With its diverse landscape, cosmopolitan flair and rhythmic tango, in addition to a strong higher education system, Argentina presents a prime destination for international students. The blend of European and indigenous influences makes the country's culture fascinating to explore. Argentina, the eighth-largest country in the world by land area, comprises most of the southern half of South America, sharing borders with Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay.

Argentina is the site of some of the world's tallest mountains, expansive deserts and impressive waterfalls. The landscape ranges from wild, remote areas in southern Patagonia to the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires on the eastern coast. Argentina has many miles of Southern Atlantic coastline, as well as the fertile plains of the Pampas that serve as the nation's breadbasket. Argentines are mostly descendants of Spanish and Italian immigrants, as well as indigenous groups, many of whom intermixed with the Europeans during the time of the conquistadores.

Argentina boasts the highest literacy rate in South America. The country has one of the most educated populations in Latin America, with schools following a standard curriculum in the belief that a national education system promotes unity. Dozens of national, provincial and private universities constitute Argentina's university system, which has experienced significant growth in the past few years.

Argentine institutions of higher education attract thousands of study abroad students each year. International students in Argentina have a wide variety of options when it comes to programs and majors. Research has become a major focus of Argentine universities, and the country's education system has helped produce a highly competitive workforce.

The capital city of Buenos Aires has numerous colleges and universities, and serves as a cultural, business and government center. The most cosmopolitan city in South America, Buenos Aires accounts for nearly one-third of Argentina's entire population. It is often referred to as the "Paris of South America" due to its European flair. Locals call themselves "porteños," in reference to the port that has been so influential to the city's historical development.

The Universidad de Buenos Aires is one of the most respected institutions in the country, and one of the largest universities in the world. Students there can take advantage of the university's broad curriculum, including a well-regarded Latin American studies program. The ecological diversity of Argentina is one of its most spectacular features, and the university provides a strong program in ecology/environmental studies. Sites such as Lihué Calel National Park, with its varied ecosystems, and the conservation area of the Península Valdés are fascinating field study destinations. Students won't want to miss Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage to Humanity site which features mountains and glacial lakes formed thousands of years ago.

Another fine university in Buenos Aires is the Universidad del Salvador, where students can study economics and international business. Engineering students will find an excellent program at the capital city's Universidad de Belgrano. Those interested in history will not want to miss the balcony of the Casa Rosado where First Lady Evita Perón addressed her adoring crowds.

While Buenos Aires is a sprawling modern metropolis, the city of Córdoba has preserved much of its colonial past and character. Argentina's first university, the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba was founded there and offers an excellent architecture program. Some of the most fascinating colonial buildings include El Cabildo (the Town Hall) and the Casa del Obispo Mercadillo. The Calle Obispo Trejos has some of the city's finest colonial architecture. Also worth a visit are the churches of the Compañía de Jésus, San Francisco and San Roque.

The Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in the country's northwest is a prime destination for geology students. The nearby Ischigualasto-Talampaya Natural Parks feature geologic formations containing Triassic Period fossils more than 200 million years old. The Cuyo area is home to Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, and the Patagonia region of the country is a rugged, mountainous area at the southern end of the continent. On the Brazilian border in the country's northeast corner, Iguazú National Park - famous for its semicircular waterfall, a rainforest and more than 2,000 species of plants - will attract geology and ecology students alike.

While taking a break from studying, why not learn the tango? This beloved dance and musical style began in Argentina before spreading around the world in the early 20th century. Tango is enjoying a resurgence in popularity among young people in Argentina these days-many clubs cater to porteños in their 20s, and study abroad students will find plenty of opportunities to take lessons.

Students will find that another long-standing passion among the Argentines is the consumption of steak. Argentines consume twice as much beef as people in the United States do each year. The steakhouses in Buenos Aires are world-famous. The most popular dish in the country is known as "asado," or beef barbecued over coals.

Students will find that the Argentine people are friendly, hospitable and fun-loving. The country offers both the urban pulse of one of the world's largest cities and the natural beauty of vast, pristine landscapes. No matter what students in Argentina choose to focus on, they will find a university and a program to suit their interests.

ONLINE RESOURCES
IIEPassport: http://www.iiepassport.org
Ministry of Culture and Education: http://www.me.gov.ar/
International Students: http://spuweb.siu.edu.ar/studyinargentina/StudyinArgentina.htm
Government Site: http://www.argentina.gov.ar/
Official Tourism: http://www.turismo.gov.ar/eng/menu.htm
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP

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