TEFL Argentina
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Teaching in Argentina
Capital: Buenos Aires
Population: 40,143, 425(2009)
Main Language: Spanish (Castellano)
Main Religion: Roman Catholic
Currency: Peso (ARS)
History
Argentina was partly conquered by the Inca Empire. European explorers arrived in Argentina in 1516 establishing it as the Vice-royalty of Peru. Between 1814 and 1817, Gerneral Jose de San Martin defeated royalist forces in Chile and Peru, thus liberating Argentina. The 1970s was an era called the “Dirty War” when the country was under dictatorship. Thousands of dissidents disappeared during this time. In 1982, the country's defeat by the British in the Falklands War led to free elections the following year. In 2001 the country suffered from a huge econmic crash which resulted in the Argentine peso going from 1-1 ratio with the U.S dollar to a 3-1 ratio. This resulted in a 25% unemployment figure and extremely low wages. The country is now enjoying economic growth but with high inflation.
Geography
Borders – Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay
Main regions – fertile plains of the Pampas, southern plateau of Patagonia, subtropical flats in the North, Andean mountain range
Climate – North: very hot, humid summers/mild, dry winter. Central: hot, humid summers/cool winters. South: warm summers/cold winters with heavy snowfall.
Culture
Argentina has a very varied culture due to a large mix of ethnic groups - mainly European immigrants and Native americans.
Theatre – Buenos Aires is a city famed for its theatres. Walk down Avenida Corrientes and you will be spoilt for choice. The nearby city of La Plata also has many great theatres.
Music – Tango, Tango, Tango. In the centre of the city, you will hear tango music being played left, right and centre. Foreigners often take classes, so if you’re interested, you won’t have to look hard to find a class near you.
Also there is a large following of rock music. There are many national and international bands playing gigs across the city. Other popular genres in Argentina are folk, reggae, cumbia and ska.
Art- Buenos Aires boasts some fantastic art galleries. Some to look out for are the Malba and the National Art Museum. If you take a wander El Caminito in La Boca, you will also come across many fine street artists.
There is no way to escape it; football is a way of life here. If you’re lucky you can go to see the world famous derby is River Plate and La Boca.
Top things to do
- Go trekking in Patagonia.
- Go skiing in Bariloche.
- Eat an Argentine BBQ(asado).
- Learn the Tango.
- Go to a football match.
- Visit the Iguazu Falls.
- Get into the nightlife and clubbing scene.
