high school program

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High School Program

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Worldwide Network of the Experiment in International Living

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Page 1: High School Program

High School Program

Page 2: High School Program

WORLDWIDE NETWORK OF THE EXPERIMENT IN INTERNATIONAL LIVING EIL ARGENTINA

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BIENVENIDOS A ARGENTINA!!

Wanda MoonProgram Manager

Experiment Argentina

Page 3: High School Program

FEDERATION EILWORLDWIDE NETWORK OF THE EXPERIMENT IN INTERNATIONAL LIVING

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A safe country: Compared to other Latin American countries, the “Southern Cone” countries (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay) are much safer for foreign students and tourists. Argentina is well known for its higher cultural and economic level.

Less impact of culture shock

The mix of Latin Americanand European culture makesit easier for our students to adapt to the Argentine customs and way of living.

Good educational system: High schools in Argentina are well organized, have a good academic level, and offer a friendly and warm environment.

Kindness and Hospitality: Argentineans are very curious to learn about other countries. People are incredibly open and welcoming to foreign visitors. It is very easy to

make new friends and get in touch with otherpeople.

A rich culture: The mixed Latin American and European culture is clearly reflected in its music, architecture, literature, and lifestyle. Our participants can enjoy intense cultural activities inArgentina with its festivities, exhibitions, theatre, cinema and concerts taking place all over the country.

Wonderful Nature: With an enormously varied climate, Argentina offers an astonishing diversity of natural environments. You can visit sub-Antarctic rainforests in Patagonia, tropical jungles in the northeast, mountains, sandy beaches, deserts, or the awesome "Iguazú" waterfalls ..

and so much more.. : Enjoy a different way of living, the passion of Tango and Folk music, and tasty food.. !

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open and welcoming to foremake new frie

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Argentina is, no doubt, a beautiful and amazing country At Experiment Argentina, we can say this because we know our country very well. And based on this we specialized in organizing High School Exchange Programs in Argentina. A fascinating place to enjoy a living experience abroad.

The Argentine people and culture are a perfect mix between Latin American and European (especially of Italian and Spanish origin). People are very warm, open and friendly. Students will be surprised to see how Argentine make the most of every situation. They are not afraid to show their emotions and quickly make friends and are willing to give foreigners the chance to visit the country, speak their langua-ge and have a lot of fun.

Those who visit Argentina are also fascinated by the landscape. Each region has its own geographical characteristics. The country natural wonders offer a unique attraction. They range from the southern Andean cordillera to the northern deserts and from Iguazú Falls to the magnificent wildlife and desolation of Patagonia, including Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. With an enormously varied climate, travelers can visit sub Antarctic rainforests, tropical jungles, mountains, beaches, desert red canyons and awesome waterfalls. Not to be missed !!

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WORLDWIDE NETWORK OF THE EXPERIMENT IN INTERNATIONAL LIVING EIL ARGENTINA

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The Experiment Argentina high school program is much more than just learning a new language and living in another country. By spending a semester or school year in Argentina students gain a real understanding of Latin America, its culture and society. They build lasting friendships and learn to be more sensitive to certain problems in other corners of the world.

Family is a very big part of life in Argentina. The typical Argentinian family is composed by the mother, father and two or three children. There is something very special about family and friends gathering on Sundays and enjoying an Argentine beef grilled to perfection. Our students have the opportunity to get to know the exten-ded family very well. Cousins, grandparents, uncles and aunts visit frequently and make it easier to get to know other people and learn more about the Argentinian culture. Families do not receive payment as they volun-teer to open their homes and hearts to our students. They are open, helpful and curious to get to know about life in other countries. The famous Argentine hospitality helps our participants adapt very fast to their new home.

It is mandatory for all participants to attend a secondary school in Argentina as any other Argentine student of their age. The school year starts in March and finishes in November. In July there are 2 weeks of winter vacations. Most schools start at 8:00 AM until 01:00 PM and many of them require students to wear uniform. School life is the key for a successful experience abroad. As Alex Watson, former EduQuality participant in Cordoba tells us … The friendliness of the people fell over into the classro-om as well. I found my classmates helpful and accommo-dating. Not only were they open and friendly but they were interested in acquainting me with their culture and way of life. I value the many afternoons drinking “mate tea”. They indulged me with discussions about whatever was on my mind…

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WORLDWIDE NETWORK OF THE EXPERIMENT IN INTERNATIONAL LIVING EIL ARGENTINA

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Stephanie Mohr - Dortmund, Germany

Argentina has a very good public education system in comparison to other nations, placing the country high up in the global rankings of literacy. Today the country has a literacy rate of 97% (2003 Est.). School attendance is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 17.

The Argentinian school system consists of a primary or lower school level lasting six years, and a secondary or high school level lasting another six years. Our participants attend an Argentine secondary school where they learn subjects such as Biology, History, Geography, Mathematics, Spanish & Argentine Literature, Economy, Computer sciences , Arts (Music, Theatre), etc.

They also join their fellow Argentine schoolmates in sports and cultural activities. In some schools these activities take place in special training courses.

II remember being fascinated by Travel guides that wrote about remote corners of the globe and end-of-the-world places. I began to dream of going there one day to experience it in person. This is when I learned about that the High School Program. I knew this was my opportunity. I wanted to dance the Tango, see the awe-inspiring waterfalls of Iguazú and see Evita’s burial place; I wanted to taste the famous beef, and travel to the Patago-nia. Fortunately, I took the chance!

My first impressions of Argentina were very exciting. I was impressed with how open and friendly the Argentine people were. I got along so well and fast with my host family! The school and my classmates were the best of my experience. I went to school every after-noon which kicked started my social life and my language abilities; I was able to show off Germany to a group of people that really wanted to know everything!!

One experience taught me a big lesson on cultural awareness and acceptance. One evening a classmate told me how impressed she was with my willingness to participate in the Latin greeting custom or “beso” (Kiss). She thought that since it wasn’t my custom I wouldn’t practice it there. Her comment made me aware of how much I was being watched and that my example and actions would influence their perceptions. A simple act formed a bridge of connection and understanding. I will never forget the cultural exchanges, discussions, personalities and fun we shared together

I think the best part of all was just living the day to day. I truly had an unforgettable experience in Argentina. I found new friends and saw remote corners of the world that otherwise I would only read about. My time there exceeded my expectations and has been the best I have done in my life.

The local representative in Córdoba was always reachable and made sure that I was ok with my family, school and city. I didn’t need to contact him. He always contacted me first! I plan to return next summer, with my parents, to continue the cultural and educational exchange experience. Thank You!!

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WORLDWIDE NETWORK OF THE EXPERIMENT IN INTERNATIONAL LIVING EIL ARGENTINA

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Conditions of Participation:-Age: Students must be aged between 15 and 18 at the time of their departure.- Studies: They must be regular secondary (high school) students in their home country.- Openness and Maturity to adapt to different backgrounds: An interest in other cultures, an enthusiasm to experience a different way of life and a spirit of adventure to rise to the challenges, is what is needed!

Unlike other countries where it may be very difficult to integrate into the new society, Argentina offers a very intense social life , an ideal situation for our participant students. Argentines are very spontaneous and there is always something going on. Julia Krebs, another EduQua-lity former participant told us the lowing: .. I could not avoid falling in love with this country. One day I met a woman on the street and after a few exchanges she invited me over for lunch. That surprised me at first but later I learned that was the usual among these people. Making friends was easy and soon people began to invite me to share in family traditions..

Final Excursion (optional):

Participants are offered by local Reps an optional 10 day excursion to the Patagonia or to the Northwest of Argentina through a very well known Argentine tour operator specialized in youth travel. These trips usually take place during the months of October/ November (academic program), or April/May (semester program) and has special and convenient rates for our students. It is a good opportunity for our participants to meet with other fellow EIL Argentina high school students placed in other Argentine cities so they can share their experiences. A special authorization from the natural parents will be needed.

Our students are placed in cities and smaller towns all over Argentina. The main destinations are: Cordoba , Buenos Aires, Salta, Mendoza, and smaller cities in the Patagonia. It is not possible to choose the location as this depends on the family and school that are available at the moment of the participant’s application.

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WORLDWIDE NETWORK OF THE EXPERIMENT IN INTERNATIONAL LIVING EIL ARGENTINA

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[1] Registration:Students have to fill out and send us the registration form enclosed in this brochure. Please don’t forget to add a Passport photo and a copy of the student’s last School Report.

Our local partner organization will then send the candidate and his/her parents an invitation to an informal meeting. to evaluate their aptitude and interest for this program.

[2] Interview:

Academic program From February until December orFrom July until June

Semester program from February until June from July until December

3 month program Possible upon request from March to November

November 15th

November 15th

Program deadlines for the Academic and Semester programs: (*)Programs starting in our summer: November 15th Programs starting in our winter: April 15th

(*) Late enrolments can be accepted after consulting with our office in Argentina.

[3] Confirmation and Application form:If the candidate meets the requirements, our local partner organization will confirm acceptance by sending the complete Application form. This must be filled out in detail and sent back to continue with the application process.

[4] Placement:Our partner organization in your country will forward the complete application form to and we will begin the place-ment process searching for the best family for the student.. Once family and school have been confirmed we will notify and provide the student – through our local partner organization- the corresponding documents and instruc-tions to apply for the visa.

[5] Pre-departure Orientation:During this period our local partner organization will coordinate with students and in some cases natural parents pre departure orientation Here more information is provided and plenty of time for questions and answers The following issues are reviewed . For example: Program rules, School system in Argentina, Flight, Cultural shock differences, etc.

[6] Arrival in Argentina:Our participants will be picked up at the airport by members of our staff During the first week students will take part in an Orientation Week where they learn more about our country, meet our Argentine team , who introduces them to the basics of “Argentine Spanish” and, of course, have a lot of fun participating in recreational and cultural activities especially organized for the whole group.

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WORLDWIDE NETWORK OF THE EXPERIMENT IN INTERNATIONAL LIVING EIL ARGENTINA

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The Experiment in International Living, founded in 1932, was one of the first organizations of its kind to engage indivi-duals in intercultural living and learning. Originating in the United States, The Experiment introduced the homestay concept to the world by carefully preparing and placing "Experimenters" in the homes of host families to study other languages and cultures firsthand. Over the years, EIL Representations have been established in many countries around the globe and new programs have been added along the way. Federation EIL has been working since 1954 to facilitate the common educational exchange programs of its autonomous member organizations in 20 countries. All members are privately run, non-profit, nonpoliti-cal, and nonreligious organizations.

EIL Argentina was founded in 1962 and is a leading member of the Federation. In Argentina, EXPERIMENT offers a variety of intercultural programs for students from all around the world. Our aim is to promote the lifelong involvement of individuals in intercultural learning experiences through homes-tays, student exchange, group travel, study abroad, language training, community service, work exchange and other cultural immersion programs. Fedeartion EIL has held consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council as a nongovernmental organization since 1978, and with The Council of Europe since 1981. In 1989 it was recognized as a Peace Messenger organization by the United Nations Secretary General. Federation EIL is a member of WYSETC: The World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation.

Experience and Specialization in Argentina: We organize intercultural exchange programs in Argentina since 1993. All members of our team are Argentineans and have plenty of experience with intercultural programs abroad.

EXPERIMENT is in Argentina: We have our own people in Argentina and we are your guarantee.

Personalized Student Care: We pay very close attention and care about our participant students. In order to maintain the high quality of our program, we receive a limited number of students to Argentina.

Quality Guarantee: Through our The Experiment in International Living, founded in 1932, was one of the first organizations of its kind to engage individuals in intercultural living and learning. EIL Argentina is a leading member of Federation EIL which is the international non-profit associa-tion, representing the worldwide network of The Experiment in International Living. Federation EIL has held consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council as a nongovernmental organization since 1978, and with The Council of Europe since 1981. In 1989 it was recogni-

zed as a Peace Messenger organization by the United Nations Secretary General. Federation EIL is a member of WYSETC: The World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation.

Excellent Preparation: During the whole year, our partner organization in your country organizes information meetings for parents and students in their main offices or near to where the candidates live. These events are given by people with proven experience and knowledge with intercultural programs with Argentina and Latin America.

Orientation in Argentina: EIL Argentina organizes a first week orientation including a Spanish course that introduces students with the basics of daily “Argentinean Spanish”, and explanation of important facts and cultural differences to be aware of ..

24 Hrs Emergency phone number in your country and Argentina: for the case that the participants or their parents in the home country need to contact us urgently and outside our office hours. In Argentina, our students count on a 24 hr. emergency line with our office there.