A study abroad experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina is right for you if you want to experience beautiful natural scenery, architecture, art, music, and most importantly, passionate people who will change your outlook on life.  

Of the city’s many barrios, La Boca is my favorite; it hosts the Boca Juniors’ soccer stadium, an excessive number of parrillas, and colorful roads and buildings. 

A Change of Pace 

Strolls through the Rose or Botanical gardens slow down city life. Being from Boston I expected things in a city to be fast-paced and go-go-go. On the contrary, Buenos Aires hours are long and slow, many people have a normal workday and then stay out late. Life in Buenos Aires is much slower compared to in the United States; they have a fourth meal here called merienda, which is basically coffee and pastries after work to hold you over until dinner, which is not served until 9-11pm.   

Buenos Aires has many gardens open to the public for free entry. They are a great place to walk around or relax and sip your mate. 

Both the gardens and the city in general are home to a myriad of sculptures, both historical and decorative. 

A Cultural Hub 

The city has a history of European settlement, which can be seen in the architecture and sculptures across the city. The Recoleta Cemetery is world-famous for its beautiful tombs; Eva Peron is buried there and if you are a student, you can get a free tour and admittance.  

The sculptures are of French and Italian influence; here is the Recoleta Cemetery, a must-see if you appreciate art or history. 

The passion of the country can be most seen through futbol, everyone has a team they represent with a jersey on their back or tattoo on their calf.  Whether the matches are big or small the bars are full of all ages cheering their team on. I was in Mar del Plata early in the semester and there was a parade of over 20 buses full of fans celebrating—I asked what team they supported and someone answered it was the team that lost the scrimmage.  

Delicious Food & Spectacular Street Art 

The food culture here is also slowed down a great deal; asados (barbeques/cookouts) start at 8 at night and go on until 4 in the morning, people cook course after course, taking their time to enjoy company over food and beverages.  

Street art is something that always catches my eye when walking through the city, murals are tagged with world-renowned artists you may not recognize unless you are aware of the scene.  

Street art is huge all across South America, famous artists paint murals and tags everywhere they can. 

Another kind of street art is in the musical performers, on any popular block you will find at least one. 

Family Bonds  

The passion of the city carries on through its occupants’ commitment to family; this opened my eyes the most. Many families spend all day with each other, and kids stay out late into the night with their parents. Most adults live with their parents until they get married, they are not in a rush to flee the nest.  

Travel Further 

Now that I have mentioned all my reasons why you should visit Buenos Aires specifically, I cannot fail to mention all the travel opportunities you have to visit the rest of Argentina and South America: Iguazu, Patagonia, Salta, Jujuy, and Las Pampas. 

When sunlight hits the mist from the falls, rainbows shine over the river.  

Iguazu is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, over the three-day excursion there I lost count of the number of times my breath was taken away.