The majority of Argentines are descendants of Western European immigrants who traveled to Argentina in the mid 19th century. In addition to the strong European influence, there are still a few indigenous communities, the largest being the Mapuche, Guaraní, Tobas and Matacos. About 3% of Argentina's 34.3 million people reside in the city of Córdoba. The identity of Córdoba has been influenced by different waves of immigration, and these many diverse cultures have come together to contribute to the city's unique language, cuisine, music, dance, religion, and architecture.

Likely due to the fact that many Argentines are primarily of European descent, they are culturally and emotionally more comparable to Europeans than Latin Americans. Argentines take extreme pride in their country, in themselves, and in their culture. They are warm, direct, refined, and open as a people, and are likely to be unreserved in sharing with you the things that they are passionate about. Argentines are versatile and expressive and have a passion for discussing politics in particular.

In addition, Argentines are very physical communicators; they will often touch each other when speaking, use grand gestures to emphasize their point, and maintain little physical distance between speakers. Politeness and respect are closely linked with informal treatment. The normal greeting of men and women is a kiss on the cheek. Smiles, hugs, closeness when speaking and gestures are the most common and friendly way of communication.

Córdoba is known for it's rich cultural roots and its surrounding picturesque landscapes. From the zoo to theaters, parks, museums and plazas, there is always something to do in the city that never sleeps. Musicians can often be seen and heard playing in the streets, and many of the streets have been designed with pedestrians in mind, making a stroll through the city a safe and pleasant experience.

Perhaps the most notable place to visit in the city is the Jesuit Block, or Manzana Jesuitica, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Manzana Jesuítica was built in the 17th Century and contains the National University of Córdoba, one of the oldest universities in South America and the oldest in Argentina, the Monserrat Secondary School, Jesuit cathedrals, a crypt, and residence buildings. Explore the city's history in the cultural center, including some of the oldest governmental buildings, colonial churches, monuments and plazas in South America.

For locals or visitors looking for a place to relax in the city center, Plaza San Martín provides a leafy haven. Over four centuries old, this lively plaza features fairs and exhibitions, includes a statue of its namesake, General San Martin, as well as a colonial-style cathedral, a 17th-century cabildo (clubhouse), once used as the police headquarters.

In addition to the Libertador Theater, the Ferreyra Palace and Fine Arts Museum is one of the most popular places to visit for a glimpse of Argentine art. Palacio Ferreyra, a Beaux-Arts mansion designed by French architect Ernest Sanson, was built between 1912 and 1916 for Dr. Martín Ferreyra, a prominent local physician and surgeon, as well the owner of limestone quarries and the then-biggest lime factory in Argentina. It houses the fine arts museum, which maintains 12 exhibit halls, a sculpture garden, library, and an auditorium for 120. Its collection of over 500 works includes those by Emilio Caraffa, Juan Carlos Castagnino, Gustave Courbet, Fernando Fader, Francisco Goya, Emilio Pettoruti, Pablo Picasso, Joaquín Sorolla, Lino Enea Spilimbergo and Ricardo Supisiche, among others.

The Buen Pastor Cultural Center is a great place to learn about the city and country's cultural roots through art exhibitions, musical performances, a music fountain, and other activities. The walls and ceilings of the chapel are covered in paintings by the Cordobese painter Emilio Caraffa. Every hour the loudspeakers blast and the fountain dances for ten minutes, in the evening lit up by multicolored lamps. In between the hourly "agua danzantes", there are shops to check out – like the well-stocked leather boutique – alternating art expositions to enjoy, or restaurant to drink a cup of coffee.

Córdoba has endless activities for international visitors to enjoy. Listed below are some different cultural activities to do while in Córdoba. You can do many of these activities on your own, with friends, or they may be sponsored by ISA. Upon arrival to Argentina, different sponsored cultural activities will be announced throughout your program abroad.

Parque Sarmiento
Not far from downtown, Parque Sarmiento provides the perfect setting for an afternoon of fun and relaxation for families, couples, or anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Bring some friends and your mate to Parque Sarmiento, where you can enjoy countless activities such as paddle-boating at the lake, attending a concert at the Greek-style amphitheater, bike riding, skating, taking a walk through the flower gardens, or having a picnic in the grass. Also, be sure to visit the Cordoba Zoo, which is home to many animals from around the world and is located in the park.

Fútbol
During your time in Argentina it is highly recommended to experience one of Argentina's greatest passions: Soccer. Whether you take a weekend trip to Buenos Aires to visit the national stadium, catch a game during one of Córdoba's many local matches, or start a pick-up game with other students from the UNC, you won't want to miss out on this national obsession.

Mate
Mate, the characteristic porteño herbal tea infusion, mixes yerba mate with warm water, with or without sugar. This beverage is taken at any time of the day. Mate is a popular custom that has been a part of the culture of the Río de la Plata since the middle of the XVI century. Be sure to spend a saturday in one of the various parks or plazas practicing Spanish with friends and taking part in sharing this cultural tea.

See a Performance at the Libertador Theatre
Art and music enthusiasts will likely find themselves at the Libertador Theater and concert hall, inaugurated in 1891. This Italian-style theater is the premier theater, concert hall, and opera house in Córdoba. The entirety of the theatre's materials, fabrics and machinery was imported from Europe.

Tango
Argentina is known internationally for its tango music and dance, said to originate in the brothels of Buenos Aires. However, this seductive pastime is not limited to the city's capital. There are countless tango performances and classes for beginning and advanced dancers alike all throughout the city of Córdoba. Locals and tourists alike take lessons in parks or dance studios around the city, and tango performers can be seen in plazas around the city or in one of Córdoba's unforgettable tango shows.

Shopping and Handicrafts Markets
It is hard not to shop in Córdoba, with its excellent bargains, impeccable style, and countless unique places to shop! Córdoba offers anything from up-scale boutiques to chains to small thrift stores to outdoor bohemian chic flea markets. Downtown has lots of shopping, particularly along the pedestrian walkway at San Martín. Cerro de las Rosas neighborhood has retail shopping as well, and Nueva Córdoba has large shopping malls like Patio Olmos. For handicrafts, get lost exploring the labyrinth of stalls at Paseo de los Artes, Belgrano and Fructoso Rivera, which have some of the best offerings.

Language Exchanges
Students will be given the opportunity to meet local and international students wishing to share their knowledge of Spanish and learn English in exchange. This activity, based on student interest, is a great way to get to know other students of Córdoba, and share your culture and language with others while learning more about your surroundings and Argentine student counterparts!

Volunteering
While there is no structured volunteer program currently offered, any student truly interested in volunteering while in Córdoba can work with the ISA Córdoba staff to find different opportunities. Students simply present different organizations or areas of service that interest them, and the ISA Córdoba staff can help you figure out how to get involved!

Classmates Connecting Cultures (CCC)
Stay connected while you're abroad and share your experience with an organization back home! This program is for ISA students that are interested in applying what they are learning in Buenos Aires in an interactive and creative way. Students collaborate with a U.S.-based organization via blog entries in a structured program facilitated by ISA. Organization types can range from classrooms (elementary through undergraduate) to local businesses, non-profit organizations, your study abroad office, student interest groups and more! Check out what past students have written by visiting the Classmates Connecting Cultures blog. For more information email ccc@studiesabroad.com.

Blogs

ISA Blogs:
Share your experience with your friends and prospective ISA students through the ISA blog! Your blogs will be featured on the ISA website for all to see. To learn more about the ISA Blogs, please visit the ISA Blog page.

Cultural Blogs:
We also suggest you check out the plethora of other cultural blogs available on the web to learn more about others' experiences in Córdoba, cultural happenings, and expat lives.

Helpful Phrases
andar / "¿cómo andás?": How are you doing?
boliche: disco
boludo: dummy or stupid, but you can say it to friends in a joking manner.
castellano: the language they speak in Argentina (it's not Spanish)
ché: friend or dude (common use, it's like "hey!" or "hey, dude!")
copado: cool, a good thing, a nice thing or person. Especially applied to people, places and
occasions like parties.
"Ll": the double L makes a "zhhh" sound, and not a "Y" sound like everywhere else. Similar to "Shh". For example, the name Yamila sounds like "Shamila".
pibe: a person, a guy, a kid.
vos: They don't use "tú" in Argentina, they use the voseo.
yerba mate: herb tea

Online Dictionary Resource:Wordreference.com

Verb Conjugation: We suggest you look up some helpful websites dedicated to verb conjugations in Spanish. The book 501 Spanish Verbs is also a great resource to bring with you to Argentina.

Listening and Speaking: Check out some different Spanish podcasts available to practice your verbal and listening skills.

Beware of translation websites... much can be lost in translation.