Although most people are familiar with Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires, few realize just how large and diverse the country of Argentina really is. At about 1/3 the size of the continental U.S., Argentina truly has something for everyone, from the breathtaking Iguazu Falls to the salt flats of Salta, from the vineyards of Mendoza to the glaciers of Patagonia. Get ready to dance in the tango capital of the world, horseback ride through pristine mountains with real-life gauchos (cowboys), and fall in love with the proud, kind people that make up the beautiful country of Argentina.

To help prepare you for your time teaching, studying or volunteering in Argentina, this post will provide you with some general ideas of what you can expect to learn and experience as well as some tips and advice for your time here.

What to expect while living in Argentina

A Unique Blend of Cultures. Often called the “Paris of Latin America,” Buenos Aires’ (where 9 out of 10 of you will be living) unique mix of European and Latin American cultures makes it a hotspot for visitors from around the world. In addition to experiencing the unique porteño culture, you can count on making friends from at least 6 or 7 other countries during your time here, making it a truly international experience.

Great Food (for great prices!). Although the food will vary slightly depending on where you are in Argentina, some staples you can count on include:

• Steak – some of the best quality and best-priced you’ve ever had!
• Dulce de Leche – like a thicker, heavier version of caramel this stuff is a national obsession.
• Choripan – the Argentine version of BBQ will be some of the best you’ve ever had. Cooked outdoors on parillas and served with a fresh white roll. No sauce necessary.
• Empanadas – cheap, delicious and easy to eat on the go. You will fall in love with empanadas.. then get sick of them after eating too many.. then fall in love with them all over again!

Eating out in Argentina is also very economical. In Buenos Aires you can have a great steak dinner for $10 USD (probably less outside of the city), and a typical pasta dish will run you around $7. And if you really want to eat on the cheap, empanadas cost about $1 USD each

Learning Spanish.. with an Argentine accent! Although you can get around without knowing much Spanish, one of the great things about Argentina is that a lot of people don’t speak any English. This makes spending time here a true immersion experience and means that whatever your current level of Spanish, you will improve drastically during your time here. And the Italian-sounding accent you pick up will be a guaranteed conversation starter in your future travels.

Tips and advice for living in Argentina

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Remember the seasons are switched. One of the biggest mistakes visitors make when coming to Argentina is assuming that it is always warm, or that it will be warm during the summer. In reality, Argentina’s temperature ranges from mild in the north to sub-arctic in the far south, and its position in the southern hemisphere means that our summer is their winter and vice-versa. Be sure to do your research on the weather and pack appropriately!

Be safety-conscious. Carry a bag that you can sling across your body, and wear your backpacks facing forward. Don’t wear expensive jewelry or leave your belongings unattended. Stick to main avenues if you are walking at night, and always take Radio Taxis in Buenos Aires. Although violent crime is uncommon in Argentina, petty theft and some mugging is fairly common. However, if you keep your wits about you, you shouldn’t have any problems at all.

Travel by bus. Unlike Europe, Argentina has hardly any trains at all. Instead you will find that the most economical way to travel is by bus. However, the long distances take some getting used to. Thankfully, “cama” seating is the bus equivalent of first class, with seats that lay almost completely back and plenty of leg room. Frequent movies, airplane-style meals and snacks and even bingo on some lines means that the time will pass quickly too. All in all, it’s a fairly enjoyable way to travel.

While Argentina offers a wide variety of baked goods, perhaps the most beloved is the “alfajor.” These cookies, generally filled in the middle with dulce de leche, come covered in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or merengue. The café “Havanna” is one of the most famous sellers of “alfajores,” but you can also find them in stores and newsstands as well.

If you can only travel to one place while you are in Argentina..

..Go to Iguazu Falls! Although they are a very touristy attraction, this does nothing to diminish the jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring effect of the waterfalls at Iguazu. Be sure to take the raft-ride through the falls (wear clothes that can get soaked!), and hike to the Devil’s Throat falls. If you have some extra time you can cross the border into Brazil (and cross another country off your list) to see their falls as well.

Study in Argentina

Study in Argentina with API

We Recommend: API at the University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires
Where: Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Lowdown: Established in 1964, the Universidad de Belgrano (UB) has over 11,500 students, including 2,000 international students. Located in the charming and picturesque neighborhood of Belgrano, the university offers 24 different degrees, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. It has a long history of welcoming international students and offering dual degrees with U.S. universities. The academic programs at UB are suitable for students of all language levels; there are options for students ranging from the beginning to the advanced levels of Spanish.

Volunteer in Argentina

Volunteer in Argentina with GIC

We Recommend: Volunteer Programs with Children - GIC Argentina
Where: Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Lowdown: Volunteer in South America with GIC. Many rewarding positions helping children in Argentina. Help out at one of the many soup kitchens and day care centers in the country, help feed and care for street children in Buenos Aires, assist doctors in a children's hospital, among other volunteer work opportunities. Sadly the increase in poverty in Argentina in 2001 caused an increase in the number of children in the country who live in poverty, on the streets, in day care centers, or are otherwise considered at risk. Lend a hand where your help will be greatly appreciated.

Teach in Argentina

Teach in Argentina with i-to-i

We Recommend: Teach English at a Bilingual School with i-to-i
Where: Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Lowdown:Don't worry it's not you who has to be bi-lingual! With half the curriculum being conducted in English, native English speakers are in great demand. The school has recently won an international award for excellence in education so it's the perfect place to try out all those skills you've learnt on the TEFL certification, which we offer free when you volunteer. If you manage to wrestle your way free from the children who by now will have you coaching them soccer and rugby in your spare time you can explore the wonderful city of Buenos Aires.