Wanderlust? South America and Argentina are the places to go!
Argentina is one of the most exciting countries in the world. You will be fascinated not only by its glaciers, waterfalls, and deserts but also by the overwhelming Argentine hospitality and lifestyle.
Here, you will find everything that people love about South America – Argentina connects with its European influence and still has a Latin vibe.
As the social disparities are fewer than in the neighbouring countries, you definitely feel comfortable even when travelling alone.
To make it short: It´s the perfect place to do an internship or volunteer work in South America, take Spanish courses in South America and live an unforgettable stay abroad!
Quick Facts
Population: 40,5 mio.
Currency: Argentinean Peso (ARS)
Lifestyle: outgoing and sociable, hospitable and open, helpful, warm and generous
Country: Population with strong European roots. Developing economy with a good educational system and still one of the safest countries in South America.
Learn more about beautiful Argentina!
Culture & People: Find old Europe in Argentina!
Besides their indigenous roots, a large number of Argentineans have Spanish or Italian roots as well. However, also many Germans, French, Irish, British, Poles, Greeks, Turks, and other nations have found a new home in Argentina and form a vital cultural variety in Argentina. It is not without a reason that Argentina has the reputation of being one of the most European countries in South America.
Due to the influence of the immigrants, you rapidly realize that this historic background has formed a special attitude and lifestyle: hospitality, generosity and a sociable and welcoming spirit sure are qualities that don’t go unnoticed by any foreign visitor. Unlike the nostalgic tunes of the melancholic tango, Argentines are warm and joyful people. They like to have guests and friends around. Evenings and weekends are preferably spent celebrating life: Having one of the famous “asados” (barbecue), sitting together with friends while talking and laughing, singing and dancing!
Landscape: Ready to discover the second largest country in South America?
Only a few countries in the world offer such a broad variety of wide landscapes as you will encounter in Argentina! A vast stretch of 3.700 km separates the most Northern from the most Southern Argentine city.
As you can imagine, that gives room for all kinds of different vegetation zones and landscapes. And the scenic variety really is astonishing! It ranges from tropical rainforests in the North with the impressive Iguazú waterfalls, to ice-blue glaciers in Patagonia. From deserts full of cactuses and breathtaking coloured rock formations in the Andean highlands to the sunny and fertile wine-growing state of Mendoza; and not to forget: the incredible vastness of the Pampa.
Music: Is tango the first thing that comes to your mind?
Tango, the melancholic music, originally born 100 years ago in the poor districts of Buenos Aires, has been brought to worldwide reputation by Argentine tango stars like Carlos Gardel and Astor Piazzolla. Today, tango is still present, especially in Buenos Aires.
However, it’s not only the tango that shapes Argentine music culture. At parties, people move their hips to the country’s own “Cuartetto” or “Cumbia“-beats. Jovial and poetic folklore music is played and accompanied by traditional dance steps in typical “Peñas“. Local rock and pop groups and of course tunes from all over the world dominate the daily radio program.
Argentines love music! During the summer, huge music festivals take place all over the country. Or people just pick up the guitar themselves after a nice dinner or “asado” with friends and sing and play the night away!
Food: Do you know Alfajores, Asado and Mate?
There are delicacies you can only find in Argentina’s unique cuisine. Above all, the “asado” (=barbecue) – not just a meal, but rather a get-together with friends, accompanied by large quantities of scrumptious meat.
The streets are lined with places selling little dough squares or triangles with different fillings (vegetables, cheese, chicken etc.): “Empanadas”, a delicious snack for every day!
Do you prefer sweet temptations that are just as addictive? Look out for “Alfajores”! Those cookies are filled with “dulce de leche” (an Argentine cream caramel speciality), often covered with chocolate. By the way, no party starts without “Fernet con Coca”, Italian “Fernet Branca” with Coke!
And last but not least: “Mate”-tea! Like the “asado” it’s not just Argentinas’s national beverage, but rather a lifestyle ingredient! The bitter tea is served in a special cup, drunken through a special “mate”-straw and handed around within the group and shared alternately. Get used to seeing locals carry their thermos flasks and mate-equipment, ready to relax for a minute and to chat with friends!
Economy: Natural resources and industries
Argentina is one of the major emerging economies and a G-20 member (a group of industrialized and emerging countries in the world). Its economy benefits not only from its natural resources but also from several competitive industries, such as the automotive and metal stands or industries related to agriculture.
In recent years, the country has seen a significant growth of the tourism industry, both in terms of the internal and inbound tourism.
Despite its economic ups-and-downs, the country has a strong strength to grow, which is reflected in international as well as numerous small and medium-sized companies. Furthermore, a high number of startups can be observed throughout all industries.
Carlos Gardel: (*1890) “The Tango Made Flesh” (HistoryToday) singer, composer and actor, naturalized Argentine, main representative of the Tango in the beginning of the 20th century.
Julio Cortázar: (*1914) innovative novelist and essayist, strong political commitment in Latin America, influenced a whole Hispanic generation of readers and writers, called the “modern master of the short story”.
Jorge Luis Borges: (*1899) his “works have become classics of 20th-century world literature”(Britannica). Internationally known Argentine writer and translator who stands out because of his contributions to philosophy and magical realism literature. Staunch opponent of peronism and facism.
Ernesto “Che” Guevara: (1928*) doctor, writer, politician and revolutionary leader, became the symbol of leftist revolution and other countercultural movements.
Mafalda: (*1964) Comic book character, little girl that reflects the fate of humanity and the world. The comic gives insight into the Argentine middle and progressive class.
Lionel Messi: (*1987) internationally recognized as one of the world’s best football players ever, repeatadly elected winner of the “Golden Ball ” by the FIFA 2010-2013 (Wikipedia). In addition, in 2010 he was appointed UNICEF “Goodwill Ambassador” (Wikipedia) for his concerns and humanitarian actions for children and adolescents.
