Argentina: Transnationalism and Comparative Development in South America Spring 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS COUNTRY OVERVIEW ...... 3 GENERAL INFORMATION ...... 3 ...... 3 ARGENTINA ...... 5 CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY ...... 7 DIET ...... 8 SAFETY, SECURITY, AND HEALTH ...... 8 ACCOMODATIONS ...... 10 TRANSPORTATION ...... 10 COMMUNICATION ...... 10 PHONES AND E-MAIL ...... 10 MAILINGS ...... 11 MONEY ...... 11 VISITORS AND FREE TIME...... 12 PACKING GUIDELINES ...... 14 LUGGAGE ...... 14 CLOTHING GUIDELINES ...... 14 COMPUTERS AND OTHER ELECTRONICS ...... 14 ALUMNI CONTACTS ...... 14 PACKING LIST ...... 15 GENERAL ...... 15 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ...... 15 HEALTH/TOILETRIES ...... 15 OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS ...... 15 OPTIONAL ...... 15

SIT Study Abroad - 2 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020 The two main parties continued to take turns in COUNTRY OVERVIEW power once democracy was re-established and in 1991 Uruguay adhered to .

*Please note that due to the COVID-19 In 2004 the presidential elections resulted in the pandemic, information is subject to change election of Tabaré Vasquez (2004-2009), a based on shifting conditions in the US, Uruguay, candidate stemming from a center left coalition and Argentina. “Encuentro Progresista-Frente Amplio-Nueva Mayoría”. For the first time in 174 years neither GENERAL INFORMATION of the two main parties was in power Tabaré Vasquez was followed in power by the widely known President José Mujica (2010-2015). URUGUAY Uruguay’ Republic and its Constitution were In 2006 and 2007 there were great changes in established in 1830. However right after its human rights policy. In 2007, notwithstanding independence the country was then struck by a the amnesty law, the former de facto presidents civil war that was followed by the Paraguay War Bordaberry and Gregorio Alvarez were (1865-1870), fought by an alliance made up of processed together with other military officers for Uruguay, and Argentina. Until 1959 and human rights violations. The same year, a group for nearly a century the liberals were in power of leftist parties that were members of the and by the end of this period Uruguay had government coalition, together with workers’ become one of the most progressive countries in organizations and organizations of relatives of South America. In the 1960s the two main detenidos-desaparecidos (prisoners and missing parties - liberals and conservatives - cooperated people) of the dictatorship, started collecting to change the political system in what came to signatures to abolish the amnesty law that was be known as the reforma naranja (1967). eventually ratified.

In the early 1970s the Congress suspended Moreover in 2006 and 2007 the law of Union constitutional warranties and declared the state Concubinaria was discussed and passed. The of siege starting up a period of dictatorship for law equates marriage and cohabitation Uruguay. In 1976 the president was dismissed (common-law marriage) that lasts at least 5 and a new Council of the Nation, made up of 25 years, both for heterosexual couples and same- civilian members and 21 military officers, was sex couples. The law became an important created. The first decisions of the government milestone of Uruguayan law as it recognized showed a tightening of its rule: political rights new types of families. were reclaimed, and arbitrary imprisoning were In regard to foreign policy, the opening of carried out; human rights violations by the army markets for the agricultural sector and the were widespread. Moreover, the military power search for foreign investments were tried to pass a new constitution through a fundamental policies of the Mujica government. referendum in 1980, however it failed to get On the other side his project was well set within popular approbation. in 1985 a new presidential regional integration. Uruguay’s relationship with election took place and in 1986 an amnesty law the members of MERCOSUR was not was voted. Which impossible to judge the homogenous. With Argentina the relationship military officers of the last dictatorship. After an changed from a harmonious one to a conflictive attempt to abolish it in 2009, the law is still valid. one in relation to several issues, including

SIT Study Abroad - 3 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020 bilateral trade and the management of the expressed the intention to make the Martin Garcia channel. The relationship with MERCOSUR more flexible in order to develop Brazil developed satisfactorily and President trade agreements with the Pacific Alliance, the Mujica declared that Uruguay had to follow USA, the EU and Asia but at this moment none Brazil’s path, manifesting the will for of these things have happened. The political and cooperation. Somehow the good personal economic crisis unleashed in the region has put relationship between Lula Da Silva and Mujica these concerns in other places. strengthened this orientation of Uruguay’s In general terms, the achievements in foreign foreign policy. In 2015 Tabaré Vasquez took up policy can be summarized with direct foreign his second mandate as President of the investment, efficiency in food production, República Oriental del Uruguay and his period development of energy resources and care for ended in 2020. Tabaré’s second government the environment. has been characterized by a renewed attention on issues related with the economy, education, In October of 2019 Lacalle Pou (National Party, and internal security. center-right), won the elections and assumed the presidency on March 1st, 2020 after 15 Uruguay was one of the first countries of the years with the Frente Amplio (FA). region to decriminalize abortion during the rule of President Mujica (2012). Regarding this topic, Uruguay stands out in Latin America for its high Vazquez own position on a policy that was level of income per capita, its low level of passed by his same political party before this inequality and poverty and its large middle class second government has created some divisions which consist of about 60% of the population. within. As a doctor he has presented a different Unlike some of its neighbors, this small country and more restrictive position to the issue of has been able to develop a strong abortion than his predecessor Pepe Mujica. macroeconomic framework, which makes it less vulnerable to external shocks. The stability of its Another issue that Tabaré has dealt with is the institutions and its low level of corruption have regulation of cultivation, distribution and sale of historically enabled high levels of confidence in marijuana that was some time ago but has not the government by citizens as well as good been implemented yet. In 2016 the registries for access to basic public services. self-cultivation of marijuana and cultivation clubs were introduced but the most controversial Uruguay’ economy is based on agriculture and aspects of the policy must still be implemented cattle breeding. Cattle breeding occupies about This experiment, as Mujica himself defined it, 78% of the land and provides Uruguay’s main consists of the sale of cannabis in pharmacies exports. Uruguayan industry is strongly linked to with a maximum of 40 grams a month per user. agriculture and based in the surroundings of the Tabaré was not totally in favor of this policy but capital, Montevideo. Tourism is also an he has showed willingness to move forward with important sector as the country’s coast attracts it based on the Congress mandate. visitors from all over the world.

In order to support its foreign policy, the One of the main characteristics of Uruguay’ Uruguayan government faced some challenges development model its reliance on renewal like investing in roads and railway and energy: Uruguay gets 98% of its electricity from maintaining its ports in the Uruguay and La Plata renewable sources. Uruguay's state-owned rivers. Regarding MERCOSUR, Tabaré electricity company, UTE, has assured that the Vasquez and most of the Uruguayan opposition

SIT Study Abroad - 4 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020 energy matrix for 2019 consisted of the following the UN that covers four groups of issues: sources: way: hydraulic energy (55.6%), wind violence and security, access to justice and power (33.6%), biomass (6%), photovoltaic rights, transparency, and participation and (2.8%) and thermal (2%). international insertion.

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining ARGENTINA developed programs for energy efficiency, The first colonial landing in what we now call efficient and sustainable mobility, renewable Argentina occurred around the beginning of the energy, waste recovery, the circular economy 16th century, during a voyage led by Juan Díaz and energy communities. At the industrial level, de Solís, a Spanish sailor who was the first different productive sectors were supported in European to reach the shores of an estuary later the implementation of energy efficiency named the Río de la Plata (River of Silver, or measures. Rural households without access to “River Plate” in British English). the electricity grid were also reached. Five pilot electrification projects are currently being In 1580, a small port named was implemented with off-grid solutions. These established by the colonial Spanish government houses, which until now had no electricity, have in the southern territory of the Americas. Many substantially improved their quality of life. years later, in 1776, this territory became the formal viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. In the last ten years Uruguay managed to reduce poverty from values of approximately In 1810, a week-long series of events called the 30% to rates of less than 10%; however, the May Revolution occurred, which ended on May challenge remains of high incidences of poverty 25 with the creation of the first local government: among the youngest. On the other hand, the First Assembly. Six years later, on July 9, Uruguay has a good nutritional status because, 1816, a formal declaration of independence among other things, it implements the Uruguay marked the end of Spanish rule. Argentina Crece Contigo program, aimed at early struggled to establish a nation-state and in 1853 childhood. The challenge is to continue finally adopted its constitution, many parts of improving and eliminating the growth disability which were based on the United States that still exists in a little more than 4% of children Constitution. from 0 to 3 years old. With immigration and investment from Europe, With respect to ensuring a healthy life, it is modern Argentina expanded greatly during a notable the low maternal mortality (17 mothers prolonged burst of economic growth. Between per 100,000 live births) and neonatal mortality, 1880 and 1930, Argentina was one of the whose indicator is 5.36 per 1,000 live births. world’s 10 richest countries in terms of per Uruguay offers 100% essential health coverage capita income. After a series of both radical and and the challenge still is to reduce teenage conservative governments, the people of pregnancies and suicide rate. Also, Uruguay has Argentina elected Juan Perón as their president become an exemplary model in the region, in 1946. being one of the first countries which recently passed a law allowing the voluntary interruption Perón initiated policies that focused on of pregnancies. empowering the working class and building a strong welfare state. Massive income With respect to the promotion of peaceful redistribution was sustained by many different societies, Uruguay is part of a pilot program with sources, such as tax revenues, nationalization of

SIT Study Abroad - 5 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020 industries, and the expansion of public services. unemployment fell from 17.9% in 2002 to 8.5% Perón also strongly promoted union movements in 2007. that enhanced his leadership. In the 2007 presidential elections, Kirchnerism After Perón was pushed into exile by the military () triumphed again, with Cristina in 1955, there were a series of military Fernández de Kirchner, the first Argentine governments throughout the 1950s and 1960s. woman to head a winning presidential formula, Perón returned to the presidency in 1973, as candidate. During this mandate (2007-2011), holding the position for just one year before his pension and retirement funds were restructured, death. He was replaced by his wife at the time, the Universal Child Allowance was created and Isabel Perón. On March 24, 1976, Isabel was the Equal Marriage Act was passed. In the overthrown in a military coup that led to what international arena, she promoted the creation of was to be the bloodiest period in Argentina’s UNASUR and CELAC. The social security history. In what has been referred to as the system was re-established. Shortly after the “,” as many as 30,000 people, alleged beginning of her term, she faced an extensive to be political dissidents, were abducted and strike by agricultural employers, supported by killed without trace by the military. Those 30,000 massive demonstrations, due to the official people are now referred to as “the disappeared.” policy of export taxes.

Argentina returned to democratic rule in 1983 In the 2011 presidential elections, Kirchnerism and since then has been led by stable and (Front for Victory) triumphed for the third time, democratic governments, although these once again taking Cristina Fernández de governments have been weak in enhancing real Kirchner as a candidate, surpassing the votes of political reform and social welfare. Argentina’s the two previous elections, with 54%. During her economy exhibited a cyclical boom-and-bust second term in office, 51% of the shares of the pattern, with the worst economic crisis occurring oil company YPF were re-stated, retirement was at the end of 2001, when the country collapsed extended for housewives and precarious economically and politically. Since 2003, the workers, the laws on Audiovisual country has managed to recover rapidly. In an Communication Services were approved, and era when optimism coexists with social and the gender identity law was passed, among economic tension, some unresolved social other things. During Cristina Kirchner's two issues, such as poverty and inequality, stand terms, poverty, unemployment and unregistered out. work were reduced and the middle class doubled. In the 2003 presidential elections, Néstor Kirchner beat Menemism. During this period In 2012, a long period of economic difficulties Congress initiated impeachment proceedings and deteriorating social indicators began, in the against five members of the Supreme Court, context of the Great Global Recession and leading to the resignation of three and the especially the economic crisis in Brazil, with removal of another two. The laws on impunity inflation close to 30 per cent. The government were annulled and trials for crimes against took measures such as establishing regulations humanity during the dictatorship were reopened, for the purchase of dollars, increasing public the debt to the IMF was cancelled and a expenditure and various types of subsidies to restructuring of the foreign debt was carried out industry and public services. with a strong removal. GDP grew from $97 billion in 2002 to $329 billion in 2007 and

SIT Study Abroad - 6 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020 In the presidential elections of 2015, Macrism country. The majority of Argentina´s population defeated Kirchnerism and non-Kirchnerist lives in the urban centers of the nation. . (who had been head Argentina is brimming with cultural activities. of government of the Autonomous City of This is evident in its many festivals, expositions, Buenos Aires from 2007 to 2015), of the cinemas, theaters, and concerts that take place Propuesta Republicana (PRO), was elected throughout the major cities. For example, president with the Cambiemos . Buenos Aires has over 100 cinemas and 90 A stage of complete change in the orientation theaters. Fútbol (soccer) is the main sport in the that the policies of the Kirchnerist governments country and is central to Argentine national had had until then began. The new government identity. Other popular sports include tennis, applied a series of measures such as the free volleyball, basketball, field hockey, and rugby. acquisition of foreign currency, reductions in retentions on soybean and other cereal exports, Finally, Argentina is a federal republic consisting as well as on mining exports, and devaluation of of 23 provinces and the autonomous capital city the peso, which led to a drop in GDP due to the of Buenos Aires in southern South America, as cooling of the economy. Energy tariffs and fuel well as other areas claimed by Argentina, prices increased and were dollarized. At the including an Antarctic sector and the Malvinas same time, the government sharply increased Islands and several other islands of the South the foreign debt. In 2018 Argentina suffered a Atlantic. strong capital outflow, which led to a 135% devaluation of the peso and prompted the CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY government to return to the IMF, with a Montevideo, Uruguay (Latitude and longitude considerable increase in the foreign debt. coordinates are: -34.901112, -56.164532) and In the presidential elections of 2019, President Buenos Aires, Argentina (Latitude and longitude Macri sought re-election but was defeated by the coordinates are: -34.603722, -58.381592) are Peronist candidate Alberto Fernández, located at both margins of the Rio De Plata. accompanied by Cristina Fernández de Kirchner There are 3 hours apart from each other by ship as vice president. The beginning of the or 45 minutes apart from each other by plane. government coincided with the declaration of the Summers (December to March) are quite warm, COVID-19 pandemic. while the winter months will expose you to a Argentina has a long history of immigration, variety of climatic conditions. Summer originally with people coming from Spain, Italy, temperatures (December–March) in Buenos and other European countries, later from Syria Aires and Montevideo oscillate between 75– and Lebanon, and more recently from Eastern 95˚F and there are irregular dry periods. While it Europe, Asia and neighboring Latin American can be hot in Buenos Aires and Montevideo countries. The population is predominantly during the summer months (which is winter in Catholic, but Argentina has the largest Jewish North America!), there is usually a cool breeze population in Latin America. The indigenous coming from the Río de la Plata at the evenings. population is also important to consider. Now numbering less than 1 million (in a country of over 40 million), they live in the northern, northwestern, and southern regions of the

SIT Study Abroad - 7 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020 Winter months (June–September) are cooler, or coffee, croissants/bread, and marmalade. In a with temperatures between 45˚ and 60˚; lunch generally consists of an entrée (a type of however, temperatures can fall below freezing. meat, a starch option, and salad) and dessert.

MONTEVIDEO - BUENOS AIRES: AVERAGE Vegetarians/Vegans can manage their diets, but HIGH/LOW TEMPERATURES (°F) it may require a bit more effort on their part and JAN FEB MAR APR MAY is subject to availability of vegetables in the market. The Argentine and Uruguayan diet, as 98/78 95/75 85/65 74/45 64/45 mentioned before, are largely centered on meat. SEPT OCT NOV DEC Lastly, kosher food can be found in these cities.

70/58 75/61 77/63 85/75 Note: if you have special dietary needs, including allergies, please inform our office prior DIET to the start of your program. We will advise you on realistic expectations about avoiding or SIT Study Abroad provides experiential learning incorporating certain foods within the program opportunities where students become context. embedded in their host community. As such, we strive to accommodate serious food allergies SAFETY, SECURITY, AND HEALTH where possible but simply cannot ensure that all Maintaining good health is critical to having a dietary restrictions or non-medically mandated successful semester. To help you do that, we diets can be accommodated. have provided Health Guidelines and Students are encouraged to participate in the Requirements for your program. local food culture as a central aspect of daily life. It is very important that you read the Health By trying to replicate your diet at home you may Guidelines and Requirements document as miss out on an important part of your host early as possible and examine it with your culture. Due to the unique living and learning medical provider. The guidelines include community central to all SIT programs, we recommended immunizations; a suggested cannot separate food and eating communally calendar for immunizations and other from the program experience. Please consider prophylaxes; and valuable information on how to local diet seriously when selecting your program avoid exposure to common carriers of disease. of choice. Your admissions counselor is a great resource in better understanding the local diet. The Health Guidelines and Requirements will also provide recommendations related The diet of the region is largely influenced by the to preventing the contraction and spread Mediterranean, both in food and schedule. of COVID-19. Mealtimes are generally similar to those in the Students will be provided with COVID-19 related United States, except dinners tend to be eaten information and requirements prior to your much later in the evening (9–10 PM). The staple travel in order to provide you with the most up- diet is various types of meat, breads, fresh to-date information. General information about vegetables, pasta, sandwiches, etc. It is also a SIT´s response to COVID-19 can be found on common custom to drink mate, an infusion of our webpage here: herbs in hot water drank through a metal straw called a bombilla. The day begins with a light breakfast, which typically includes a cup of tea

SIT Study Abroad - 8 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020 https://studyabroad.sit.edu/health-safety-and- The most common issues students have faced well-being/risk-management/sit-health-and- in the past have been robberies and safety-update-in-response-to-covid-19/ pickpockets. Students who bring electronic equipment (i.e. laptops, iPods, cameras, etc.) Students are thoroughly briefed on safety must be conscious that these items tend to be considerations during in-country orientation and quite expensive in this region, therefore are updated throughout the semester if and conveying an image of wealth. It is crucial to be when circumstances change. For information very careful about your visible use of such items regarding safety and security, emergency while in public and even outdoor parts of your communications, SIT policies, accident and accommodation (such as a street-facing illness insurance, and general program tips, balcony). Nightlife in both cities is active but please read the Safety, Security, and Health Montevideo is quieter than Buenos Aires, so document and Student Handbook. there is great temptation to go out in the During orientation, as well as on an ongoing evenings. When returning home at night you basis throughout the program, safety and should always travel in a minimum of pairs, if not security guidelines and rules are fully small groups, and use registered taxis. It is not communicated and students have a chance to acceptable to return home after midnight during internalize the information through debates. the week. Weekend behavior must depend upon and respect your accommodation norms. The goal of each of the discussions is to equip students with the knowledge and skills These cities' culture tends to be open-minded necessary to take care of themselves, to make toward individuals identifying as LGBTQ, and good security choices, and to minimize risk. those individuals will generally not be putting Sessions underscore how not to appear to be an themselves at risk by being open about their easy target for petty criminals, how to interact identity. However, such open-mindedness with people, how best to navigate the city and cannot be guaranteed in the entirety of the other program destinations safely, and other population and may be much less present topics. This information is also reiterated through outside Montevideo and Buenos Aires. Please written program materials. The program aims to do not hesitate to discuss any questions about minimize risk through both: (1) equipping behavior or communication around sexual students with the appropriate knowledge as per identity issues with your academic director. the above; and (2) making clear and enforcing There are high-quality medical and mental program rules around safety and making clear health facilities available in the region urban the ramifications for breaching SIT rules in areas. Facilities may be limited in more rural relation to personal student safety. SIT does not zones. The program has identified sources of hesitate to take disciplinary action against medical care in all excursion destinations. students who disregard rules affecting their own or others’ safety. Program staff can also recommend an English- speaking mental health professional. Both cities present certain health and safety Additionally, there is a coach available on the risks requiring individuals to take appropriate program that can help students address some precautions. Before the various excursions, difficulties they might encounter throughout their students will receive additional safety and stay, both individually and in groups. security briefings about specific local conditions.

SIT Study Abroad - 9 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020 ACCOMODATIONS COMMUNICATION To keep our homestay and communities safe, While you may want to be in regular we have made the precautionary and difficult communication with friends and family from decision to cancel the homestay component of home during the term abroad, please bear in this program. mind that different time zones, unreliable phone lines, and changing program activities can SIT is committed to protecting our homestay complicate communication. family partners while providing suitable accommodations for students during these It’s important to be clear with family and friends times. While in Montevideo, Buenos Aires, and about your availability during the term. Many during excursions, students will be housed in students recommend making an appointment to shared guesthouses, apartments, or hostels. call home or to receive a call. You should also There will still be opportunities to practice your consider the impact of constant communication language skills and build meaningful with friends and family at home on your cultural relationships with our community partners immersion. though for security reasons visitors other than members of the program or staff are not allowed PHONES AND E-MAIL into your housing facilities. During the ISP As soon as students arrive, they are provided an portion of the program students will also be opportunity to call home or send an email. SIT staying in lodging arrangements, if their will have the information about safe arrival, so research takes them outside Buenos Aires, family members may also call the US office to travel possibilities will be decided at that confirm participants’ arrival. moment with students´ Academic Director in compliance with SIT and local government As part of SIT’s commitment to student safety health and security policies. In that case, the and security, all students are required to have a student will have to make his/her own lodging working smart phone capable of making and arrangement with the program staff’s assistance receiving both local and international calls and approval. throughout the duration of the program. For that purpose, students are required to either (a) bring TRANSPORTATION an open, unlocked smart phone from the U.S. to the program that is able to accept a local SIM Public transportation in Montevideo and Buenos card, and is compatible with and usable at the Aires is very good. Participants are easily able to program location, (b) work with the academic move throughout the city by public bus or director within the first week upon arrival in subway (in Buenos Aires only). This mode of country to purchase a smart phone locally, or (c) transportation is cheap and safe during the bring a dual SIM smart phone. During daytime. The use of taxis is also affordable and orientation, with assistance from SIT Study safe. Daily transportation will include public bus, Abroad staff, students will learn how to use their subways, or walking. Specifics on public cellphone, how to purchase and use an transportation are discussed in detail during your appropriate local SIM card, and how to acquire orientation upon arrival in-country. During minutes for calls and texting. SIT Study Abroad excursions, the group will primarily use private requires that each student have a local number vehicles. for communication with program staff.

SIT Study Abroad - 10 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020 While we recognize that alternative MAILINGS communication methods can be free or cheaper Unlike receiving a package here in the US, than cell service i.e. Facetime, Skype, receiving a package at your program site is WhatsApp, etc. those programs alone do not usually expensive and problematic. Customs satisfy our need for regular communication with agents must inspect all packages and you, as the local program staff and partners, nor do they the recipient, are responsible for duty and meet our emergency communication storage fees. In addition, there are cases of needs. Therefore, local cellular capacity on items being lost in the mail or taking so long to each student’s phone is required for the duration reach the recipient that the recipient is nearly of the program. Students are required to back in the US by the time the items are maintain a minimum amount of phone credits at received. For these reasons, sending packages all times for emergency calls. Full compliance should be done only for emergency situations. with this policy is expected. Additionally, sending valuables is highly Since you will obtain a local phone number, do discouraged. not purchase an international plan for your US For this program, DHL and FedEx services are phone number unless you have a dual SIM available in country. Despite cheaper prices, smart phone. A local SIM card for your unlocked reliance on the US Postal Service is not advised smartphone will cost approximately USD 10. If due to delays and unreliability. When given the you do not have an unlocked smartphone, one option, it’s always a good idea to send packages can be purchased locally for about USD 250. certified and with a tracking number that allows You can purchase calling plans, like a calling the sender to track the package. card, in order to regulate your cell phone expenses. Please work with local staff for advice on the best address to ship packages if needed. You will not be able to use most US-purchased calling cards in these cities, and in any case MONEY calling cards are less expensive to buy in this In addition to tuition, SIT Study Abroad program region than those from the US. Email and fees cover room and board throughout the Internet access is readily available throughout program. When room and/or board are not taken the major cities and in the SIT office and is often with the group, students will be given a stipend quite inexpensive. to cover related expenses. SIT will cover daily To call someone on a land line in Uruguay from commuting costs, if any, and excursions that are outside of Uruguay, callers will need to dial their part of the normal program itinerary. During the country’s international access code, then ISP period, students will receive a stipend for Uruguay’s country code (598), then the city’s basic room and board only, based on the cost of area code, and finally the number itself. The living at the program base. Any domestic area code for Montevideo is 2. travel, interpretation services, or supplies necessary for the ISP are the students’ To call someone on a land line in Argentina from responsibility. Please plan accordingly. outside of Argentina, callers will need to dial their country’s international access code, then It is easy to find money exchange offices Argentina’s country code (54), then the city’s throughout the airport and cities. Many stores in area code, and finally the number itself. The Buenos Aires also accept credit cards, the most area code for Buenos Aires is 11. common being Visa, MasterCard, and American

SIT Study Abroad - 11 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020 Express. Most students access funds from their The official currency of Argentina is the US bank accounts using their VISA or Argentine peso, which is divided into 100 MasterCard debit cards. Any debit card that is centavos. linked to the PLUS or CIRRUS networks should Students can check current exchange rates: also work at ATMs in country. http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ If using a debit and/or credit card, you should Please budget approximately: contact your bank and/or credit card companies regarding your travel plans. If you don’t inform Personal spending (from these companies that you will be away, they will past student suggestions): US$1000 often assume the card has been lost or stolen and will put an immediate hold on the card. You should also check on costs of withdrawal, as Books, printing, supplies: US$70 these costs vary and can sometimes be very COVID-19 Entry Test(s) expensive. Renewing and receiving reissued (may be required for entry; subject to $100-250 change and costs may vary) credit and debit cards while on the program will be an expensive and highly inconvenient Up-front medical costs: US$200 process. Before you leave for your program, Bottled water: US$50 please check the expiration dates on your cards Typical Internet Café usage: US$50 to ensure that they will not expire while you are Cell phone costs: US$200 abroad. It is also very important that you make Potential ISP travel photocopies of all your debit/credit card US$350 expenses: information and leave them with someone you Transportation costs, US$150 trust in case your card(s) is/are lost or stolen. including taxis at night Following are suggestions for spending money Estimated total: US$2,170 during the program, including estimates for textbooks, ISP-related expenses, medical VISITORS AND FREE TIME expenses, personal spending, and gifts. Figures SIT strongly discourages and will not provide are based on recent student evaluations, though support for any visitors to students during the individual spending habits vary widely and these term, due to the rigorous nature of the program costs are averages. and the disruption that such visits cause in A suggested total amount of money to budget program flow and group dynamics. Students ranges from US$1950 to $2250. To determine should be sure that relatives and friends are where you might fall in this range, please aware of this policy and that visits are scheduled examine your spending habits during a typical for dates after the formal conclusion of the semester at your home school and consider any program. Students will not be excused from exceptional expenditures you may have on the program components to attend to visitors. See program, including travel costs for your planned the Attendance and Participation section of the ISP or a specific personal expense. Student Handbook.

The official currency of Uruguay is the Please note that any visitors during the course Uruguayan peso, which is divided into 100 of the program must plan their own independent centavos. accommodations;

SIT Study Abroad - 12 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020 During the program, students follow an intense schedule of classes and field-based learning assignments, even during the ISP. Free time for pursuing an independent interest or hobby during the program will be limited. Your admissions counselor can advise you about particular interests you may have. For example, if you must keep in shape for your next athletic season, or if you play a musical instrument and want to know whether to bring it, we can help you to understand your schedule and any concerns or limitations that may exist. Please note that you will not have a long break during the program, such as Thanksgiving or Spring Break.

Students typically have four weeks to conduct research, gather and analyze data, write, and prepare for the ISP presentation. There is a lot to cover, and students find the ISP period a very busy time. For this reason, please plan to use your time wisely.

Because of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic, SIT has suspended independent travel for all Spring 2021 Programs. SIT defines “independent travel” as travel that is independently organized by a student(s) and is unrelated to program activities; and involves an overnight stay.

SIT Study Abroad - 13 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020 PACKING GUIDELINES

Pack a fleece sweater, warm pants, and boots, LUGGAGE as well as some summer and winter clothing for Please pack lightly and include only necessary a few of the excursions. Convertible pants (with items. You should be able to carry all your zippers that can make long pants into short luggage significant distances on your own. Try pants) are very practical. For the excursions, to minimize both the number of bags and weight bring clothes that are easy to wash, no iron of your bag(s) since you will likely be acquiring needed, and lightweight. Some comfortable more belongings while abroad. Usually only one trekking shoes may also be useful. carry-on is permitted on the plane; we recommend a small daypack, which will also be COMPUTERS AND OTHER useful for short excursions when on the program. ELECTRONICS It is strongly recommended that you bring a If carrying prescription medications, you should laptop computer. If you bring a laptop, the carry a letter from your doctor to prevent any computer will be your personal property and concerns at customs or in transit. (Please see responsibility. It is recommended that you insure the “General Health Tips” section in the Safety, your computer, smartphone, or other valuables Security, and Health pre-departure document). for full coverage in the event of loss or theft. SIT Please check the current requirements of the is not responsible for any duty tax you may have Transportation Security Administration to pay when you enter the country, theft, or loss. (http://www.tsa.gov) as well as those of the Please see the following website for information airline on which you are flying for domestic and about electricity, voltage and electrical adapters. international baggage restrictions. http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/. If you plan to bring electrical equipment you will need CLOTHING GUIDELINES to bring a voltage adaptor (110v to 220v) as well While informal dress is acceptable and common as a plug converter (European style two-prong in most settings, it is essential to keep a neat, outlets. clean appearance. Jeans with holes, sloppy T- shirts, and tank tops are discouraged. People in It is also advised to bring a digital recorder for offices and development agencies are apt to be interviews. much more open and responsive if the visitor shows respect by dressing accordingly. It is not ALUMNI CONTACTS necessary to be fashionable, just neat and If you have further questions, please contact clean. It is very important to have at least one your admissions counselor and/or ask an alumni set of clothes for formal occasions. contact: https://studyabroad.sit.edu/admissions- aid/application-process/contact-a-former- It is a good idea to bring clothes for all seasons. student/. You will need warm clothes for both the spring and the fall semester. Dressing in layers is the Don’t miss the Packing List on the next most sensible solution to the varied seasonal page! and geographic climates that you will encounter.

SIT Study Abroad - 14 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020 PACKING LIST o Small first aid kit with Band-Aids, hydrogen peroxide, moist towelettes, and over-the- counter drugs for minor pain, diarrhea, anti- GENERAL itching, and motion sickness, as approved by o 4–5 shirts your doctor. o 1–2 pairs of shorts o Extra eyeglasses or contacts (saline solution o 2–3 pairs casual pants is available but expensive) o 2–3 pairs of jeans o 1 business casual/dressy outfit (for important meetings or events) To prevent the contraction and spread of o Supply of cold-weather clothes COVID-19 students should come prepared with: o 2–4 sweaters or warm tops o 2-week supply of underwear o At least 3 reusable masks* and gloves for o Slippers personal protection (disposable masks will o 1 pair walking shoes also be available) o 1 pair sneakers o Hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% o 1 pair sandals alcohol for use when soap and water is not o Swimsuit readily available o Raincoat / jacket o Anti-bacterial wipes or solution to wipe down o 1–2 personal and beach towels high-touch surfaces, especially while o 1 Set of sheets traveling from the US

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS *Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when o Passport around others. Masks help reduce the risk of spread o Immunization Record or Yellow WHO Card of COVID-19 both by close contact and by airborne o 2 photocopies of your passport, stored transmission. Masks must have two or more layers of separately from your actual passport washable, breathable fabric. Do not wear masks o Copy of electronic ticket intended for healthcare workers (e.g. N95 respirators) or face shields alone (evaluation of the effectiveness HEALTH/TOILETRIES of face shields is ongoing but is unknown at this o Sunscreen (at least SPF 30) time). o Sunglasses and hat o Adequate supply of any medications you use OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS regularly, including o An open, unlocked smart phone (see Phones section for more details) o Flashlight/headlamp o Fold-up umbrella o Durable water bottle OPTIONAL o Travel guide if you plan to do post-program travel (Lonely Planet is recommended) o Camera o Voltage and plug adaptors o College or university ID o Waterless anti-bacterial hand soap o Ziploc storage bags o Dryer sheets (to keep your luggage smelling fresh)

SIT Study Abroad - 15 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 11/25/2020