Question 1

Who are my local coordinators?

Accepted Answer

Your local coordinators are Carlos, the program director in Córdoba; Horacio, also known as "Yuyin"; and Charly. You can find them in the WhatsApp app.

Question 2

How are Spanish classes conducted?

Accepted Answer

Spanish classes are organized into different groups based on the students' level. Depending on your written and oral test results, we’ll determine the most appropriate group for you to get the most out of your learning experience. Spanish classes are divided into two stages. The first stage always involves a general review of topics you’re familiar with but may not yet handle confidently.

In the second stage, we’ll delve into new grammatical structures. Throughout the Spanish course, we’ll also discuss topics related to Argentine culture.

Additionally, each teacher will include, when appropriate, a gamification section to energize and enliven the classes.

Question 3

What happens during the virtual meeting with local coordinators?

Accepted Answer

After you’ve sent us your Spanish proficiency test, we’ll have a brief online meeting where we’ll get to know each other a little before your arrival.

If you’re not comfortable speaking much Spanish, don’t worry; we can communicate in English or ‘Spanglish.’ During this meeting, we’ll also assess your oral Spanish skills, which is the final part of the overall Spanish proficiency evaluation.

Question 4

Should I bring cash or card?

Accepted Answer

• Bring cash. USD preferably (or Euros are also accepted). Exchange houses are quite picky about the crispness of the notes, so keep them smooth and away from damage.

• Avoid the locals ATMs! Withdrawals of US$100 can cost around US$10-15.

• There are times when you'll be able to pay by card. You can use your card as much as possible whenever there wasn't a 10% fee slapped onto it.

• If you've run out of cash and you're near a major city, Western Union is your best bet, where you can transfer money to a pick-up location that you pre-select before the transfer.

• Bring a cross-body purse.

Question 5

What are host families like?

Accepted Answer

A host family is a family that provides housing and meals to students (breakfast and dinner). Your host family may be a “traditional family”, single parents with young son or daughter, young coupleswithout kids, or it may be a single person (typically a retired or middle-aged person living alone) opening their home to an exchange student.

As a guest in someone’s home, you’ll also need to learn and respect norms and traditions you may not agree with. In Córdoba, you'll attend the Cultural and Program Orientation to help you navigate your daily routine in Argentina.

Homestays aren’t for everyone. If you crave independence and want the freedom to hang out with friends at home on your own terms, another type of student accommodation might be a better fit.

Question 6

When will I find out who my host family is?

Accepted Answer

Host family details, such as names and addresses, are provided only in the week before your arrival.

There are a few reasons for this: host family availability can be challenging in summer (January-February), and occasionally, host families may have to cancel arrangements due to unforeseen circumstances such as family illness or work commitments.

Your specific homestay details will be emailed to you within a window of seven days prior to your arrival.

Question 7

What to get my host family?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to spring for anything expensive when deciding what to get your host family—thoughtfulness is what counts here.

Go for a gift that represents your own culture to break the ice while you take the first step toward building a warm relationship.

Some top gift ideas for your host family include: Handmade artwork, favorite snacks or foods that represent your hometown (as long as you can legally take them on a plane!), baseball caps or T-shirts from your hometown or university.

Question 8

What do I need to pack?

Accepted Answer

Essential items:
• Passport and ID or driver's license
• Universal adapter
• Scrubs (for medical programs)
• Gloves and masks (for medical programs)
• Cross-body purse or secure wristlet
• Crisp 100-dollar bills
• Winter pyjamas (June-August)

You'll receive the full Packing List by email.

Question 9

Who picks me up at the airport?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an email with detailed Airport Pickup Instructions.

Please note that airport or bus station pickups are available between 7am – 11pm, regardless of your arrival time at Córdoba’s International Airport (COR) or Córdoba Bus Station, on the weekend of arrivals. Alternative pickup days can be arranged upon request.

Watch this video to learn the meeting point: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jnet5ysgo3L8x_fbP5qMeRou0B6SLJ0a/view?usp=sharing

Question 10

What else do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

Please ensure that you thoroughly review all the information sent to you by us, your local coordinators. This information is crucial for your preparation and smooth integration into the program. 
Additionally, it is mandatory to attend all the meetings arranged by the headquarters. These meetings are designed to provide essential guidance and support throughout your exchange experience.

Your active participation will help you make the most of this incredible opportunity.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

Question 11

Who is my Medical Preceptor?

Accepted Answer

We want to reassure you that we, the local coordinators, maintain regular contact with medical preceptors at the hospital you’ll be rotating through.

This close coordination ensures that your experience is as smooth and enriching as possible. If any issues or questions arise during your hospital rotations, the coordinators and the medical preceptors are just a call or message away to assist you.

Rest assured, you are well-supported throughout your exchange program.

Question 12

Who signs my school evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Please note that medical preceptors do not issue certificates or sign school evaluations for the exchange students. Instead, local coordinators handle these responsibilities.

Kindly email us your school evaluation.

Question 13

When will I know which hospital I am assigned to?

Accepted Answer

During the Cultural and Program Orientation meeting, students will be informed of their assigned hospital.

This preparation ensures that you are fully aware of where you'll be doing your rotations, understand hospital etiquette for exchange students, and know the dos and don'ts.

Question 14

Which hospital departments will I be rotating through?

Accepted Answer

Pre-med students, along with first, second, and third-year medical students, will complete general rotations.

General rotations cover the main services that provide students with a general overview of public health in Argentina. These services include emergency department, outpatient clinics, and general medicine, with each rotation lasting one week.

Fourth-year medical students will do their observations in the specialty chosen for their future residency. Meanwhile, Nursing students, Global Health students, and Psychology students will be placed in departments relevant to their academic training.

Please note that we cannot guarantee rotations in your preferred department. In such cases, we will inform you and seek alternative options.

Question 15

Week 1: Immersion Week

Accepted Answer

Cultural and Program Orientation:

On the map: Country Profile - Regions and Geography, Economy, Tourist Places, Population

Argentina Today: Economic Situation, Social Issues and Human Rights, Technology Advancements, Political Landscape and Cultural Highlights

Health System: Access to Health

Hospital Orientation and Introduction: How to use the public transportation and meeting hospital coordinators.

Intensive Spanish Week:
• A2 and B1 Groups: Intensive Spanish language immersion.
• B2-C1: Regular Spanish lessons to enhance language proficiency.

Bilingual Participants: Eligible to begin hospital rotations after the first day.

Question 16

Week 2

Accepted Answer

Mate Workshop: Students learn to prepare the Argentine mate, its ceremony and its cultural meaning.

Tango Workshop: Students learn to dance Tango.

Wine Tasting: Tasting famous Argentina Wines Malbec and Torrontés

Hospital and Spanish Lessons

Question 17

Week 3

Accepted Answer

Museum Visit and Gastronomic Activity: Choripán (local cuisine tasting) and museum visit

Common Diseases in Argentina: Lecture by a local physician (in Spanish)

Hospital and Spanish lessons.

Question 18

Week 4

Accepted Answer

“Art-gentina”: In this creative and expressive activity, designed to help you reflect on your journey, capture your memories, and express your feelings through colors, textures, and images.

Final Presentation: Students prepared a written summary of their program experience to accompany and enhance the artwork they created.

Question 19

Weekly Reflections

Accepted Answer

In this meeting, experiences and progress of the week are discussed. The agenda includes:

• Summary of the Week: Sharing activities and notable learning moments.

• Language Progress: Reflecting on Spanish advancements and practical usage.

• Cultural Insights: Discussing learned cultural norms/traditions and adaptations.

• Personal Growth: Addressing challenges, solutions, and personal learnings.

• Interactions with Host Family: Describing relationships, lessons learned, and contributions.

• Hospital Rotations: Reflecting on hospital experiences, key takeaways, and medical knowledge application.

• Plans for Next Week: Setting goals for the upcoming week, focusing on achievements and improvements.

Question 20

Hi there!

Accepted Answer

We hope you enjoy our top recommendations for your stay. If there's anything else you'd like to see included, please let us know so we can improve the experience for future students.

Question 21

1. Lunch spots near the school

Accepted Answer

Check out our recommended local luncheonettes or diners to eat in or to take away on our Google Maps!
https://bit.ly/3FvuWCg

Question 22

2. Cafés around the school

Accepted Answer

Find your next favorite café near the school on our Google Maps!
https://bit.ly/46DSp0g

Question 23

3. Gyms nearby

Accepted Answer

Locate the best gyms near the school on our Google Maps!
https://bit.ly/3u3yMAq

Note: If you pay in cash, you'll get a better price.

Question 24

4. Grocery shopping

Accepted Answer

Find your next-door supermarket on our Google Maps!
https://bit.ly/3GNPMh6

Looking for specific foods like gluten-free or natural products? Search for "Dietéticas" on Google Maps for the best options.

Need some spice in your life? Check out "El Almacén de Mario" for great spice sauce.

Question 25

5. Souvenirs shopping

Accepted Answer

Looking for souvenirs to take home? If you’re thinking of buying a mate, we recommend getting one at any supermarket or bazaar.

Recommended places:
https://bit.ly/4fjcjBT

For more unique local products, be sure to try alfajores from "El Nazareno" or "Culpa de los dos"—they're delicious!

Interested in leather goods like wallets, bags, belts, and more? You can find them here:
https://bit.ly/4fjcjBT

Question 26

6. Dollar-Peso exchange rates

Accepted Answer

Need to exchange money? Check this page to see today's exchange rate for the dollar blue.
https://bit.ly/3ACyX9u

Question 27

7. Money exchange (San Martin Square)

Accepted Answer

This service is available Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and on Saturdays from 9 AM to 2 PM.
https://bit.ly/4fCV7Hm

Question 28

8. Short weekend trips

Accepted Answer

La cumbrecita:
La Cumbrecita is a charming, pedestrian-only village nestled in the Sierras Grandes of Córdoba, Argentina. Known for its Alpine architecture and beautiful coniferous forests, this quaint town offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Villa General Belgrano:
Villa General Belgrano, nestled in the Calamuchita Valley, is renowned for its Bavarian-style architecture and vibrant cultural scene. This village, founded by German immigrants, is famous for its festive atmosphere and delicious cuisine. As you stroll through the town, you’ll be greeted by charming wooden houses, quaint shops, and delightful bakeries offering traditional treats like apple strudel and sausages.

Question 29

9. Bus station details

Accepted Answer

The city of Córdoba has two bus stations: the old station (orange) and the new station (gray). Buses to other Argentine provinces depart from the old station, while buses to other cities within the province of Córdoba leave from the new station. Both terminals are connected by a tunnel, making it easy to move between them. Tickets for travel within the province can be purchased at the bus terminal at each transport company's ticket window. Tickets for travel to other provinces, such as Buenos Aires or Mendoza, can be bought online.

Temrinal de Ómnibus (Old Bus Station)
https://bit.ly/48GR4HV

Nueva Temrinal de Ómnibus (New BS)
https://bit.ly/48LVYTK

Get your tickets online:
https://plataforma10.com.ar/

Question 30

10. Register your weekend trip here

Accepted Answer

The information we are requesting for your trip is in accordance with the guidelines set by CFHI and/or your School/University.

Google Forms:
https://forms.gle/FUDSWCJGWEWqg3B28

@coordinators.cordoba

Essential tips and top recommendations at your fingertips.

▬ PRE DEPARTURE ▬

▬ LOCAL COORDINATORS ▬

▬ PROGRAM SCHEDULE ▬

▬ ENJOY CÓRDOBA ▬

Explore other Linktrees