Expanish TEFL Blog

Attention foreign students earning a TEFL certification in Argentina: The reciprocity fee, or entrance fee, for United States citizens has been raised to $140 US dollars. This raise in fee, which went into effect on June 4, 2010, is a direct result of the US government’s recent raise on the visa fee it charges Argentine citizens to enter the United States. This fee is equal to what an Argentine would pay to acquire a visa to visit the US.

While a nuisance, this fee will last 10 years, or the life of the passport. Argentina announced last year that it would begin charging visitors a fee if their countries of citizenship charge Argentine citizens to enter their countries. Hey, it’s only fair! This statement currently applies to students taking TEFL courses in Buenos Aires from the US, Canada and Australia. For now, Canadian and Australian fees have remained the same, at $70USD and $100USD, respectively. Unlike the US fee, the Australian and Canadian fees must be paid each time those citizens enter the country of Argentina. This fee is collected upon arrival at Ezeiza International Airport, and can be paid in US dollars, Argentina pesos, with credit cards, or travelers checks.

This fee should not come as a huge shock to US travelers or US students taking TEFL courses in South America, as Argentina is not the first country in the region to charge US citizens a fee upon entry.  Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil currently place a fee on visas and/or entry by air. To learn more about this fee and others, visit the US State Department’s website for country specific information.

Learn more about TEFL courses abroad in Argentina with Expanish!

Many of those interested in taking TEFL courses abroad are also interested in the flexible lifestyle of a TEFL instructor and the generous amount of travel time that this allows. Once you’ve completed your TEFL courses in Buenos Aires, you are free take advantage of traveling and teaching throughout the country! And remember, Expanish TEFL courses in Argentina provide certified instructors with a lifetime guarantee of job search assistance- not only in Buenos Aires, but across the globe!

Traveling throughout Argentina and South America is most easily, commonly, and inexpensively done by bus, or micro. TEFL instructors travel by bus to popular destinations, such as Iguazu Falls and Mendoza, and as fair away as Bolivia, Chile, and Brazil! For those without a go to bus company, a common option for purchasing tickets is to go to the ticket windows at Retiro station to compare prices and to discuss travel times and destinations with an agent in person. To prepare, you could visit Retiro bus station’s website, which posts each bus companies window number and the destinations they travel to and from.

Another useful option, similar to airline search engines such as Orbitz and Travelocity, is the website Plataforma 10. Here, you are able to type in destinations and travel dates, and you will be presented with various price, time, and company options. You can also purchase tickets online through Plataforma 10.

While bus travel isn’t so common in other areas of the globe, it is an unbeatable way to travel throughout South America, that is, if you don’t mind spending a day or so on a bus! Don’t be mistaken, however, the seats on these buses are often more comfortable than those on airplanes, (depending on the type you purchase!), most serve meals, and some make stops along the way.

Earning your TEFL certification through TEFL courses in Buenos Aires is a wonderful opportunity for a travel junkie to have the chance to travel the continent, while earning money and experience teaching English!

Learn more about TEFL in Argentina through Expanish TEFL!

Whether you are taking TEFL courses in Argentina, or you have already begun teaching your very own TEFL courses in Buenos Aires, you may have to adjust your class schedule for Argentina’s upcoming Bicentennial. Just yesterday, President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner signed a decree that declared Monday, May 24th a national holiday for this year only. This decision creates a four day holiday weekend from May 22nd to the Bicentennial on May 25th, in turn affecting the class schedules of most students and teachers involved with TEFL courses in Argentina!

This decree was implemented to provide the time for Bicentennial celebrations to run smoothly and uninterrupted throughout various provinces, and to allow for Argentines to attend these celebrations across the nation. Fernández de Kirchner justified her decision, stating that Argentina’s 200th anniversary celebration is a once in a lifetime event for Argentines. The decree was sent to Congress for approval, but Fernández de Kirchner has noted that if Congress does not have enough time to address the decision, she will override the typical decree approval process, so to have it established in time for the holiday.

With the Bicentennial fast approaching, be sure to check back with the Expanish TEFL Blog for celebratory activities and events taking place in and around Buenos Aires! If you are currently a TEFL instructor in Buenos Aires, you have no excuse for missing out on the Bicentennial celebrations!

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While taking TEFL courses in Buenos Aires, you have probably been observing many holidays specific to Argentina, however, today is a day that is acknowledged worldwide- Earth Day 2010! Created to encourage awareness and support for our environment, Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 after being founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson.  The original Earth Day was celebrated in the US, and brought over 20 million people outdoors to peacefully demonstrate for environmental reform. The Earth Day Network recognizes Earth Day as the most celebrated secular holiday in the world! 

Buenos Aires hosts quite a few events in honor of Earth Day, so head outside before or after your Expanish TEFL courses and celebrate and support the sustainability of our environment!

For a second year, Buenos Aires will officially host an Earth Day Festival, taking place at United Nation’s Park (Plaza Naciones Unidas). Starting on April 23rd, this multi-day event will attract over 40,000 people. Over the course of a few days, attendees can attend a green technology fair, take in over 10 musical performances on a solar stage,  participate in yoga classes, and peruse an organic farmer’s market.

For complete information, visit: http://eldiadelatierra.net/

Aside from festivals and other organized events, there are plenty of ways students working towards their TEFL certification in Argentina can carry that ‘Earth Day mentality’ along throughout the year. After all, April 22nd isn’t the only day we should be aware of our surroundings and how our actions can negatively affect the environment in which we live! Utilize the many fruit and vegetable stands around the city, rather than the large chain supermarkets, to support the sustainability of local agriculture, as well as the livelihood of local farmers! Also, if you have extra time, start walking to or from your Expanish TEFL Courses. Buenos Aires is a walker friendly city, as there are very few hills…just watch out for those uneven sidewalks!

Learn more about the life of a students earning their TEFL certification in Buenos Aires through Expanish!

If you are looking to take a quick (and inexpensive!) break from your TEFL courses in Buenos Aires, look no further than the Centro Cultural Borges, located just a few blocks away from the Expanish School! The Centro Cultural is currently showcasing a photography display, with over 100 photos from world renowned photographer, Steve McCurry. If you are working towards your TEFL certification in Argentina, take a moment to stop into this powerful exhibit.

Steve McCurry has photographed young and old subjects from around the world, notably in war torn Afghanistan, Tibet, and New York City following September 11th. He tends to capture individuals from across the globe during their most vulnerable moments, whether they’re enjoying the company of friends and family, mourning the death of a loved one, or going about daily activities in their native environments. McCurry’s photographs depict those pictured in the raw, providing for a remarkable exhibit.

Located just a few blocks from our Expanish School, you will find Centro Cultural Borges at Viamonte 525. At with an entrance fee of just $10 pesos, you really have no reason to miss it!The exhibit is open through April 14th, from 10 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday, and from Noon to 9 PM on Sundays. For more information regarding the exhibit, head to http://www.ccborges.org.ar/index2.htm.

There are endless activities for you to take part in while you’re taking TEFL courses in Buenos Aires! Head on out and take advantage of them!

So you’ve successfully completed your TEFL courses in Buenos Aires…now what? How do you turn all that you’ve learned in the classroom into becoming a successful TEFL teacher in Argentina?

It’s important to remember that having success as a TEFL instructor in Argentina will take a bit more than lesson plans! While your TEFL courses in Argentina will provide you with the fundamentals for getting started as an English teacher in Buenos Aires, the following are a few skills to develop that will help you to enjoy, learn, and teach as best you can—helping you to maximize your success as a TEFL Instructor!

- Work Towards a Common Goal: Establish guidelines and create a timeline in the beginning to be sure you and your students are on the same page regarding lesson content, class pace, and overall goal of the classes. It is important for TEFL instructors and their students to understand these aspects of the classes, so there are no unexpected surprises during your time together!

- Develop a Greater Sense of Self-Confidence: For many people, there is nothing easy about presenting a new lesson plan, or standing up in front of a room full of English students for the first time. Practice, practice, practice! Be prepared for your classes, and in the beginning practice in front of family or friends. Your students are likely as nervous as you are! Radiating confidence and comfort will help to put your students at ease.

- Consider the Work You Do a Learning Opportunity for Both You and Your Students:  The TEFL experience in Buenos Aires is one that you should be able to benefit from as much as your students! While the main purpose of classes is to have your students progress as much as possible, do not forget the benefit you will receive from the classes! TEFL is an experience that will provide you with a skill set that can be applied to a wide range of jobs in the future, and the experience of working abroad is one that will potentially distinguish you from other job candidates.

Enjoy your TEFL courses in Argentina, and be sure to couple the skills you develop in the classroom with these tips. The amount of success you have as a TEFL instructor is up to you! Stay positive, learn from your students, and provide them with a comfortable and well thought out classroom environment!

Learn more about the TEFL courses offered by Expanish!

March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day—and a great day to take a break from your Expanish TEFL courses to go out and enjoy the festivities while you’re teaching English in Buenos Aires.

While St. Patrick’s Day may not be the most celebrated holiday in Argentina, that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of people looking for a good time! Did you know that Argentina is home to the 5th largest Irish community outside of Ireland in the world!

The Irish Ambassador will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Plaza Irlanda in Las Cañitas on the 17th beginning around 11 AM and lasting long into the evening!

Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and Buenos Aires also has quite a few authentic pubs to help you enjoy the holiday! The area around Kilkenny at Marcelo T. De Alvear 399 is bound to be packed to the max, so you may want to check out some of the other popular Irish Pubs around the city–

The Temple Bar- Marcelo T. De Alvear 945

Bar Celta- Sarmiento 1701

The Clover- Piedras 78

Shamrock- Rodríguez Pena 1220

Dubliners Irish Pub- Humboldt 2000

Sullivan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant- El Salvador 4919

Casabar- 1150 Rodriguez Pena

If you’re busy teaching English in Buenos Aires, be sure to take a minute to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

Learn more about the TEFL Jobs Offered in Buenos Aires through Expanish!

As most of you have heard by now, a massive 8.8 earthquake struck the country of Chile, taking the lives of hundreds and leaving thousands more homeless and in great need of resources. While you are Teaching English in Buenos Aires, don’t let distance leave you feeling helpless.

There are many ways for TEFL teachers in Argentina to lend a hand to those in need in Chile. The organizations listed below can help to get you started helping the victims of this devastating earthquake.

Donate to the American Red Cross!

Donate to Oxfam!

Donate to the International Medical Corps!

Donate to World Vision!

Donate to Doctors Without Borders!

Donate to UNICEF!

It is difficult to understand the impact your small donation can have on such an overwhelming situation, but any amount of help is immeasurable to the people of Chile during this time. Take a break from your TEFL course in Buenos Aires, and give a little to those in great need throughout the country of Chile.

Just arrived in Argentina to teach English in Buenos Aires?

As a TEFL instructor in Buenos Aires, it is important to keep in mind the national holidays of Argentina when planning your class and teaching schedule. Since the New Year has recently begun, let’s review what those are!

January 1^st New Years Day (Ano Nuevo)

March 24^th Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice (Dia de la Memoria)

This is the anniversary of the Armed Forces coup d’état that overthrew the democratically elected government of Isabel Peron and began a period of dictatorial rule in 1976.

April 2^nd Good Friday (Viernes Santo)

April 2^nd Malvinas Day (Dia de los caidos en Malvinas)

This day is a tribute to the fallen of the Falklands War that took place between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982.

May 1^st Labor Day (Dia del Trabajador)

May 25^th Anniversary of the 1st Independent Government in Buenos Aires (Revolucion de Mayo)

This day marks the day of revolution in 1810, which is remembered as Argentina’s first step towards independence.

June 20^th National Flag Day (Die de la Bandera)

The Argentine flag was raised for the first time on February 27, 1812 by Lieutenant General Manuel Belgrano. On June 20, 1816, Argentina Congress declared Belgrano’s flag design as the national symbol of Argentina. Passing on June 20, 1820, the chosen June 20^th date honors Belgrano’s memory and creation.

July 9^th National Independence Day (Dia de la Independencia)

On July 9^th 1816, Congress gathered in Tucuman and proclaimed Independence from the King of Spain.

August 17^th Anniversary of the death of Gen. San Martin (Dia del Libertador Jose de San Martin)

This day is celebrated each year in honor of Argentina’s most important founding father, General Jose de San Martin, who passed away on August 17^th, 1850. San Martin is regarded as one of the liberators of Spanish South America, and is remembered as a national hero in Argentina, Chile, and Peru.

October 12^th Columbus Day/ Day of the Race (Dia de la Raza)

This day celebrates the diversity amongst native Americans and Europeans.

December 8^th Immaculate Conception Day (Dia de la Inmaculada Concepcion)

December 25^th Christmas Day (Dia de Navidad)

Planning out your class schedule when you’re teaching English in Buenos Aires can be a bit tricky, so make sure to remember these national holidays when doing so!

Want to learn more about TEFL in Buenos Aires? Click Here!

As a TEFL teacher you are going to have to take advantage forms of transportation in Buenos Aires, possibly dividing your time between the bus, subway, and train, depending on where and when you are traveling. 

Teaching English in Buenos Aires often requires lots of traveling from place to place!

Public transportation in Buenos Aires has an entire culture of its own regarding how you get on, where you sit, the sales of items on board, and general rules of thumb.

Pay attention to the following and we guarantee that your public transportation travels in Buenos Aires will be successful every time!

Gettin on’ 

In order to use public transportation you are going to have to get on it!

Subway: Buy your ticket(s) from the ticket counter and wait for the subway (going in the right direction). Depending on the hour, getting on may be simple and spacious, if you are in rush hour, don’t be afraid to push (like others) do. If there is a cm space, people want to see a body in it!

Bus: Be sure to flag down the bus at your stop, otherwise they may go on by. Line up with the others, wait your turn, pay in change when you board.

Train: Similar to the subway, buy your ticket and enter quietly or squeeze yourself in there.

Women and children first (age priority)

The men in Argentina do know their manners and will almost always let a woman enter or be seated first. Very nice for us ladies. ALERT: Senor women, disabled, or women with small children or who are pregnant always get a seat. In this case, it doesn’t matter if you are a man or not, get your tushy out of that seat if you see someone like this come on – they get priority.

Public transportation sales people

On both the subway and occasionally train, you will find people selling various items.

Subway: If you are seated, the ‘salesperson’ will come by and place their product on your lap. Don’t be alarmed, this doesn’t mean you have to touch it or buy it or hand it back. If you are uninterested, simply leave it there and it will be picked up on the way. If you are interested, pay for it. Sometimes the items are sold by adults and sometimes very young children – even if this is not your favorite moment on the subway, be respectful of the people selling the products, they are trying to make a living just like everyone else.

Train: There are sometime sales people selling items or food like gum or chocolate bars. If you want something, just flag them down and pay the price. 

Rules of Thumb on Public Transportation in Buenos Aires

• Keep your personals close and make sure your bag/backpack is shut. Don’t leave your wallet in your back pocket, etc.
• Always buy a ticket for the train or you may have to pay a fine on arrival.
• Look both ways when getting off the bus.
• Keep change on you at all times, most public transportation only accepts coins.
• If the subway or train are too full, wait for the next pick-up, being squashed is just not worth it.

Interested in teaching English in Buenos Aires? Check out our TEFL courses in Argentina!