What I learned...

I think it was impossible to be in the city and not learn something new and exciting everyday. This city was full of art and culture everywhere I went. From submarinos at cafés, to reggae concerts in the park, the tango culture, and the Lunfardo (dialect) mixed with Castellano, everything was an experience. Buenos Aires is a Latin America New York, and you will quickly see why. If you are looking for the pueblos and rainforest that are often depicted on tv, you got another thing coming. This city is hustle and bustle. You may not speak the language, but be sure to have some streetwise about you. As an international, you are a hot commodity...and so is your dollar!

I really enjoyed my host mom, and the neighborhood I stayed in was lovely. Palermo is where it's at for the International crowd. However, I challenge you to do something local. I took belly dancing classes twice a week and tried to eat at local restaurants away from the tourist crowd. I would also encourage you to break away from your program now and then. It is easy to fall into the pattern of hanging out with the same people. This almost always means speaking A LOT of English (kinda defeats the purpose).

The support staff was really great. Gaby Masson is the queen of everything Buenos Aires, she's like and encyclopedia! Carmen is also a big help in pretty much any other area. They will truly treat you like family. Have fun and live big! Know that you are there to experience a culture so, talk to people on the street, talk to your servers at restaurants, take colectivos (buses) around the city just because, and speak as much Spanish as possible. It's an experience you won't forget, but make sure you have good things to remember! Enjoy, suerte!