Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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PARTICIPANTS NAMES & PHOTOS
Anannya Das (706) 202-5120 Avery Shelton (512) 937-0685 Ethan Cone (706) 254-3265
Gabriel F Brogi (678) 907-5181 Jolie Lanier (678) 822-6365 Lindsay Caviness (678) 338-5504
Estudiantes
UGA en Buenos Aires
Verano 2023
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PARTICIPANTS NAMES & PHOTOS
Luke Barret (678) 332-7500 Luke Spotts (609) 892-9889 Mia Whitehurst (770) 862-8445
Miriam Roy (704) 798-4957 Natalee Bavani (470) 252-9534 Ogochukwu Ugboh (470) 338-1177
Estudiantes
UGA en Buenos Aires
Verano 2023
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PARTICIPANTS NAMES & PHOTOS
Raegan Johnson (706) 612-4562 Reilly Stevens (404) 281-3392 Spencer Patrick (404) 277-1585
Estudiantes
UGA en Buenos Aires
Verano 2023
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UGA en Buenos Aires: Program Itinerary
Summer 2023
→ Calendar
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Welcome to UGA en Buenos Aires!
Buenos Aires is a culturally and socially vibrant city: the city never sleeps. It is modern
and traditional, exciting, frenetic, and fun. Buenos Aires is an unending labyrinth of
elegant residential neighborhoods, beautiful parks and plazas, unique shops, and
restaurants. Tango, tarot, art, crafts, and antiques are offered in open-air markets along
the streets, where you will also find bookstores, cafés, restaurants, and theaters. It is
always easy to find something to do. The Porteños, as people who live in Buenos Aires
are called, love to go out to eat, dance, see a movie or hear a concert. Buenos Aires has a
“café culture,” you are welcome to stay as long as you want reading, chatting, working, or
hanging out with friends.
LEAVING ATLANTA
Most of our group will leave Atlanta Jackson Hartsfield Airport Saturday, May 27,
2023 from the International Terminal on Delta Airline flight DL 101 at 10:00pm (direct
to Buenos Aires). Other companies that offer flights to Buenos Aires (EZE) with
stopovers are American Airlines, United Airlines, LATAM, Air Canada, COPA, and more.
You should be at the airport no later than 3 hours before the departure of your flight.
Before packing, please read carefully your airline website section about
baggage allowance and follow their instructions regarding packing liquids
or gels in your carry-on luggage.
On Sunday, our Local Coordinator Marcela Garbagnati and our transportation will be
waiting for us at Ezeiza Airport in Buenos Aires and will take you to your host family’s
home. That Sunday you will have time to get to know your family, rest and explore the
area where you will live (no other activities are scheduled for that day).
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Welcome to Buenos Aires!
o SPAN 4090S and SPAN 4190 have a non-traditional format and your
schedules will vary. Some of the organizations with which you are going to be
placed have more flexible schedules than others, and they might want you to
attend more hours one day and less or none the following. You will need to adapt
to their schedule (but never commit to attending while you have to be in your
other classes!).
o SPAN 3020 and SPAN 4080 will function as a split-level course and will meet
every day from 1:30pm to 3:45pm (with a short break in the middle).
o SPAN 4082 will meet every day from 4pm to 6:15pm (with a short break in the
middle).
o Tango lessons (not mandatory but truly fun) will be held at La viruta, located
at Armenia 1366, on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm (we’ll have Saturdays at alternate day).
Besides the City Tour, during our stay in Argentina, you will do a 4-day trip to Salta and
Jujuy (June 9-12) and you will visit an Estancia (ranch) La San Antonio in Guernica
(June 4). In Salta and Jujuy the cost of transportation and lodging with breakfast, and
some meals are covered by the program. You will be responsible for the payment of some
lunches and dinners. Details will be forthcoming. For outdoor activities, you will
need to bring appropriate shoes and clothes. There is a wide thermal range
between daytime and nighttime. Salinas and San Antonio de los Cobres
elevation are above 12,000 feet above sea level. If you are concerned about high
altitude affecting your health, please consult your doctor before departure and contact
UGA en Buenos Aires staff members about your concerns.
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Ximena Luna, our Activities Coordinator, will be in charge of scheduling and
booking tickets when needed for the group’s extracurricular activities. Please,
communicate to Ximena what types of activities are of interest to you. We will meet
briefly once a week to discuss these activities (most likely during lunchtime). The
activities coordinator will also collect funds from students and facilitate accessing those
activities not funded by the program when needed.
Homestay
Your host family has contractually agreed to provide you with breakfast every day and
dinner Monday through Friday. If you are going to miss either meal or spend a weekend
outside Buenos Aires, please let your host family know in advance (it is not only a
courtesy on your part but also a security measure).
Your host family will provide you with basic linens, towels and blankets. Laundry service
will not be provided. You can take your laundry to the nearest Laundromat (lavadero).
For AR$700 per load, you can drop your laundry in the morning and pick it up later
cleaned, folded, and fresh smelling. (Ironing is also available for an additional cost).
Each home has its own ways and styles but as general rules, do not invite anyone home
without asking permission from your host family. Overnight stays for visitors will not be
allowed. To ensure your safety and the safety of your host family, do not invite anyone to
the home that your host family does not know (in most homes, other UGA en Buenos
Aires students will be welcome). If you have any doubts about home rules, please ask
your host family.
Your homestay family will not negotiate with you regarding money or payment for
the homestay. They will not offer to sell you any additional services or products or get
involved with any financial transactions with you. (Exception: if you stay in Argentina
after the program is finished, you might want to negotiate with your host family an after-
program fee to stay with them).
If you have any reservations or concerns about your homestay assignment or feel
uncomfortable for any reason with your homestay family, you should communicate
this to any of the program staff (the sooner the better). We will discuss the specifics
of the situation with you and will make any changes or alterations that seem called for.
Expectations for the students as homestay guests
• It is the student’s responsibility to adapt. If your host family does things
one way and you are accustomed to doing them another way, try within reason to
conform. Remember that you are, at least for a while, a member of the family!
You should try to follow the family's pattern of daily life with regard to mealtimes,
activity schedules, when you get up and when you go to sleep, what you eat, and
where you go. If at any point this becomes inconvenient or too difficult to comply
with, please contact the program staff members.
o Be attentive to the mealtimes and other routines within the family (dinner
is usually served around 9-10 pm)
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o Respect the family’s preference of TV shows, where available, and kinds of
music
o Treat any pets appropriately.
o Receive visitors with respect and discretion.
o Be attentive to what the family likes and does not like to talk about
• Students should plan on keeping their possessions in a neat and tidy manner,
making their beds, and looking after their own basic housekeeping.
• Students should communicate their plans clearly -what meals they will be away
for, when they expect to be home.
• Students should consume resources (electricity, hot water) sparingly. Do not
shower for excessive durations or at hours that will disturb the household.
• Students will be financially responsible for any damage to the homestay property
or for replacing lost keys.
• Students will be expected to behave as respectful and responsible adult members
of the household.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Time
Argentina is currently one hour ahead of EST. Argentina uses the 24-hour clock instead
of the 12-hour clock. So when it is 3 pm in Athens, it’s 14.00 (14 horas) in Buenos Aires.
Weather
Buenos Aires has four distinct seasons. In winter (June to September) the temperature
unusually falls below 0º C (32 ºF), with an average between 8º C and 10º C. In summer
(December to March) the temperature usually stays under 35º C, with an average of 28º
C. In spring (September to December) and fall (March to June) the temperature range is
between 15º C and 22º C.
Electricity
Electrical Currents operate on 220 volts, 50
cycles. You can easily buy adapters and
transformers at any ferretería in Buenos
Aires. If you don’t have already those
adapters, just wait till you are in Argentina to
purchase them (they are a lot less expensive
over there, and you will purchase exactly what
you need). If you bring any expensive
electrical device, take it to a ferretería to
receive a correct assessment of the type of
transformer or adapter you may need.
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Most laptop and phone chargers are designed for both 220 and 110 volts. You will only
need a plug adapter, which costs about US$1-3 in Argentina. The picture shows the 3
most common plugs. Appliances such as hair dryers designed just for 110 volts require
an expensive transformer. For less than the cost of this transformer, you might be able to
purchase a new hair dryer in Argentina.
You will need a warm coat similar to the one you usually use in Athens during winter
(June-July are the coldest months in Buenos Aires). Winter begins on June 21.
*Keep in mind that usually you can only carry one 50lb bag on the airplane
without paying an oversize bag fee. *
Money
The monetary unit in Argentina is the peso ($). Discussing the exchange rate is quite
complicated because it not only fluctuates (Argentina’s inflation last year reached 100%)
but there are different types of dollar exchanges. The three that concern you the most
are:
. Dolar oficial. As of March 2023, the exchange rate is about $210 pesos per dollar.
. Dolar tarjeta internacional (Visa and Mastercard) for tourists only. As of March 2023,
this exchange rate is about $370 pesos per dollar. This is the exchange you will receive
when you pay with your Visa or Mastercard issued by a non-Argentinean bank.
. Dolar Blue. As of March 2023, the exchange rate is about $380 per dollar. This is the
exchange that circulates outside the official market.
Complicated, isn’t it? The bottom line is that the most convenient for you would be to
use your Visa or Mastercard and bring some dollar bills to get cash to make payments for
which no credit card is accepted. Here’s an article about the “foreign tourist dollar”
https://buenosairesherald.com/argentina-101/foreign-tourist-dollar-everything-you-
need-to-know-about-the-new-preferential-exchange-rate
You can get cash from ATMs but you might incur in fees charged by both, your bank and
the Argentinean bank and will receive pesos at the dolar oficial rate (about $210 per
dolar).
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Currency can be exchanged in most banks for the official rate (open from 10 am to 3 pm)
and exchange companies "casas de cambio" operate in the same time-range. We advise
you against exchanging your money with people in the street, operating mainly in the
downtown area (called "arbolitos" -little trees- by
locals, since they are right beside the road and are full of
"green" leaves) even though they might quote you a
higher "informal" exchange rate. It could be
dangerous to use their services.
After exchanging or withdrawing money from an ATM, familiarize yourself with the bills
to avoid being confused or scammed. It’s always good to check your bills. To determine if
the banknotes are REAL: 1) The face side up, on
the upper left corner the denomination will be
reflective. And when you run your fingernails
across the number it should be rough to the touch.
2) When holding either side up to a light you
should be able to see a watermark. 3) On larger
notes there is a security strip embedded in the
notes. Face side up it is visible to the naked eye.
On the backside, it is visible when held up to a light.
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Restaurants and Tipping
When eating out, be aware that most restaurants do not split checks. So, remember your
order, the price and your contribution to the bill. Tips in restaurants are not as regulated
as in the US. Some restaurants include a service charge, so you should look for that on
the bill/receipt when it arrives. If they include it, you could tip around 5% of the bill, if
they don’t, about 10-15% is fine. Theater ushers and bus terminal porters, air terminal
porters per suitcase get a US$1 tip. Taxis get no tip.
By Taxi or raid hailing: There are plenty of black and yellow taxis all around the city.
You can hail them anywhere in the city but there are fewer during nighttime. They
charge by distance and time. When you get in the taxi, the driver turns on a clock and
charges you about $300. From there, you pay $30 per
200 meters traveled or per minute (if the car is stopped).
A ten-block trip might cost around AR$ 500 (as of March
2023). Radio-taxis (a taxi ordered by phone) are safer
alternatives at night. There's a 20% additional
cost from 10 pm to 6 am. (night fare). We
recommend that you carry the phone number of radio-
taxi company with you at all times (ask your host family if
they have a preferred number).
You can also call them using the app BA Taxi.
Cabify, Uber, and SHE Taxi (for women with women drivers) are also popular in
Buenos Aires. Prices are similar to taxi’s prices.
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By Subte: Buenos Aires’ subway system, known as the subte, is good but it covers a very
restricted area in the city. It is the oldest in South America, dating from 1913, and many
of the stations are decorated with original artwork showing historic scenes of the city or
murals by contemporary artists. There are six lines, referred to by letters A, B, C, D, E
and H and you will be able to change lines in different stations. The fare is about
AR$50. The subte is fast, but it is very crowded during rush hours. It runs daily from 5
a.m. until 10 p.m.
By Train: You can use them from the central stations (Retiro, Once) to a few locations
within the city and beyond. The fare is typically between AR$30 and AR$60, depending
on your destination.
CELL PHONES
Once in Argentina you can purchase a chip from a local company and use it in your cell
phone. There are several companies and all of them offer packs with a local chip and
data (Movistar now has a tourist pack that includes a chip, 30-day service with data and
minutes for calls for about US20). You can also purchase the chip and pay for calls and
data on the go. Most people use WhatsApp in Buenos Aires.
To place a call directly to another country using a phone line you can use a
“locutorio” where you should dial:
1) 00
2) Country Code
3) Area Code
4) Telephone Number
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For example, if you would like to place a call to your parents in Georgia,
dial:
1) 00
2) 1 (U.S.A)
3) 404 (Atlanta)
4) phone number you want to reach
For example, if you would like to call Marcela Garbagnati’s cell from Buenos
Aires, you will dial: 15 3407 5200
If you would like to call Marcela’s cell from Athens, you will dial:
011 54 9 11 3407 5200.
INTERNET
All of the homes in which you will be living have Wi-Fi internet access. You will have
access to Wi-Fi also at IDES and in many other locations. While not so widespread these
days, it is still possible to find locutorios or other cyber-stores or cafes where you can use
a computer connected to the net for a small fee per hour. Most cafés and restaurants
have Wi-Fi access for customers.
Internet connection might be a bit more difficult when you travel outside the city.
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o Avenida Corrientes: Corrientes and Lavalle between Florida and Avenida 9 de
Julio—house cinemas, theaters, bookstores, and cafes and bustle with activity all
night long.
o Calle Florida: Florida marks the heart of the city´s microcenter and is lined
with stores of all kinds. The closer you get to Plaza San Martín on this crowded
pedestrians-only shopping street, the better the offerings.
o Obelisco: This enormous, pointed tower looms 221.5 feet into the air, and is one
of the city´s most prominent landmarks. It was built in 1936.
o Palacio San Martín: Once the residence of the Anchorena family, this palace
has been the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1936. The ornate building, designed
in 1909 by Alejandro Chrisophersen in the grandiose French neoclassical style, is
an example of the turn-of-the-century opulence in Buenos Aires that rivaled that
of Manhattan.
o Plaza San Martín: Once a field in a muddy suburb, Plaza San Martín gradually
evolved at the northern end of the city next to the steep riverbank. Originally
populated by vagrants and marginal members of a rough-and-tumble-colonial
society, the surrounding area eventually became the site of some of the most
sumptuous town houses in Buenos Aires. The imposing bronze equestrian
monument to General José de San Martín, liberator of South America, was
created in 1862 by French artist Louis Daumas. French landscape architect
Charles Thays designed the plaza in the 19th century with a mix of traditional
local and exotic imported tress that continue to add to the stately feel of the
neighborhood.
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o Las Cañìtas: This area of Belgrano has lots of nighttime activity. Dozens of
restaurants and clubs make it a great place to start or end your evening. Between
Libertador and Luis María Campos, from Gorostiaga to Arguibel.
o Palermo: Palermo is known for its large park and lake area, extending along the
river towards Belgrano. The Rosedal (Libertador y Sarmiento), former home of
dictator Juan Manuel Rosas, is lovely and filled with people on the weekends. The
Jardín Botánico (at Plaza Italia) is full of cats and the elderly ladies who feed them
as well as lots of shady trees and benches.
o Palermo Viejo: This section of Palermo, now called Palermo Hollywood and
Palermo Soho, is the current hotspot of Buenos Aires with new bars and
restaurants opening all the time. Plaza Cortázar (Serrano y Honduras) and the
surrounding area.
For current happenings around Buenos Aires, check La Nación or Clarín newspaper
(especially on Friday and Sunday). The website https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/es
also has loads of listings of things to do and see: shows, festivals, exhibits, and more.
There are a surprising number of free and low-cost activities in the city of Buenos Aires.
No matter what your interests are, there is something for you waiting to be discovered!
MEDICAL CARE
If you need emergency medical care, you will need to go to the closest hospital or clinic
(in Barrio Norte, we recommend Hospital Alemán, Hospital Otamendi, Swisse
Medical, or Cemic). You can pay with cash (in pesos) or card. If you would like one of
the staff to accompany you, please do not hesitate to contact UGA en Buenos
Aires staff: Marcela Garbagnati, Ximena Luna, or Betina Kaplan. You can reach us
by email or by text via WhatsApp.
For non-emergencies, UGA en Buenos Aires staff will help you find the appropriate
medical assistance.
FOR EMERGENCIES:
o Sanatorio Otamendi
Azcuénaga 870
4963-8888 o 4964-8700
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o Hospital Alemán
Av Pueyrredon 1640
4827-7000
o CEMIC
Av Las Heras 2900
5299-0100
MENTAL HEALTH
General consultations:
Centro Medicus de Salud Mental
Juncal 2184
CABA
within Argentina: 5288-4700
from the USA: 011-54-11-5288-4700
IMPORTANT WEBSITES
Health Information
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
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Centers for Disease Control (CDC)—Argentina page
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/argentina
Directory – Staff
STAFF
→ Betina Kaplan (Director)
bkaplan@uga.edu
WhatsApp: +1-706-521-4082
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STUDENT DIRECTORY
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Find your home here:
https://goo.gl/maps/z3uCG7FWdfEN5avN7