culture and the landscape there is beautiful and calming: Being near the mountains but still in a desert area keeps the vineyards warm by day and cool by night, and the ground is dry by nearby rivers from the Andes allow for easy irrigation.

Compared to its neighboring competitor Chile, what really sets Argentine wines apart is its main grape: Malbec. The Malbec grape was originally only used for blending with Merlots and Tannat to make them darker and more full bodied; it is now a celebrated varietal wine (meaning a wine made only from one grape) in Argentina. It has particularly adapted to the Mendoza region and winemakers are toying with getting the same quality. Another great argentine wine is their Cabernet Sauvignon, but many wine professionals agree that sheer production of the argentine Malbec, and it’s rareness as a quality variety has defined argentine wines.

A little info on the Malbec: The Malbec grape is only successfully produced in Argentina and Cahors, a small wine region in southwest france. Originally from Bordeaux, many theories trace its origin, one (popular but unconfirmed) says that a Hungarian peasant by the name Malbec spread the variety throughout France, others trace it back to northern Burgundy under the original name Côt. In Argentina, Malbec wines have been thriving for over 100 years.

Certain qualities jump out with Malbec wine. It is a very full bodied wine, very dark and with a strong concentration of flavors. The skin varies based on climate; in cooler conditions it produces a thick skin that raises acidity and tannins making it a more robust wine, and lower altitudes that have hotter climates lends to a thinner skin grape, more juice and lighter-bodied wines that are meant to be drunk young.

The flavors that often jump out are those of

Dark fruits:

  • Plums
  • Cherries
  • Raspberries
  • Currants

Spices: come from the liberal oaking process

  • Vanilla
  • Anise or licorice
  • Tobacco

It can be difficult to get to know a specific type of wine, or to find a wine you love! If you’re looking for a reasonably priced Argentine wine, this blogger’s wine recommendation would have to be a bottle of the Latitud 33 Malbec which can be found all over Buenos Aires But, as all classes, teachers, wine lovers and professionals will tell you, the only way to get to know a wine is to taste it! So in that spirit, read all you like, but you study abroad students know that one of the best ways to meet Argentina is to reap the fruits of its bounty, err… something like that. For those of you on your way to Argentina, tell us what you think and know about the Malbec in a comment! And for those mente study abroad students in Buenos Aires, whether or not you’re on our Wine Program, use this information to brush up before our upcoming wine tasting next week which you’ll hear more about in an email! Los requisitos son que ¡disfruten y que hablen castellano durante toda la degustación! Below are some handy wine terms in spanish so you can impress the group with your conocimientos del vino. ¡Que rico!

aterciopelado: used to describe older wines that have lost its roughness through tanins and has given it a smooth, pleasant flavor

abierto: used to describe a wine that has a clear color that allows much light to pass through

(vino) blanco: white wine

bodega: winery and wine cellar

botella: bottle

brillante: a characteristic of young wines that give them a strong shine and a clean or fresh taste/look

cata: wine course or professional tasting where the group examines the characteristics of the wine via look (vista), smell (olfato) and taste (gusto)

(vino) común: used to describe a wine that has no varietal specification

cubierto: used to describe a wine that has a dark, opaque color that doesnt allow light to pass through

cuerpo: body of the wine, describing the fullness or lightness of the wine when tasted.

decantar: decant. Gradually pour the wine from the bottle to another container to separate the liquid from the sediments at the bottom and expose the wine to air to bring out the flavors

degustación: wine tasting

enología: enology, the science and study of wine-making

fermentación: fermentation, the process that transforms must into wine by changing the sugars into alcohol

hollejo: skin of the grapes

lágrimas: literally translated as tears, in English wine terms known as the legs of the wine. When the wine is swirled in the glass, the legs refer to the droplets that slide down the side of the glass. The fuller bodied the wine, the longer it takes the droplets to descend. Often said in wine tastings, “this wine as great legs!” which unfortunately is not as sexy sounding when describing las lágrimas.

ligero: light, used to describe a wine that has a weak body, lack of flavor

maceración: softening/soaking, process of keeping the skins of the grapes in the must to give the wine stronger color and aroma

madura/maduración: mature. used to describe a developed wine/process of allowing the grapes to reach their optimal moment of growth

(vino de) mesa: table wine used to accompany foods, lower in quality and price

mosto: must, the juice from the grapes before it goes through the fermentation process

notas (de…): notes of or hints of, used to describe the tastes, usually subtler, found in the wine

paladar: the palate of the mouth, where most flavors of the wine hit.

postgusto: also known as retrogusto, it is used to describe the taste that lingers in the mouth after drinking a wine

redondo: said to describe a full bodied wine

(vino) rosado: a rosé wine, pink in color, made of red wine grapes but less red and with a different flavor because the skins are taken out before the fermentation process

sabroso: a taste defined by the variety of flavors and characteristics that make a smooth and tasty wine

tánico: used to describe a wine with a flavor defined by a high level of tannins

taninos: tanins, which exist in grape skins, sedes, stems, and even the barrels used to age the wine. Drawing the tannins out it dependent on the winemaking process involved. Tannins are marked by astringency (think of that sense of dryness or almost grittiness lets on the tongue) and bitterness. It is often maintained that tannins get less noticeable with age.

(vino) tinto: red wine

trasiego: a process of moving the wine around to decant and oxygenize it.

uva: grape

varietal: varietal, used to describe a wine made out of one particular variety of grape

vino: wine

viñedo: vineyard

vid: grape vine

vinicultura: viniculture, wine production and wine growing

vinificación: everything related to the wine making process

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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Hablá Argentino: guide to spanish slang while studying abroad Buenos Aires

May 11, 2011   MenteArgentina   1 Comment
Lunfardo

LUNFARDO Y MOD ISMOS

One thing you learn right away studying, working, interning, or living abroad in Buenos Aires is how differently Argentines and Porteños speak! Aside from the jjjjjs in their accents and the voseo form of conjugation, Porteños (or native Buenos Aires residents) also are known for their specific slang. While every country, region, and city has their own modisms and slang that you learn to pick up, we at Mente Argentina are particularly fond of the historical and playful lunfardo of Buenos Aires.

Many people know that the best way to learn spanish is to live in a spanish speaking country, and we agree! Studying abroad in Buenos Aires gives you the oportunity to take spanish classes in Argentina while applying what you learn in the classroom to what you hear on the streets. Here is a little Mente Argentina history breif as well as guide to lunfardo and common spanish slang that you are sure to hear while you are studying aboad in Buenos Aires!

Lunfardo: is said to have come to Buenos Aires at the tail end of the 19th century about the same time (and therefore deeply associated with) italian immigrants were fleeing to Argentina to look for work. Because of this, lots of lunfardo is a mixture between spanish and italian, as well as carrying  gaucho and even african origins. Lunfardo spread first through the lower classes – particularly around Buenos Aires, and later to Rosario, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay – but began to enter all class levels and cross racial, social, and gender divisions, particularly because it was, and still is, used in the lyrics of Argentina´s iconic tango music. Lunfardo has now entered all sorts of speech throughout Argentina and Uruguay, but the term is synonymous of ¨speech of Buenos Aires¨.

Lunfardo, like all slang, is dynamic and shifting all the time! There is always more to learn, hear, and wonder about. Let us know about other lunfardo that you’ve heard, whether or not you know what it means! Así, vamos aprendiendo cada día. Here are some words, phrases, and terms that you can slip in to conversation with porteños to give you that authentic spice!:

a full: overworked, busy, in a rush “estoy a full con la facultad”. A lot, packed with people, “cómo fue la fiesta?” “a full che”

bárbaro: great, cool

berretta: cheap or bad quality

boludo/a: the term boludo/a can both be an insult (calling someone an idiot) and a term of endearment used among friends

  • boludez: similar to the term “bull” in english, a task that’s easy to do or something you don’t want to do
  • boludear: to joke around (“me estás boludeando”), to waste time
  • hacerse el boludo: to act like an idiot

boliche: dance club

bondi: bus, slang for “colectivo”, the more common term for bus

bronca: anger, frustration

  • Darse bronca or me da bronca: used to say that something upsets you,

buena onda: cool, can refer to a person, a place, an activity, etc.

capaz: maybe, “capaz que si”

careta: fake, from “cara” as if you have a mask on

chabón: guy

chamuyar: smooth talking, especially in romantic situations

  • chamuyero: used most often for a guy who hits on a lot of women by talking them up

charlatán: a show off/know-it-all, used similarly to chamuyero

che: used as a colloquial phrase when talking to someone, often at the beginning of a sentence. “che, ¿cómo estás?”

dale: like “ok”, but used in agreement. “¿querés ir al parque?” “¡dale!”

estar en pedo: to be really drunk, to be in trouble (used like “I’m screwed”)

fiaca: lazy

forro: condom

  • forro/a: used also as an insult, like idiot

huevos: literally means eggs, used like “balls” in English

  • me costó un huevo y medio: more slang way of saying something was expensive, similar to the English saying “it cost me an arm and a leg”

joda: a party, usually with intonation of it being wild

guita: money, used like “cash”

laburar: to work

lunfardo: the argentine/rioplatense slang. Originated from the word “outlaw” because in the late 1890s and early 1900s the language was associated with prison speak

luca: one thousand pesos, 1.000 pesos = 1 luca, 2.000 pesos = 2 lucas

mango: Money, used like “bucks” in English. 1 peso = 1 mango, 2 pesos = 2 mangos

medio: placed before adjectives to say “kind of” or “a little”. “a veces es medio difícil”

¡mira vos!: used commonly as “wow!” or literally “look at you!”

mina: woman, originated as an offensive term but now used commonly

un montón: a lot, a ton

morfar: to eat

  • morfi: food

pelotudo: idiot

pibe: a kid, child

plata: money, used like “cash”

posta: used in agreement or for enphasis, like “for real”

puede ser: could be, maybe

pucho: a cigarette

que sé yo: I don’t know, what do I know

quilombo: mess, much stronger expression than “lio” or “desastre”

re-: really, very, used as a prefix to an adjective, “estoy recontento”

subte: short for el subterraneo, which is the subway

tal cual: exactly, used in agreement to a statement

telo: a pay-by-the-hour motel

tener ganas: to be in the mood to do something, “yo tengo ganas de mirar una película”

pilas: literally means batteries but is used as energy, intention, etc.

  • con pilas: with energy or excitement“hay que hacerlo con pilas!”

tipo: guy, dude, used not to address friends, sometimes in a negative tone

  • used as description or time: tipo can also be added to the end of sentences (mostly with times or numbers) to mean “around” “¿cuando nos juntamos?” “a las 8 tipo”

trucho: fake, especially used for something counterfeit

vesre: one tendency of lunfardo is to reverse syllables in words, for instance telo is the reverse of hotel, just as vesre is just a vesre version or reves

viste: literally the you-preterite of ver, or “you saw”, but is used to say “you know?”

Rachel Sherman

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Choripán-A savory addiction

November 08, 2010   MenteArgentina   No comments
IMG_1225

Hi, my name is Brian and I’m addicted to choripán.  I can remember my first choripán like it was yesterday.  I had been shopping for bombillas in La Boca and while looking out at the “splendor” of the Riachuelo I smelled something glorious.  I walked toward a barbeque pit like a zombie after fresh flesh arms extended and all.  I bought the sandwich and doused it with chimichuri and salsa criolla.  I paid the woman and thanked her.  I wanted to kiss her but she was missing a few teeth and I had a sandwich to eat.  After my first bite I had to sit down and I think I started crying, I’m not sure because time slowed down.  I knew after the third choripán that I had discovered something balefully delicious.

I now can’t control myself when I am anywhere near the bbq carts that litter the Costanera sur (see map below).   I feel like I’m missing out if I don’t try at least one.  What is choripán?  The beauty of this sandwich is its simplicity-chorizo, French bread, chimichuri, salsa criolla.  Choripán is very common in Argentina, Uruguay, & Chile.  It’s said that in the eighteenth century the Gauchos living in rural Argentina would eat chorizos in bread during celebrations.  (Gauchos are like cowboys and were common in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, & Uruguay).   There are three main types: pork, beef, and blood sausage.  These sandwiches are very common in Buenos Aires.  They’re also very inexpensive as well.  You shouldn’t pay more than eight pesos for a choripán.  If eating at a nice parilla with an elaborate selection of beef I would hold off on ordering a choripán.  There are a ton of food carts around the city that sell them and you should probably wait to order one when you’re hanging out around town (I’ve never gotten sick yet from the food carts here).

Chorizo – there are a few types available at most carnecerias:  pork (cerdo), cow (criolla), & blood sausage (morcilla)

Chimichuri –garlic, oil, vinegar, chilies, salt, oregano, pepper, thyme, laurel, onions, & parsley

Salsa criolla – a mixture of red onions, peppers (red or green), tomatoes, oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, & cumin

(map of La Costanera Buenos Aires) http://maps.google.com.ar/maps?hl=es&client=safari&rls=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=costanera+buenos+aires&fb=1&gl=ar&hq=costanera&hnear=Ciudad+Autónoma+de+Buenos+Aires,+Capital+Federal&ei=d0DXTN_yIsKB8ga3xIGSCQ&sa=X&oi=local_group&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAQQtgMwAA

 

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