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| Frequently Asked Questions |
What kind of clothing should I bring?
Argentina’s seasons are the opposite of ours and as the winter progresses in North America, the summer months are heating up in South America. Mendoza has a desert climate with hot dry days and warm nights, so dress for spring and summer. Travelers will notice that the Argentines have an Italian look and style, especially in the cities, where elegant men and women are beautifully kept and wear mostly black. Mendoza dress is more casual because of all the outdoor activities in the region. Wearing very bright colors is likely to distinguish you as a visitor.
The most important item to pack is a pair of good walking shoes. If you don’t have a pair, we suggest you to invest in them before you travel. Mendoza is a walking town with a beautiful city park offering over 1,000 acres of scenic trails, paths, and gardens. The city itself is easily navigated by foot and the weather and the street life make walking all the more compelling. |
Is Argentina safe?
Mendoza Argentina is as safe as any US city its size. As with any kind of travel, common sense is the rule. The crime that occurs most often in Argentina is petty theft. Violent crime, especially towards tourists, is very rare. No matter where you travel, it is always wise to be discreet when carrying laptop computers, digital cameras, or other items of obvious value.
Argentine people are very happy to have visitors in their country and are very friendly towards Americans. |
Do I need to know Spanish?
No, but even the most basic knowledge that can be gained from a phrase book will serve you well and make for a richer experience. You will encounter many Argentines with some knowledge of English and in most cases, you will have a bi-lingual guide available to you if you need one. Your Spanish will improve immensely from practice! |
Where do I fly in? Will someone meet me at the airport?
Most flights from the US leave from the Miami International airport and fly directly into Buenos Aires. We recommend that travelers then take a short flight to Mendoza (via Cordoba). Students can also fly from Atlanta, Georgia to Santiago, Chile and then take a short flight to Mendoza. We are more than happy to meet our participants at the Mendoza airport and take them directly to the your lodging. After you have made your reservations, please let us know your itinerary and we will make arrangements to meet you. |
What is the exchange rate? How much money will I need?
The exchange rate at this time is approximately 3 pesos to a dollar. You can exchange currencies at the Miami or Atlanta airport or at several locations when you get to Mendoza. ATM’s are available in every neighborhood. A delicious gourmet meal at one of Mendoza’s many delightful restaurants will cost approximately 24 pesos ($8.00 US) with desert and a bottle of wine. You may also want to budget in money to buy souvenirs, local art, or extra vino to take home with you. |
Are there any extra costs besides tuition?
Our price includes everything but roundtrip airfare to Mendoza. Room and board, activities and transportation, and the cost of attending the language institute are all included in the tuition price. We do recommend that you bring a few hundred dollars for personal expenses and souvenirs. |
What if I need medical care while I am in Argentina?
Argentina has modern, up to date medical care in most places. Mendoza has several medical facilities including clinics and a large hospital. When we are in between large communities, we carry a first aid kit with prescription and non-prescription medications for almost any situation along with the usual accouterments.
If our students should need medical care while in Argentina, we will pay the fees to the health care facilities and send you a bill for reimbursement. Please see our section on travel insurance, which often covers medical care. |
How can I stay in touch with my family?
Students will be able to call and email home quite easily from most places in Argentina. “Locotorias” (internet café’s) are literally on every corner. If you have an emergency and need to contact us, you may call us in Argentina using our Vonage phone number, 208-935-6195 (there are no international charges for this number). We also check phone messages and email every day, so you can also leave us a message in the states at 208-676-1275 or email us at pathwaysedu@yahoo.com. |
What is the most difficult part of the semester for Students?
Although most students have moments of feeling homesick or frustrated in Argentina, these feelings are to be expected and are usually brief. The toughest part of the semester seems to be the beginning, when students first arrive. Most connections from the US are overnight flights and students often begin their trip under rested. In South America, the seasons are the opposite of ours, so a student must quickly adjust to vastly different temperatures along with the dry climate of Mendoza. The Argentines are known for their unusual schedule; getting up early, taking a siesta in the afternoon, and staying up late into the night. (Some writers refer to this as "Argentime") Without a siesta, this schedule can be exhausting! These physical adjustments should not be underestimated, and we will encourage students often to get enough sleep and drink enough water as they navigate a new culture, language and customs. |
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