Buenos Aires

CAPA students reside in a homestay with an Argentine family.  Please see your program coordinator for specific details about your housing.

Buenos Aires homestays will be located in different neighborhoods around the city. Your homestay will include daily breakfast and dinner. Keep in mind that Argentine homes are generally much smaller than U.S. homes, and you will be expected to share the bathroom unless specified. CAPA homestays are located throughout the city of Buenos Aires within a 45-minute commute via bus or subway to the CAPA Program at Universidad Austral. Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires can vary in culture and flavor as though they were different countries. Take advantage of this, and get to know both your own neighborhood and San Telmo and Puerto Madero, where the CAPA center is located. Homestays will place one student per home.

Although all homestays will meet CAPA standards, it is virtually impossible to find homestays exactly alike in every way. Physically some may have a television or a small terrace; others will be closer to the city center or offer a larger kitchen, some may have different bathrooms and security, etc.

The same will be true with families themselves. Some families consist of a mother and father, some are an older woman whose children left home, and some are single individuals. Remember that Argentine families are very varied, as it is common in a large city, and they have different configurations that might not be the typical family you are used to have in the US.  It is important to make sure to respect your host family and their rules. Argentines are very friendly people, and your family will be happy if you offer to help with meals and cleanup as it would be customary of anybody else in the family.  We will provide specific information about your housing approximately two weeks prior to departure.

If you live with a host family, it may not be appropriate to use their telephone as most local calls are not free. Please review the household telephone rules with your host family upon arrival. We will provide information about obtaining a cell phone rental in your pre-departure pack. It might be a good idea to bring an unlocked used or new cell phone to Buenos Aires and then purchase a SIM card to handle calls. Cell phones and cell phone use is less expensive in the US, and you will need to keep this in mind. Incoming calls on most mobile phones are free in the Buenos Aires, but be aware of roaming charges and rates on outgoing calls - these costs can build up quickly! Make sure to pack a set of headphones (these type of electronic supplies are more expensive in Argentina) for making internet phone calls via Skype or VOIP services.

We suggest that you have mail and packages sent directly to the CAPA office at Universidad Austral with your name and school name clearly listed. The address is in your pre-departure packet. Senders must assume all associated shipping charges, including customs fees. Failure to do so could delay or cancel delivery, and/or result in a large customs bill!

No, the voltage in Argentina is 220-240 volts. You can find plug adapters and voltage converters / transformers in Buenos Aires (unless you want to purchase one) before arriving) and they will be less expensive to purchase them locally than in the US. A plug adapter is just needed to use most laptops nowadays (make sure you check you have dual voltage capabilities). If you need one, plan on buying a hair dryer, curling iron, or electric shaver in Argentina since those items have a very short life span even when using a converter. 

A good pair of walking shoes is essential. Remember that you will most likely walk more than you do at home and you definitely need comfortable shoes. A warm waterproof jacket or windbreaker is a good thing to bring, particularly because the weather can be very changeable.  Bring shirts and sweaters you can layer and remember tank tops are not really used much here and the same with dresses (just pack a few).  A couple of nice shirts for going out and a nice jacket and a tie for guys will be needed just a few times.  Please do not bring any expensive jewelry and electronics (although you might want to bring your laptop). Remember that you may want to buy clothes in Buenos Aires since the styles are more different than in the USA so don't over-pack! 

Diversify, diversify, diversify. You’ll find that contemporary ATM cards (with a credit option) will cover many things in Argentina, and you can use your ATM card to get cash. But remember: should your wallet get lost or stolen, you have few options until you replace the card, so we recommend bringing a modest amount in traveler’s checks (approximately $150). Set this aside for emergencies when you arrive. You’ll need a photo ID to cash traveler’s checks at most locations, but they are not widely accepted.  If you bring your ATM card overseas, talk to a bank representative to ensure your card has international capabilities, to provide your bank with dates where you will using  your card abroad for safety and to learn any other idiosyncrasies. If your PIN is longer than 4 digits, ask your bank representative what PIN you will use because many Argentine ATMs operate only on a four-digit PIN system. Almost all ATMs will add a fee for international transactions. Consider using a credit card with a low credit line before going abroad; to better track your spending, we recommend using it in case of an emergency ONLY. US dollars may be accepted in some locations, but it is a good idea to change over $50-$100 into Argentina pesos before leaving the US.

Buenos Aires has very good doctors and medical facilities. You are automatically covered by CAPA's World Student Insurance policy up to $100,000 per medical claim. Be sure to keep your brochure with you for information on the full coverage. Healthcare service is different overseas than in the United States: If you visit a doctor or hospital, you are required to pay up front. You will then be reimbursed up to $100,000 by the World Student Insurance policy, provided that you produce the receipts associated with your medical services and submit your claim within 30 days of returning to the US. For minor symptoms, it may be wiser to solicit healthcare advice from a local pharmacist first. This is common practice, and you’ll find it quicker and more efficient. In addition, your CAPA Buenos Aires program staff has a list of English-speaking physicians with different medical specialties available to you. 

Argentines love food, and eating is a very cultural activity. It is an opportunity to chat and to meet with friends, so be prepared not to eat “on the go” as you would in the US.   Argentine cuisine is the result of a melting pot, and it is a fusion of its massive European immigration and indigenous flavors. Beef is the primary Argentine dish, and asado is the Argentine barbecue version of the American grill. If you are vegetarian, there is a variety of vegetables and some local Vegan restaurants in the city. Italian food and Spanish food are a staple but be aware that Hispanic foods such as Mexican, Puerto Rican and others are not common in Buenos Aires.

Argentina also has a very popular café culture just as in Europe, so be prepare to stop (meaning really stopping and sitting down) with your new friends at a café to chat for a while. Breakfasts are quite light and they consist of a croissant / pastry or some toast with butter and jelly and a coffee or a mate drink (Argentine drink).  Lunch is a little heavier than in the US; dinners are similar to the US but be prepared because Argentines eat really late at night for US standards.

As you will live with a host family, feel free to be honest of your meal times, and they will try to ease on the traditional schedules. You can expect a light breakfast and balanced dinner; please be forthcoming about any dietary restrictions on your CAPA application. We always do our best to accommodate these needs, but you may need to purchase some grocery items yourself if they are not used by the host family. 

This is exactly one of the highlights of the CAPA Buenos Aires Program as it located within a university premise so you will be surrounded by local students, faculty and staff.  You will have plenty of opportunities to meet locals and to share your meal at the cafeteria with other students! In addition, CAPA’s My Education program will provide you the opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture and all these events will have local participants. Also, the CAPA International Programs Team can recommend many individual opportunities with which you can become involved, such as volunteering or local sports clubs. This program offers some of the most opportunities for immersion to the locals available, so don’t be shy!