We got an official update from Kavi’s study abroad program — thought I’d share it here, in case people are interested in following along with her, or considering this kind of program for their own kids. (I didn’t write anything that follows!)
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This is your first weekly CIEE update! We’ll be writing from Buenos Aires every Thursday to share with you the group’s most exciting excursions and activities.
The first week on program is all about getting familiar with new places and new faces! Orientation not only covered cultural and safety tips, but it also helped students get situated in their new home by teaching them how to navigate the city and its public transportation system.
Daily classes and excursions have already started. The highlight of the week for everyone was the city tour. We visited the historic center of Buenos Aires with two excellent guides who told us about the origins of the city, its progress and current problems. We took pictures of the incredible Plaza de Mayo and then we went through the old neighborhood of San Telmo. We got off in the famous and picturesque neighborhood of La Boca… Wow, so many colors! We came back and enjoyed an alfajor cookie while looking at the elegant buildings of the waterfront neighborhood of Puerto Madero. We had a great time!
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THIS WEEK’S LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Students spend this week exploring personal identities (Level 1), life in Buenos Aires (Level 2) or Argentinian cultural norms and the history of Buenos Aires (Level 3). They also meet new people, see new places and learn how to communicate in culturally appropriate ways. At the end of the week, they have a complete project about themselves (Level 1), daily life in Buenos Aires (Level 2) or what they’ve learned about Buenos Aires and Argentinian culture (Level 3).
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BUENOS AIRES CITY BUS TOUR
It’s been a wonderful start to our Buenos Aires, Argentina adventure! There’s a crisp scent of fall as the city enters its winter season. Students are bundles-up to explore the city. CIEE students did meaningful team-building activities to get to know each other better. For example, students were divided into groups to talk in the target language about how they were feeling these first few days; what motivated them to come to Argentina; and, what they already knew about this yet-to-be-explored country. Their laughter was palpable as students found commonalities. There was also a sigh of relief when they confirmed that being nervous the first few days is a shared feeling. We’re in this adventure together!
Today students stepped out of their comfort-zone during Mision N community activity and interviewed CIEE program staff about their families in Spanish. Their enthusiasm for the language is contagious. It will be the driving motivation to growing in the Spanish language. The city bus tour guide congratulated CIEE students for choosing Argentina as the place to improve their Spanish because of its distinct accent and Italian influence.
After today’s city tour of Buenos Aires, students have their favorite spots and want to return to explore them a little more in days to come. When you talk to your student, go ahead and ask what barrio or neighborhood in Buenos Aires is their favorite and why!. The answers will sure to keep the talking for a while!
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FUN FACT / CULTURAL TIDBIT
Did you know that Argentina is world champion? In December, downtown Buenos Aires was filled with people who came together to celebrate the World Cup: More than 4 million Argentines!
Here’s the fun fact: Argentines love to celebrate up high. Many climbed traffic lights, lamp posts and even the obelisk to celebrate!
Now, our students pose with the World Cup. We are very proud to share our passion for fútbol with them!
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