Ronan Deasy in Puerto Madryn, Chubut and Capital Federal, Buenos Aires

Hi. Before I begin telling you about my experience with the Teach Argentina program, I should probably tell you a little bit about myself and my history, because I suppose this was a huge factor in what made me want to live and work in Argentina in the first place. I’m a student of applied languages in the University of Limerick and Spanish is one of my languages. I had decided that for my co-operative work placement I would dedicate at least six months of my life to living in a Spanish speaking country, it had never occurred to me that that would not be something along the lines of teaching in some far flung corner of the Pyrenees or administrative work in Madrid. I knew that Argentina was an option, and I always had an interest in history related to Latin America, but I never really considered it as a possibility for my internship. I thought it was too far and completely impractical, just for the want of improving my grammar and vocab.

There were a few incidents which slowly changed my mind. I remember being told about it by a friend who had participated in the program a few years back and he couldn’t emphasise enough how important it was for me to go to Argentina. I still wasn’t convinced. I read as much as I could about Argentinian history and watched every single Argentinian film that was available in my university’s language center, but the idea of going so far away for so long still made me anxious. In the end, I resolved that nothing I read or saw would ever fully prepare me to make such a huge decision. So I took a leap of faith. I stopped thinking altogether and filled out the application form.

I had no idea what to expect when I arrived here in March. I knew that I would more than likely be placed somewhere relatively unknown, and I wasn’t disappointed. I was sent to the Patagonian coastal town of Puerto Madryn, in the province of Chubut, about 1,000 km from Buenos Aires. The location was beautiful. Puerto Madryn is the top destination in Latin America for whale watching, also I loved the idea that it was a big bustling town that was completely surrounded by hours and hours of desert. The school I was working in was a secondary school called Escuela de la Costa and I loved every minute there. I worked with all ages, from primary to secondary. We got off to a great start when I spent the last half hour of my first day signing autographs for all of primary school. I became very close to the kids and I still miss them to this day.

In Madryn I stayed with the preceptora of the school and her family. They were amazing people and I couldn’t thank them enough for how well they cared for me. They were always offering to take me out to do things and to explore the area. I became very good friends with the son in the family, who was my age. Also they didn’t speak any English which was ideal. I look forward to the day when I can go back to Madryn.

After about two and a half months I transferred to Buenos Aires city, where I am currently working in the Caballito neighbourhood, in another secondary school called Saint Exupery. All is going brilliantly so far and I love my new family. The father is a well known leftist politician which creates a really interesting home environment and allows for some pretty interesting discussions around the dinner table. I’m so happy to be in Buenos Aires again, it has so much energy and it really is ‘la ciudad que nunca duerme’.

So far I’ve only done one camp but I’m scheduled to do another one soon again in Rosario. I loved the experience of being a camp counsellor and the kids always have great fun too. The child in me always wanted to take part in all the games. Most of the activities we did were based on a theme that carried through the whole weekend, like ‘The Wild West’ or ‘King Arthur’, and it was only when I finished that I properly realised how much we actually got done. The activities I got to supervise ranged from a rap workshop to teaching the kids gaelic football. Overall it was very enjoyable.

I’m not sure if it’s fair to say that you have to be a certain ‘type of person’ to take part in the program, because it seems to attract people from all different backgrounds and academic fields, all of whom are very successful in their placements. I would say the most important thing to have if you take part in this program is an open mind, and almost a desire to be taken out of your comfort zone. And whether this means trying to speak a different language day in and day out, or trying to learn how to cook Argentinian asado(trust me it’s hard), I can assure you it’s a worthwhile experience.

Ruth Robinson in Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires and Plaza Huincuil, Neuquen

I’m sitting here trying to begin writing about my experience in Argentina and I am making no headway! Primarily due to the fact, that I have no notion where to start. So many experiences stick out, several learning curves encountered, an abundance of wonderful friends made and a definite growth into the person I wasn’t quite sure I had the ability to be.

Coming here was a big decision to make. I loved the sound of South America, but to be totally honest I wasn’t even aware that Argentina is indeed a country in this continent! That will give you some insight into my general lack of world knowledge! Being competitively involved in horse riding was going to be the prime sacrifice I had to be willing to make and believe me I bestowed many hours of thought to this. The adventure of it all and the risk as such, enthused me to make the big step, and on the 7^th of March off I flew! Little did I know I was going to make such amazing friends from that flight which left our capital Dublin.

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires we were total ‘rookies’. Many of the group with not one word in Spanish, and those of us who had studied it had no idea how to go about implementing our moderate knowledge! We required the aid of a map to get food for god sake! And to make matters worse I can’t even read maps! The joys of coming from Westmeath! The humidity in the city consumed each and every one of us. The Gringros had well and truly hit Palermo. Next stop Baradero!

Off we set in a double decker to Baradero to embark on a crash course in Spanish and indeed an insight into the complex culture. Before long the boys sussed out a nice bar a stones throw from our hostel and swiftly took the place over! The LITRES of beer on offer were far superior to our miniscule pints in Ireland, and for half the price too! Those who smoked had them coming out through their nostrils due to the value in comparison to our money eating country. We learned Spanish by the bucket load and also became skilled as camp counsellors. Unfortunately our change of environment didn’t quite agree with the majority, and many hours were spent bent over the toilet, or indeed running frantically to get there on time! I think it brought us closer! We enjoyed every moment, most memorably Tim Forans lament to Jerry Cronin! So after an intense two weeks it was time to go our separate ways which was both sad and exciting all at once.

My first placement was in Buenos Aires in an area called Ramos Mejia which is an hour from Palermo. A born and bred country girl, first impressions were rather worrying. I was in an apartment in a very busy town which was not so easy on the eye. Initial anxiousness was quickly eased by the caring nature of the family who I soon became a part of. I decided it may not be my ideal location but I was going to do everything in my power to make the most of it! My first day at the Orange Day School was daunting. Kids running and screaming everywhere, questions in Spanish coming from all angles! Smiling and nodding was all I could do. My timetable was sorted and it was straight to it. Landed into classes with no notion what to do, so initially head shoulders knees and toes became my saviour! It was totally up to me what I wanted to do with the kids in the classes, so it was high time to stimulate my imagination. Luckily my host mum was an English teacher of young kids and she really helped me with sound advice and ideas. It didn’t take long to relate to the children, and the rewards were abundant. The love and affection they express is so fulfilling. I couldn’t help falling head over heels in love with them all. My five weeks there were fantastic, I worked mostly in the primary school; however every Thursday I went to the Kindergarden. Singing twinkle twinkle with 2 year olds who are wondering where in earth their mammy has gone is just amazing!

Before I headed south to my next placement in the province in Neuquen, I had my first experience as a camp counsellor in Torre Blanca. It was hard work but thoroughly enjoyable. The location was incredible, so peaceful in the heart of the countryside where I belong! I had finally escaped from the city! My group were teenagers who were at the peak of their development, and hormones were bouncing off the walls! They were difficult to manage, but a lot of fun all the same.

So on the Wednesday night Fernando took me to Reteiro to catch my 17 hour bus to my new home in Cultural Co. I felt as though I was starting the adventure all over again and heading for the unknown! Thursday midday i arrived exhausted and felt filthy; not the ideal state to meet your family for the first time. They welcomed me with yummy ravioles for lunch. On the Saturday night my host mum was celebrating her birthday, and I attended the wildest party ever! It was in a shed custom made for assado. Food and drink was in abundance and they danced the night (morning) away like I’ve never seen before! On Sunday I woke up at 5.30…..in the evening!! A record for me! I soon realised I was going to enjoy the banter on offer in my new location. I started work that Monday in the Rainbow institute which was completely different to my first placement. The classes are smaller and a more laid back atmosphere which I was thankful for. So at present I am working with all ages, for the most part over 7 years of age which is easier than two year olds swinging off you! With the more advcanced classes I can now discuss interesting topics with them which is really refreshing. I am now certain that I want to be a languages teacher and I’m so excited.

Apart from the working end of things I have travelled to some great plaves. One bank holiday weekend we all took off to cordoba which is a fabulous city. Possibly the craziest weekend in my life thus far! One of the funniest occurrences was chanting Irlandese Irlandese on the streets at 5am in the morning with a bunch of argies we didn’t even know! Melissa walsh and I also took off to the mountains to go on a horse riding trek with a mad man called marcela. He reckoned I looked just like his ex, a girl from England and we had such craic all day. I was also extremely proud of Melissa who never rode a horse before but despite this navigated her way perfectly around the beautiful cordoba terrain. A trip to Villa La Angostura with Monica, the lady who owns the institute at present was mind blowing. The lakes, forests and mountains took my breath away. Then it was high time we changed our visas and off to Iguazu Falls we took. This is a must for anyone who comes to Argentina, they are truly amazing! We thought so highly of them we decided to get our faces blown off by one in a speed boat! Right in under it we went and it was thrilling. Melissa and I also went rafting down the Iguazu River, with thee hottest instructor I’ve ever set eyes on! After Iguazu we set off to Rio De Janeiro and what an experience it was. More hotties, beaches and beautiful sights. The street party in Lapa was one of the highlights. The rain poured out of the heavens and we partied to beating drums like soul sisters!

So for now it’s the gym and school every day; and of course progressing continuously with my Spanish which is great. Trips to Mendoza and Salta are on the cards before I head for home sweet home. Without doubt, this has been and still is thee most amazing experience of my life and I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity!! Viva la vida!!

Sarah Murphy in Rafaela, Argentina

They call me Mufasa but I go by the name of Sarah Murphy. A second year student of Applied Languages in UL, I am based in the province of Santa Fe, in a city called Rafaela for my Co-Operative experience . Rafaela is about the same size of Limerick but it is really just a big town surrounded by the flat plains of Las Pampas. There’s not an awful lot to do but there is a cinema, a lovely plaza, some decent restaurants, shops and fun boliches. The best thing about where I am is that it hardly rains and its location is so convenient for travel. I am based 3 hours from Rosario, 5 from Córdoba, 7 from Buenos Aires [this may sound like a lot to someone who has never travelled in Argentina but after 15 hours on a bus to Mar del Plata, it is nothing!]. I live with the Rios family and their basset hound, Minnie. They live in a nice suburb, 20 minutes walk from the city centre, in a homely spacious house [and pool!]. Lisandro and Maria have been welcoming as my host parents but with little English and a thick Corrientes accent, communication has been an issue! Their children are Lichi [10] Santi [6] and Agu [5]. Life with three boys in the house tends to be loud but they are very sweet and are always asking me to play with them. The best thing is that while I teach Lichi at work, Santi and Agu have taken to speaking as much English to me as they can, where they previously had none. Pat on the back for me!

The absolute icing on the cake has been my work placement. I work in the Sky Institute with my boss, friend and Spanish teacher, Vero. Vero owns the business and I assist in her classes every day. She listens to me, asks for my input, ensures I am having a nice time, brings me to soccer matches [Atletico Rafaela have just achieved first divison success – YES!] and is so kind and supportive. I know most of her family by now! I teach all ages – from 5 to 50 – and the set up and students are wonderful in Sky as are the other teachers, Flori and Vane. I work my 20 hours a week and reinforce the ideas of culture and language through games and presentations. Travel-wise, so far I have been to Mar del Plata, Córdoba, Mendoza, Santiago, Valparáiso and Buenos Aires. I’ve learnt how to make Maté, I’ve had Pisco Sours, I’ve gone horse-riding in the Alps, I’ve helped run a hostel in Mendoza, I’ve seen a proper football game, I’ve had home-made churros and made my friends here in Rafaela along with Claire O’Riordan. There is only 4 weeks left for me here before I go off to England to teach English for the summer and while at first I was happy to go home, I desperately want to see all Argentina has to offer! Unfortunately, that is not possible but the one thing [amongst many] I will take away from this experience is that all my previous stereotypes and expectations were blown out of the water. My Spanish has come along leaps and bounds and Argentina was more than I could have imagined. I am so eager to come here and really see all the country and people have to offer.

Matthew Collins in Capital Federal, Buenos Aires

My name is Matthew Collins and I am here in Argentina on Co-operative Work Placement from the University of Limerick in Ireland. I work with Colonias de Inmersion al Idioma. I live in an apartment in Buenos Aires, Capital Federal. I am an English Teaching Assistant at Lenguas Vivas School on Mondays and Wednesdays. I also do some other work for the company. I go to schools around the city to give presentations about the English Immersion Camps that the company runs and we also give presentations about English Immersion trips to the UK and Ireland. I am a counsellor for the English Immersion Camps. I have worked three camps so far and I will be working another at the end of this month. A group of students from Manuel Belgrano School went to Ireland and the UK on an English Immersion trip a few months ago and I helped in the organisation of some exchange events for that trip.

I am really enjoying my placement here. I have a good rapport with the students at the school and I enjoy sharing my culture with them while at the same time learning much from them about the Argentine culture.
I have been learning Spanish since I arrived here and I attend classes in Lenguas Vivas four times a week. I have progressed to the Pre-Intermediate class.
I teach a woman English once a week here too. She practices speaking with me in a not so typical way, for example this coming Sunday we have agreed to meet at the MALBA, which is a museum here in the city. While there we will have an English class as we enjoy the art on display.
I have experienced a lot of new and interesting things since arriving. I went to see some films during BAFICI, the Buenos Aires Film Festival. I went to the Plaza de Mayo for the remembrance day for the mothers of those who disappeared during the Dirty War. It was a very interesting experience. I visited Recoleta Cemetery to see the crypts of some well known people. I went to see a four person performance in a small theatre with my friend Rodrigo and another girl one night too. We went out for the night after that in true Argentine style: visited three houses then went to a nightclub at five in the morning! The lifestyles of the people here are different to Irish lifestyles and it’s enjoyable to experience new things.
I started to take drum lessons from Andrea Alvarez, she is a well known musician here in Buenos Aires. I learn to play and read music from her. I joined a gym close to where I live and I’ve also started playing 5-a-side football with another Irish guy, an American and a group of Argentines. The city has a lot to offer. I visited the Japanese Garden and Zoo in Palermo. Bond Street is an indoor shopping centre full of Tattoo Parlours, Piercing Parlours, alternative clothes shops and shops for skateboarding. The walls of the centre are painted in graffiti style. I love living in the city. I am from a town in Ireland that has a population of approximately twelve thousand people so it is a big change for me to move to the capital city of Argentina. There is always something to do here. I’ve made some new friends; some are from the city and others from small towns in the province and are now living in the city. It’s great for me to practice speaking Spanish with them. Everything is going very well for me here. I am very happy with the placement.