Preparing to Study Abroad Argentina

Preparing to Study Abroad

Why Did You Choose Argentina for Study Abroad?

Natalie DeRosa Temple University IFSA-Butler Program: Argentine Universities Program

“Argentina has fascinated me since I took a class on the sociology surrounding their popular music. I knew they have an interest-ing literary culture to which I wanted to be exposed; a bookstore on every corner and a climate in which people love to read and discuss literature.”

Linnea Cederberg University of Pennsylvania IFSA-Butler Program: Argentine Universities Program

“I chose Argentina because I wanted a Spanish immersion program that didn’t offer Europe as an “escape option” to find my English speakers and English environments. I figured that people would be more invested in the local culture and language than in Europe. I wanted to experience a completely new area of the world and culture and be challenged by simple things such as taking a public bus or ordering a coffee at a cafe.”

CONTENTS 2 Welcome from IFSA-Butler 3 Welcome from Our Argentina Office 4 Overview of Argentina 7 IFSA-Butler Support 11 Academics 18 Finances 18 Payments and Financial Aid 22 Managing Your Money Abroad 23 Student Expenses Abroad 26 Getting Ready to Leave 26 Official Travel Documents 27 Travel Services 28 Insurance and Health Care 31 Packing 35 Technology and Communications 37 Living Abroad 37 Housing 39 Legal Matters 40 Health and Safety 44 Emergencies Abroad 45 Culture Shock 46 IFSA-Butler Policies 47 Information 47 Information Resources 48 About Us

Preparing to Study Abroad ARGENTINA

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Welcome from IFSA-Butler Welcome to our programs in Argentina! We’re thrilled that you’ve chosen to study abroad through IFSAButler, one of the oldest and largest nonprofit international education organizations in the United States.

At IFSA-Butler, we take our slogan “More Culture. Less Shock.” very seriously. One of our top goals is to make sure that students and their parents are as prepared for the study abroad experience as possible, and this comprehensive planning guide is one way of achieving this goal. It should answer many of your questions about living and studying in Argentina, from academic and cultural differences to the cost of living abroad to packing suggestions, and everything in between. The topics covered in this book are some of the most important issues related to study abroad in Argentina, and we’ve incorporated suggestions from past participants as well.

Most of our dedicated staff, both in the U.S. and in Argentina, have lived and studied in a variety of countries. They have personally experienced the joys of living in another culture, as well as the occasional frustration! Their enthusiasm for international study and understanding of cultural issues helps us give each IFSA-Butler student a successful and enriching academic experience abroad.

We wish you an exciting and successful experience in Argentina! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Institute for Study Abroad U.S. Office 800-858-0229

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Mario Cantarini Argentina Resident Director

Welcome from Our Argentina Office We are very glad you have chosen to study in Argentina on an IFSA-Butler program. We look forward to welcoming you to our country!

Our first piece of advice to you is to keep an open mind. After all, you are coming abroad for something different! You must be willing to explore your new environment, even if it means trying new foods, using means of transportation other than your own car, getting lost from time to time or being confused by words and expressions you haven’t learned in Spanish classes.

At the end of their stays, most students say that the best part of their whole experience abroad was learning different approaches to ordinary things and growing in self-knowledge and independence.

One thing we can guarantee about your study abroad experience is that if you truly immerse yourself, you will have a unique opportunity to learn about a fascinating culture. We will give you additional information at orientation, and you’ll have the chance to ask questions and learn for yourself.

Once you settle into your university and your Argentine family, you should remember that we are only a phone call away. Our office isn’t open just for business calls; we encourage you to come by anytime. We like to hear about what you are learning and experiencing in Argentina, and we love to hear about your adventures as you make our country your second home.

We hope you treat living abroad as an education in itself and our office as one of your primary research resources, for education is not found only in books and classes.

See you there!

Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University Argentina Office

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O V E RV I E W

Overview of Argentina Geography Argentina’s geography and cultural history contribute to its unique place in Latin America. The country is located in the area of Latin America known as the Southern Cone. Essentially triangular in shape, Argentina is bound by the steep and rugged Andean Mountains to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the fertile Rio de la Plata river system to the north. The country then tapers to the cool Antarctic point of South America. Because of its location so far south of the equator, the weather in Argentina ranges from subtropical (like Florida) in the north to temperate (like North Carolina or Virginia) in the far south. Buenos Aires is in the north; Mendoza is on the western side, relatively close to Santiago, Chile.

People When the Spanish and Portuguese initially colonized South America, they concentrated in the Andean region, where the greatest reserves of gold, silver, copper and tin were located. The Spanish Empire developed along the Andean Mountains, primarily in what is today Chile. The Andes Mountains that separate Chile and Argentina also in effect separated

Argentina from the main centers of the Spanish Empire. The city of Buenos Aires was founded as a minor outpost during the period of Spanish exploration and colonization because of its favorable location, with access to both the ocean and the interior of the country.

When Europeans began to settle in Argentina, they first emigrated to the northeast sector of the country for its farmland and minerals, displacing the native Tupi Indians in the process. They ignored the vast Pampas, which allowed the indigenous populations to remain undisturbed until the mid-1800s.

At that time, European settlers began producing wheat and cattle. They drove most natives of the Pampas (South America’s flat, fertile plains) to the outer regions of Argentina. This displacement helps explain why today Argentina has one of the lowest numbers of indigenous peoples in all of South America. For the most part, indigenous people in Argentina live in the interior, outside the major cities and along the less populated borders.

From the mid-19th century to the present, Argentina has had great numbers of immigrants from all over Europe and Asia. In addition to the original Spanish settlers, there are large Italian, German, Jewish, Middle Eastern, Irish and English populations. The waves of migration have contributed to a melting pot phenomenon that gives Argentina, particularly its cities, a cosmopolitan flair.

Social Customs The accepted form of greeting among Argentines is a kiss on the cheek. When you meet a friend, you both lean forward and touch right cheek to right cheek, then kiss the air. It is inappropriate to actually kiss the other person’s cheek unless you know each other very well. Get used to this form of greeting because it is used almost exclusively. Men meeting for the first time, however, will usually shake hands.

Affection is displayed openly, and there is much less physical distance between people when they meet and talk. Touching is common. When entering a group, greet everyone in the room by shaking hands or kissing on the cheek. Be sure to say goodbye to each person when leaving.

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Never approach a stranger to ask for directions or information without first saying buenos días, buenas tardes or buenas noches. Use the same rule in stores and restaurants.

Argentines typically don’t sleep much. They go out late and still manage to start the day at 8 a.m. In some cases, they don’t go to bed at all. In fact, because staying up late is so common, Argentines use a 24-hour clock (e.g., 23:00 instead of 11 p.m.). In Mendoza, the city shuts down from 1 to 4:30 p.m. for siesta time.

Religion Roman Catholicism is the official state religion of Argentina and nearly 90 percent of the country’s population is Catholic. While only a small percentage of Catholics practice actively, a religious sentiment still runs deep through most of the population. The entire country shuts down for Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Although most of the population is Catholic, you’ll also find Protestant congregations. Buenos Aires has a significant Jewish population.

Government and Economics Argentina’s past is a fairly tumultuous one. From dictatorship to democracy, Argentina has seen some stunning changes in the last 50 years. The 2001 economic crash in Argentina weakened the country’s reputation as one of the most stable in Latin America. While today the economy has recovered somewhat, the weakened peso means U.S. dollars go far. You’ll find it relatively economical to study in Argentina.

The government in Argentina remains somewhat fragile; at one point, the country went through five presidents in two weeks. But the ongoing problems in the government have not affected daily life for students.

Argentina still offers wonderful cities, an Europeanstyle elegance and social, welcoming people.

Life in Buenos Aires Nowhere in Argentina is the cosmopolitan feeling more apparent than in Buenos Aires. The city continues to attract people from within its own borders, other Latin American nations and European and Asian nations, and it has grown to become the seventh largest city in the world. Cultural activities abound—check out the folk music and dances, symphonies, theaters, jazz concerts and museums. The city consists of 46 barrios, each with its own colorful history and distinc-

tive character. Approximately three million people live within the city limits and another 10 million live in the larger metropolitan area.

Buenos Aires is a very large city, so you can expect a relatively long commute from your home to your classes. Public transportation is excellent, but in some cases you will have to travel 15 to 60 minutes, which is well within the norm for a big city like Buenos Aires.

In comparison with other significant cities of the world, Buenos Aires has a low rate of violence, but crime rates have increased in recent years. You should therefore learn which parts of town are considered dangerous so you can avoid them (this will be reviewed in detail during orientation). Regardless of where you live or travel within the city, take basic safety precautions.

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Life in Mendoza With a population of nearly one million, greater Mendoza lies at the foot of the Andes Mountains in an irrigated valley. Mendoza is renowned for the fine quality of its wines. In fact, more than 70 percent of the total acreage devoted to the cultivation of grapes in Argentina is located within this province.

The city of Mendoza has 130,000 inhabitants, and its tree-lined streets and open spaces provide a beautiful contrast to the modern urban environment. The center has broad walking boulevards and many open-air cafĂŠs filled with fashionably attired students, reminiscent of many European cities.

Public transportation within Mendoza is plentiful, with several bus lines linking the university campus with different city districts. Mendoza is located 1,100 kilometers from Buenos Aires, which is 15 hours by bus or car or an hour and a half by air. Given its proximity to Chile (380 kilometers from Santiago), many students travel there during or after their time e in Mendoza.

Mendoza is within a few hours of many recreationall activities in the Andes. Winter-sport enthusiasts will be delighted by the close proximity of the mountains ns and the many adventures they offer, including skiing, g, snowboarding and mountain climbing.

Nightlife Bars in Argentina are very different from those in the e United States. In Argentina, a bar is a place where you ou can go and have coffee, a snack or a drink. Unlike in the States, many Argentine bars are well-lit places where people sit around a table and talk. They are as full in the morning (with people eating breakfast) ass they are at night. Delightful, historic bars in Buenos Aires still exist as they did at the turn of the century..

The San Telmo neighborhood is home to some of the he more interesting bars.

Nightlife in Buenos Aires and Mendoza is centered around boliches or discotecas. People often go out to eat on the weekends at 11 p.m. or midnight, then n dance when the boliches open at 1 or 2 a.m. People e stay out until sunrise, then go for breakfast. The boliiches usually are very expensive, with a A$20 to A$30 0 cover charge and pricey drinks.

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IFSA-BUTLER SUPPORT

Institute for Study Abroad Services At IFSA-Butler, we pride ourselves on our outstanding student support and comprehensive services. We work hard to ensure that our students (and their parents) are well prepared before departure, and that our students have an excellent experience abroad. Below are some of the highlights of our pre-arrival, on-site and post-study abroad support.

Program Advisors Each IFSA-Butler Argentina program has a U.S.-based advisor who is available to answer your academic, cultural and program questions about Argentina or study abroad in general. Your program advisor processes your application, serves as the contact between you and your host university and helps prepare any necessary paperwork for your housing and courses abroad. Your program advisor is your main IFSA-Butler contact person in the U.S. and is here to help prepare you for your great adventure!

IFSA-Butler Finance Office While your program advisor is your main contact for most IFSA-Butler and study abroad questions, you or your parents may also work with the IFSA-Butler finance office on money matters. The staff in the finance office send program bills, process payments, make payments for all of your host university housing and tuition, and prepare contractual agreements with U.S. universities to ensure a smooth transfer of financial aid to our programs. You can reach our finance office during regular business hours at 800-858-0229.

Argentina Office IFSA-Butler maintains a fully staffed office in Argentina dedicated to the assistance and support of our students.

Support services include: • • • • • •

A thorough orientation for students upon their arrival Activities and events during orientation Organizing co-curricular activities and special events for students Verifying the full-time course enrollment of each student Personal and academic assistance to students 24/7 availability for help with emergencies

The IFSA-Butler Argentina office address in Buenos Aires is: Av. Corrientes 880, 8°C C1043AAV Buenos Aires Argentina The IFSA-Butler Argentina office address in Mendoza is: Montevideo 230 10°3 (5500) Mendoza Argentina Our staff are available to assist you throughout your study abroad program.

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Pre-arrival Preparation Materials IFSA-Butler prepares you for your study abroad experience by sending a series of publications, updates and emails. These materials include: •

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Argentina Essentials pre-arrival updates, which contain reminders and details about practical matters such as group flights and directions for where to go upon arrival. We send these prior to your departure for semester, year or summer program.

Advising emails from your IFSA-Butler program advisor. These emails cover some general Argentina preparations such as visa application instructions and health insurance information, but they mostly focus on details specific to your program and host city.

Money Matters, a booklet focused on program fees, financial aid, scholarships and other topics related to finances.

This Preparing to Study Abroad booklet. We send an electronic copy to students. We are always happy to provide a print copy to students and parents, when contact information is provided, upon request.

We send digital copies of these materials to parents of our students when contact information is provided. We also send bills to parents. If you don’t want your parents to receive these materials, you must notify us and provide an alternate billing address.

Travel Services IFSA-Butler partners with STA Travel to offer travel booking assistance for our students. There are several advantages to booking your flight reservations through STA: • •

Work with an experienced travel agent Lock in the price of your international ticket with a deposit and pay the rest later • Reduce or eliminate change fees with the option of a Multiflex Pass for flexible travel dates • Compare airfare prices between airlines so you book a ticket that works for your budget and travel time • International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is included Any program student who arrives on their program date within the published arrival window will be provided with ground transportation from the airport to IFSA-Butler orientation.

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Argentina Orientation—Semester and Year Programs The IFSA-Butler orientation in Argentina, scheduled before the start of classes, provides a great opportunity to inform you of our services and prepare you for the academic and cultural changes that await you. All students are required to attend the full IFSA-Butler orientation program and to remain on site throughout orientation. The orientation program takes place in Buenos Aires for all programs (Mendoza Universities Program students will fly as a group to Mendoza after a brief stay in Buenos Aires). You must plan your travel so that you arrive in time for the first day of orientation at the time and location designated in your pre-arrival materials.

During orientation, our Argentina staff will address the following topics, all geared toward helping you better understand your new environment and easing your adjustment into your new culture: • • • • • • • • • •

Differences between U.S. and Argentina academics An overview of Argentina’s culture Safety abroad, including precautions for natural disasters Course registration and other academic practices Individual university sessions Housing Health care Immigration documents and requirements Study abroad survival skills Spanish language classes (for some programs)

Housing and Meals During Orientation IFSA-Butler provides housing and meals during orientation, but don’t forget to budget funds for snacks and personal expenses. See the “Cost of Living” section in this book for more information.

Argentina Orientation—Summer Programs Our summer program orientation is abbreviated due to the shorter academic schedules of summer programs, but it includes all of the key cultural, academic and safety issues listed above. Most meals are included.

Important: For All Students All of our orientation meetings are mandatory and participation in activities is highly recommended. IFSA-Butler reserves the right to withdraw you from the program, with no refund, if you miss all or part of the orientation.

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Co-curricular Activities and Activities— Semester and Year Programs IFSA-Butler offers numerous co-curricular activities and events as part of our semester and year programs in Argentina. All of these activities are included in our program fee. The following co-curricular activities allow our students to experience the country’s beautiful landscape, history and culture: In Buenos Aires • Attend a music concert or theatre performance • Tango lessons • Argentine cooking classes • Attend a rugby or soccer match when in season • Museum tours and Argentine film screenings • Three-day excursion to a destination such as Colonia or Punta del Este, Uruguay; or Rosario, Argentina In Mendoza • Guided city tour of Mendoza • Visits to numerous nearby vineyards and annual wine harvest festival (semester 1) • Argentine cooking classes • Attend a musical performance/theater production • Visit to a local winery, includes tasting and lunch • Two-day trip to Cacheuta: Includes trekking and hiking in the mountains and rafting in Río Mendoza • Sailing and kayaking in Potrerillos’ dam Other activities/extras • Welcome meal • Farewell meal • Special activities as part of your program courses or concentration

Co-curricular Activities—Summer IFSA-Butler offers a smaller number of co-curricular activities and activities for summer students. Events vary by location but usually include a lunch and at least one visit to a historic or cultural site in the region.

In addition, most host universities offer cultural events and entertainment as part of their summer programs. We encourage our summer students to take advantage of these activities as much as possible.

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Emergency Assistance Abroad One of IFSA-Butler’s most important services is our emergency assistance to students. Our staff in Argentina are trained in crisis management and have extensive experience handling student incidents and emergencies.

Our staff in Argentina share emergency phone coverage and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help with any emergency. See “Emergencies Abroad” on page 53 for more information.

Transcripts You will receive a Butler University transcript recording the grades and credits from your host university.

For information about our registration and transcript policies, see these topics under “Academics” in the next section of this booklet.

Program Duration Please note that IFSA-Butler program services abroad are in effect between the program start date and program end date on the program calendar.

ACADEMICS

Academic Differences Most universities in Latin America operate on the European or Continental system. Students in Latin America go right from their bachillerato, or 12-year high school diploma, to a professional career. Students can enroll in law school, medical school and courses for every other career as undergraduates.

Students do not study “liberal arts” or take general education requirements followed by a major. Depending on the field of study, students may take four to seven years to complete their studies.

For study abroad students, being directly enrolled in a Latin American university is an incredible, but wonderful, challenge. It is the best way to fully learn about societal differences and meet a wide range of people.

Class Syllabi There is relative academic autonomy, autonomía de cátedra, in Latin American universities. This means the professors do not have to have their syllabus approved and may not provide one at all until class starts. They can teach what they want. This autonomy makes it even harder for IFSA-Butler to get information about courses in advance because courses change depending on the professor.

You will not know exactly what classes you can register for before you arrive in Argentina.

all their classes in one facultad and receive a degree in one field. Under this system, students studying the same subject take all of their classes together in a carrera for their full degree until they graduate from their facultad. As a result, students in a given carrera know each other well and see each other almost exclusively throughout the academic day. Some IFSA-Butler students have found that a good way to get to know other students is to take at least two classes with the same group (e.g., two year-two classes in the Department of Sociology).

The carrera system also means that it can be difficult to get course descriptions. The curriculum is set, and students proceed year by year up a curricular ladder.

Students are not able to pick and choose their classes, so most professors and students feel that course descriptions are unnecessary.

Argentine universities follow the European system, which does not use contact hours as a way of determining how many credits to assign a course, as many U.S. institutions do. Classes may meet for fewer hours and have higher expectations for the amount of time students put into their studies outside of class.

Classes may meet in one solid block of time once a week instead of one hour three times a week, or they may meet in the afternoons or evenings. Sometimes professors schedule classes at these hours to accommodate their other jobs.

Classes in Argentina You may find it difficult to take courses in different academic fields at the he same time. Local students take

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Assessment Although some Latin American institutions require continuous assessment (papers and tests throughout the semester), the majority of classes in the larger, state-run universities put most of the emphasis on the final exam. The final exam may be oral, where you will need to prepare an answer in front of a group of professors, or a written paper. IFSA-Butler helps prepare students well in advance if they have an oral exam.

Keep a file with your registration papers and course work. Making photocopies of your documents is a good way to back up your work; keep electronic copies as well. It is important that you also keep the course code and the professor’s contact information handy should you need some assistance from our Argentina office during the course or after it is completed.

Study Habits in Argentina Latin American students study in groups. They share the load and see themselves as competing against the system, not against each other. They may frequently skip class, asking their friends to take notes instead.

Where possible, they purchase class outlines.

Textbooks are very expensive, so most classes do not use them. Instead, many classes use photocopied readings.

Joining a study group is an ideal way to meet people, but it can be hard to organize. Where possible, IFSAButler organizes tutorials with final-year or postgraduate students to help you through the more difficult material.

Student Services in Argentina Latin American universities place less emphasis on student services than U.S. universities. If a student has a problem, it is generally up to the student to find a solution, perhaps with the help of his or her family. The IFSA-Butler resident office staff can help you answer any questions you may have.

Most professors and other academics are not expected to spend time advising students through regular office hours. You’ll need to catch your professors before class to talk to them. Remember, our office and tutors are available and happy to help or answer questions.

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Program Courses Program courses are developed especially for IFSAButler students and are taught in Spanish by native speakers. These classes are not integrated with degree-seeking students. Program courses vary by semester and location but always include a mandatory Spanish language class. See the course information included in your welcome packet for more about program courses.

Academic Ethics and Culture Just as systems of higher education vary greatly by country, so do concepts of academic ethics. As a visiting student, it is important for you to be proactive by searching your host university’s website and/or student handbook for its policies regarding academic ethics and classroom behavior. IFSA-Butler staff and your host institution’s international office are also great resources for guidance on this topic. Remember to ask what challenges previous U.S. students have faced at your host university.

If you are accused of academic dishonesty, inquire immediately about the appeals process available at both your host and home institutions, paying special attention to deadlines. Also note that your home college will be notified if you are accused of academic dishonesty.

Status You are classified as a “full fee-paying, nondegree or visiting student” at your host university and are entitled to enroll in any undergraduate course for which you are qualified and in which space is available. You are subject to the standard regulations of the university and have the same rights, privileges and obligations as regular degree students. You must abide by all the rules and regulations of your host institution.

Course Registration You will register for classes after you arrive at your host university. Please have additional courses approved in case your first selections are not available.

During the enrollment period it is your responsibility to ensure that: • You are enrolled in a full course load as determined

by IFSA-Butler.

• You meet any prerequisites required for any courses in which you enroll.

• You are aware of any issues that may affect grade or credit transfer to your home university.

Notifying IFSA-Butler of Your Enrollment • Once you finalize registration at your host university, complete the online IFSA-Butler course registration form indicating your individual course schedule (more information is given at orientation).

• An IFSA-Butler staff member will verify your fulltime enrollment. We use this form to verify your host university grade report before completing your Butler University transcript. Submitting your course registration form is mandatory.

• If you make any changes after submitting your information, you must immediately inform the IFSA-Butler Argentina office. Any change in your registration could affect your credit transfer.

• U.S. law requires students who are receiving federal or state financial aid funds to earn at least 12 U.S. semester credit hours for a term or semester or 24 U.S. semester credit hours for the year. Failure to comply with these guidelines can affect your future financial aid awards and eligibility. Falling below the course load minimum may also revoke your student status in Argentina.

Registering for Required Courses If you are required to take certain courses abroad in order to graduate on time, follow this procedure: • Put the request in writing to our U.S. office before departure. Your program advisor will request the course on your behalf.

• Depending on your host university, you may or may not receive confirmation that the course is available.

• Before leaving the United States, check the host university website to verify current course offerings.

• When you get to registration at your host university, request the course again and explain why you need it.

• Remember that there are course cancellations at the last minute, just as in the United States, so be prepared to make a substitution if necessary.

IFSA-Butler Full Course Load As an IFSA-Butler participant, you are required to undertake a full course load at your host university and to follow its regulations for degree-seeking students, including taking exams where applicable.

By law, you must maintain the recommended course load to ensure your continual registration as a fulltime student. Taking less than a full course load may violate the terms of your visiting student status in Argentina and jeopardize your U.S. financial aid.

The Student Handbook that you receive during your orientation abroad outlines the number of U.S. credit hours you must take at your host institution to equal a full course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. A full IFSA-Butler course load for most programs is the equivalent of: • 15 to 16 U.S. semester credit hours per semester.

• 30 to 32 U.S. semester credit hours for the year.

• Summer full-load standards vary according to proram length and host university requirements.

See our website for individual summer program credits.

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When you register for courses abroad, you will need to tally the credits, points or units (not number of courses) to achieve the required full course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Our Argentina office can help you verify that your enrollment constitutes a full course load.

Course Overload IFSA-Butler does not recommend registering for more than the full course load. If you sign up for more than the equivalent of 18 U.S. semester credit hours, please obtain written approval from your home university study abroad advisor and forward this approval to IFSA-Butler.

Taking more than the equivalent of 16 U.S. semester credit hours in a semester can result in a tuition surcharge by your Argentine university. When this occurs, we send a bill to your designated billing address. Your home institution may charge a fee to process additional U.S. semester credit hours.

Home Institution Regulations Some U.S. institutions may impose on their study abroad students the same academic regulations applicable on their home campus. In some cases these regulations may conflict with IFSA-Butler policy. For example, if your home institution requires that all students abroad enroll in four classes, you may be taking too many or too few credits according to IFSA-Butler standards. Consult your IFSA-Butler program advisor if this applies to you.

Types of Courses Not Allowed IFSA-Butler does not allow students to take the following types of courses in Argentina: • • • •

Graduate courses (400-level or above) Courses for audit Online/distance learning courses Courses for pass/fail instead of a grade unless that is the only way the course is assessed

Only courses taken for a grade and credit will count toward your full-load requirement.

Course Credits Be aware that a course’s time commitment does not always correspond to the course’s credit allocation. Science and engineering students in particular should be prepared to spend considerably more time in class and labs than students who take only liberal arts courses. Our science alumni have reported that 14

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their workload was more than double that of arts students for the same amount of credit.

Academic Contract During orientation, you will sign a contract in which you acknowledge your enrollment responsibilities to your host university and to IFSA-Butler.

Course Withdraw Dates Withdrawing from courses in Argentina can be complicated and subject to many rules. Please note the following: • Be sure to confirm the final withdraw date with your host university.

• If you wish to withdraw from a class, you must do so formally with the university by the published date, and then notify the IFSA-Butler Argentina office in writing that you have withdrawn.

• If you drop a course after the published withdraw deadline, that course may register as an F on your transcript.

• You should obtain written confirmation from your host university that you have withdrawn from the course. Otherwise the course may appear as an F on your Butler University transcript.

• Your host university may charge a late-drop fee.

This fee can be quite high. It is your responsibility to learn the deadline and adhere to it.

• Be sure that by dropping a course you do not fall below the IFSA-Butler full course load.

Class Attendance Students studying on an IFSA-Butler program are required to attend all regularly scheduled classes.

Failure to attend classes can result in loss of credit and jeopardize your visiting student status.

Completion of Coursework You must complete all your academic obligations before the end of the program. If you turn an essay in late, it may get lost and you will lose credit. If you turn in an assignment to anyone other than your professor, be sure to get written confirmation of receipt.

Incomplete Grades If you have an incomplete, you must complete the class requirements by May 31 (for semester 2/calendar year) or December 31 (for summer, semester 1 and academic year students) or by the host university deadline, whichever comes first. Incompletes that are

Assume you’re taking a higher level course than h you’re prepared for because you can never fully know the difference between your school’s courses and the courses abroad. By overpreparing for your finals, you won’t get a surprisingly low grade.

Linnea Cederberg, University of Pennsylvania Argentine Universities Program

not rectified will result in a fail or an X, and a new Butler University transcript will be issued to you and your home university.

Enrolling for One Semester of a Full-Year Course Students may not enroll in the second semester of a yearlong course.

Special Exam Arrangements You may not reschedule an exam, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If you do, IFSA-Butler will not conduct an academic record appeal or follow-up on the class in which you arranged an alternate exam or assessment.

You will be able to review a Argentina program calendar before leaving the United States. Please be sure that you do not have scheduling conflicts with the examination periods before enrolling.

Transcripts Conversion of Host University Grades and Credits We translate your grades and credits according to the scales printed in the Student Handbook that is distributed during orientation. Translations do not augment or reduce the grades; they are equivalent to the host university grades and credits.

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Once your course results are translated and processed, the Butler University registrar will send one official transcript to your home college or university and one to your home address. A transcript will not be issued if you have an outstanding IFSA-Butler account balance or any fees, fines or damage costs owed to the host university.

Tips for academic success in Argentina

The transcript issued by your host institution is considered a legal document, and neither IFSA-Butler nor Butler University can alter any part of it. We can make a change in class title, grade or credit only if we receive a revised official transcript from the host university.

• Many of your classes will be held in large lecture halls seating more than 100 students. These lectures will be complemented by seminars/tutorials, small discussion groups held at another time during the week. You are required to attend both and to actively participate.

Online Grades Some universities may make your grades available to you online. Grades provided online are not official, and the posting of grades online does not guarantee that your transcript has been prepared by your host institution.

• Most lecturers will distribute optional reading lists from which students are expected to select supplementary reading. You are unlikely to pass without reading extensively from these lists.

Transcript Schedule Due to differences between the Argentina and U.S. academic systems, your transcript will probably not be available for as long as four months after the end of your study abroad program. Most U.S. universities are used to this delay and will accept a phone call or letter from our office as explanation.

Study Abroad Term Semester 1 (spring) or academic year Semester 2 (fall) or calendar year

Transcript Sent August–September January–February

IFSA-Butler Letters of Explanation You may find yourself in jeopardy of losing academic scholarships and/or financial aid because your grades are not released in a timely manner by your host institution. To help you avoid penalties resulting from delayed transcripts, we are happy to provide letters of explanation. Please contact the IFSA-Butler Academic Affairs department if you need assistance.

Avoiding Transcript Delays To help expedite your transcript you can do the following things: • Make sure you submit an accurate course registration form online.

• Speak to your host university professors about any special deadlines you have for receiving grades.

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• You’ll have fewer contact hours with your professors than at your home institution and will be expected to work more independently.

• Students and lecturers in Argentina put less emphasis on presentation and more on the content of written and oral work. Always back up statements with documented sources. Create a logical argument and stick to it.

• Assessment occurs less frequently in Argentine universities, so it’s important to stay on top of the workload.

• Argentine universities are less flexible with regulations and deadlines. You should know the rules, and don’t assume you can break them without penalty.

• Grade inflation occurs less frequently in Argentina than in the United States. Consult the IFSA-Butler Student Handbook you will receive during orientation for U.S. grade and credit conversions.

• Adapt to the work schedule of local students. Go to the library and study during the day so that you can socialize at night.

• Introduce yourself to your instructors. Let them know you are a U.S. study abroad student and find out their expectations for the class.

• The shopping period can be a complex and stressful time. Make sure you communicate with both your home university academic advisor and the IFSA-Butler staff in Buenos Aires. They can help you and clarify any question you could have.

• Turn your work in on time. The professor can’t issue your grade without all your work.

• Make sure all IFSA-Butler fees are paid, library books are returned and fines paid, no damages exist in your housing and no other debt exists in your name when you return to the United States.

If you disagree with a grade, course or credits on your Butler University transcript, you can initiate an academic record appeal through IFSA-Butler. More details about the appeal process, appeal criteria and deadlines will be included in the Student Handbook and are also available on our website.

Rush Transcripts If you need a rush transcript, notify the IFSA-Butler Argentina office and submit the rush transcript form located on our Argentina office website before the end of the program. We make every effort to expedite the transcript but cannot guarantee that your host university will rush grades to us.

Note that we will not address an appeal for any class in which you have taken an alternate assessment, taken an early exam, arranged to submit an essay outside the required due dates or have been found guilty of academic dishonesty.

Additional Transcripts IFSA-Butler alumni may order additional transcripts after receiving their initial two transcripts from Butler University. You can make a request via the National Student Clearinghouse.

You may need your Butler University student identification number in order to request your transcript if you do not have a U.S. social securty number. This number can be found on your Butler University transcript and in the IFSA-Butler student portal (login and password required). If you are unable to access your Butler University ID via these options, please phone IFSA-Butler’s Academic Affairs department and you will be asked a series of security questions in order to share your identification number.

If you have any other questions about the transcript request process, please contact an academic records coordinator at 800-858-0229.

Additional transcript fees and processing times: • Each additional transcript costs $9.

• The National Student Clearinghouse processing fee is $2.25 per recipient.

• All transcript requests are processed within five working days of receipt.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Students who have reached the age of 18 or have entered into a postsecondary learning institution have the right to: •

• •

•

Inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the day the institution receives a request for access Have some control over the disclosure of information from their education records Seek to amend education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with requirements of FERPA.

Privacy Disclosure As outlined in FERPA, IFSA-Butler has the right to release, for reasons deemed legitimate, directory information about any IFSA-Butler student unless that student has requested in writing that their directory information be withheld from release. The request must also contain the student’s signature.

Withdrawing from the Program Academic Record Appeal Be sure to check your grades online before you depart Argentina at the end of your time abroad. Most universities in Argentina have a very short period in which you can speak to your professor, tutor, department head or other university official about your grades. It is common practice for university grade appeal deadlines to be four weeks after the mailing/ posting of exam/final grades.

IFSA-Butler may allow a student to leave the program early only in cases of severe medical or personal problems, and only for circumstances approved by your New Zealand university. Otherwise, IFSA-Butler does not report grades as incomplete. An incomplete or “absent” grade will be reported on your Butler University transcript as a fail. Results from all courses will be reported to your home institution.

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FINANCES

Payments and Financial Aid IFSA-Butler Finance Office Our finance office processes all payments and invoices and is available to answer questions about payments, scholarships, consortium agreements and more. You can reach our finance office from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST daily by calling 800-858-0229.

Program Fees We publish our fees for each upcoming semester, summer or year three to six months before departure, and we set our program fees in U.S. dollars to protect our students and their parents from currency fluctuations. Our fees are set and do not change because of changes in the exchange rates. In order to balance out the exchange rate fluctuations and to stabilize our fees we use forward contracts, which can result in an average exchange rate that may vary significantly from the daily rates quoted by the banks.

Tuition Invoices from IFSA-Butler IFSA-Butler sends invoices to each student’s designated billing address four to six weeks before the payment deadline. accepted late may receive their invoices later.

Invoices generally cover tuition, but your invoice may vary if we have a direct billing arrangement with your home college or university (see Direct Billing Arrangements below). Payment deadlines are listed on page 20.

What’s included in our program fee

Expenses not included in the program fee

Your IFSA-Butler program fee includes the following:

Expenses not covered by the IFSA-Butler program fee include:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Tuition Housing with a host family Meals Pre-arrival preparations Visa guidance Full-time resident staff in Argentina Orientation abroad (including accommodation and most meals) Activities and events Co-curricular activities and day trips (semester/ year programs) Basic student union/university activity fees Personal and academic support services 24/7 emergency assistance abroad Medical insurance and assistance plan Two official transcripts issued by Butler University

• • • • • • • • • •

Commuting expenses Vacation expenses International airfare U.S. domestic travel Passport or visa Return transportation to the airport at the end of the program Personal property and travel insurance Tuition differentials Course overload surcharges Personal items, textbooks and supplies

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from IFSA-Butler IFSA-Butler sends invoices to each student’s designated billing address four to six weeks before the payment deadline. Students who apply and/or are Direct Billing Arrangements IFSA-Butler has direct billing arrangements with many U.S. colleges and universities. Direct billing institutions agree to pay all or part of the IFSA-Butler invoice on behalf of their students, and students in turn pay the direct billing institution instead of IFSA-Butler. If the home college or university pays for tuition or housing only, IFSA-Butler will send the unpaid portion of the invoice to the student’s billing address.

Our Money Matters booklet includes more details about direct billing arrangements. Our Student Portal will indicate whether or not your home college has a direct billing agreement with IFSA-Butler.

Other Invoices from IFSA-Butler IFSA-Butler sometimes sends additional invoices based on a student’s housing, enrollment or credit load. We mail these additional invoices to designated billing addresses toward the end of the semester.

Tuition Supplemental Fees All IFSA-Butler fees are based on an arts and humanities fee structure. Some universities in Argentina set higher tuition for study in certain subjects (e.g., science, engineering, psychology, music, computer science and archaeology). Tuition supplementals vary from university to university; the fees on our website (www.ifsa-butler.org) outline which fees, if any, your host university will have and for which subjects.

Overload Fee Some host universities charge a fee for overloads (taking more than 16 U.S. semester credit hours). Our Argentina staff discuss overloads during orientation to help students fully understand their course load requirements and avoid unwanted bills.

Withdraw Fees Some universities in Argentina have instituted very strict withdraw policies, particularly for summer programs. The policies vary between universities but generally require students to pay a large penalty for withdrawing from the program after a specified date.

Although IFSA-Butler students pay their fees to us instead of to the universities abroad, IFSA-Butler is contractually responsible for any fees incurred on behalf of our students. Therefore, we are obligated to follow these universities’ refund policies and to pass penalties along to our students.

These withdraw policies are clearly outlined on our website and in the student acceptance agreement.

Monthly Payment Plan Tuition Payment Plan IFSA-Butler allows semester and year students to make monthly payments on the program fee through Tuition Payment Plan. This plan can be used to pay any portion of the IFSA-Butler program fee except for the $300 housing deposit and the $500 program deposit.

Please contact our finance office at 800-858-0229 for more information on how to apply.

These fees reflect the costs of equipment the university has to provide for certain majors, rather than the costs of studying a course in that department. Therefore, if you are admitted to a department that imposes a higher tuition fee, the university may charge you a tuition supplemental even if you do not take any courses in that department.

We send supplemental tuition bills after enrollment abroad is confirmed. Be sure to investigate and discuss your program’s supplemental fees with your parents and home university’s study abroad office.

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Tuition Payment Plan is not available for summer programs.

Using Tuition Payment Plan for Supplemental Costs You may also use Tuition Payment Plan to cover the cost of supplemental costs. However, because these additional invoices are not sent until after your arrival and enrollment abroad, you will need to estimate the amount of the supplemental costs for your program and build that amount into your Tuition Payment Plan monthly payment. You will receive a refund if you overestimate the cost of supplementals.

More Information About Tuition Payment Plan The IFSA-Butler finance office is happy to answer questions about Tuition Payment Plan. Our finance staff can be reached at 800-858-0229.

Payment Instructions Payment Due Dates and Financial Deadlines Program deposit Semester 1 program fee Semester 2 program fee Summer program fee

10 days after acceptance (nonrefundable) December 15 May 15 May 15

Please note that IFSA-Butler charges a $45 fee for late payments.

How to Make Payments IFSA-Butler accepts payment by check or credit card. When making a payment, please follow these guidelines: • Make checks payable to the Institute for Study Abroad. Checks should indicate on the memo section the student’s full name and the name of the program abroad (e.g., Argentine Universities Program).

• Send checks to: Institute for Study Abroad 6201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46278 • You can pay by credit card (Visa and MasterCard) via the student portal. For each online credit card payment, the payee will incur a service charge from CashNet. For credit cards issued by a U.S. bank, the service charge is 2.75%; for internationally issued cards, the fee is 4.25%.

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ACH Payments IFSA-Butler accepts ACH transactions paid from a checking or savings account. These payments can be made online through CashNet. CashNet provides a secure website which can be accessed through the student portal. There are no fees associated with payments made via ACH from a checking or savings account.

Delinquent Payments If we do not receive financial aid documentation or your full payment by the payment deadline listed above, you will be withdrawn from our program. You will not be refunded your $500 program deposit or the cost of your airline ticket.

Refund and Withdrawal Policies Students who withdraw after confirming their intent to enroll but prior to the payment due date will be charged $500 plus any non-refundable deposits or fees paid on their behalf by IFSA-Butler. Students who withdraw after the payment due date but prior to the scheduled overseas arrival date for their program will be charged $1,500 plus any non-refundable deposits or fees paid on their behalf by IFSA-Butler.

Students who withdraw on or after their scheduled overseas arrival date for their program will be charged $2,000 plus any non-refundable deposits or fees paid on their behalf by IFSA-Butler. Refunds are approved only after all relevant accounts are cleared. Upon approval, a refund will be issued within 20 working days. In the event that a student’s charges exceed the amount paid, the student will be invoiced for the difference.

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If you are participating in a full-year program and notify us in writing at least one month before the end of the first term that you will not be returning for the second term, you will be charged the published fee for the completed term. If you are participating in a full-year program and notify us in writing during the month before the end of the first term that you will not be returning for the second term, you will be charged the published fee for the completed term plus $500.

There is no credit or refund for a student who is suspended or expelled from the program for any reason.

Financial Aid Payments IFSA-Butler accepts transfers of financial aid for payment of our program fees. Make an appointment with your home campus financial aid officer and request a contractual/consortium agreement.

A contractual/consortium agreement is your only guarantee that your financial aid will be transferred to your study abroad program. For more information, consult Money Matters (available on our website).

If you plan to apply financial aid toward the payment of your program fee, send us a copy of your contractual/consortium agreement (from your financial aid officer) and a copy of your financial aid award letter and/or loan guarantees indicating the amount of financial aid award and its disbursal date.

Butler University does not process financial aid for IFSA-Butler students unless they are pursuing an undergraduate degree from Butler University. Please do not send any correspondence to Butler University’s Office of Financial Aid.

Managing Your Money Abroad We suggest relying on a combination of cash, credit cards and a U.S. debit card while you are abroad. We’ll give you additional advice on money management during the orientation; in the meantime, here are a few guidelines. The best way to save money while studying abroad is to copy the financial lifestyle of local students.

Currency and Exchange Rates The Argentine currency unit is the peso, which is represented as A$. The latest exchange rate is available at any bank, in most major newspapers and on the web at www.oanda.com. You may be able to pay with U.S. dollars in some establishments.

Changing U.S. dollars into Argentine pesos is difficult in the United States. If you can’t find a place to buy pesos before you leave, don’t worry. Our Argentina staff will help you exchange your money to help you get started the first week. There are numerous casas de cambio in Buenos Aires and in Mendoza.

Personal Checks Personal checks written in U.S. dollars can take months to clear. You should not bring, and your parents should not send, checks written in U.S. dollars.

Banking International students are not allowed to open bank accounts in Argentina. Instead, we recommend that you rely on a combination of credit cards, your U.S. debit card and cash. Please carefully read each of the following sections for more information.

U.S. Bank Account ATM/Debit Cards Scholarships IFSA-Butler Scholarships IFSA-Butler believes that study abroad should be within the reach of every student, so we offer a wide range of scholarships for use on our programs.

Some of these scholarships are for study in Argentina, while others may be used for study in any of our programs abroad. Please visit our website for scholarship details and application deadlines.

Other Scholarships Many companies and organizations offer scholarships for international study. A list of these opportunities can be found on our website.

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You will probably be able to use your U.S. debit card at ATMs throughout Argentina. Cirrus and Plus systems are the most common networks, so be sure that your debit card lists one of these networks. Note that most ATMs abroad accept only 4-digit PINs. Contact your U.S. bank to be sure you can use your card in Argentina and in other countries where you plan to travel. Some U.S. banks block usage of debit cards in certain countries because of concerns about fraud. You should also let your bank know when and where you’ll be in Argentina so that your international purchases are not flagged as fraudulent.

The main advantage of keeping a U.S. bank account is that it allows your parents to deposit money into your account at home, and you’ll be able to access this money this way easily and immediately. The main disadvantage to using a U.S. debit card is the fees.

Your U.S. bank, as well as the bank in Argentina that owns the ATM you use, may charge a fee for each transaction.

Don’t rely entirely on a U.S. debit card. If your card is lost or stolen, you won’t have access to emergency funds. Keep an emergency reserve of money just in case. Be sure to record your bank’s customer service telephone number and your account number in case you need to report a lost or stolen card.

Credit Cards Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards in Argentina. Any credit card you use abroad must have your name on it as given on your passport.

If you plan to use a parent’s credit card, your parent should request an extra card in your name.

We also recommend calling your credit card company before departure to explain that you’ll be studying abroad in Argentina. This will decrease the likelihood of your international purchases being flagged as fraudulent.

Keep a secure list of your credit card numbers and the cards’ customer service numbers in case your cards are lost or stolen.

Student Expenses Abroad We’ve designed this section to give you and your family an idea of what it costs to live as a student abroad.

More specific information is available in the budget planner worksheet included in your welcome packet.

In addition, each program page on our website includes Personal Cost Estimates for that program and city.

You probably will spend a lot of money in your first weeks in Argentina. Don’t panic if you find your funds rapidly disappearing. Initially, you will spend more money getting settled, exploring and socializing. As you establish a routine and start to live like a Kiwi student, you’ll probably spend less. See our money saving tips on the next page.

Orientation The IFSA-Butler orientation normally runs for four days and is mandatory. Transportation, lodging and most meals during orientation are covered by your program fee. However, past students have recommended bringing a small amount ofmoney for souvenirs, entertainment and snacks.

Emergency Reserve You should always have some money set aside for emergencies, whether it is your credit card or a cash reserve.

Wire Transfers If you need money in a hurry, you can have it sent to you via American Express or Western Union. You don’t on’t need an American Express card to wire money.

Even though wiring money involves a large fee, it iss relatively safe, and usually you can receive the money ney within one day. You will need your passport to collect the money. Some banks may also accept wire ire transfers.

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subway system, and several railway hubs that connect the city to outlying neighborhoods.

Textbooks and Supplies

Taxis

For the most part, you will not be required to buy textbooks. Most courses will require that you purchase a course pack, which is a compilation of different readings you will cover during a particular semester for that course.

Many students in Buenos Aires use taxis when going out with friends, which are generally affordable. Be sure to always call a radio taxi; never hail a cab from the street.

Cell Phones Dining Out In Mendoza, two meals per day Sunday through Friday and one meal on Saturday are included in your program fee. Students in Mendoza might want to budget A$25–A$40 per week for snacks and meals on the run.

In Buenos Aires, the program fee includes two meals per day (breakfast and dinner), so you will need to budget A$150–A$200 per week for lunches and snacks.

A dinner out may cost around A$25, but you can find a cheap meal for about A$8.

Campus Clubs and Activities You may be required to pay a fee to join some clubs or participate in student activities on campus.

Personal Expenses Be sure to budget for the following miscellaneous expenses in Argentina: • • • • • • •

Small appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners, etc.

SIM card and/or cell phone (see page 42 for more information) Haircuts Laundry Course supplies Photocopying Emergency cash reserve

See your online budget planner for more information about personal expenses.

Public Transportation Walking and taking the bus are great ways to get around your host city. The bus system is fairly extensive, both locally and regionally, and most bus systems in Argentina offer student discounts.

Buenos Aires is also home to the Subte, a five-line

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IFSA-Butler requires all students to have a cell phone while abroad. Phones must be able to send and receive texts from our Argentina office, and we will collect cell numbers from students during orientation.

More information about cell phones and SIM cards in Argentina is located on page 25, and your IFSA-Butler program advisor is happy to answer questions about the cost and process of bringing or purchasing a cell phone abroad.

Entertainment Past students report spending about A$500 a week on entertainment. For some students, the cost of alcohol should be considered—a night in the clubs could cost as little as A$200 or as much as A$500, depending on lifestyles.

A night at the theater may cost about A$150 and movies about A$100. The staff in both Buenos Aires and Mendoza can give you suggestions for entertainment that won’t wreck your budget.

Travel Budget money for independent travel opportunities.

The travel agency ASATEJ in Buenos Aires is especially geared toward the student and budget travel.

Overall Budgeting Because of the different spending habits and resources of each of our students, we can’t estimate any one person’s budget needs. For an individual and accurate estimate, please complete the budget planner online.

Money-saving tips for Argentina TIP #1: Consult Good Travel Resources Every savvy traveler should do extensive online research or purchase a good travel guidebook. We recommend Lonely Planet, Rick Steves and Rough Guides, all of which are geared for travelers on a budget and have all kinds of helpful tips about bargains, local sights, free events and attractions, and more. You can purchase these online or at any major bookstore in the travel section, or search information online.

TIP #2: Always Ask for a Student Discount Always ask for a student discount. Don’t be shy — it can help save you a lot of money. Many stores have student discount cards, and your host university may have other discount passes you can pick up as well. Visit the student union to look for flyers advertising “Student Night” at local clubs, bars and restaurants.

TIP #3: Talk to Argentine Students The Argentine students around you will undoubtedly be on a budget as well. Ask where they got their pots, pans, bedding, clothes, food, etc. and learn to shop like they do!

TIP #4: Take Advantage of Coupons There are always going to be coupons in the local newspaper or online, and there are often people giving out flyers on the streets of shopping districts. If you haven’t used coupons before, learn to love them (even if you might feel a bit like your grandma!).

TIP #5: Be a Savvy Grocery Shopper Many areas of Argentina have street markets where local farmers/venders come to sell their wares. You can find great deals on fresh, locally grown produce and food at these markets. You also can meet interesting people while doing this—grocery shopping can become a fun cultural experience!

TIP #6: Watch Your Club Visits!

Just like here in the U.S., alcohol is expensive in Argentina! Keep an eye on your club budget.

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G E T T I N G R E A D Y T O L E AV E

Official Travel Documents You will need the following documents for travel and immigration purposes: • Passport • Academic year students: FBI background check

Passport You must have a passport that is valid for six months past the time you plan to be abroad. If you don’t have a U.S. passport, apply for one immediately. Processing takes six weeks and may take longer during peak travel times.

We provide the following information as a guideline to get you started, but you should investigate current requirements immediately. For complete information about applying for a passport, go to the State Department’s Web site at www.travel.state.gov, then click on “Passports for U.S. Citizens.”

There T are so many cool things to do in Buenos Aires that don’t cost a penny. Also, try not to purchase too many gifts or souvenirs because those can add up, and instead try to bring back things that are free and can still serve as tokens of your time abroad but do not cost any money.

– Eva Lauer, Colby College Argentine Universities Program

You can apply for your passport through a passport acceptance facility; a list of locations is available at the State Department’s website.

•

• •

Proof of U.S. citizenship—either a certified copy of a birth certificate, a previously issued passport, a naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship or a consular report of birth for a U.S. citizen born abroad Two recent, identical passport photos (2” x 2”) The completed passport application and fee

If you are not a U.S. citizen, make sure both your permanent resident card (if applicable) and passport are current and valid. You might need to check with the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office near your university or home (check online at www.uscis.gov).

Visa Students who are U.S. citizens will process their temporary resident visa after arriving in Argentina. Some non-U.S. citizens will be required to obtain a visa before the program starts. Academic year and calendar year students, as well as students born in certain states, are required to submit additional documentation in Argentina.

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If you plan to travel outside of Argentina, you might need a tourist visa. Always check before you depart on your travels. You can get specific information for acquiring a tourist visa by going to the appropriate embassy in Buenos Aires. Sometimes you have to apply for a tourist visa before you arrive at the border, so check the requirements for travel before you leave.

Copies of Your Travel Documents Keep track of all your travel documents. Make two copies of your passport and visa (if applicable); leave one copy with your family and pack the other in your luggage separately from your passport. If you lose your passport, having a copy to take to your Embassy or Consulate speeds the replacement process.

Travel Services Do not purchase a ticket until you have been accepted to a host university! When scheduling a return flight, be sure to choose a flight that arrives in time for the IFSA-Butler orientation and leaves no sooner than the program end date, after you have completed all your academic responsibilities, including exams. Visit the IFSA-Butler website for program dates.

IFSA-Butler partners with STA Travel to offer travel booking assistance for our students. There are several advantages to booking your flight reservations through STA: • •

Work with an experienced travel agent Lock in the price of your international ticket with a deposit and pay the rest later • Reduce or eliminate change fees with the option of a Multiflex Pass for flexible travel dates • Compare airfare prices between airlines so you book a ticket that works for your budget and travel time • International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is included Any program student who arrives on their program date within the published arrival window will be provided with ground transportation from the airport to IFSA-Butler orientation.

If you arrive outside of the published timeframe, you are responsible for your own transportation from the airport to the orientation location. The address and directions to the orientation location are included in the Travel Newsletter, which is email to students prior to their U.S. departure.

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Insurance and Health Care IFSA-Butler Insurance CISI The IFSA-Butler program fee includes a medical insurance and assistance plan through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). CISI specializes in providing medical insurance for U.S. students who will receive treatment when outside the United States.

The CISI IFSA-Butler plan covers the following: • • • • • • • • • • •

Eligible medical expenses covered at 100 percent to $350,000 with no deductible Emergency medical evacuation to $250,000 Emergency reunion of family members Mental health coverage up to $10,000 for outpatient (includes most pre-existing conditions) Medical and travel assistance services Worldwide hospital and physician referral Emergency prescription replacement/shipment 24-hour emergency travel arrangements Emergency translation service Lost document and credit card assistance Worldwide legal referral

Pre-existing Conditions and Substance Abuse Coverage Partial coverage of pre-existing conditions, and alcohol and drug abuse treatment coverage are also part of the plan benefits. There are exclusions to coverage that are outlined on the “Student Insurance” page of our website, located in the “For Students” section.

Dates of Coverage Coverage begins on the program departure date and ends one day after the program end date. Your insurance is applicable anywhere outside the United States, not just the location in which you are studying abroad.

Insurance Card CISI will send you a printable insurance card via email before departure. You’ll need to create a personal account on the CISI website after your acceptance into a program, or use CISI’s useful registration app.

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Additional Insurance We strongly recommend that you review the program medical insurance and assistance plan to determine whether you need additional insurance. In particular, students with pre-existing conditions should investigate their options carefully, as pre-existing conditions are covered only up to $10,000 and some exclusions apply.

Please remember that IFSA-Butler does not provide travel or personal property insurance. If you want to insure your belongings while you are abroad, contact a travel insurance provider, or check to see if your belongings are covered under your parents’ homeowners policy.

Extended Coverage You can choose to extend your CISI coverage up to 30 days before or after your travel to Argentina. Contact CISI at least one week before departure for more information about purchasing this coverage.

Additional Insurance Sources To obtain travel, property or additional medical coverage for a pre-existing condition, we recommend contacting an insurance company that specializes in coverage for U.S. students abroad. Cultural Insurance Services International, which provides the insurance plan for IFSA-Butler students, can provide a range of additional insurance services.

Cultural Insurance Services International 800-303-8120 www.culturalinsurance.com

Prescription Drugs We recommend that you take enough prescription medication for your entire time abroad. If your parents try to ship medication to you in Argentina, the package may be stopped at customs.

If you can’t bring an entire semester’s worth of medication with you, you may have to make an appointment with an Argentine doctor to get a prescription.

Some prescriptions might not be available in Argentina. Let your program advisor know if you need to take multiple prescriptions with you.

Specific Health Issues Sanitary conditions in Argentina are good. The water supply is considered safe for Argentines. However, it may contain naturally occurring bacteria to which you are not accustomed. Your body will slowly adjust to these bacteria, but initially you may suffer from bouts of diarrhea. You might want to drink boiled or bottled water, at least when you first arrive.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control website to learn what current conditions are in Argentina and whether the CDC recommends any particular immunizations or precautions. See the section on “Traveler’s Health.”

Turista A common illness associated with going abroad is turista, meaning traveler’s diarrhea and related symptoms. Nearly everyone gets it while traveling in South America. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. You should be especially careful in smaller cities and rural areas.

If you have turista, you will lose fluids, so dehydration and loss of body salts may result. Drink plenty of clear liquid, such as 7-Up, Sprite, ginger ale, bottled water or fat-free salty broth. Avoid coffee and milk. Bananas or yogurt are a good first solid meal after you’ve had turista.

Health Care Below are some pre-arrival health care recommendations, as well as some hints for communicating your medical needs to IFSA-Butler before the start of the program: •

Have your family physician prepare a summary of ongoing treatment.

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Bring an adequate supply of your medications and leave them in their labeled containers.

•

See “Prescription Drugs” on the previous page for details on bringing medications to Argentina.

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We recommend that you undergo complete physical, vision and dental exams prior to departure.

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Update any vaccination(s) your physician recommends.

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Please note any medical conditions on the post-acceptance medical form. We keep all medical information strictly confidential.

•

If you have been treated for depression, anxiety, eating disorders or anything that can be classified as a mental health condition, discuss your study abroad plans with your support team. We strongly recommend continuing any current treatment while abroad.

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Discuss the possibility of obtaining additional insurance coverage for treatment abroad with your parents or study abroad advisor.

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You might want to bring with you some over-thecounter remedies, such as Paregoric, or prescription medicines such as Lotomil. Remember to get plenty of rest and watch what you eat.

To avoid turista when you travel, always drink boiled or bottled water, peel fruit and be careful of uncooked fish and vegetables. Commercial water-sterilizing tablets are easy to use but hard to find in Argentina. Buy them in the United States before you leave.

Immunizations For travel purposes, we recommend that you keep all standard immunizations (e.g., typhoid, diphtheria, tetanus) up to date. Make an appointment with your physician or university health center to check on any immunizations you might need. See your doctor at least four to six weeks before your departure to give the immunizations time to take effect.

In addition, the CDC maintains a list of recommended immunizations at www.cdc.gov. The CDC recommended the following vaccinations for travelers to Argentina: • • • • •

•

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).

If you are traveling to a malaria-risk area, see your doctor for a prescription antimalarial drug.

Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your fieldwork or recreation.

Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region.

Yellow fever vaccination only if you are traveling outside urban areas in Argentina (mostly in the Iguazú Falls and Jujay region).

Boosters for tetanus-diphtheria and measles as needed.

Students with Disabilities We encourage students with disabilities to explore studying abroad through our programs. Laws governing access, support and services for the disabled vary from country to country. We can work with you and our affiliates abroad to find a program that most closely meets your needs in a community that is as accessible as possible.

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If you require modified facilities or specific equipment, we can investigate their availability. We also can seek information about local medical facilities or relevant services accessible from your proposed study site. If you have a learning disability documented by a health care provider who describes your academic needs we can work with you to try to find a program to meet those needs. Equipment or services may result in additional cost to you.

Resources abroad may be limited, because many institutions cooperate in sharing special equipment like phonic ears or print-enlarging computer programs.

Please provide documentation and specific details about the equipment, services or other modifications you need as early as possible.

You can inform IFSA-Butler of any medical condition by filling out the medical form enclosed in your acceptance packet. Medical conditions have no bearing on your admission, but your study abroad experience may be negatively affected if all parties involved are not adequately informed of your needs. Please supply us with any pertinent documentation.

Packing

Packing Tips

Please do not overpack! Storage space is usually minimal and closets in student residences may be small.

Luggage Size and Weight • Airlines have stringent baggage size and weight limits. Domestic flights to and from Mendoza will have smaller weight and size allowances for luggage.

Keep this in mind as you travel to Argentina for the semester.

• You will have to carry all your luggage everywhere, so make sure that you can manage it by yourself.

• If your carry-on does not meet your airline’s baggage requirements, you may be required to send it as checked luggage and pay additional fees. These charges my be in excess of US$200 so pack carefully. Your carry-on should weigh no more than 15 pounds and fit comfortably under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.

Pack wisely and use suitable luggage. Trunks are too heavy and impossible to handle alone, and suitcases are bulky and tiring to carry. Past students suggest a sturdy, internal-frame backpack as the ideal piece of luggage. A backpack, suitcase and a small personal item are all the luggage you should need.

Climate In general, Argentina has a temperate climate. Summer months are November through February. February is very warm, with highs in the 80s and 90s. This warm weather generally continues through April. As the seasons move from summer to fall, the temperatures begin to drop and rainfall increases.

June, July and August are the winter months in South America. The winter months are not usually cold enough for snow, although some snow may fall in Mendoza. Winter temperatures are in the 40s, rarely colder, but keep in mind that the cold is often accompanied by high humidity that can be bone-chilling.

Most houses do not have central heating, so if you are abroad during the winter months be sure to bring some warm indoor clothes.

Protecting Your Luggage From Theft and Loss • Make luggage tags to identify all of your luggage, including your carry-on.

• Put labels inside your luggage in case the outside labels fall off.

• If you put a lock on your bag, make sure it is approved by the Transportation Security Administration (see www.tsa.gov); otherwise, airline security may cut it off.

The climate in Mendoza is primarily dry, as the Cordillera de los Andes blocks the humidity coming from the Pacific Ocean. There are ample variations in temperature between summer and winter. Median temperatures in summer reach 25ºC (around 77ºF); in winter, 9ºC (around 50ºF). January and February are the hottest months, with highs of over 38ºC (100ºF) some days. June and July are the coldest months in Mendoza.

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Protecting Your Documents and Valuables • Do not pack your tickets, passport, travel documents, medication or valuables in your checked luggage. Keep them on your person at all times.

• Do not put valuables in a backpack; backpacks are prone to theft.

General Packing Advice • Pack what you’ll need first on top in one bag.

• Pack shampoos, toothpaste and any other liquids or gels in plastic bags.

• A plastic bag can also be used to separate clean and dirty laundry and to hold wet clothes (resealable bags are the best).

• Pack your carry-on so that you can live out of it for a few days if your checked luggage gets lost.

• If you can’t decide whether to take something expensive or sentimental, ask yourself how you would feel if it was lost or stolen.

• Leave room in your luggage to bring home the things you acquire while abroad.

• Keep FAA regulations in mind when packing your carry-on. Do not bring anything that could be considered a weapon onto the plane.

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I went with my friends to the “festival de la tradición” in San Antonio de Areco.

We were surrounded by thousands of horses and people proudly dressed in traditional Gaucho clothing, rounding up the horses and strutting in this colonial town. It was particularly meaningful because I had studied Gaucho Literature in my classes at USAL, and going to this festival brought it completely to life.

–Natalie DeRosa, Temple University Argentine Universities Program

Suggested Packing List Clothes • Hooded waterproof, windproof jacket • Wool or fleece sweaters • Heavy sweatshirt/fleece • T-shirts • Turtlenecks and button-down shirts • Jeans and/or casual pants • Shorts • Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes • Sneakers • Sandals • Warm hat, scarf and gloves • Warm socks • Long underwear for colder weather • Undergarments • Sleepwear • Workout clothes • Swimsuit • One business casual outfit Laundry methods may be hard on your clothes, so pack clothes that can take some abuse. You might have to dry your clothes on a line.

Health, Hygiene and Safety • Prescription medications in original containers • Written prescriptions for refills (use the generic name) • A letter of explanation from your doctor for any prescriptions

• • • • • • • •

Spare contact lenses and glasses Your lens or glasses prescription Contact lens solution Sunglasses Suncreen Small first-aid kit (band-aids, antibiotic cream, aspirin, cold/flu medication, cough drops, etc.)

Insect repellent Travel-size toiletries

Miscellaneous • Journal and pen • Sewing kit • Laptop, tablet, iPod, e-reader, etc.

• Camera and memory card • Umbrella • Plug adaptor Do Not Bring • Expensive jewelry or items with sentimental value • Too much cash • Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia of any kind • Electrical appliances (Argentina uses different plugs and voltage.)

• Too much luggage

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Your Ideal Carry-on Bag

Contact Lenses

• Passport (signed and stamped with your visa).

Check to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months past the time you are scheduled to be abroad • Visa confirmation document • Your plane tickets and/or boarding passes • Travel-size toiletries • Credit cards, debit card and limited cash • Something to read • Something to listen to • Journal and a pen • A change of clothes in case your checked luggage is lost • Medications and written prescriptions • Sweater and/or waterproof jacket • Spare glasses and/or contact lenses and solution (the plane can be very dry, so you might want to wear glasses instead of your contact lenses) • Water (purchased after clearing security) and a small snack • Camera • Laptop, tablet and/or e-reader • Plug adaptor

Pack a spare set of lenses and your eyeglasses in case of emergency. Bring your lens or glasses prescription.

You should also pack in your carry-on all your important paperwork: • Contact details for your home institution advisor • Name and email of your IFSA-Butler program advisor and resident director • Contact details for your physician(s) • CISI insurance card • Updated home university transcript (a student copy is fine; you might need it during registration) • Your final Argentina Travel Essentials, which will be mailed to your home address two to three weeks before departure. The Argentina Travel Essentials will include phone numbers for our Argentina office and directions for where to go upon arrival in Buenos Aires.

Linens and Towels Your host family will provide linens and towels.

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Your favorite contact care brands will probably be available in Argentina, but the cost of solution is very expensive compared to in the United States. You may want to take enough to last your entire time abroad.

Appliances Don’t bring electrical appliances from home. You’ll need a voltage converter to make anything with a motor work in Argentina’s 230V outlets. Converters are unreliable and can even be fire hazards. Small appliances such as hair dryers and curling irons are easy to acquire in Argentina and are relatively inexpensive.

Medication See page 36 for more details on taking medication to Argentina.

Musical Instruments If you bring a musical instrument, pack it in a hard case and insure it. Instruments count as extra luggage on the flight and may incur an additional fee.

If you bring a stringed instrument, loosen or remove the strings to reduce the tension on the neck during the flight.

Technology and Communications Laptops The only type of computer you should consider taking abroad is a laptop. Below are the pros and cons of bringing your own computer.

Pros of Bringing a Laptop • The convenience of working on your assignments anywhere and anytime you want.

• Immediate access for working on papers, uploading photos, etc.

• No need to familiarize yourself with a different computer and software in Argentina.

• University computer labs in Argentina usually close by 9 p.m.

Cons of Bringing a Laptop • High risk of theft.

• Internet may be slow on campus and in your housing.

• Your laptop will work only if it has an internal voltage switch to work with Argentina’s higher voltage electrical currents.

• You will need to purchase a plug adapter so that your laptop can charge in an outlet in Argentina.

• You will need to find a safe place to store your laptop when you travel, or bring it along with you.

If you do bring your laptop, we recommend bringing an ethernet cable, as some places still use ethernet for Internet access. You can also purchase an inexpensive cable in your host city.

Tablets and E-Readers You may find iPads, Kindles or other tablets and e-readers useful while abroad. However, keep in mind that an outlet charger will not work abroad due to Argentina’s different voltages and plugs. You can use a USB charger with your laptop, or you can purchase a travel adapter kit to charge your devices.

Please be sure that any tablets or e-readers are insured against theft and damage.

Voltage Converters The U.S. operates on a 110V electrical system, while Argentina has a 220V system. Most laptops and some small items such as shavers and camera battery chargers may be designed to handle both types of voltages; check the product information carefully.

Otherwise you’ll need a voltage converter to operate any appliance from the U.S. Voltage converters are often unreliable and can result in electrical shock, damage to the device or even fire. This is why we recommend purchasing small appliances abroad.

Cell Phones Mobile phones are available for purchase in Argentina, and most students buy them if they don’t bring their own. In some cases you can purchase a SIM card with a local number and plug it into your U.S. mobile phone. You’ll receive detailed information about mobile phones during your orientation.

IFSA-Butler requires all students to have a cell phone while abroad.

Computer Labs Computer labs are available at your host university, although labs are rarely open 24 hours a day.

Free Wifi and Internet Cafes Free wifi is available at cafes, some restaurants, malls and public libraries. Internet cafes are also common in smaller towns if there are no cell phone signals available in the area.

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Phone Cards

Phone Home Schedule

You can sign up for U.S.-based calling cards from AT&T, Sprint or other major phone providers. The bills for these calls can be included in your family’s home phone bill, or in a separate bill if you choose. You can use these cards from any type of phone while in Argentina. Be sure to compare costs when choosing a card.

Regardless of how you choose to contact your family, we advise you to set up a schedule for calling home.

A schedule allows you to call when costs are lowest, and it also helps minimize your family’s worry about having you abroad because they know when to expect your calls.

Many of these companies also offer prepaid phone cards that can be used internationally, but you may find that prepaid cards bought in Argentina offer better deals and are easier to use.

Calling Plans Many U.S.-based cell phone and land line companies offer special calling plans for frequent international calls. Your family and friends should shop around to find the best deals, but these can be expensive.

Mail Letters to and from the United States take 10 to 20 days to arrive. If anything needs to reach you in a hurry or is very important to you, use express mail or a fax. The Argentine mail service also offers an international express service. We recommend using FedEx, UPS or DHL to ship packages to Argentina.

Be sure to tell your family and friends not to send mail to your Argentina address prior to arrival.

Shipping Packages Pay Phones As in the U.S., pay phones are gradually disappearing in Argentina. Telephones are generally available in host family homes, but long distance calls from your host family’s home is strictly prohibited.

Calls to Argentina When your friends and family call Argentina, they’ll need to use international codes. To call Argentina from the United States, dial: • 011 to get your call routed out of the United States • 54 to route your call to Argentina • the one-, three- or four-digit area code • the six-, seven- or eight-digit local phone number Note that calls within Argentina usually begin with a 0, but callers from the U.S. should drop the 0 when dialing your number.

Online Calling Options Skype, Facetime and What’s App are a great ways to make free or low-cost calls internationally. The only drawback is that they may not work well with low bandwith Internet connections, which can be an issue in Argentina. Though a camera is nice, foregoing the picture will give you more bandwidth and take less data from your account. Google Talk offers Voice Over IP services online. It has fewer options than Skype but typically requires less bandwith.

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Shipping Companies When your family or friends send packages, they should mark them honestly and appropriately, for example: “Used clothing—property of addressee” or “Confectionery—gift only.” Items may be sent by air or surface mail. Surface mail can take as long as eight weeks to reach Argentina and air mail may take from eight days to two weeks.

The U.S. Postal Service and international shipping companies such as UPS and FedEx all have their own rules regarding shipping fees, customs charges and invoices for packages. Your family or friends should ask detailed questions and understand the postal or shipping company’s guidelines before sending parcels to you in Argentina.

Please do not have your mail or packages sent to the IFSA-Butler Argentina office.

Items to Avoid Shipping Abroad • Clothes: Whether they are previously worn or new, you’ll pay high customs charges and handling fees that often add up to more than the actual value of the clothing.

• Laptops or other electronics: These could get damaged or stolen in transit and will incur huge customs charges and handling fees.

• Valuables • Medications

LIVING ABROAD

Living with a Host Family The IFSA-Butler program fee includes housing between the program start and end dates.

IFSA-Butler students in Argentina are required to live with a family. Living with a family allows you to see and participate in the complexity and diversity of Argentine society. It will also improve your Spanish skills tremendously.

Argentine Family Structure Students will be placed with a variety of types of families. You may be placed in a family with college-age children, a family with young children, a young professional family with no children, a single-parent family or with an elderly widow or couple. Most family members remain at home until marriage, so don’t be surprised if you have host brothers and sisters in older than you. No matter its make-up, your host family will introduce you to Argentine society and culture.

In Argentina, the family exists in extended rather than nuclear form. People have close relationships with their grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins, even second and third cousins. In general, children grow up experiencing a broader network of family members than do children in the United States.

Family members live less privately than they do in the United States. Be prepared to give up some of the independence you are used to at college so that you can better integrate with your host family. While you shouldn’t feel pressured to take part in all the family activities to which you are invited, participation is expected and it enriches your family experience.

Your Roll in the Household Make an effort to fit into your host family. Find out what the household schedules are for meals, getting up in the morning, using the hot water for showers and other family activities. Be quiet when coming in late at night. Your family may want you to accompany them on certain visits, activities or excursions. These provide great opportunities to learn about the culture firsthand, and you should take advantage of them whenever possible.

To avoid problems in adjusting to your family, remember that the key is communication. While you may feel selfconscious about your Spanish, letting your host family know how you feel or what might be bothering you will make things smoother for both you and your host family.

Your Room Keep your room neat. Your room is regarded as a part of the home. Keep your clothes in the closet, make your bed each morning and don’t let books, papers and other clutter accumulate. As a sign of inclusion and openness, leave the door to your room open unless you are sleeping, studying or changing clothes. Closing the door to your room and not socializing with the family may be considered rude.

Your room is only for you. Host families may be uncomfortable if you bring guests into it, so please respect their feelings.

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Laundry Laundry is not included in the program fee in Buenos Aires, although washing laundry once a week is included in the fee for students in Mendoza.

For Buenos Aires students: To avoid complications and inconvenience for your host family, plan to do your own laundry at a laundromat. The price will vary but is typically based on the weight of the clothes to be washed.

Meals The program fee for IFSA-Butler students on the Buenos Aires programs includes two meals a day (breakfast and dinner), except on Saturdays, when you receive only breakfast.

The program fee for students in Mendoza includes two meals per day Sunday through Friday and one meal on Saturday.

If you need to stay at the university for lunch, you can purchase an inexpensive lunch near the university or in the university cafeteria.

Argentines eat a light breakfast, lunch and a very late dinner that may be either light or substantial, depending on the preferences of the family.

Here are some suggestions regarding meals with your host family: • Do not request that your family to prepare a special meal for you unless you are a strict vegetarian, vegan, keep kosher or have food allergies.

• If you will not be home for a meal, tell your family in advance.

• Do not invite guests to meals unless the family has told you that you may do so.

• Do not help yourself to the refrigerator. Your host family will likely plan meals in advance, so anything in the refrigerator is likely to be part of a meal. When in doubt, ask your host mother.

• Do not take meals to your room. In Argentina, meals are social occasions that are shared with family members.

General Housing Information Bathroom Usage Most Argentines take a shower every morning. Be mindful that others in the family also need to get ready for school or work. Water is precious, so do not stay too long in the shower, even if no one is waiting.

Bedtimes Argentines tend to stay up late, especially in Buenos Aires, which offers around-the-clock excitement.

Even so, in Argentina the daily routine begins around 7:30 or 8 a.m. Make an effort to follow the local routine.

Breakage If you break anything in the house, it is your responsiblity to replace it.

Housing Assignment Notification IFSA-Butler guarantees housing for all program participants. We will inform you of your housing placement as soon as possible, but in some cases, we do not receive notification of housing assignments prior to the start of the program. If you do not receive notice of your address before departure, you can expect to have it in writing during orientation.

Note that all of your mail should be sent to the IFSAButler program office rather than to your host family’s address. Resident office addresses can be found in the back of this booklet.

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Housing Changes If you are dissatisfied with your host family after an adequate trial period, you may be allowed to change families. We screen our host families carefully and keep host families in reserve in case of problems. If any problems arise with your host family, please discuss it with the resident director.

Housing Vacation Policy Housing abroad is guaranteed only for the time classes are in session and for the appropriate assessment period. If you stay in Argentina over beaks in July or December/January, you must find and pay for alternative housing.

Manners “Sí por favor,”“No, gracias,”“Sí, señor,”“No, señor.” Although these phrases are formal, these are expressions that you are expected to use. A simple “sí”or “no” can be considered rude, particularly if you are addressing someone older than you. You might call your host mother señora and your host father señor as titles of respect. If your host mother is named Cecilia, you may call her Señora Cecilia; your host father Guillermo becomes Señor Guillermo.

Visitors As a guest of the family, you shouldn’t invite someone to your home without prior permission. Be especially careful not to bring people over at meal times. If you do, the family might feel obligated to invite your guest to the meal.

Visitors from Home Your parents or other family members may want to visit you while you’re studying abroad. This is a great opportunity to share your experience with your family, but they should not schedule their visit during the orientation or during your exams.

Please do not ask your host family to house visiting friends or family overnight. This is against IFSA-Butler policy.

Legal Matters Student Status U.S. citizens enter Argentina by showing a valid passport. Immigration officers will stamp your passport with a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days. During IFSA-Butler orientation, our resident staff will help you complete the appropriate paperwork in order to obtain temporary resident status for the duration of the program period. This allows you to enroll in Argentine universities while classes are in session.

Some non-U.S. passport holders may have to apply for a student visa before entering Argentina. Please check with the consulate in your jurisdiction for more information.

Students are allowed to enter Argentina on a tourist/temporary resident/student status only, which prevents you from seeking any kind of paid employment. If you are found in violation of this law, you may be deported at your expense.

Legal Status While abroad, you are subject to local laws and customs that may vary considerably from U.S. practice.

Ignorance of the law never serves as a defense for criminal activity. Wherever you are, be careful not to break the law.

IFSA-Butler does not provide legal advice or support to students arrested abroad. IFSA-Butler reserves the right to dismiss you from the program if you are charged with a crime.

Possession and Sale of Narcotics Students who are caught using, possessing or dealing in drugs are subject to high fines, imprisonment and deportation. If you are accused of any illegal drug offense, you will be subject to Argentina’s laws, and your U.S. citizenship will not provide any special protection.

Customs When re-entering the United States, customs will require you to declare all items purchased abroad that you are bringing with you. U.S. Customs officials have a right to see costs of purchases, so keep an account of purchases with receipts. For more information about declaring personal items, visit www.customs. gov.

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Health and Safety Alcohol

Personal Safety Precautions Students tend to let down their guard when studying abroad, but being vigilant and cautious is as important in Argentina as it is at home. We recommend the following basic safety precautions while studying and traveling abroad: Register with the U.S. State Department Register online with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You can enroll for free at https://step.state.gov/step/. This will allow the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to get in contact with you in the event of an emergency.

Read the State Department Travel Advisories These are available for all countries, so be sure to read them for any place you plan to visit. Our Argentina office routinely updates students on new State Department travel advisories, cautions and warnings, and updates are also available online at www.travel.state.gov.

Keep a Low Profile Try to blend in with the host country’s surroundings as much as possible. Avoid speaking loudly and wearing clothes that mark you as a U.S. student (e.g., university fraternity or sorority shirts). Don’t hang out at tourist gathering places and do not travel with large groups of Americans.

Be Cautious When Meeting New People Don’t give out your address, phone number or email and don’t feel like you have to “friend” new people on social media networks. Be aware of your surroundings and new people you meet.

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The legal drinking age is 18 in Argentina, and alcohol is a pervasive presence both on and off campus. Pubs are a large part of the social scene. Although IFSAButler never pays for alcohol at events we sponsor, university-sponsored events might provide alcohol.

Think about how you’ll deal with the easy access to alcohol before you go.

Socializing with Argentine students doesn’t mean you have to drink, and ordering a soft drink at a club is perfectly acceptable. We recommend that you drink moderately if you choose to drink.

We cannot emphasize enough how many discipline and safety issues are caused by overindulgence with alcohol and how many study abroad experiences are soured because of it. Most complaints and police encounters that involve study abroad students stem from the abuse of alcohol.

Alcohol Abuse If you are currently in a program to control your alcohol abuse, please inform us on the medical form that is included in your acceptance packet. Any information you relay to us will be kept confidential and will not affect your ability to enroll in our program. We can help you find continuing counseling and support abroad.

IFSA-Butler reserves the right to remove from the program any student who behaves in a violent or self-destructive manner or who is charged with an alcohol-related crime.

Anti-Depressants and Anti-Anxiety Medication Students who are taking medication for a mental health condition should continue treatment unless advised by a physician to stop. Temporary changes in scene can make students feel overconfident that they are fine and no longer need their medication, but in reality, ceasing medication can have disastrous effects.

Please see page 36 for more information about taking prescription medication into Argentina.

Counseling Students with mental health conditions (including eating disorders, substance abuse problems and depression) are particularly susceptible to increased stress while studying abroad. We ask that you fully disclose any mental health condition to us before departure so that we can help arrange counseling support for you abroad. Any information will be completely confidential.

Counseling practices in Argentina are very similar to those in the United States. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor can give you the names of professionals in Argentina before departure so that you can continue your counseling abroad. In addition, our resident office can offer help, support and additional referrals if necessary. Additional medical insurance may be required to cover counseling sessions abroad.

Crime Petty theft is common throughout Argentina. Don’t travel with valuable personal property and avoid traveling alone late at night. We encourage you to leave anything of monetary or sentimental value in the United States.

During orientation, we provide tips on how to carry credit cards and cash, and how to find help in case of an emergency. Our staff also focus on personal safety and common sense rules of living abroad.

Personal Safety Precautions (continued) Travel in pairs It’s always safer to travel with a friend instead of traveling alone.

Do Not Hitchhike Local students may tell you hitchhiking is safe, but hitchhiking is no safer in Argentina than in the United States.

When Traveling, Share Your Travel Plans When leaving your host city for personal travel, complete the online travel form to let our Argentina office know where you’re going.

More details will be included in the Student Handbook at orientation. Also share your travel plans with family or friends, especially if you’ll be out of cell phone range or away from email for several days.

Have Enough Money Make sure you have enough money with you, especially when you’re traveling. Keep your cash, credit cards and debit card in separate places in case of theft.

Do Not Leave Your Bags Unattended Do not agree to carry or look after packages or suitcases for anyone, and never leave your bags unattended.

Keep in Touch with Current Events Know what’s going on politically in the world by keeping up with the news.

Keep in Touch with Our Argentina Office Should an emergency occur in Argentina, check in immediately by phone, email or Facebook with our Argentina office staff. Also contact your parents to let them know you are fine.

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Discrimination The majority of Argentines are open-minded people who will be interested in meeting you regardless of your background. However, discrimination exists in Argentina in the forms of anti-Americanism, racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia. Discrimination is built on negative, simplistic stereotypes that are influenced by a variety of factors, including the media. If you feel you are being discriminated against, please discuss it with the program staff in Buenos Aires or Mendoza.

Drink Spiking While abroad, be aware of the dangers of drink spiking. When at a club, never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from a stranger.

Eating Disorders Eating disorders are common among U.S. university students and the stress of studying abroad sometimes causes these disorders to intensify. Both our U.S. and Argentina offices can help you locate counseling at your host university, or with a community support group if you would rather seek help off campus.

Loneliness and Homesickness Adjusting to a new way of life can be very stressful, and homesickness is common in study abroad. If you get homesick, we encourage you to share your feelings with someone. Counseling services are available in your host city, and the IFSA-Butler Argentina office is only a phone call away.

To combat homesickness, get involved in a sport or group. Keep a regular, healthy diet and exercise schedule, get enough sleep and continue your interests.

Political Demonstrations Argentina is a very stable, peaceful society, but occasionally political events and controversial issues can spark public demonstrations. IFSA-Butler warns all students to steer clear of pickets, strikes and demonstrations.

Program Evacuation IFSA-Butler has a lengthy evacuation plan for students in all locations. In the unlikely event of a serious terrorist attack, devastating natural disaster or political unrest in Argentina, we would follow our evacuation procedures in consultation with the U.S. embassy, our evacuation assistance provider and our on-site

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office in Argentina. Our policy is to initiate emergency travel or evacuation only as a last resort and/or when recommended by the U.S. State Department.

During any kind of crisis abroad, IFSA-Butler stays in close contact with students, their emergency contacts and each student’s home college or university.

Sexual Heath STDs are as large a health threat in Argentina as they are in the United States. Take the same precautions as you would at home.

While condoms may be available in pharmacies, we recommend that you bring condoms with you. If you use birth control pills, bring enough for the entire semester, as well as the written prescription. You may need to show it at customs.

Reduce your risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy by behaving responsibly and protecting yourself.

Smoking Smoking is banned in all indoor public workplaces and pubs, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and casinos.

Smoking is also banned in most outdoor public areas. As in the U.S., cigarettes are heavily taxed in Arentina.

Embassy and Consular Services U.S. Embassy and Consulates abroad provide the following services: • • • • •

Replacement of passports Assistance in locating medical service and notifying friends and family in case of emergency Assistance with finances if money is lost or stolen Attorney lists, transfer of money and notification of family for U.S. citizens in jail Disaster or emergency evacuation assistance

The U.S. Embassies and Consulates do not serve as travel agencies, banks, law offices, police or job placement services.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Argentina is located in Buenos Aires at: Av. Colombia 4300 (C1425GMN) Buenos Aires Telephone: +54 11 5777-4533 https://ar.usembassy.gov/

Registering With the Embassy We strongly recommend that you register your semester, year or summer abroad with the U.S. Embassy in Argentina. You can do so online with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Registering your address and dates abroad will allow embassy officials to reach you in the event of an natural disaster or other national emergency in Argentina, and it would also help the embassy to assist you if you experience a serious medical or personal emergency abroad. You can enroll for free at https://step.state.gov/step/.

We have extensive support systems in Argentina to help you with any personal or academic problems.

Our Argentina office staff can be contacted 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency. We will give you an emergency card with contact information during your orientation. Keep it with you at all times.

Being a U.S. Citizen Abroad While studying in Argentina, you may encounter negative attitudes toward Americans and U.S. government, history or culture. Most anti-American opinions are just that: individual opinions about U.S. politics or culture. They may be based on history, current events, stereotypes, media or experiences with other Americans. Do not react defensively and try not to take these opinions personally.

Before going abroad, brush up on U.S. history and politics, as well as the reasoning behind U.S. foreign policy. This kind of knowledge will help you participate in conversations or debates without feeling helpless. You can expect to be asked your opinion on a regular basis. You may also wish to read up on Argentine history, politics and current events so that you can be well informed about your host country.

Study abroad is full of academic and cultural challenges, including the reality that a wide range of opinions about the United States exists. Remember that our staff in Argentina are happy to lend a sympathetic ear and offer further advice for dealing with these situations.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, we recommend registering with your home country’s embassy in Argentina before departure.

Program Safety IFSA-Butler is committed to ensuring the safety of all students on our programs. We ask students to read the descriptions of and sign waivers for certain activities that we organize. All activities are completely optional. In addition, we use only licensed and bonded companies for transporting students during orientation and co-curricular activities.

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Emergencies Abroad Please take reasonable safety precautions while abroad. Avoid risky behavior and pay attention to local laws and warning signs. Carry a next-of-kin contact card in your wallet along with the emergency contact wallet card we give you during orientation.

Our Argentina office emergency number is for use after business hours and on weekends. Our staff are happy to help in a true emergency, but please don’t contact staff after hours with a concern that can be handled during the regular business day.

Specific Emergencies Argentina’s emergency numbers are: To contact police, call 101 on any phone.

To contact the fire department, call 100 on any phone.

For medical emergencies, call 107 on any phone.

For general emergencies in Buenos Aires, dial 911.

In case of severe weather or natural disasters Follow local emergency directions. In addition, be sure to contact IFSA-Butler via email or phone according to the information provided on your IFSA-Butler laminated emergency contact card so that we know you’re safe.

If you are hospitalized abroad Contact our Argentina office immediately. We can help you with insurance questions and make sure you are looked after once you have been discharged.

If you have been arrested abroad Call our Argentina office emergency number. We can’t provide you with legal help, but we can contact family members for you.

Always contact your parents by phone or email as soon as you are able to let them know you are fine!

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Culture Shock Study abroad is not a vacation but a true experience in acculturation. While abroad you are expected to blend in with and live like others in Argentina. Even if you’ve already visited Argentina on vacation, living there is different.

As you adjust to life in Argentina, you’re bound to have moments of exhilaration and frustration. In addition to difficulty with the language, you may find that the details of daily living are different, or that the rules that govern social interaction in the U.S. are not appropriate in Argentina. As you work through these realizations, you experience culture shock.

The culture shock curve has three basic phases and a more complicated phase as you return to the United States: Phase I: The Honeymoon You may experience an initial euphoria about being in a new place. During this period, you cannot envision anything better than being in Argentina.

The honeymoon can last for as little as a week or for as long as six weeks.

Phase II: End of the Honeymoon The end of the honeymoon is characterized by an acute dislike for anything having to do with the location, people, new words or customs of Argentina.

You may feel a general sense of distress and frustration. Luckily, this period of disillusionment usually passes quickly.

If you seem to experience culture shock or loneliness for an extended time, ask for help. Our Argentina staff have years of experience assisting students, and they will gladly take the time to speak with you about the challenges you are facing. We are as interested as you are in making sure that your period of study abroad is a success, both personally and academically.

Phase III: Adjustment After the period of disillusionment comes adjustment.

Some students adjust by “going native” (adopt ing wholeheartedly the new culture) and end up with a new haircut, a new accent and/or a new style of dress!

For most students, this adaptation gradually becomes more natural as they become more settled and are able to see both the positive and negative aspects of their host culture.

Phase IV: Reverse Culture Shock Returning home may expose you to these same feelings all over again. Your time abroad will probably make you more self-sufficient and independent, but the friends you left behind will not have grown quite so dramatically and might not want to hear about your experiences. You’ll undoubtedly be happy to be home and to see family and friends, but you’ll also be missing the friends and the lifestyle of your time abroad.

If you find that you’re having difficulty readjusting to the United States, the study abroad advisor on your home campus can help. Consider volunteering as a peer mentor on your home campus, or apply to be an IFSA-Butler Ambassador. Both are great resume builders and a way to share your positive experiences with others.

Summary We hope this booklet has addressed most of your questions and that it continues to be a resource for you and your family throughout the study abroad experience. Please consult page 60 for contact information for our offices. We’re always happy to answer questions!

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IFSA-BUTLER POLICIES

Please note the following important policies for students on our Argentina programs. Page numbers containing additional information are also noted.

Orientation – p. 9 The IFSA-Butler orientation in Argentina is mandatory. We reserve the right to remove a student from the program for missing any part of orientation.

Program Duration – p. 10 Your IFSA-Butler program services abroad are in effect between the program start date and program end date on the program calendar.

Course Registration – p. 13 As an IFSA-Butler participant, you are required to undertake a full course load at your host university and to follow its regulations for degree-seeking students, including taking exams where applicable.

Types of Courses Permitted – p. 14 IFSA-Butler does not allow students to take graduate courses, courses for audit, online courses or courses for pass/fail instead of a grade, unless that is the only way the course is assessed.

Special Exam Arrangements – p. 15 You may not reschedule an exam, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If you do, IFSA-Butler will not conduct an academic query or follow-up on the class in which you arranged an alternate exam or assessment.

Transcript Alterations – p. 16 The final Butler University transcript is a legal document. Butler University cannot alter any grade, course title or credit allocation.

Withdrawing from the Program – p. 17 IFSA-Butler may allow a student to leave the program early only in cases of severe medical or personal problems, and only for circumstances approved by your host university. Otherwise, IFSA-Butler does not report grades as incomplete. An incomplete or “absent” grade will be reported on your Butler University transcript as a fail.

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Host University Withdraw Fees – p. 19 Some universities in Argentina have instituted very strict withdraw policies, particularly for summer programs. The policies vary between universities but generally require students to pay a large penalty for withdrawing from the program after a specified date.

These withdraw policies are clearly outlined on our website, on housing forms (in cases where penalties are tied to housing fees) and are also detailed in prearrival emails from our program advisors.

Payment Due Dates and Financial Deadlines – p. 20 Please note the important payment due dates for Argentina on page 25. IFSA- Butler charges a $45 fee for late payments.

Delinquent Payments – p. 21 If we do not receive financial aid documentation or your full payment by the payment deadline listed above, you will be withdrawn from our program. You will not be refunded your $500 program deposit or the cost of your airline ticket.

Financial Aid Payments – p. 22 If you plan to apply financial aid toward the payment of the IFSA-Butler program fee, you must send us a copy of your contractual/consortium agreement (from your financial aid officer) and a copy of your financial aid award letter and/or loan guarantees.

These documents should indicate the amount of financial aid award and its disbursal date.

Student Acceptance Agreement All students receive a student acceptance agreement when they have been offered a place on their program. Program participants must sign the student acceptanct agreement before departure.

I N F O R M AT I O N

Information Resources Travel Resources We recommend you check online for regular travel specials. Visit reliable travel websites or buy a good guidebook. We highly recommend both the Lonely Planet Guide and the Rough Guide. Be sure to consult books and websites that are geared to the budget traveler.

See the following websites before departure: • IFSA-Butler: www.ifsa-butler.org • IFSA-Butler Argentina Office: argeninta.ifsa-butler.org • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Page: www.cdc.gov/travel. Check out the current health recommendations for New Zealand and any other countries you are considering visiting.

• U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/step • U.S. State Department Argentina Information: https://www.state.gov/p/wha/ci/ar/ • The Lonely Planet: www.lonelyplanet.com • Argentina Embassy in the United States: http://www.embassyofargentina.us/ The following websites provide information about Argentina: • Lonely Planet: www.lonelyplanet.com • Argentina Secretary of Tourism: http://www.turismo.gov.ar/ • Frommer’s: http://www.frommers.com/ destinations/argentina • Instituto Nacional de Promoción Turística: http://www.argentina.travel/en

Books • Insight Guides: Argentina by Deirdre Ball • Borges at Eighty: Conversations by Willis Barnstone • Feminismo! The Women’s Movement in Argentina from Its Beginnings to Eva Perón by Marifran Carlson • Mothers of the Disappeared by Jo Fisher • The Disappeared and the Mothers of the Plaza

by John Simpson and Jana Bennett • Eva Perón by Nicholas Fraser and Marysa Navarro • The Battle for the Falklands by Max Hastings and Simon Jenkins • Breve Historia de los Argentinos by Felix Luna • The Little School: Tales of Disappearance and Survival in Argentina by Alicia Partnoy • Argentina, 1516–1987: From Spanish Colonization to Alfonsín by David Rock Films • Nueve Reinas • Un Novio Para Mi Mujer • El Clan • Carancho • El Secreto De Sus Ojos • La Historia Oficial • Cama Adentro • La Suerte Está Echada • El Bonaerense • Finding Sofia • Un Cuento Chino • Relatos Salvajes

The following sites are great places to start the search for Argentina news: • Biblioteca Nacional: http://www.bn.gov.ar • La Nación: http://www.lanacion.com.ar • El Clarín: http://www.clarin.com • Diario Uno: http://www.diariouno.com.ar • El Sol: http://www.elsol.com.ar

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About Us Institute for Study Abroad The Institute for Study Abroad is a nonprofit organization founded at Butler University to provide high-quality study abroad opportunities, plus academic and personal support services, for qualified U.S. undergraduates seeking to earn academic credit through study abroad. While the Institute for Study Abroad is affiliated with Butler University, it is not a department of the University.

IFSA-Butler is organized to assist our students from the time they apply until after they return. Staff at the IFSA-Butler U.S. office and our offices around the world are committed to our students. We help them develop realistic expectations and adjust easily to the very different student lifestyles and academic expectations of their host institutions.

For a list of programs available in Argentina, Australia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, India, Ireland, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Scotland, Spain and Wales please visit our website at www.ifsa-butler.org.

IFSA-Butler Directory Argentina Office Mario Cantarini, Resident Director in Argentina (Buenos Aires) Daniel Peiro, Assistant Resident Director (Buenos Aires) Patricio O’Dwyer, Assistant Resident Director (Buenos Aires) Diego Peller, Academic Coordinator (Buenos Aires) Esteban Avalos, Program Assistant (Buenos Aires) Laura Migdal, Housing Coordinator (Buenos Aires) Carlos Anta, Office Manager and Student Services Coordinator (Mendoza) Buenos Aires Office: Avenida Corrientes 880 8°C C1043AAV, Buenos Aires Argentina

Butler University Butler University is a nationally recognized, comprehensive university encompassing six colleges: Arts, Business, Communication, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Together, these colleges offer more than 60 undergraduate majors, eight pre-professional majors, one first professional and 18 master’s degrees.

Approximately 4,700 students are enrolled at Butler University, representing 45 states and 52 countries.

Approximately 77 percent of Butler University students will have participated in some form of internship, student teaching, clinical rotation, research or service learning by the time they graduate. In addition to this professional experience, Butler University students develop lifelong skills in critical thinking, effective communication, cooperative teamwork and ethical decision making.

Butler University endeavors to prepare students not simply to make a living, but to live lives of purpose in which personal flourishing is intertwined with the welfare of others.

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Mendoza Office: Montevideo 230 10°3 (5500) Mendoza Argentina Email: argentina@ifsa-butler.org Website: http://argentina.ifsa-butler.org/ U.S. Office Local: 317-940-9336 Toll free: 800-858-0229 Fax: 317-940-9704 Email: studyabroad@ifsa-butler.org Website: www.ifsa-butler.org Mailing Address: 6201 Corporate Drive, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46278

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Preparing to Study Abroad Argentina Š Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University Printed on recycled paper.