Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is central not only to the country's political life, but also to its artistic and cultural heritage. Its diverse neighborhoods, friendly people, vibrant nightlife, European heritage and cultural treasures make Buenos Aires an ideal study abroad location.

First founded in 1536 by Pedro de Mendoza, the settlement was later abandoned and permanently established in 1580 by Juan de Garay. The city was federalized in 1880 and is home to the President of the Republic, currently Néstor Kirchner, who resides in the Casa Rosada (Pink House).

Located on the Rio de la Plata, Buenos Aires is Argentina's largest city and port. The port is one of the busiest in the world, and the river serves as a corridor connecting the port to the northeast of the country as well as Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. As a result, the city is a distribution hub for most of southeastern South America. Throughout the years, the port and river have been key to Buenos Aires' development and city residents are even known as porteños. Students interested in business, international trade and economic development will find Buenos Aires an optimal place to study Argentina's interactions with Mercosur (Mercado Commún del Sur/Southern Common Market), whose members include Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Venezuela.

Buenos Aires also serves as an educational center with many excellent institutions. Established in 1821, the Universidad de Buenos Aires is the largest university in the country and offers courses in 13 faculties as well as Español para extranjeros. The Universidad de Belgrano also educates a large number of students and partners with various study abroad programs. It is known for its efforts in welcoming international students. In addition to a host of other universities, specialized schools such as the highly ranked IAE Universidad Austral offer business management programs and other specialized degrees.

Students in Buenos Aires will no doubt study the 2001 Argentine economic crisis. In a move informally titled corralito, the government froze bank accounts in an attempt to prevent capital flight. The Argentine peso, which had previously been tied to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 1:1, was then allowed to float and quickly depreciated, plunging much of the country's population into poverty. Today the country's economy is on the mend, but students will find infinite repercussions throughout society.

Students definitely should not leave Buenos Aires without sharing mate, a tea made by pouring warm water over the yerba mate into a gourd, with some porteños. Though gourds with their special straws are available in almost every tourist shop in the city, the tradition is still very popular among actual residents. Students will also enjoy taking a break from their studies at one of the city's many cafés and having the traditional café con leche con tres medialunas(coffee with milk and three croissants). The city has some truly beautiful old cafés such as the Café Tortoni on Avenida de Mayo, which has been serving customers since 1858. In addition, students should not miss attending un partido de fútbol-a soccer match. Three of the most popular teams are the Boca Juniors, River Plate and Independiente.

Buenos Aires is also the birthplace of tango. Each year, Argentineans celebrate Carlos Gardel, the man who brought tango to the world. Whether students come specifically to study tango or simply happen to see a couple performing in one of the city's pedestrian avenues, it is an experience not to be missed in Buenos Aires.

Often referred to as the "Paris of South America," Buenos Aires is known for its European flair and the corresponding diversity of the city's inhabitants. The influence of the city's many European immigrants is most apparent in the city's architecture. Students will also enjoy exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods such as la Boca, an Italian neighborhood vibrant with brightly painted houses, and San Telmo with its flea markets, antique shops and tango bars.

Students will find incredible opportunities to study in Buenos Aires. Currently very cost-effective, the city offers excellent universities and study abroad programs as well as an influential capital city, a growing economy, a variety of cultural attractions and a welcoming people. 

ONLINE RESOURCES 
Government of Buenos Aires: http://www.buenosaires.gov.ar/ 
Universidad de Belgrano: http://www.ub.edu.ar/ 
Universidad de Buenos Aires: http://www.uba.ar 
IAE Universidad Austral: http://www.iae.edu.ar/ 
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman 
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP