We know that there is nothing more fun about learning a language than actually getting to use it! That’s why we emphasize Spanish in Action through this immersion program. Between your structured study we’ve jam-packed activities where you’ll be living in Spanish, seeing your hard work pay off as you converse with your instructors, new friends, and Argentine family in the language. Cultural excursions throughout the city, Christmas celebration with your host family, relaxing on the beach, and celebrating New Years Eve… you’ll be able to do it all in Spanish. The secret is you’ll be having so much fun you won’t realize you’re learning Spanish!

Una visita por Buenos Aires

Burlesque Ball

Wild On Buenos Aires invites you all to to it's first official party and it's a seductive Burlesque Ball! The evening begins with a Burlesque themed fashion show (courtesy of Veronica de La Canal) and will be packed with entertainment and VIP guests. Come dresses to impress in your sexiest outfits. It's Friday Nov 21st, doors open at 9, and it's at Niceto and Bonpland (musiclub). To get tickets go to www.wildonba.com, presold tickets for men are 45 pesos and 26 pesos for ladies. Or stop by Elebaires and give your name to Sarah and she'll call and have your name on the list and then you pay at the door. Have fun!

Wakeboarding in Tigre!

This Saturday Nov. 22nd we are headed to Tigre for wakeboarding! The tour includes transportation to Victoria (island near Tigre), a wakeboarding class (equipment included), lunch, and use of volleyball and soccer fields. We will be leaving from Plaza De Mayo at 9am and returning at 9pm. The total cost is 280 pesos. This is a great chance to get out of the city and enjoy some fresh air and fun activities. Stop by Elebaires to get more info and purchase your tickets.

City Your with Maria Laura

Every Monday at 1:30 meet at Elebaires and join our school Director Maria Laura for a fun and educational walk through the city center. You can take in great sights such as the Congresso Building, Casa Rosada, the Presidential Palace and much more. The tour can be done in English or Spanish or a mix of both!

Futbol

The Apertura Torneo is this Sunday so get your Boca Juniors tickets here at Elebaires! Boca is playing against Velez Sarsfield at 5:20, pick up is between 1:20 and 2 pm. Come by Elebaires and we'll set you up with tickets, a guide, and transfer to and from the game. Tickets are 220 pesos, enjoy the match!

Facebook

We're on Facebook! Keep in touch with all the friends you made at Elebaires, whether it's teachers or students or just to meet other travelers that also went to Elebaires. We would love to keep in contact with you and this is a wonderful way to do it. Just go to www.facebook.com and search for the Elebaires group and join!

Polo!

One of Argentine's favorite past times is Polo and it's something that should not be missed while in Buenos Aires. And not only that, Argentina is the best in the world at the sport, so if you've ever had any interest in watching a match now is your chance. This Saturday, Nov. 15th there is a match in town and the tour includes transfer to and from the game, general admission and a tour guide to tell you about the teams/sport. If you're interested come in to Elebaires and we'll set you up with the tour and help plan your pick up time and point. Hope to see you there!

Creamfields 2008

The Creamfields music festival is coming to Buenos Aires and they have a great line up of musicians coming our way! The date is November 8th and it's the 10th anniversary so it's sure to be a huge party. Bands participating are UNKLE Live, Erick Morillo, Gorilla Soundsystem, David Gueta, Hernan Catteo and many many more! If you're interested in going check out the Creamfields Website or stop by Elebaires to ask more questions and purchase your tickets. Don't miss a fun and unique once a year event here in Argentina!

Happy Halloween!

We know that all those U.S. Expats out there can't miss out on dressing up and going out for Halloween, so we have a party for you! The Fiesta Internacional is this Friday Oct. 31st at Godoy. There is a costume contest as well as a magic show, drinks and more surprises! Register at the door and the first 100 people get a free beer or glass of champagne. Godoy is located at 2300 Godoy Cruz at the corner of Paraguay and the doors open at 11. If you want to get tickets earlier come by Elebaires and we'll set you up. For more information or questions visit http://www.baisargentina.com/.

This is also a great chance to practice some Spanish, hang out with the locals, and immerse yourself in the Argentine culture.

Pacha Club This Friday

If you feel like going out this Friday (then head to Pacha!

Get your free entrance tickets to the club here at Elebaires. Pacha is located at Ave. Costanera Norte and Pampa, the doors open at 11, enjoy!

We're Going to Iguazu Falls!

We have a great group trip leaving for Iguazu Falls on Friday Oct. 31st and returns the morning of Nov. 4th. The trip includes travel on a bus with dinner and a bed, accomadation in Iguazu with breakfast and dinner, translators, and a trip to the Argentine side of the falls and the Brazilian side of the falls. The total price is 930 pesos and 890 pesos with your Bais card. If you'd like more info contact info@supernovargentina.com or info@baisargentia.com. There's limited space so book your spot now by coming to the Elebaires Spanish School, emailing (above) or calling 4322-0076. Iguazu Falls are some of the most beautiful falls in the world and cannot be missed if you are traveling in Argentina.

Christmas and New Year's Program

Program Spotlight: Elebaires Christmas and New Year's Cultural Immersion Program in Buenos Aires!

Come joing us in Buenos Aires for Christmas and New Year's for a trip you will never forget! The warm weather, the family-orineted Christmas spirit, the lively Spanish spoken in the school and on the streets during our Spanish in Action program, the beach, the river and the special New Year's party await you!

Program Overview: 2008-2009
*Immersion: Airport pick-up, family home stay/Christmas Eve celebration (half board)
*Course: Spanish course (20 hours group lessons)
*Fun: Cultural Program: City tour, walking in San Telmo, Conversation Club, MALBA Museum, Recoleta Cemetary and more!
*Trips: Pinamar-Argentina coast/Beach/Sun/Night Life (12/25-12/28) Transportation and accomodation included.
Rosario-Excellent river-side city with beaches and boat rides (12/31-1/2), New Year's dinner/party, transportation and accomodation included.

Let us know if you or friends of yours are interested in taking advantage of spending the holiday's in the summer sunshine or if you know of anyone who might like to participate. We have more details so just email us at info@elebaires.com.ar and we'll answer all of your questions.

Pub Crawl in Palermo

This Thursday, Oct 16 at 8pm is The Buenos Aires Pub Crawl in Palermo, so start your weekend early and have some drinks and meet travelers from all over the world. For the first hour enjoy drinks and all you can eat pizza and empanadas. Then you'll head off to 3-4 bars where you will receive a welcome "shooter" at each bar as well as discounted drinks. Finally, you'll get in free to the club of the night! The price is 50 pesos for girls and 60 pesos for guys but it's well worth it. Feel free to check out the official website at www.pubcrawlba.com.

Uruguay vs Argentina Futbol

This Saturday Oct 11th is a huge World Cup qualifying match for our Argentine Men's futbol team. World Cup isn't until July 2010 but qualifying games are being held now to decide who participates in the greatest tournament of any sport. Argentina plays group leader Uruguay in Buenos Aires at the River Plate stadium which is a wonderful venue that will be jam packed with true blue Argentine futbol fans! If you're interested in going come by or call the school and we can help get you tickets. If you don't want to attend the game, find any local bar, pub or restaurant and cheer on our team with the locals!

Club Museum on Wednesday's

Don't miss Wednesday's "After Office" party at Club Museum (or any Wednesday for that matter!) They play great music, have good drinks and dancing and you can meet many local socialites and people that just want to relax after a long day of work. Get there early (before 10) and entrance is free, plus it is happy hour after all! Most people come pouring in right after work around 8 pm, it's one of the only "early parties" that you can count on each week. From 7-10 it's happy hour, so drinks are 2 for 1! If you want to go later than 10 stop by the office and we'll set you up with free passes. Club Museum is located in San Telmo at 535 Peru (between Venezuela and Mexico). Have fun!

Rock The Vote!

For all you Yankees out there keeping tabs on the drama in the U.S. between McCain and Obama, the time has come to vote and make a difference. Even though you're living abroad, you can still vote! On Wednesday October 8th from 9am to noon you can vote at the U.S. Embassy here in Buenos Aires. Come to the U.S. Embassy located at 4300 Ave. Columbia. Eligible U.S. Citizen voters can cast absentee ballots. complete Federal write-in ballots, register and request absentee ballots.

There's also a party there including live music, American food and remarks from one Ambassador Wayne. RSVP for the party VoteBuenosAires@state.gov. If you can't make the party/vote that day and need voting assistance go to www.fvap.gov, email VoteBuenosAires@state.gov with questions or stop by Consular Section weekdays from 8:30 to noon and 2:30 to 4 pm. Remember to rock the vote!

BA Insider Cocktail Party

The BA Insider is inviting everyone to enjoy a glass of wine with them on Wednesday October 8th at Restaurant Arguibel (Arguibel 2826, Las Canitas) from 7:30-9:30. This is a great opportunity to hear about new excursions to Africa, Antartica and points in between while enjoying a glass of wine and meeting other travelers. RSVP before Monday October 6th by emailing rsvp@bainsidermag.com.

Take Back The Night!

Are you tired of going out and not even having the clubs open until 2 am? Do you hate having your entire next day be useless because you stayed out until 7 am? If so, then we have a party for you! This Friday (October 3rd) come to "The Night Where Buenos Aires Goes Out Early!" The party starts at 11:30 pm and closes at 3:30 am at The City on Av. Alvarez Thomas 1391. Women pay 10 pesos and men pay 15 pesos and happy hour lasts until 11:30, so you can come pre party if you want! To get your name on the "A" list or if you have any questions email jsarasola@gmail.com.

Tigre!

This Saturday, October 4th, we're headed to Tigre! Tigre is a town in Buenos Aires province that is 28 km from BA (18 miles) and lies on the Parana Delta. Antiques shops, riverside restaurants and pubs, the casino and Parque de la Costa, an amusement park and its renowned natural beauty make Tigre a popular tourist destination throughout the year. You can take a nice riverboat cruise to relax and enjoy the beauty of the town and then enjoy a coffee or lunch on the riverbank. This is a great day trip and we offer one this Saturday. You will meet at 9am at Avenida Rivadavia 1559 and will then take the train to Tigre where a tour guide will show you around the town. The tour costs 140 pesos (you can book it at the school) and it includes your train ticket, lunch, drinks, and a boat ride. You can purchase tickets up until Friday te day before until 6 pm. The day trip ends at 6pm that night when you will return to Buenos Aires. This is another great way to tour Argentina in a stress free way.

Plaza Serrano

If you're looking for a fun place to hang out while you tour around Buenos Aires, then Plaza Serrano is the place. Located in the posh area of Palermo Viejo (at the intersection of Serrano/Borges and Honduras) this is an area that cannot be missed. During the day (weekdays) it's a nice place to come sit, enjoy lunch and some fresh air as you relax outside one of the cafes and people watch. At night the Plaza turns into a place for people to come drink, celebrate, play guitar and dance. On the weekends (from 11-6) the plaza turns into a street fair that is unlike any other fair in Buenos Aires. They have the typical street vendors with art and jewelery, but what makes this area unique is that the numerous bars in the area turn their establishments into shops! The bars obviously aren't open during the day (except for the restaurants) so they shut down and allow the local vendors to set up shop in the bars. The bars become an area to hang clothes, pool tables become displays for purses, and they are completely packed with clothes and other things for sale. It's quite an experience that we hope you get to see.

Let's Salsa!

This Thursday (September 25th) come and take a salsa class! Class starts at 4 pm at Santiago Del Estero 159 at 4 pm and lasts until 5:30. Private lessons are 20 pesos and group lessons are 15 pesos. This is a great chance to do something fun and cultural that you will remember forever. You can buy tickets until the day of the class (until 3 pm), enjoy your dance class!

Spring Party At The Club De Pescadores

Spring is in the air! To celebrate the start of spring The Club De Pescadores is having a huge party Saturday September 20th. Doors open at midnight and close at 8am, so take a nap, grab a later dinner like the Portenos and come party! The Club is beautiful, it's right on the water, old fashioned and a fun place to dance the night away. Some Elebaires staff will be there so we hope you come and hang with us. The address is Av. Rafael Obliado s/N and Av. Sarmiento Costanera Norte. Tel. (54 11) 4773-1354. Tickets are on sale through the club for 30 pesos or you can get them here at Elebaires for 15 pesos. Last year 1500 people went so this is not a party to take lightly, so get your tickets since they sold out last year.

First Ever Spanish In Action Course

This Thursday (Sep. 18th) at 3pm is the first ever Elebaires Spanish in Action Course! We are meeting at 577 Estados Unidos (SAE Clubhouse) where the fun will begin. We'll be walking the streets of Buenos Aires, conversing in Spanish and learning about the city. Our seasoned veteran professor, Pablo, will be leading the way with his expertise knowledge of city life. You'll be learning valuable shopping vocabulary and how to converse with shop owners and people on the streets. This is an incredible opportunity to learn outside the classroom while having fun and meeting people.

Boca vs River, Super Classic

Sunday October 19th is the day that ALL River and Boca fans have been waiting for, the Super Classic. It's the day when the two biggest clubs in Argentine football face off for bragging rights for the next year. It's more than a game in Buenos Aires, choosing a team is a religion and going to a Super Classic is like visiting the Vatican. Even if you don't want to be part of the craziness at the game (although it is absolutely fantastic and so much fun) you will have to find a bar or pub and watch with the locals. This year's match is at River and if you want to get tickets come in to the school and we can set you up. Tickets are pricey, (maximum of $200 U.S, but hopefully less) but this truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Just remember that if you do go to the game to be extremely careful, mind your belongings and pay attention to your surroundings. But it will be a great time, that is for sure!

Wine Tasting Anyone?

If you're a wine connoisseur then this event is perfect for you. Enjoy great Argentine wine, conversation (Spanish of course), appetizers and much much more! It's on Thursday Sep. 11th at 6 pm at Bodega La Riojana, 30 pesos gets you in! The address is Viamonte 852 near Suipacha, but it's limited to 50 people so call for reservations, 4326-0183. There's no better way to spend a Thursday night than drinking wine :)

The South American Explorers Clubhouse

Everyone is invited to join professor Pablo from Elebaires on Tuesday (9/9) at 3:30 at The South American Explorers Clubhouse for a fun conversation class! This is a really relaxed environment with wireless internet, comfy couches, travel guides, and just an overall nice place to hang out. So come hang out, speak Spanish, and relax for a few hours with fellow students and travelers. The Clubhouse is located at Estados Unidos 577 in San Telmo between Boliviar and Peru. We hope to see you there!

Argentina vs Paraguay

Tomorrow (Saturday) is a HUGE game for the Argentine men's football team. They are playing Paraguay in World Cup Qualifying competition, in Buenos Aires, and currently, Paraguay is in first place in the group. There are several matches left, but if Argentina wants a chance to regain fame in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa they are going to have to get some wins under their belt, and hopefully this weekend will get them going. Elebaires is taking a group to the game so if you're interested in going give us a call and we can get you tickets or else just watch on TV with the locals! This is a great chance to see all of Argentina's favorite players on the same field, Messi, Riquelme, Tevez, Heinze and many more. Have fun and maybe we'll see you there!

After School Activities

Elebaires is always planning and organizing great after school activities! Each week there are parties, football matches, tango lessons, day trips and city tours to entertain you and help learn about the culture and speak Spanish. Last week a few of our students wanted to go to a Boca Junior's game, so they came in to the office and within 10 minutes had tickets to the game through one of our many connections we have here in the city. Here at Elebaires it isn't just about learning Spanish, it's about experiencing the Argentine lifestyle!

By the way, if you haven't gone to a Boca Junior or River Plate game you are seriously missing out. The entire stadium sings, cheers, sways and has a great time, it's an experience that you will never forget. Just remember to wear blue or gold for Boca games or Red and Black for River. And if you need help getting tickets to a game or anything else don't hesitate to call or email us, we are happy to help!

Spotlight on Maria Laura Mecias!

Meet Maria Laura Mecias, the Director of Elebaires! She goes by Laura and she is the founder and school coordinator. She is personally dedicated to monitoring, developing and designing every program in order to offer integral services from the moment students contact the school. And aside from being a great professor and director of our school she is someone who cares about every student and takes a personal interest in each one of them. Many school directors would be too busy to get to know every student but that's Laura's personality. It's like having a mother/good friend in a foreign country who makes everyone feel very welcome. We are so lucky to have such a great school director!

Welcome To Elebaires!

Hola Chicos! Welcome to our Elebaires blog! Here you will find out a lot about us, the Argentineans, our language, culture, traditions and news. You will also find information directly from our students about our programs and courses, activities and trips around our beautiful country. Express yourself and share with the world your Spanish Experience at Elebaires!!

Here is our wonderful building called Palacio Barolo. It's very famous in Buenos Aires for it's amazing architecture. You can take tours of the building and you are taken to the rooftop where you will get one of the best views of Buenos Aires. It's a great photo op!

If you are a student and have photos or would like to be a guest writer please send your post and pictures to info@elebaires.com.ar and we will get it up ASAP! We would love to hear from you all.