Argentina: Memory and Social Activism Through the Arts Summer 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS COUNTRY OVERVIEW ...... 3 GENERAL INFORMATION ...... 3 CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY ...... 4 DIET ...... 4 SAFETY, SECURITY, AND HEALTH ...... 5 HOMESTAYS ...... 6 OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS ...... 6 TRANSPORTATION ...... 6 COMMUNICATION ...... 6 PHONES AND E-MAIL ...... 6 MAILINGS ...... 7 MONEY...... 7 VISITORS AND FREE TIME ...... 8 PACKING GUIDELINES ...... 9 LUGGAGE ...... 9 CLOTHING GUIDELINES ...... 9 COMPUTERS AND OTHER ELECTRONICS ..... 9 GIFTS ...... 9 WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT OBTAIN IN COUNTRY ...... 10 ALUMNI CONTACTS ...... 10 PACKING LIST ...... 11

SIT Study Abroad - 2 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 1/24/2020

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Perón initiated policies that focused on empowering GENERAL INFORMATION the working class and building a strong welfare The first colonial landing in what we now call state. Massive income redistribution was sustained th Argentina occurred around the beginning of the 16 by many different sources, such as tax revenues, century, during a voyage led by Juan Díaz de Solís, nationalization of industries, and the expansion of a Spanish sailor who was the first European to public services. Perón also strongly promoted union reach the shores of an estuary later named the Río movements that enhanced his leadership. de la Plata (River of Silver, or “River Plate” in British English). After Perón was pushed into exile by the military in 1955, there were a series of military governments throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Perón returned to the presidency in 1973, holding the position for just one year before his death. He was replaced by his wife at the time, Isabel Perón. On March 24, 1976, Isabel was overthrown in a military coup that led to what was to be the bloodiest period in Argentina’s history. In the last Militar and Civic Dictatorship, as many as 30,000 people were abducted and killed without trace by the military. Those 30,000 people are now referred to as “the disappeared.” Argentina returned to democratic rule in 1983 and since then has been led by stable and democratic governments, although these governments have In 1580, a small port named Buenos Aires was been weak in enhancing real political reform and established by the colonial Spanish government in social welfare. Argentina’s economy exhibited a the southern territory of the Americas. Many years cyclical boom-and-bust pattern, with the worst later, in 1776, this territory became the formal economic crisis occurring at the end of 2001, when viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. the country collapsed economically and politically. Since 2003, the country has managed to recover In 1810, a week-long series of events called the rapidly and for twelve years, a left wing populist May Revolution occurred, which ended on May 25 government called kirchenrismo governed the with the creation of the first local government: the country (Néstor Kirchner was the President from First Assembly. Six years later, on July 9, 1816, a 2003 to 2007; and his wife, Cristina Fernández de formal declaration of independence marked the end Kirchner from 2007 to 2015). During those years, of Spanish rule. Argentina struggled to establish a social justice, memory, and human rights were nation-state and in 1853 finally adopted its central topics in the government´s agenda. In 2015, constitution, many parts of which were based on the kirchnerismo´s candidate Daniel Scioli lost the United States Constitution. presidential elections against neoliberal candidate Mauricio Macri in the first runoff ballotage in With immigration and investment from Europe, Argentina´s history. Macri is the president in office modern Argentina expanded greatly during a since December 2015. In October 2019 we are prolonged burst of economic growth. Between 1880 running elections for President and for governors of and 1930, Argentina was one of the world’s 10 most provinces. During the Program, you will richest countries in terms of per capita income. After experience intense political debates and electoral a series of both radical and conservative campaign climate all over the city. governments, the people of Argentina elected Juan Perón as their president in 1946. Argentina has a long history of immigration, originally with people coming from Spain, Italy, and SIT Study Abroad - 3 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 1/24/2020 other European countries, later from Syria and but simply cannot ensure that all dietary restrictions Lebanon, and more recently from Eastern Europe or non-medically mandated diets can be and neighboring Latin American countries. The accommodated. population is predominantly Catholic, but Argentina Students are encouraged to participate in the local has the largest Jewish population in Latin America. food culture as a central aspect of daily life. By The indigenous population is also important to trying to replicate your diet at home you may miss consider. Now numbering less than 1 million (in a out on an important part of your host culture. Due to country of over 40 million), they live in the northern, the unique living and learning community central to northwestern, and southern regions of the country. all SIT programs, we cannot separate food and The majority of Argentina´s population lives in the eating communally (including with your host family) urban centers of the nation. from the program experience. Please consider local Argentina is brimming with cultural activities. This is diet seriously when selecting your program of evident in its many festivals, expositions, cinemas, choice. Your admissions counselor is a great theaters, and concerts that take place throughout resource in better understanding the local diet. the major cities. For example, Buenos Aires has The diet of Argentina is largely influenced by the over 100 cinemas and 90 theaters. Fútbol (soccer) Mediterranean region, both in food and schedule. is the main sport in the country and is central to Meal times in Argentina are generally similar to Argentine national identity. Other popular sports those in the United States, except dinners tend to include tennis, volleyball, basketball, field hockey, be eaten much later in the evening (9–10 PM). The and rugby. staple diet in Argentina is various types of meat, breads, pasta, sandwiches, etc. It is also a common Finally, Argentina is a federal republic consisting of custom to drink mate, an infusion of herbs in hot 23 provinces and the autonomous capital city of water drank through a metal straw called a bombilla. Buenos Aires in southern South America, as well as The day begins with a light breakfast, which typically other areas claimed by Argentina, including an includes a cup of tea or coffee, croissants/bread, Antarctic sector and the Malvinas Islands and and marmalade. In Buenos Aires a lunch generally several other islands of the South Atlantic. consists of an entrée (a type of meat, a starch option, and salad) and dessert. CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY Buenos Aires is located in central-eastern Argentina, which has a moderate climate. Summers (December to March) are quite warm, while the winter months (April to September) are cooler. It rains in every season. Winter months (June–September) are cool, with temperatures normally between 45˚ and 60˚; however, temperatures can fall below freezing.

Buenos Aires: AVERAGE HIGH/LOW TEMPERATURES (°F)

JUNE JULY AUGUST Argentines rarely use beans in their meals. In rural 61/46 59/46 63/50 communities, many families eat a type of stew called puchero, made up of different vegetables and meats. At 5 PM, many families have what is called a DIET merienda, a light meal similar to the breakfast meal. SIT Study Abroad provides experiential learning Argentine food is generally eaten with very little use opportunities where students become embedded in of condiments. their host community. As such, we strive to accommodate serious food allergies where possible

SIT Study Abroad - 4 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 1/24/2020 There is a great variety of food available in Buenos students have a chance to internalize the Aires stores: fruit, vegetables, and meats. There are information through discussions. also lots of restaurants. It is always a good idea to be very honest with your host family as to what you Buenos Aires, like any big city in the world, presents like and dislike, as this will have an impact on the certain health and safety risks requiring individuals remaining weeks of your semester. Generally, there to take appropriate precautions. Before the various is one individual in the home who does the majority homestays and excursions, students will receive of the cooking. additional safety and security briefings about specific local conditions. Vegetarians can manage their diets in Buenos Aires, but it may require a bit more effort on their The most common issues students have faced in part and is subject to availability of vegetables in the the past have been robberies and pickpockets. market. The Argentine diet, as mentioned before, is Students who bring electronic equipment (i.e. largely centered on meat, so it will be necessary to laptops, iPods, cameras, etc.) must be conscious be very clear to your hosts about your dietary that these items tend to be quite expensive in preferences. Lastly, kosher food can be found in the Argentina, therefore conveying an image of wealth. city but it is not easy to find homestay families that It is crucial to be very careful about your visible use can accommodate a kosher diet of such items while in public and even outdoor parts Note: if you have special dietary needs, including of your host family’s home (such as a street-facing allergies, please inform our office prior to the start of balcony). your program. We will advise you on realistic expectations about avoiding or incorporating certain Nightlife in Buenos Aires is very active, so there is foods within the program context. great temptation to go out in the evenings. When returning home at night you should always travel in a minimum of pairs, if not small groups, and use SAFETY, SECURITY, AND registered taxis. It is not acceptable to return home after midnight during the week. Weekend behavior HEALTH must depend upon and respect your host family Maintaining good health is critical to having a norms. successful semester. To help you do that, we have provided Health Guidelines and Requirements for Buenos Aires culture tends to be open-minded your program. toward individuals identifying as LGBTQ, and those individuals will generally not be putting themselves It is very important that you read the Health at risk by being open about their identity. However, Guidelines and Requirements document as early as possible and examine it with your medical provider. such open-mindedness cannot be guaranteed in the The guidelines include recommended entirety of the Argentine population and may be immunizations; a suggested calendar for much less present outside Buenos Aires. Please do immunizations and other prophylaxes; and valuable not hesitate to discuss any questions about information on how to avoid exposure to common behavior or communication around sexual identity carriers of disease. issues with your academic director.

Students are thoroughly briefed on safety considerations during in-country orientation and are updated throughout the semester if and when circumstances change. For information regarding safety and security, emergency communications, SIT policies, accident and illness insurance, and general program tips, please read the Safety, Security, and Health document and Student Handbook.

During orientation, as well as on an ongoing basis throughout the program, safety and security guidelines and rules are fully communicated and SIT Study Abroad - 5 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 1/24/2020 HOMESTAYS Transportation on a daily basis will include public As many SIT Study Abroad alumni will tell you, the bus, subways, or walking. Specifics on public homestay experience can be one of the most transportation in Buenos Aires are discussed in rewarding and most challenging aspects of the detail during your orientation upon arrival in-country. program. We hope you will come prepared for the During excursions, the group will primarily use experience and committed to moving beyond private vehicles. cultural immersion as you begin to question, distinguish, and analyze the host culture vis-à-vis COMMUNICATION your own culture and come to a deeper While you may want to be in regular communication understanding of both. with friends and family from home during the term abroad, please bear in mind that different time Family structures vary in every culture. SIT Study zones, unreliable phone lines, and changing Abroad values the diversity of homestay families, program activities can complicate communication. and your family may include a single mother of two small children or a large extended family with many It’s important to be clear with family and friends people coming and going all the time. Additionally, about your availability during the term. Many please bear in mind that, in many countries, the idea students recommend making an appointment to call of what constitutes a “home” may be different from home or to receive a call. You should also consider what you expect. You will need to be prepared to the impact of constant communication with friends adapt to a new life with a new diet, a new schedule, and family at home on your cultural immersion. new people, and new priorities and expectations.

Each program’s homestay coordinator will be PHONES AND E-MAIL responsible for placing students in homestays. As part of SIT’s commitment to student safety and These placements are made first based on health security, all students are required to have a working concerns, including any allergies or dietary needs, smart phone capable of making and receiving both to the extent possible. Please note: in order to local and international calls throughout the duration ensure the best fit for students and families, SIT of the program. For that purpose students are may make final adjustments to homestay required to either (a) bring an open, unlocked smart placements after student arrival in country. Therefore, SIT will not provide information about phone from the U.S. to the program that is able to your homestay family before you depart for the accept a local SIM card, and is compatible with and program. usable at the program location, (b) work with the academic director within the first week upon arrival In this program, you will have one homestay in in country to purchase a smart phone locally, or (c) Buenos Aires, which will commence directly after bring a dual SIM smart phone. During orientation, orientation and will last throughout the length of the with assistance from SIT Study Abroad staff, program (interspersed with a few excursions). This students will learn how to use their cellphone, how homestay tends to be in middle-class families and to use an appropriate local SIM card, and how to gives students insight into urban Argentine life. acquire minutes for calls and texting. SIT Study Abroad requires that each student have a local OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS number for communication with the homestay family Other accommodations will include small hotels and and program staff. hostels. They are generally safe, with security boxes available, but you will want to bring a lock to protect While we recognize that alternative communication your belongings. methods can be free or cheaper than cell service i.e. Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp, etc. those programs TRANSPORTATION alone do not satisfy our need for regular Public transportation in Buenos Aires is very good. communication with the local program staff and partners, nor do they meet our emergency Participants are easily able to move throughout the communication needs. Therefore, local cellular city by public bus or subway. This mode of capacity on each student’s phone is required for the transportation is cheap and safe during the daytime. duration of the program. Students are required to The use of taxis is also affordable and safe. maintain a minimum amount of phone credits at all SIT Study Abroad - 6 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 1/24/2020 times for emergency calls. Full compliance with this and with a tracking number that allows the sender to policy is expected. track the package.

When arriving to Buenos Aires, the program will If it is necessary for someone to send you mail then provide a local SIM card for your unlocked posted letters and packages should be sent to the smartphone. Afterwards, you can get calling cards in following address: any kiosk. If you do not have an unlocked smartphone, one can be purchased locally for about Student Name $170. c/o Agustina Triquell/ IDES Araoz 2838 As soon as students arrive in Buenos Aires, you are C1425DGT provided an opportunity to call home or send an Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA email. SIT will have the information about safe arrival, so family members may also call the US office to confirm participants’ arrival. Students will MONEY have access to internet while at the program center, In addition to tuition, SIT Study Abroad program IDES. fees cover room and board throughout the program. When room and/or board are not taken with the You will not be able to use most US-purchased group, students will be given a stipend to cover calling cards in Argentina, and in any case calling related expenses. SIT will cover daily commuting cards in Argentina are less expensive than those costs, if any, and excursions that are part of the from the US. Buenos Aires also has a multitude of normal program itinerary. calling agencies where you can make cheaper phone calls to the US. Email and Internet access is Although the US dollar exchange rate has tended to readily available throughout the major cities and in be stable, we do not encourage you to bring the SIT office, and is often quite inexpensive. Argentine pesos with you from the US. It is quite difficult to obtain US dollars in Argentina, and it is To call someone on a land line in Argentina from easy to find money exchange offices throughout the outside of Argentina, callers will need to dial their airport and cities. Some students also prefer to bring country’s international access code, then more US dollars in cash, because there are now two Argentina’s country code (54), then the city’s area exchange rates in Argentina. Bringing US dollars will code, and finally the number itself. The area code allow you to guarantee a better exchange rate. The for Buenos Aires is 11. majority of stores in Buenos Aires also accept credit cards, the most common being Visa, MasterCard, MAILINGS and American Express. Most students access funds Unlike receiving a package here in the US, receiving from their US bank accounts using their VISA or a package at your program site is usually MasterCard debit cards. Any debit card that is linked expensive and problematic. Customs agents must to the PLUS or CIRRUS networks should also work inspect all packages and you, as the recipient, are at ATMs in country. responsible for duty and storage fees. In addition, there are cases of items being lost in the mail or The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine taking so long to reach the recipient that the peso, which is divided into 100 centavos. Students recipient is nearly back in the US by the time the can check country currency and current exchange items are received. For these reasons, sending rates at: http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ packages should be done only for emergency situations. Additionally, sending valuables is highly If using a debit and/or credit card, you should discouraged. contact your bank and/or credit card companies regarding your travel plans. If you don’t inform these For this program, DHL and FedEx services are companies that you will be away, they will often available in country. Despite cheaper prices, assume the card has been lost or stolen and will put reliance on the US Postal Service is not advised due an immediate hold on the card. You should also to delays and unreliability. When given the option, check on costs of withdrawal, as these costs vary it’s always a good idea to send packages certified and can sometimes be very expensive. Renewing and receiving reissued credit and debit cards while SIT Study Abroad - 7 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 1/24/2020 on the program will be an expensive and highly term, due to the rigorous nature of the program and inconvenient process. Before you leave for your the disruption that such visits cause in program flow program, please check the expiration dates on your and group dynamics. Students should be sure that cards to ensure that they will not expire while you relatives and friends are aware of this policy and are abroad. It is also very important that you make that visits are scheduled for dates after the formal photocopies of all your debit/credit card information conclusion of the program. Students will not be and leave them with someone you trust in case your excused from program components to attend to card(s) is/are lost or stolen. visitors. See the Attendance and Participation

Following are suggestions for spending money section of the Student Handbook. during the program, including estimates for Please note that any visitors during the course of textbooks, medical expenses, personal spending, the program must plan their own independent and gifts. Figures are based on recent student accommodations; SIT Study Abroad homestay evaluations, though individual spending habits vary widely and these costs are averages. families can accommodate only their assigned student and, due to cultural and contractual A suggested total amount of money to budget understandings with SIT, should not be asked to ranges from US$500-$800. To determine where you host students’ guests. might fall in this range, please examine your During the program, students follow an intense spending habits during a typical semester at your home school and consider any exceptional schedule of classes and field-based learning expenditures you may have on the program, assignments. Free time for pursuing an independent including any specific personal expenses. interest or hobby during the program will be limited. Your admissions counselor can advise you about Please budget approximately: 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 Personal spending (from past to know whether to bring it, we can help you to student suggestions): $500 understand your schedule and any concerns or Books, printing, supplies: $0 limitations that may exist. Please note that you will not have a long break during the program, such as Up-front medical costs: $200 Thanksgiving or Spring Break. Bottled water: $50 Typical Internet café usage: $20 Cell phone costs: $50 Transportation costs, $150 including taxis at night Estimated total: $970-$1,370

VISITORS AND FREE TIME SIT strongly discourages and will not provide support for any visitors to students during the

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lightweight. Some comfortable trekking shoes may PACKING GUIDELINES also be useful. COMPUTERS AND OTHER LUGGAGE ELECTRONICS Please pack lightly and include only necessary It is recommend that you bring a laptop computer. If items. You should be able to carry all your luggage you bring a laptop, the computer will be your significant distances on your own. Try to minimize personal property and responsibility. It is both the number of bags and weight of your bag(s) recommended that you insure your computer, since you will likely be acquiring more belongings smartphone, or other valuables for full coverage in while abroad. We advise you to bring an internal- the event of loss or theft. SIT is not responsible for frame backpack, which will be easier for you when any duty tax you may have to pay when you enter we travel around the country. the country, theft, or loss. If carrying prescription medications, you should Many host families have Internet access at home. In addition, the program office in Buenos Aires has Wi- carry a letter from your doctor to prevent any Fi access, so a laptop with this capability can prove concerns at customs or in transit. (Please see the quite useful. “General Health Tips” section in the Safety, Security, and Health pre-departure document.) If you choose not to bring a laptop, there are many Please check the current requirements of the locutorios or Internet cafés in Buenos Aires and other major cities throughout the country. We also Transportation Security Administration have two computers for student use in Buenos (http://www.tsa.gov) as well as those of the airline Aires. You will have a locker at the office where you on which you are flying for domestic and can leave your computer if you do not wish to carry international baggage restrictions. it around. If you have a warrantee or repair plan, be sure to bring that information with you in case of any CLOTHING GUIDELINES technical problems. While informal dress is acceptable and common in most settings, it is essential to keep a neat, clean You will also need a digital camera (SLR or pocket) appearance. Jeans with holes, sloppy T-shirts, tank for some of the assignments in this program. A cell tops, etc., are discouraged. People in offices and phone with a reasonable quality camera may also development agencies are apt to be much more work. If you plan to bring a higher value camera, it open and responsive if the visitor shows respect by is recommended that you insure it. dressing accordingly. It is not necessary to be fashionable, just neat and clean. If you plan to bring electrical equipment you will need to bring a voltage adaptor (110v to 220v) as Women especially take great care in their well as a plug converter (European style two-prong appearance and you will rarely see women in casual outlets wear such as flip-flops or sweatshirts. Also, unless Please see the following website for information in the heat of summer, shorts and revealing clothes about electricity, voltage and electrical adapters. http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/. are not as common here as in the United States. It is very important to have at least one set of clothes GIFTS for formal occasions. Dressing in layers is the most As you might imagine, it is best to be prepared with sensible solution to the varied seasonal and a gift to offer your homestay family in gratitude for geographic climates you will encounter. their hospitality and as a means to share a part of You will need warm clothes for the summer term. It your culture with them. We suggest one or two gifts is a good idea to bring clothes for all seasons. It that the whole family can enjoy. You may also wish would be good to have a fleece, warm pants, and to consider gifts for people outside your homestay boots for Buenos Aires. For the excursions, bring family. Try to choose gifts that represent you or the clothes that are easy to wash, no iron needed, and part of the country and/or community you live in. SIT Study Abroad - 9 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines 1/24/2020

Think about what your city, state, or local artisans devises, and medicines that you will need during the produce. Draw upon your personal interests or program. If they are mailed to you from the US they hobbies for ideas. Pack a couple of small gifts for will be withheld by customs, and it is very expensive children, such as small games, bubbles, or a and difficult to get them once they are retained. Frisbee. Even if your homestay family does not have small children, chances are that you will engage with children in your homestay community. Once ALUMNI CONTACTS you are on the program and learn more about the If you have further questions, please contact your local culture, you will discover other ways to thank admissions counselor and/or ask an alumni contact: your family. Remember to bring pictures of your https://studyabroad.sit.edu/admissions- friends and family to share. aid/application-process/contact-a-former-student/. WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT Don’t miss the Packing List on the next page! OBTAIN IN COUNTRY These packing guidelines are based on suggestions Buenos Aires is a well-developed cosmopolitan city from past students and your academic director. that has all the amenities of any large city in the United States. Therefore, it will be quite easy to find the majority of familiar products. However, please note that in order to stick to a favorite brand, you might pay elevated prices due to import taxes. For women, there are only local brands of tampons available. If you are a woman and your shoe size is greater than 10, or a man with a shoe size greater than 14, you may find it difficult to obtain shoes in Argentina. It can also be difficult to find clothing for women greater than size 13. Argentine women are usually thin and the brands of clothes for young people are smaller than in the US. In some cases an XL can be a 9 or 11 in the US. We recommend you either bring or buy locally (in Argentina) any cosmetics, food, clothes, electronic

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PACKING LIST

OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS CLOTHING o Digital camera (with accessories, cables, extra GENERAL memory cards, etc) o Flashlight/headlamp o 1 pair warm pants o Travel alarm clock o 2 pairs casual pants o Umbrella o 2 pairs jeans o o 1-2 dresses or skirts Homestay family gifts o 2-4 shirts/t-shirts (one fairly dressy) o Spanish/English dictionary o 2–4 sweaters or warm tops o Small recorder for interviews o Underwear (recommend a 2-week supply); be o Durable water bottle aware that you will be going on a 1-week o Lock for luggage excursion o Socks (recommend a 2-week supply) OPTIONAL o Pajamas o Travel guide if you plan to do post-program o 1 pair comfortable walking shoes/sneakers travel (Lonely Planet is recommended) o 1 pair of cold weather shoes or boots o Thermos o Wet weather shoes (could be one of above o Voltage and plug adaptors pairs) o College or university ID or other picture ID o Sufficient supply of cold-weather clothes o Waterless anti-bacterial hand soap/cleansing o Raincoat or jacket (or shell plus fleece liner) towelettes o 1 or 2 bath towels

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS o Passport o Yellow WHO Card (see the Safety, Security, and Health document for more information) o 2 photocopies of your passport stored separately from your actual passport o Photocopy of visa (if applicable) o 2 passport photos o Digital copy of your passport

HEALTH/TOILETRIES o Sunscreen (at least SPF 30) o Sunglasses o Basic toiletry items for the first days o Adequate supply of any medications you use regularly, including birth control. *Please bring all the medications you will need during the program with you, as medicines will be withheld in customs if sent by mail once you are in Argentina. o Small first aid kit with Band-Aids, hydrogen peroxide, moist towelettes, and over-the-counter drugs for minor pain, diarrhea, anti-itching and motion sickness, as approved by your doctor o Extra eye glasses or contacts (saline solution is available but expensive)

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