Road2Argentina recommends Send Love BA!

One of Buenos Aires' best study abroad programs, Road 2 Argentina, suggests Send Love BA to students and parents looking for an alternative to sending packages by mail!

http://road2argentina.com/parents-and-advisors-sec-5

Check us out under "Sending something special!"

Study abroad confessions: SAFETY

Just like in any foreign city, tourists, particularly vulnerable American students, need to look out for themselves. Here are specific tips to stay safe in Buenos Aires.

Transportation

Try to always call for a "remis" or "Radio taxi", especially if you are alone. Don’t EVER just get into a taxi cab as a solo female unless you are absolutely fluent and sober. When you call for a taxi, the company assigns a taxi to get you, so the driver is documented and held accountable for his actions.

Check out this article for more taxi information: http://landingpadba.com/taxi-scams/

Around town and in your 'hood

Avoid speaking loudly in English while in public

Try not to carry your laptop around or flash expensive electronics

Stay aware of who is around you and walk confidently

Don't walk on isolated streets late or night or early in the morning, even with a few friends

*Always firmly close the door to your apartment building/house after entering, don't leave the door open even if it will eventually shut itself*

Boys and Men

Argentine guys are more forward and aggressive than American guys, so be prepared. Don’t take any drinks from guys, no matter who they are, unless you watched the drink get poured. To get rid of an annoying creep just remember these few phrases:

"No me toques" - Don't touch me

"Que chamuyero que sos!" - Sarcastic, what a smooth talker! You are calling them out and they will leave.

"Ahora viene mi novio/papa/guarda espaldas" - Here comes my boyfriend/Dad/ body guard

Safety in Numbers

Always make sure you and your friends are looking out for each other and keep track of where everyone is. If you go out in a large group, it is likely that you will split up, but always make sure to have someone you know in sight, and discuss beforehand how you will be going home.

True Emergencies

If you ever have an emergency, CALL THE US EMBASSY! You should memorize their number, and put it in your phone (54-11-5777-4354 from 8am to 5pm, all other hours’ call 54-11-5777-4873). That means that if you are in any situation which might involve the police, danger, or whatever, call the embassy! They are EXTREMELY helpful and have consuls specifically designated to help U.S. citizens abroad.

Trustworthy taxi companies:

Taxi Confianza : 4864 6184

Taxi Barzola: 4636 1306‎

Pidalo Taxi: 4956-1200

Central Remis: 4964-2000

Study abroad confessions: What I wish I'd known before coming to Buenos Aires

Send Love BA is proud to announce our new series: Buenos Aires Study Abroad Confessions

Native Marylander and 2010 Buenos Aires study abroad student Rachel tells it like it is.

Entry 1: The Truth about Home Stays in Buenos Aires

Most programs offer a “home-stay” with an Argentine “family” to experience the culture. Often a residencia (dorm) is available for an additional cost. The “home-stay” is a great experience—for about one month, and then it gets old. Some get lucky and live with a great family with host-siblings, and other students have less luck. Many of the home-stay “families” consist of a single old lady or a married old lady who needs the income. You probably won’t be permitted to invite guests or use the kitchen (though you are expected to provide your own lunch, which get’s expensive when you have to go out nearly every day). But the residencia has its drawbacks as well; there are many rules (no guests after 10pm, for example), the food is not great, it’s expensive, most residents are Americans, and you won’t have as many opportunities to practice your Spanish.

This is what I wholeheartedly recommend: If your program offers an intensive month, DO IT. Only pay your program for the home-stay for that one month (they will refund your housing money if you declare independent housing before the payment deadline), and use that month to find an apartment. That way, you will still get the “home-stay experience,” but won’t have to sacrifice your independence while living abroad. You can practice your Spanish with roommates your age rather than with an old couple. There are plenty of ways to become “immersed” in the culture here—It doesn’t have to be with a family. Obviously you can still end up in an American-culture bubble if you live with other students from your program, but if you look, you can also find some cool Argentine of South American kids your age to share an apartment with.

There are websites to help you find the right living arrangement; the one I used was www.spareroomsba.com . Unlike in the US where most apartment leases are year long, apartments in Buenos Aires are frequently rented on a month-to-month basis. I had 3 roommates from Spain and one from France, and my Spanish improved so much just from living with them (and I obtained more of a ‘hip’ vocabulary). I was also able to invite my friends over to have dinner, or to crash after a night of going out, but I hadn’t been able to do any of that while living in my home-stay (I moved out of after three months).

Birthday Cakes In Buenos Aires

THIS COULD BE YOU!

THIS COULD BE YOUR CARROT CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY!

Spending your birthday in Buenos Aires? It has potential to be a lonely night away from your parents, close friends and that special someone. Luckily with Send Love BA all of those people can send you a cake as authentic as your mom's. Chocolate? Vanilla? Carrot? It doesn't matter what you like, the Send Love BA kitchen will happily make it and hand deliver it to your door. It's never been easier to celebrate a birthday overseas!

Parents of Kids Studying/Living in Buenos Aires:

1. Order something special for your child studying in Buenos Aires at SendLoveBA.com

2. Pay easily by Paypal or check to our Maryland office

3. We will do the rest and have everything hand delivered to their door ON TIME

Kids:

1. Paid for: by your Parents

2. Eaten by: You (maybe some lucky friends)

3. Delivered by: Send Love BA