Expanish Blog > 2008 > August

Archive for August, 2008

Pick up your Spanish books and take your Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires to the city’s Subte!

Friday, August 29, 2008 11:20

Categories - Uncategorized - 0 Comments

subte para recortar 300x225 Pick up your Spanish books and take your Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires to the city’s Subte!Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires will most likely immediately become familiar with the city’s famous subte (subway) system; it is the oldest metro line in all of Latin America, the Southern hemisphere, and world second after the system in Paris. Built in December, 1913, the line grew from three separate lines into today’s system, now 6 separate lines, adjoining in the center, and managed by Metrovías S.A. This system is a piece of Argentine history and students taking Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires should board the subway, Spanish skills in hand, and explore its lines, stations, and destinations.

 

The subte, shaped like an open-hand, sprawls out from the city centre into, to name a few, the neighborhoods of Monserrat, Boedo, Cabalttio, Almagro, Palermo, Retiro, and Belgrano. Lines are labeled A,B,C,D,E, and H. Students learning Spanish in Buenos Aires should come armed with a city map to navigate through the lines and neighborhoods.

 

Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires can begin by boarding line A; this is the oldest line in the city, identified by antique stations and wooden metro cars. Taking line A allows students learning Spanish in Buenos Aires to visit the older and more historic parts of the city. Students studying Spanish in Buenos Aires can board the B and E line in order to visit the working class neighborhood of Boedo or the tango neighborhood of Almagro, among others. The D line, most recently built, flows into the areas of Palermo, Las Canitas and Belgrano.

Traveling by subte is a great way for students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires to become part of the Argentine culture; in 2008, it was shown that almost one million people use the metro system per day. If students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires really want to get ´up close and personal’ with the Buenos Aires people, they can jump on the line between the hours of 8am and 930am, or 530pm-730pm; peak rush hour times.

 

Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires will learn that the subte here is more than just a box of moving metal but rather signifies great advances in technology, contains a mountain of history and culture, and is a crucial form of transportation for the people of Buenos Aires, successfully delivering people to their destinations everyday of the year.

 

Click for more information on Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires or a map of the subte in Buenos Aires.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

This September, Take Spanish Immersion Courses in Buenos Aires While Experiencing Latin American Rhythms!

Thursday, August 28, 2008 12:19

Categories - Buenos Aires City Attractions - 0 Comments

Students studying Spanish in Argentina have no doubt been exposed to the very seductive and strict dance of Tango, seen in the streets, theatres, and cafés. However, this September, Buenos Aires invites in a slightly different form of dance that involves a little more body movement, energy, and booty shakin’. Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires can get their heart pumping at this year’s annual Workuba; an International Intensive Afro-Cuban and Latin Dance Workshop.

 

Workuba has taken various African influenced dance rhythms and combined them with modern and contemporary dances to make a total package dance workshop. Class content will include dance and presentation: Afro-Cuban, Rumba, Afro-Brazilian, Mambo, Salsa, Rueda, and Acting. Students in Spanish immersion courses in Argentina will have the opportunity to participate and learn about the different dance forms popular throughout Latin America.

 

As most students learning Spanish in Argentina will know, dance here, like in other countries around Latin America, has been and continues to be a very influential aspect of the culture. There has always been a connection between dance and personal freedom, and throughout history, the people of Latin America have seen a myriad of dance forms that have taken shape around each country’s culture.

 

This event is as popular among students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires as it is among Argentines; in years past, participants have been from Germany, Sweden, Israel, France, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, Argentina, United States, and Australia. Students who come to learn Spanish in Argentina are also intrigued to learn about the tango, therefore, this workshop is a perfect addition to combine a Spanish immersion in Argentina experience with a Latino dance experience.

 

Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires can sign up for Workuba any day before the 11th of September. The workshop runs from the 13th until the 27th and is located in the Danzario-Americano Cultural Center (Guardia Vieja 3559, Abasto). Classes start during the week from 730pm-930pm and on Saturday from 1pm-6pm; perfect for students in Spanish immersion in Buenos Aires who can head to the center in the evenings after classes.

 

Click for information about Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires or Workuba!

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Attention Students studying Spanish in Expanish: who knew spending a night in a library could feel so good!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 12:36

Categories - Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Clubs - 0 Comments

n524845297 2989174 1155 225x300 Attention Students studying Spanish in Expanish: who knew spending a night in a library could feel so good!

Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires are able to enjoy the many innovative restaurants, bar, and night clubs located throughout the city in any given moment. However, the Library Lounge in the Faena Hotel may be the only place to combine the stature of a world class hotel with the smoky allure of a New York motel, Argentine culture with that of Cabaret, and the colors of a red light district with that of an upper class cocktail bar.

This unique hotel was designed by French architect Philippe Starck and Argentine fashion magnate Alan Faena about 7 years ago. Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires cannot miss the red brick, red lights, and red carpet that make it stand out among its many neighbors in Puerto Madero.Spanish immersion students in Expanish need only enter through its long black doors and take a few steps to the room labeled Library Lounge.

The room is lined with 40´s leather lounge couches, satin pillows, antique lamps, and velvet curtains. The dark mahogany bar lines the back wall, situated behind the room’s impressive black grand piano, and under the watchful eyes of the jewel wearing hunting paraphernalia. Any student studying Spanish in Buenos Aires will agree that this room has more character than any other lounge in the city.

Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires can head to the Library Lounge any night out of the week, however, show nights take place from Wednesday until Saturday and should not be missed. Each show is spectacularly unique, hosts first class singers and musicians, and the performance aims to please. This is a great way for Spanish immersion students in Buenos Aires to practice their Spanish while listening to the exotic live music, narrated intermissions, or simply socializing with others.

Besides taking in a show, students studying Spanish Buenos Aires must try one of their many innovative cocktails and appetizers. Spanish immersion in Buenos Aires could not be complete without trying some of Latin America’s signature drinks such as the caipirinha, caipiroska, or Argentina’s Fernet and coke.

Shows in the Library Lounge often cost 70 pesos, and individual drinks around 30 pesos; this may be more than what students learning Spanish in Buenos Aires are used to paying, however it is more than worth it and the experience will be priceless .

Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires can rest easy that their trip to the Faena Hotel’s Library Room will be like no other library trip they have ever experienced.

Click for more info on Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires and the Library Lounge!

Tags: , , , , ,

5 Things You Must Do When Studying Spanish in Buenos Aires (Part 1)

Friday, August 22, 2008 9:19

Categories - Buenos Aires City Attractions - 3 Comments


expanish la boca 011 300x200 5 Things You Must Do When Studying Spanish in Buenos Aires (Part 1)If you have come to study Spanish in Buenos Aires, you have made the right choice. Buenos Aires, a city of more than 13 million people, is one of the most beautiful, eclectic, and activity rich cities in Latin America. Students taking Spanish classes in Argentina will not only learn the beautiful Spanish language through Spanish immersion in Buenos Aires but will also be able to indulge in the many wonders of Buenos Aires.

To make it easy, here are 5 immediate ‘Must Do’s’ for those students taking Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires!

1)Take Mate to the Park: There is no better way to feel Argentine or to learn Spanish in Buenos Aires than to head to a local park, drink Mate (a hot drink similar to a bitter tea), and chat with other locals. Great practice after your Spanish classes in Buenos Aires with Expanish!

2)Check out the Argentine buried past: You haven’t really experienced a cemetery before you visit the Cementerio de Recoleta (Recoleta Cemetery). This labyrinth of a cemetery is not only home to the tombs of many famous, historical, or influential Argentines, it is also where you can find Eva Peron’s flower covered tomb. Students taking Spanish classes in Buenos Aires can see the cemetery in the Weekly City Cultural Tours.

3)Tour Buenos Aires on the 152: The number 152 bus starts in the underprivileged neighborhood of La Boca, passes through the newest and most wealthy barrio of Puerto Madero, on to the city centre, the Palermo, Belgrano, and finishes its journey in the affluent northern neighborhood of Olivos. Students finishing their Spanish classes in Buenos Aires can jump on the 152 every 15 minutes or so at the many designated bus stops along its route.

4)Eat a Triple Scoop Gelato: Argentina is known for its mouth-watering gelato found in the hundreds of helado shops located throughout the city. It should be said that a student who takes their Spanish immersion in Buenos Aires seriously will see this as more than an ice cream run but rather a cultural experience.

5)Watch a sidewalk Tango show: Check out a sidewalk tango show in the historical neighborhood of San Telmo where tango dancers perform in the streets for pedestrians. Feeling inspired? Students learning Spanish in Buenos Aires at Expanish can sign up for tango lessons held throughout the week.

These five must-sees are a great start for students studying Spanish in Buenos Aires to get to know the city. Check back for more great ways to learn Spanish in Buenos Aires and how get the most out of your Spanish immersion in Argentina.

Click here for more information on Spanish classes in Buenos Aires at Expanish or our Expanish activities info!

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Learn Spanish in Argentina and Learn about the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo

Friday, August 22, 2008 8:58

Categories - Buenos Aires City Attractions - 7 Comments

Argentina is a country full of history and students coming here from abroad to take Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires should be sure to learn all they can. One very important time in history is still very evident every Thursday in Plaza de Mayo; las Madres de Plaza de Mayo. Students learning Spanish in Buenos Airesshould head down to the plaza on Thursday to support and to learn about the history of Argentina and make the most out of their Spanish immersion in Argentina.

Students taking Spanish classes in Buenos Aires can see the mothers walk every Thursday in order to remind people of the atrocities of the Dirty War and of the many ‘disappeared’, (people who were abducted and then killed during the dictatorship). The first group marched in 1977, despite a ban on public gatherings, and there were only 14 of them.

Today, there are more than 50 mothers who walk, with an audience easily over a hundred. Students studying Spanish in Buenos Aires can have a first hand look at this political organization, being the only organization to overtly challenge the military government and carrying out their struggle under the name of motherhood. There are many historical sights in Buenos Aires, but students who learn Spanish in Buenos Aires will agree that the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo perhaps still make the biggest impact.

Students studying Spanish in Buenos Aires can walk down from the school to the plaza, talk to locals, or talk to the women at one of the stands selling literature about the Dirty War. Our Expanish students learning Spanish in Argentina also have the opportunity to visit the Plaza on our unique weekly city tour, where they can hear more about the history of the plaza and las madres. Seeing the Mother’s of Plaza de Mayo is a must for those taking Spanish immersion courses in Argentina as it gives an incredible insight into one of the tragedies of war in Argentina.

Click here to learn more about Spanish lessons in Buenos Aires and las Madres De Plaza de Mayo.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Learn Spanish in Argentina and indulge in Buenos Aires Fashion Week

Thursday, August 21, 2008 6:55

Categories - Concerts, Events, Festivals and Holidays - 0 Comments

Those students taking Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires are no strangers to the fashion that can be found on the streets, stores, and people of this cosmopolitan city. Buenos Aires and its fashion-conscious residents continue to follow behind the fashion tracks made by Europe and keep up with each season’s styles, trends, and hot designers. This week in Buenos Aires, August 20-23, students studying Spanish in Argentina will be able to indulge in four whole days of fashion fun with Buenos Aires Fashion Week.

It is a great way for students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires to learn about porteño fashion and style by putting on their best and heading down to La Rural on Av. Sarmiento 2704. The space is huge and elaborately decorated and the fashion shows, exhibits, and showrooms will be located through the area. There will be three fashion runways showcasing daily fashion shows, more than 40 different designer showrooms, and a lounge area with dining options. Once students finish their Spanish language courses in Buenos Aires for the day they can head down to enjoy fashion from 2 until 10 pm. Entrance is 20 pesos.

Students who study Spanish in Buenos Aires will discover that the people of this city are known to take pride in their appearance, love European fashion, and often dress to impress. Expanish’s Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires are all about immersing yourself into the daily culture, and this week there is no better place to see some Argentine fashion while putting to use what you have learned in your Spanish classes in Argentina!

Click a link for more information about Spanish courses in Buenos Aires or Buenos Aires Fashion Week!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Experience the Traditional Estancia while taking Spanish Immersion Courses in Argentina

Friday, August 15, 2008 13:07

Categories - Argentine Customs and Culture - 0 Comments

n21905695 31865027 615 300x225 Experience the Traditional Estancia while taking Spanish Immersion Courses in ArgentinaStudents who study Spanish in Argentina and at Expanish will have the remarkable opportunity to visit a typical and traditional Argentine estancia during their Spanish immersion courses in Argentina. What is an ‘estancia’? Estancia is the Spanish word for ranch. And although similar to a typical ranch, for example, estancias tend to be much bigger in size than that of a North American ranch. Estancias offer many ‘cowboy’ activities and are a wonderful experience for those taking Spanish immersion courses in Argentina.

 

Estancias, in the past and now, continue to play a huge part in the economy of Argentina as they are the producers and exporters of meat and grain around the world. Students who come to learn Spanish in Argentina and Buenos Aires must learn that this is not your typical farming practice; to Argentines it is as much of an art as is the art of wine making. Spanish immersion in Buenos Aires students will have the option to visit several estancias located close to Buenos Aires and in and around Argentina.

 

Students studying Spanish in Argentina will be able to not only visit but also stay a night on a working estancia in order to learn about the Gaucho (Argentine ‘cowboy’) culture and tradition. Estancias offer their visitors activities such as hikes, swimming, horseback riding, cattle drives, or to join in on the daily activities of gauchos. For a total Spanish immersion in Argentina experience, students should stay for the lunchtime asados (barbeque), to learn about the art of cooking meat and vegetables from around the country.

 

During these asados, gauchos are known to enjoy grouping around a fire to play and sing folk music. These traditional songs are all in Spanish and are a great way for students learning Spanish in Argentina to pick up some traditional words and song tunes. Not only do gauchos love folk music but they also love to sit around the fire and tell stories and legends about Argentina and its people.

 

Expanish offers a day trip to a nearby estancia once a month for its Spanish immersion in Buenos Aires students who take programs of eight weeks or more. Our package for our Spanish students in Argentina includes: Round trip transfer from Buenos Aires, Snacks and a large asado lunch with unlimited drinks, a folklore dancing show, a gaucho horseback show, horseback and carriage rides, and optional overnight stay with breakfast.

 

Visiting an estancia on the country side is one of the most Argentine activities that students who study Spanish in Argentina can take part in. For students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires at Expanish there are many estancias close by that they can experience the gaucho culture, relax and enjoy nature, and make the most out of their Spanish immersion courses in Argentina.

 

For more information on Studying Spanish in Argentina and Activites click here!

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Learn Spanish with Expanish and Learn to Eat Argentine Style

Wednesday, August 13, 2008 12:20

Categories - Buenos Aires City Attractions - 1 Comment

cena en la cigale 016 300x225 Learn Spanish with Expanish and Learn to Eat Argentine Style

Anyone visiting Argentina will be able to enjoy the splendors of eating ‘Argentine style’. Argentines, in general, are heavy meat eaters, lovers of bread and wine, and regular consumers of pizza, pasta, and gelatto (sorbet like ice cream popularized in Italy). And those who come to study Spanish in Argentina with Expanish will have the first rate experience at trying and tasting the many delicious foods that are typical to Argentina.

What are foods typical to Argentina? Carne (meat), empanadas (stuffed pastries with meat, cheese, and/or vegetables), medialunas (similar to a croissant), dulces (sweets), chimichurri (sauce of herbs), milanesas (breaded thin meats), humita (sweet stewed corn mixture), dulce de leche (singed condensed milk), and many other Italian influenced delights such as pizza, pasta, and gelatto. These tasty foods can be found throughout the city in cafés, restaurants, and grocery stores and for many main foreign currencies, are often very inexpensive. Although not a food, we can not leave out the ever famous wines of Argentina. Argentina produces a vast line of wines from all over the country.

Students learning Spanish in Argentina with Expanish will have the opportunity to learn to cook and experience these foods with weekly cooking classes and local restaurant excursions. For those interested in wine tasting, we also offer weekly wine tasting classes. Participating in these classes and excursions will create a greater understanding of the Argentine culture and its Italian and Spanish roots and students will make the most of their Spanish immersion in Argentina.

Our cooking classes take place outside of our Spanish school in Buenos Aires in the house of our cook and professor, Leonardo. In the first class, students will be taught how to make empanadas and humita, and in the second carne and dulces. Any other classes are open to student preferences and Leonardo will assist you in creating your favorite Argentine dishes while learning about the ingredients and history of the dish.

Our wine tasting classes are a great way to learn about the history of wine in Argentina as well as taste many different wines from different regions from Argentina. Our students will attend the Escuela Argentina de Vinos (Argentina School of Wine) and taste more than 20 different wines. There are three classes in total, all three hours long. These classes are great for students learning Spanish in Buenos Aires with Expanish as all wine classes are in Spanish.

Around our Spanish school in Buenos Aires there are many typical Argentine restaurants as well as many modern and funky restaurants debuting Argentine foods with a modern or infused taste. Every week, Expanish will arrange one dinner or more at one of Buenos Aires local restaurants where students can enjoy the Argentine cuisine in a social and fun atmosphere.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Learn Spanish in Argentina; Land of the Tango

Wednesday, August 13, 2008 11:43

Categories - Buenos Aires City Attractions - 0 Comments

tango 300x224 Learn Spanish in Argentina; Land of the Tango

Even during the winter months Buenos Aires continues to be a city full of excitement and action, and offers up plenty of activities to its visitors, including the ever popular dance of the Tango. Students who have chosen to study Spanish in South America and brave the winter in beautiful Buenos Aires will not be disappointed.

The Tango is said to have originated in the lower class districts of Buenos Aires sometime in the mid-1800’s and by the 1900’s was hugely popular throughout Argentina and many areas of Europe. The tango is as sensual as it is strict, and over the years this dance has developed many different variations and styles.

While learning Spanish in Buenos Aires students have the opportunity to visit one of the many tango shows located throughout the city. They may be classical, modern, or a fusion, but they are each unique in their own right. One of the oldest and most famous places to watch Tango is in Café Tortoni, founded in 1858; this well-known café in the centre city has nightly tango shows that always please their audience. Students also have the option of partaking in dances at a Milonga. A milonga is a popular past time for argentines offering up an hour or two of tango class and then a few hours of free dance. Milongas are held in bars and cafes throughout the city. The Spanish immersion classes in Buenos Aires with Expanish allow students to experience the tango first hand by taking tango lessons either privately or in a group.

Studying Spanish in Buenos Aires in the month of August has a great advantage as Buenos Aires presents its 10th annual Festival de Tango. This year’s festival will be presenting more than 100 free shows and concerts in a number of venues around the city. Besides the shows, the festival will also offer tango seminars, exhibitions, film screenings, and collectors meetings. Students who are studying Spanish in Buenos Aires with Expanish will be able to find out the event details, event locations, and be able to arrange group excursions to the shows with other students.

Expanish offers its Spanish immersion in Buenos Aires students weekly tango classes with Giselle Videla, in either group classes or private classes. Here students can learn the history, art, and steps of tango while immersing themselves in the Argentine culture and the Spanish language,

Tango is very much part of the Argentine culture and one cannot miss its influence in and around Buenos Aires. Whether walking down the streets of Buenos Aires, hearing a tango tune from a restaurant, or catching a special tango street performance, students studying Spanish in Buenos Aires will be able to experience this magical dance first hand.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,