When walking down the streets of Buenos Aires, talking with locals, or socializing in a bar, students studying Spanish in Buenos Aires will quickly realize that there are words being used that are unrecognizable to them. These words are most likely lunfardo, or in English, slang. In Buenos Aires lunfardo is used frequently, and like the rest of the Spanish language, students learning Spanish in Buenos Aires will learn these words through practice.

The use of lunfardo began in the 20^th century in the working class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. Lunfardo is said to have come mostly from the arrival of European immigrants and from people of the provinces who came to live in Buenos Aires. The word lunfardo is said to be derived from the Italian word Lombardo, meaning ‘outlaw’.

Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires would not have the same significance for students if they did not learn about lunfardo. For most studying Spanish in Buenos Aires the use of lunfardo is very important as it creates more understanding in social situations, among peers, and for fluency reasons. Learning lunfardo in the streets, among peers, or anywhere are like free Spanish classes in Buenos Aires.

Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires can use the words below to kick of their lunfardo studies:

• Ché ‘Hey’, ‘Hey You’
• Barbáro: ‘Great!’
• Boludo/a: (…of a person) stupid, silly, clumsy,(term between friends)
• Canchero: a cool guy
• Chabon: fool (used as term of friendship between boys)
• Concheto/a/Careta: a snobby person, concerned only with fashion and look
• Dale! ‘Lets do it!’, confirmation
• Guita: money
• Hincha: fan (especially of futból)
• En Joda: joke; said in a joking way
• Mina: a girl/women, (usually attractive)
• Ojo eye; means ‘watch out’ ‘be careful’
• Pandejo/a: kid/child; used for someone who looks/acts young
• Pelotudo: an idiot
• Quilombo: a mess/ disaster
• Viste: expression (saw it? get it?)

Here are just a few of many lunfardo terms used everyday by residents of Buenos Aires and Argentina. Lunfardo is a great way for students taking Spanish classes in Buenos Aires to feel more like native speakers and part of the Buenos Aires culture.

(A note for students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires: Keep in mind, that like any slang, these terms are all about context, so be aware about their meaning(s) and how to use them correctly.)

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Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires no doubt acquire a taste for wine as finding great wine here is so easy and for the most part, not a costly habit. Bottles of wine can be bought in many places throughout the city, including grocery stores, kioskos (mini corner store), corner stores, restaurants and bars. Students learning Spanish in Buenos Aires should take advantage of the Argentine wines and spend sometime getting to know them.

If one had looked into the wine industry in Argentina 15 years ago, there would not have been to much to look at. Don’t mistake me, Argentina was producing wine, however, the wine seemed to only be circulating throughout Argentina, drank blissfully by its own residents. Spanish immersion students in Buenos Aires will notice that since then, the wine industry has changed, but most predominantly in the last 8 years; since the devalutation of the peso, exporting wine has become more economical as well as investing in vineyeards in Argentina. Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires will haev a changce to see just how far the wine industry has come at this years Vinos y Bodegas Wine Exhibition.

From 630pm until 12am, Sept 11-13, students in Spanish immersion in Buenos Aires can head down to La Rural to discover, taste, and enjoy wines from throughout Argentina. More than 100 of Argentina’s bodegas (vineyards) will have representatives at La Rural, each showcasing wine from their own vineyards while giving the public information about the wine and offering wine tasters. This is a perfect way for students taking Spanish classes in Buenos Aires with Expanish to expand their Spanish skills in a fun filled event.

When not sampling wine, students in Spanish immersion in Buenos Aires can find out more about the specific wine regions, soils and terrains, tasting techniques, and cooking in Argentina. This is a great way to learn Spanish in Argentina as all representatives will be Spanish speaking adn would be happy to talk to the public about wine in Argentina.

Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires can sign up for Vinos Bodegas Wine Exhibition, the largest wine exhibition in South America, right at the doors. Entrance is 35 pesos, including wine glass and free tasting throughout the event.

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The popularity of fútbol (soccer) in Argentina is unimaginably great and students taking Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires will have no doubt taken notice of it’s almost cult like following. Buenos Aires is said to be home to more stadiums than any other city in the world and boasts the most fanatical fan following, besides possibly those sports fans in Brazil. Seeing a fútbol game in Argentina is a must for students taking Spanish immersion course in Buenos Aires since to some, truly understanding the Argentine culture comes by observing what happens in their fútbol stadiums.

Students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires will have the opportunity to visit, in Greater Buenos Aires alone, a total of 35 stadiums; however, the 6 most popular, each able to hold more than 50,000 people are Boca Juniors, River Plate, San Lorenzo, Velez Sarsfield, Racing Club, and Independiente. The stadiums are divided into sections, some offering more expensive and protected seating and others less expensive standing room seating. It is recommend that students in Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires take care when going to these passion filled games and perhaps spend the extra dollar to find comfortable and safe seating.

Students in Spanish immersion in Buenos Aires will see each game that the stadium fills full of screaming, singing, arm throwing fans that cheer on their own team while booing the visiting team. Fans sing Argentine songs and team slogans, shout encouraging and discouraging words, and overall just make as much noise as humanly possible. Students taking Spanish immersion classes in Buenos Aires should be sure to become part of this tradition and shout and sing along with their fellow fans. Attending Fútbol games is almost like receiving free Spanish classes in Argentina Fútbol culture!

There are two teams that students learning Spanish in Buenos Aires will immediately become familiar with: La Boca and River Plate. These two teams have dominated the league for almost a century and have very strong fan followings. La Boca is from the working class neighborhood and therefore represents the working class of Argentina; River Plate, nicknamed los millonariosis (millionaires), is from the slightly upper class north and represents the wealthier people of Argentina. Students in Spanish immersion in Buenos Aires will be able to compare the rivalry of these two teams with the class distinction found in Argentina.

Watching a fútbol game is a great way for students in Spanish immersion in Buenos Aires to learn about Argentine history, the fútbol culture, and Spanish language!

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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.

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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 11^th of September. The workshop runs from the 13^th until the 27^th 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Aires should 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.

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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!

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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!