Expat Community > Argentina

Cleo77
Joined 2014
Posts: 1

Relocating to Buenos Aires in October 2014

10 years ago

Buenos Noches,

I am a 21 year old female American who has studied Spanish for six years. I am a business minded individual who has prospects of broadening my horizons, experiencing a new culture, and receiving my degree at an international university, specifically University of Buenos Aires.

The highest form of education I have received in the United States is my high school diploma. I attended an American university for one year as a pre-med student, however, I decided to take a year off to travel and get a better idea of what I really want to do with my life. Also, I come from a lower class family, and I have always been very independent. With that being said, I support myself. I do not have help or much capital. I want to get my college degree, but I do not want to be tied down by the post-graduate debt that I will inquire by doing so in America. So, you could say that I am trying to beat the American system.

From my research and current understanding, UBA is highly unorganized and also quite competitive. This is no problem. I am a hard working individual, and I excel in classroom/competitive environments. I am quick on my feet. However, my Spanish fluency level may be a concern. I understand the language well, and am able to write, but my speaking skills suck, to say the least. I have not yet had the opportunity to immerse myself into a Spanish speaking culture. By doing so, I am hoping to master speaking and communicating in the language within a three month time period. What I also understand is that there are not very many international students attending Buenos Aires, why is this so? I know that I will need my high school diploma for inscription, this seems to be the only form of documentation that I will need. Should I bring anything else upon arrival?

Now for my budget. I will be arriving in BA with about 20,000 US dollars. I do not mind living a frugal lifestyle for the most part, I am used to doing so. I do, however, want to live in a safe part of the city, preferably Palermo,
Recoleta or San Telmo. I could afford this easily off of 20,000 for awhile, but that isn't going to last me the five years that I will be living there in order to get my degree. I have bartending skills and a license, but I am aware that it is not easy to get a job there at the moment. I will also have to obtain a working visa in order to work. I WILL need a job while I am living there in order to continue supporting myself. What are your best recommendations on obtaining a job as a bartender while I am there? Preferably at a place where the wealthier people like to go (I love my tips). I also enjoy talking to/meeting new people.

I have one friend who lives in Buenos Aires. He has agreed to show me around the city and help me with what he can while I am there. One person isn't a very large network, so I am looking to expend that network.

This is where I am at currently and any advice would be appreciated. I have done a lot of research on this move, Argentina, and UBA so this is just a summary.

I am all ears for anything anyone may have to say about this plan, and I wouldn't mind talking to anyone who is curious and may have questions.

Cleo

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