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Argentina is a South American standout and is an excellent choice for students wanting to learn Spanish. Throughout the years study abroad in Argentina has become increasingly more popular. The particular character of
Argentina is often defined by stereotypes such as the tango, gauchos
galloping along the pampas, and the legendary Eva Peron. However,
underlying these preconceptions, the country of Argentina is bursting with a
vibrancy and elegance that can surprise and delight in some unexpected
ways. The Argentinean identity is elusive - the country's greatest
thinkers have yet to distill and define that mysterious quality that is
Argentinidad.
Argentina is a vast country, the
eighth largest in the world. The varied geography can be divided into four
major natural regions: the Andes, the northern plains, the Pampas, and
Patagonia. At 22,834 ft, Aconcagua in the Argentinean Andes is the
highest peak in the Western Hemisphere. In the northeast, rivers plunging
over the edges of the great Parana Plateau produce spectacular
waterfalls, including the famous Iguacu Falls. In the South of Argentina there
are the windswept plateaus of Patagonia and even further south is the
large, mountainous island of Tierra del Fuego. Each region offers its
own brand of natural wonders. The immense variety of wildlife alone is
astounding. There are flamingos and condors, pumas, llamas, and tapirs.
In the jungles one can find howler monkeys and toucans. Closer to the
Atlantic penguins plunge into their icy waters. Yet, Argentina's
extensive National Parks system makes traveling to even the most remote
enclaves a viable and exciting possibility during your Spanish language program.
In Buenos Aires, there are many opportunities outside the Spanish language school to partake in the local
culture. On Sundays, for example, in the Plaza Francia young Portenos
gather to drink yerba mate and listen to the music and shows of the
feria. The tango at San Telmo has such wonderful professional dancers that
it is easy to understand the deep and abiding love Argentineans have
for this national dance. To simply stroll along the boulevards,
absorbing the unique flavor of the different barrios, maybe doing a little
shopping or stopping off for a cafe, is an enjoyable way to experience the
city. Home to more than 1/3 of the population, Buenos Aires is an
elegant capital city that has earned and maintained its cultural
distinction.
Home to the Tango World Championship and the Eva Peron Museum,
Argentina has an individuality and charm that is certainly worth exploring.
From the very remote and rural villages that can only be reached by mule
crossing to the sophistication of the Mendoza wine region, Argentina
offers a positively unique blend of adventure travel with all the urban
attractions of a densely populated metropolis.
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