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and Chile.
How does the recent currency devaluation affect
prices?
Both our Spanish class and housing costs have
been reduced considerably (in US dollars) to reflect the currency devaluation.
Students and tourists will find Argentina, formerly considered an expensive
country, to be a bargain. Prices of local goods and services are
generally between 25% and 50% less expensive in dollars than before the
devaluation.
Is the social climate stable and the country
safe for foreigners?
Argentina has had many well-publicized protests
during the past several months, including some unfortunately violent incidents
last December. However, the protests are largely peaceful and Buenos
Aires is still considered a much safer city than most other large cities
in Latin America.
No acts of violence have been reported against
foreigners. All of our student are housed in middle or upper-middle
class neighborhoods which are very secure.
Crime rates have risen in the past few years, particularly in Buenos
Aires province. Students should be aware however, that Buenos Aires
province does not include Buenos Aires city, site of the school, homestays,
activities, etc. Rather, the crime in the province is largely contained
to the suburban, industrial belt on the outside of the city.
Still, all students should take normal precautions, including:
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No taxi rides from non-official taxis.
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No wearing of expensive jewelry.
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No counting large amounts of cash in the street.
Do the banking regulations affect foreigners?
If your bank account is in a non-Argentine bank
none of the rules apply and you will be able to use ATMs as in any other
country. However, there are occassional times when the ATMs actually
run out of physical cash, so we recommend students keep at least two days
worth of cash reserves.
What if the situation becomes much worse?
All of our students maintain the option of delaying
their studies or switching to another location. For example, if you
decide the time is not right for Buenos Aires, you may use your reservation
in Chile or postpone your studies for a later date.
We would advise you to ask us, or current students,
about the realities when in doubt. The images and reports shown on
TV are nearly always very isolated events which affect a very minor percentage
of the population.
Do you recommend studying in Buenos Aires at
this time?
Absolutely. The country’s history is being
defined around us. Unless a very unexpected event occurs (i.e. revolution,
civil war, etc.) we will remain open and encourage students to visit this
fascinating city.
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