CORE 275:
ARGENTINA
MAY 2016
Dr. Wally Metts
$1,400* for those with full CCS benefit**
$2,800* for those with half CCS benefit**
$4,200* for those with no CCS benefit**
The songs and stories of Argentina embrace
the mountains and the plains, the Antarctic
and the tropics. There are stories of heroes and
gauchos. Yes, you can see professional tango in
Buenos Aires and professional soccer. But you
can’t see the irony of being Argentine without
understanding its businesses, its schools, its
families, its churches and its government.
You have to eat an alfajor and sip mate. And
you have to hear the stories.
Learning intensive activities
may include:
EDUCATION The literacy rate is 97%, with
10 years of compulsory education beginning
at age 5. Rather than expand facilities, many
schools run on two, perhaps even three shifts,
going late into the evening. How do families
juggle having kids in different shifts and
different schools?
FAMILY Family is the primary institution in
private life. This “family first” attitude affects
many decisions about the use of time and
money. Does the special attention given to
children have harmful effects? Codependency
or feelings of entitlement? Why or why not?
GOVERNMENT Branches of government
are similar to the U.S., although the executive
branch has often been abusive and over
reaching, with multiple dictatorial or military
leaders. The most famous, of course, was
Perón and his wife, Evita. What explains the
long lasting influence of Peron on
Argentine politics?
RELIGION There is a strong correlation
between Argentina’s culture and its Catholic
heritage. Although Catholics make up 93% of
the population, traditional values are eroding,
identity with the church remains high. But
how has the church contributed to a general
indifference to authority in Argentine culture?
ECONOMICS A century ago, Argentina was
the 4th richest country in the world, and now
it’s the 76th. How does the decline in economic
stature affect national pride, personal integrity
and attitudes about work? Two-thirds of
the economy runs in the black market, with
legitimate businesses carrying an inordinate
responsibility for socialized medicine,
government pensions, welfare and government
corruption. What is a Christian response to the
black market?
DEPARTURE DATES May 2016 experiences
will begin sometime during the week following
the projected May 14 commencement date and
will last 19-23 days. Students should not make
irreversible plans until their departure date is
confirmed by the CCS office in February 2016.
To understand what it means to be Argentine is
to understand what it means to be deprived of a
heritage. More than any other South American country,
Argentines see themselves as European. They have,
however, failed to achieve the prosperity of their
European cousins. And so they often denigrate the
thing they most desire, the standard of living they
feel they deserve.
This manifests itself in cynicism. It also results in paid
street demonstrators, a black market that dominates
the economy, a crumbling infrastructure, corruption at
every level of government, and endless regulations that
stifle incentive and prevent efficiency.
And yet there is much to dance to. A beautiful country,
its geographic diversity is rich in resources, and its
cultural landscape a kaleidoscope of European culinary
and artistic expression.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS MAY INCLUDE:
• See traditional gauchos
• Shop in the upscale district of Buenos Aries
• Tour shanty towns
• Visit the shrine for the Virgin of Lujan
• Explore la Boca, home of the tango
This experience, like all CCS experiences, is
subject to political and safety realities at the time
of departure. CCS options can be physically and
emotionally intense and stretching. Before enrolling,
all participants should consult the disclosures on
physical hardships of CCS at arbor.edu/crosscultural.
• Visit high schools
Passport and immunizations required (both at
additional cost).
• Attend evangelical and Catholic churches
• Play and watch soccer
• Attend classes at the oldest university in the Americas
• Enjoy asado, a traditional barbecue
• Climb a via cruz
• Tour Alta Gracia, where the estancias encompass over
four centuries of colonial history
• Visit ethnic villages in the mountains
*CCS May program costs do not include summer school tuition charges.
Participants who are full-time students at SAU both fall and spring
semesters 2015-2016 are encouraged to consider NOT taking a class
for interim (January 2016) as the available January credits may then
be applied to the summer school tuition charges of a May or Summer
2016 CCS. Tuition and program costs are separate monies.
*CCS program costs do not include: tuition, passport, immunizations,
or the $150 study abroad fee. The study abroad fee provides the basic
international ID, insurance, travel photos and support services.
**For information on eligibility for CCS benefit, see page 44 of
the CCS magazine or at arbor.edu/crosscultural.