GENERAL INFORMATIONAbout COINED………………………………………………………………………………..….…….........................……………….............5DOCUMENTATIONVisas………..…….……………………………………………………………………………………..….…….……………...........................…...7 IF YOU ENTERED ARGENTINA WITH A STUDENT VISA

IF YOU ENTERED ARGENTINA WITH A TOURIST VISA

About your Tourist Visa Extension ………………………….….………………........................................…........................... 10

TABLE OF CONTENT

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Your International Health Insurance and your Host family Health Care Other instructionsTrips…………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………….........................….13 Some Tips Serious Sanctions

RULESCOINED regulations ……………………………………………………………………………………..…….........................................16Sanctions ……………..……………..……………………………………………………………..........................……………………….......19 Warning SanctionProgram release ………………………………………………..……………..……………………………............................................20Release Form…….…………………………………………………….…….…………………………………...........................................20FAMILY Exchange Process Stages …………………………………………………………………………....................................................22Family ….……………………..………………………………………………………………………………………..………..........................….30

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About Economic Aspects About Attitude About Culture About Adaptation About Obligations About Food About Parents About Brothers And Sisters About Changes

Communication….………………..……………………………….…………….……………….………………….................................…34Attitude….………………………………….………………..……………………………………………………….……..............................… 35SCHOOLSchool……...………………………..………………………….…..…………………………………..………….....................................…..37 School General Aspects Timetable Monitoring

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General InformationAbout COINED COINED, is a non-profit organization which since 1971, has been active in the field of intercultural exchange and international education. In 1985, COINED founded its first Spanish school to function as the academic branch of the organization. Today, we have schools in Cordoba, Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Ushuaia and Mendoza, in Argentina, Santiago de Chile in Chile, Montevideo in Uruguay and Heredia in Costa Rica. We also work with our partner schools in Costa Rica in the cities of Flamingo beach, Jaco Beach, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, San Jose, and Tamarindo.

Due to our presence in the most important Latin American cities, thousands of students from around the world have taken Spanish courses at our schools and have joined our cultural immersion programs. That’s why at COINED we believe in mutual respect among different cultures and nations, which leads us to create new areas for intercultural learning through our study abroad programs.Today, and with the cooperation of a number of former participants, COINED has evolved into a dynamic organization, constantly thriving for the highest standards in quality and on the lookout for new services and opportunities to offer.

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Documentation 6

Visas

If Entered Argentina with a Student Visa

About DocumentationYour main documents are:- Passport- International Health Insurance Policy or card - Travel permitYou can also have:- A copy of your return flight ticket.

About Your Documentation CareWhile in Argentina you must:- Keep your documentation in a safe, dry and clean place. - Keep your documents in order. - Check often that all your documents are in place. - If you have to move, make sure you have all documents in order and with you.- In case of lost, report problem immediately to COINED.

Documentation and TripsEvery time you travel during your Exchange, either with your host family, school, club, COINED, or any other trip already authorised, you must take with you the following main documents: - Passport- International Health Insurance policy or card- Travel permit (original)Remember: these are very important documents and must be kept in a safe place during your trip. 7

If entered Argentina with a Tourist Visa

About Your DocumentationYour main documents are:- Passport- International Health Insurance policy or card You can also have:- A copy of your return flight ticket.- A travel permit from your natural parents allowing you to travel on your own.About Your Documentation CareWhile in Argentina you must:- Keep your documentation in a safe, dry and clean place. - Keep your documents in order. - Check often that all your documents are in place. - If you have to move, make sure you have all documents in order and with you.- In case of lost, report problem immediately to COINED.

Documentation and Trips

Every time you travel during your Exchange, either with your host family, school, club, COINED, or any other trip already authorised, you must take with you the following main documents: - Passport- International Health Insurance policy or card - Travel permit (If you have it)Remember: these are very important documents and must be kept in a safe place during your trip.

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About Your Tourist Visa Extension

must:- Follow all steps COINED sta� tells you.Remember this has a fixed cost of ARS $300, plus travel expenses, if necessary.

- ARS $300 for paying fixed cost - Your passport

It’s simple and easy to do. COINED will be there to help you if needed.

you may loose them. In case you already brought them, keep them in a safe place; do not take them with you. We also recommend making a copy of your passport and keeping it in a di�erent place from your passport; in

-

would be to report passport misplacement at a Police O�ce (closer to your house). Once you get a misplace-

have to pay for all expenses.

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International Health Insurance

Your International Health Insurance and Contracting Agency During Exchange term, you will be covered by the International Health Insurance contracted by the country agency where you purchased the exchange program.To be able to use it, you must ask the agency for the following:

- International Health Insurance policy or card - Coverage scope for medical service - Coverage validity in other Latin American countries. - Coverage for dental service.- Location of headquarters of the Insurance Company.- Telephone numbers, e-mail and address of contact from the Insurance Company. - Explanation of what to do in case you need medical treatment. - Explanation of what to do in case of an accident.

Your International Health Insurance and Host familyOnce you met your host family, you should tell your host parents about your International Health coverage. For this you:

- Should give them a copy of your International Health Insurance. - Should tell them about the procedure for requesting the service, if necessary.

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Medical AssistanceIn case you need medical assistance:

- You should act as indicated by your agent and Insurance Company.- You should never ask your host parents to lend you money. In case it´s absolutely necessary; you should give it back immediately.- You should inform COINED regarding the situation and ask for help and assistance.

Other Instructions- Respect and follow instructions of the doctor who assisted you.- Inform your host parents about any symptom or discomfort.

Remember COINED may decide if you need to return to your country of origin.

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Let’s set an example:

first cold days after summer…, Anna has a sore throat.

1. Anna will inform her host parents she is not feeling well. 2. As the insurance allows choosing doctor and clinic freely, you may ask any doctor (the family doctor of your host family or Medical Centre closer to your house).3. Anna will be examined by a professional, who will most likely, prescribe some medicine. 4. Anna must PAY CONSULTATION with her own money. 5. Anna must buy the medicine, PAYING IT HERSELF.6. Anna must ask for a RECEIPT, TICKET, and INVOICE of each service, prescription or consultation she paid.7. Anna must SEND all proofs of payment to headquarters of the Insurance Company (such data is included in info package received from Germany regarding Insurance operation) within 2 months after the incident.8. The Insurance Company will refund the money spent to her family in Germany.

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Trips

You must INFORM to COINED at least 72 HOURS IN ADVANCE, every time you travel under the following circumstances:

- When you travel accompanied by any of your host parents within the country territory.- When you travel accompanied by any of your natural parents within Argentine territory.- When the trip is organised and accompanied by any grant institution such as your host school, club or any other organization you belong to which takes moral responsibility of the trip.

You must INFORM COINED AND ASK FOR AUTHORIZATION, AT LEAST ONE WEEK in advance, in the following cases:

- Travel on a tour package. - Travel with Argentine friend overage or family friends. - Travel with adult relatives or friends from your country of origin.- Travel abroad with your host family. - Travel abroad with your school, club or responsible institution.

The trip CAN NOT BE DONE if:

- You travel alone. - You did not INFORM within established time.- Your host family did not authorise it.- It represents a problem to keep school attendance. - It has not been authorised by the Agency of your country of origin or your natural parents.- It has not been authorised by COINED, since its conditions do not guarantee safety mandatory criteria. 13

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Some Tips

If you are really interested in travelling, COINED recommends that you:

- Show interest and a mature and conscious attitude towards your exchange and travel activity. - Always inform COINED about possibilities of travelling with time in advance. - Try to provide all information COINED asks for your trip authorization.- Do not pay before getting authorization.

Keep in mind you are the one interested in travelling, you must show and active

and responsible attitude to get corresponding documentation in order to achieve goals.

Rules 15

COINED RULES

1- Respect coexistence rules of the host family regarding daily issues, house tasks, visits (which must be approved by the host family), go out and return time. This includes smoking rules and relationships with other gender.

2- No alcoholic drinks (including beer or wine). The only exception would be for beer or wine, occasionally, with consent of host parents.

3- No drugs, any type. This includes: sale, tenancy or be in the presence of others who take any type of drugs. Medicine consumption without medical prescription and COINED awareness is not allowed.

4- No driving. Motorcycles are strictly prohibited.

5- Class attendance is compulsory. Exchange student must keep a good academic level. If the student shows lack of interest or effort regarding academic responsibilities, and this is reported by the School, it will be considered as a reason for Exchange Program suspension.

6- Exchange students are not authorised to travel on their own, or with other people under age.

7- They can travel only if accompanied by a responsible adult, or in the case of activities organised by a group authorised by COINED, asking permission to the organisation in advance.

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9- Exchange students are not authorised to visit their country of origin during their stay in the host country, except for medical emergencies in their natural family. In this case, permits will be authorised by COINED.

abroad with the host family, they will be responsible of contacting

Immigration Office and make sure they will be able to re enter the country.

11- No hitchiking

Not smoke

13- Exchange participants could not get involved in any contract relation (business, marital, religious). Neither could work outside the house during their stay in the host country.

pregnancy

15- During exchange program, Tattoos, piercing or any other mark that modifies the physical

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16- Violation of any Municipal, Provincial or Federal Law is prohibited.

17- Personal preferences of exchange participants are not COINED responsibility, nor the host family. Loss or robbery of any personal object of the participant, including money (that is not included under insurance policy) is exclusive student’s responsibility.

18- Exchange participants must have their own bank account, different from the host family account.

19- COINED does not encourage natural parents/tutors visits during exchange program. In the event of a visit, it should be planed for the end of the program and it is only allowed for direct relatives (not friends). Natural brothers and sisters could visit participants coming with their parents.

20- All participants must return to their country of origin once school year has been completed. It is not allowed to stay in the country after this period.

Exchange participant must inform COINED if a natural disaster takes place in the area where he/she lives; such as earthquakes, floods, fires, etc. Communication must be performed within 24 hours of event occurrence.

The participant is responsible of informing about his/her health condition in all cases. In the case of accidents or

uncommon illnesses, the participant must inform COINED as soon as possible.

Participants must inform COINED about medical prescriptions, either temporary or permanent, including

information about medication and posology. Participants are not authorised to work, or to offer any kind of service in exchange of money or any other form of payment.

All decisions taken by COINED must be respected.18

Penalties

COINED High school Program maintains a sanction system to guarantee its program quality, prevent risky situations and perform a complete participant’s follow up.The objective of the sanction system is to look after and guide you towards a correct and responsible attitude during the exchange development, preventing you from exposure to risky situations for your physical, psychological and moral integrity. Punishment is not the idea whatsoever. The sanction system is composed by the following documents: Warning – Sanction, once printed, both documents must be signed by the participant within 72 hours. In the event this requirement is not fulfilled, COINED will deliver a new sanction, considering it as an opposition to COINED authority. After a second sanction, you must return to your country of origin. This is due to the fact that COINED considers you are not able to take care of yourself, and so we can not be responsible for your safety during your stay in the country. If you expose yourself to a dangerous situation or disobey rules, implying a high risk for your safety and physical integrity, and you behave irresponsibly, COINED could fine you and finish your program. In this case, you will have to return to your country of origin although you have not made any other mistake in your program.

When does a Warning apply? When you do not show an open and flexible attitude that allows integration to the new culture. When you do not show an open and flexible Attitude that allows integration to your host family. When COINED considers you have behaved inappropriately in a certain situation, although not breaking any other program rule.

When does a Sanction apply? When you have a warning in your records and have not showed any improvement. When you have behaved irresponsibly and in a risky manner, without respecting the program rules.

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Program Release Separation from COINED High School Program means cancellation of program acquired by the participant and immediate return to his/her country of origin. This happens only in extreme situations and when all other previous actions have been taken, trying to avoid exclusion.

Program release could occur: When you have more than two penalties in your records. When an extremely serious situation takes place, where COINED recognizes a high risk for your integrity. When behaving in an irresponsible and risky manner, without respecting program rules. When your health condition requires major assistance, and doctors recommend return to your country of origin. When release is a decision taken by your natural parents and the Agency where you contracted the Program. When release is a decision taken by the agency where you contracted the Program.

Release FormSuch document means a temporary or definitive release from the Program acquired by the participant with COINED, the agent, and the natural parents´ authorization before an extraordinary event.

Such extraordinary events could be:

- Trips outside the program- Visit of natural parents- Program termination before established date

COINED will be in charge of authorising format and issue of this document, which will only be valid with corresponding parent’s signature.

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Family 21

Stages of Exchange Process

A GOOD PLANNING IS THE BASIS FOR A GOOD EXCHANGE!

Your exchange program starts before your arrival to Argentina, for sure you found out about some characteristics of the place you are going, such as weather, tourist places and so on. Also, you had to fill in forms and run errands to be here. All this previous activity has generated many expectations and anxieties regarding what you have to live, which allows you to be prepared to open your mind and discover new things, make new friends and specially get surprised by a new culture. A good planning is the basis for a perfect Exchange! At different moments during the following months, your feelings and attitudes will change, while going through different stages. Naturally, reactions and feelings are not alike among youngsters, they may vary in some aspects, but there are some common patterns.Taking into account our institutional experience, we have developed a small guide to deal with the different stages you will go through during your Program, which will help you overcome them in the best possible way. The process is divided in 8 stages, which overlap. Its duration and characteristics are subject to individual characteristics of each participant and family environment.

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PHASE 0: GETTING READY for the TRIP – Excited and nervous.Before leaving your house, you have started to get ready for this experience; you received information about the host family and community you will live in. Will I be able to adapt? Will not they be disappointed when they see me in person? – These may be some of the questions you wondered, while, some weeks ago you were the “brave of the movie”. Although we try to calm down these tensions during immersion week, it is usual that those doubts remain!

PHASE 1: ARRIVAL (from arrival to the host country to 3 or 4 following weeks) The first impression of the landscape, the city you arrive at, may increase your excitement, curiosity and sometimes, your anxiety. After the first week of Spanish and cultural immersion course COINED offers you, it’s time for the “first encounter” between you and your family. Let’s analyse this situation together:

INTEGRATION OF THE NEW FAMILY MEMBER Both you and your family will recognise each other due to pictures you already shared and exchanged. Probably, at first, you do not understand what they say, due to real difficulties regarding language issues plus emotional burden of the same situation. After this, you all have introduced each other, and you will become unsure about what next to say.Starting a relationship with a new family takes time and you will be so nervous, the same way your family is. They will want to get along. Both have to look for things you like from the other, but be careful not to create false expectations and behave a way you are not! Do not forget both parts need time to get to know each other.

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TIRED after FLIGHT and due to JET LAG The first days you will feel tired due to, among other things, jet lag. Also, unless you speak the language, you will spend a lot of energy concentrating on what is being said and how to answer. Do not be afraid of asking to speak slowly or rest more if need it; you can explain your family it’s not that you do not want to share time with them, but you need time to recover from the trip and changes.

Families typically try to entertain the exchange person during the first days, like a guest. However, the objective of the exchange program is to become another member of the family. For this, you have to share with your family both pleasures and home responsibilities. The best is to be alert on how to help in the house although not asked to, or which are the family routines so you can follow them little by little. For sure you will discover many typical things from our culture that you do not understand, make the most of it by asking and showing interest to get to know them better. If you ask, the family will understand there are many things they give for granted, but you do not know. This will help them to become more conscious of your needs. On the other hand, all new things will make you observe your own customs from a different point of view. It is here where you can act as your own country ambassador; you will have to explain your family how things are done in your country and show costums´ similarities and differences. The first times, it is common to suffer from some minor health problems as stomach problems caused by water change, colds by the weather change,… which can be a little bothering. Or you may have more problems than usual with skin problems such as acne; they may happen due to change of diet and cosmetics. Girls may experience abnormal menstrual cycles or even not have them. Usually, they are temporary and will disappear once your body adapts.It is ideal to talk with your family about your health condition, how you feel. They are the closer people who can observe you and the most appropriate to recommend a visit to the doctor, if necessary.

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PHASE 2: CONSOLIDATION (starts in the second week and extends till the seventh. It

typically lasts 5 weeks)

After a few weeks with the host family, the initial fatigue will disappear. For that moment, most of the family behaviour patterns will be familiar to you. You will be developing your own routine, different from the one in your country. You will already recognise your neighbourhood, main shops and how to return home when you go out alone. It is then that you start your consolidation period.

Each exchange student has a different way and time to adapt. It is important to give you the time needed for adapting to the new situation. It is likely that the first days you feel lonely when everybody else knows each other well and you haven’t made many relationships. Your family also needs time to adapt; all of a sudden there is a new member in the family and little by little they will find the way to get closer to you. From your arrival to the house, daily family routine will change to make room for you. Some troubles may arise from you or the family if living rules do not work as well as they should. Living together means giving and receiving. Also, recognise that “a cultural experiment” such as this exchange needs time to work in a smooth way. Nobody has to be perfect, be all the time available for the other, or have a constant sense of humour; you can be yourself, but remember you are living with others and your rights end where the other’s start. Although the family will adapt to you and the new situation, we insist on our golden rule: the most adaptation and flexibility should become from you and not from the family!

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PHASE 3: DEEPENING THE RELATIONSHIP (it starts after one month and continues for

around 10 weeks) Each culture has its own ideas about the meaning of “cleanness”. Naturally, participant and host family may have different parameters to handle this topic, since they belong to different cultures. You must be the one to adapt to the family hygiene customs. In order to do it, however, it is important to know them. So, if your family is not clear about this, ask them to explain, since you have different habits at home. Most likely, new rules and obligations will come out during this stage; this is a good signal, since your family trusts you more and has given you the same rules as the rest of the family. It is also good to talk with your family about your native culture, get interested in sharing what is done in your country, how is your life and family over there. You may show them pictures of your natural family, friends, city, and if you play any musical instrument, it will be great to look for the right moment so that your family can listen to it. This sharing will reinforce the relationship and help them understand you better, connect them with your culture and feel you enjoy sharing your culture with them, in spite of the language difficulties.

PHASE 4: CULTURAL SHOCK (it starts at the end of the first month and lasts till the

fourth, usually 3 months) After the adaptation to a new environment you will feel better for your language improvement, new friends, you will enjoy being “an exchange boy”, you will feel comfortable at home… However, it may occur that suddenly, and without any apparent reason you feel strange depressed, no hunger, uncomfortable, confused, disoriented. What you are experiencing is a cultural shock. You start doubting about yourself and being the person you believed you were (the ideal guy for exchange). These crises are normal in this phase, most likely temporary.These feelings are normal reactions for living in a different environment, where many things are different from yours. Do not loose patience; cultural shock is not a permanent depression. You usually feel very well one day and very bad the following day. It is impossible to prevent it completely, but can be overcome easily.

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PHASE 5: CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS – I’M HOMESICK!!! (It lasts around 6 weeks, before and

after holidays) After the cultural shock is overcome, most participants feel relaxed again and at home in their host families. Vacations and end of the year holidays are, however, special moments in the calendar. Christmas season may move feelings related to the natural family. During this time of meetings, parties and gifts, being away from your family and friends may be difficult for you. However, remember you will be here only one year, so take advantage to share this time with your host family and friends. These dates are also full of customs and culture for you to remember as different from the one you have lived.

PHASE 6: LEARNING TO LIVE FULLY INTEGRATED IN THE NEW CULTURE (it starts around

the 4th month and extends till the 8th, 4 month period) During this stage, the host home and community will be completely familiar to you and you will already live in a comfortable environment. But this feeling of comfort and freedom is not because you all get on really well with no problems at all. The fact that the family and participant feel more at home brings the possibility of some confusions, which will be addressed more freely and honestly than at the beginning, when everybody tried to show “ their positive face”. The capacity from both parts to overcome confusions at the beginning will allow facing the new ones and using them as opportunities to discover more about yourself and about the culture you come from. One of the greatest challenges both for the host family and you is to handle (and express) strong and unusual feelings, and on top of that, to face unknown situations which lead us to an uncomfortable situation. This is a very fruitful experience for everybody involved in it, since it forces you to become more conscious about different values and possible choices in human society. Through it, you can obtain a better understanding of your own social environment and culture.

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PHASE 7: PRE-DEPARTURE (It starts close to the end of stay, approximately 6 weeks

before departure and ends when returning home) Together with excitement for returning home with natural family and friends, you will feel you don’t want to leave. You have made good friends here, who helped you in difficult times and shared good moments; you have a family you learnt to love as much as your natural and started a life style you enjoy. In these cases, it’s natural that feelings get mixed up. It hurts to leave all this, but at the same time it’s natural to be curious about knowing how is everything you left one year ago. Every big change in life implies gaining and loosing something. It’s natural to feel a bit sad and depressed for what you loose. But keep always in mind all you have grown and harvested this year, people and experinces that, from now on, will be with you beyond distances.

PHASE 8: RE ADAPTATIONThe exchange program does not finish when you return home. The process of learning to relocate in your environment is very similar to the beginning of your stay in the host country. You go through an adaptation phase again, after getting used to another environment, other people, and another way of seeing life. You may have created a close and lasting relationship with your host family, when only one year ago you were just a paper picture and a big question mark. And through these people, important ties were created with a different cultural environment in another country. This is because you have been part of one of the richest experiences of this time: “intercultural”.

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ONE YEAR EXCHANGE AND ITS DIFFERENT PHASES

(One year program)

In the case of half year programs, phases are not lived so intensely, but similar

characteristics mentioned above apply. 29

TRANSCURSO EN MESES DEL PROGRAMA DE INTERCAMBIO

1

0 0

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4 4 4

5 5 5 5

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

7 7 7 7

8 8 8

6

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

FASE

S

Family

The host family is one of the Exchange Program columns; they will be your referent during your exchange time. You should make the effort to build lasting ties and a good living atmosphere with them.

About Economic AspectsArgentine families register in the program for altruist reasons, that is to say, they do not perceive any payment for accommodation. Your host parents are committed to give you food and accommodation; all expenses beyond this, that is to say, personal care, club allowance or activities, meals outside the home, medicine or medical assistance payments, transport, etc. are your own responsibility

We recommend you not to borrow money and keep control of your own expenses, as well as the place where you keep the money. Keep in mind that, sometimes, these issues may cause confusions that may affect the family relationship.

About AttitudeYour family expects you to be part of it and you will have to do everything possible to adapt to their form of life, although sometimes it may not be easy or they do not have the same customs. You are the one coming from a different place to our culture and particularly to a certain family. So, you are the one who must adapt to the family pace and not otherwise. Sometimes it may be difficult, but remember getting to know each other and adapting to a new environment takes time. It’s important that you understand integration is a process, it does not take place from one day to another: be patient and try to cultivate the relationship one day at a time, do not become inpatient if everything does not work well form the very first day. The objective of the program is also a learning experience and personal growth, and this experience will give you many opportunities to know you better and improve.

From COINED, we do not support money exchange between participant and host family.

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About CultureYou must be open to share with them your own culture, do not forget once you arrive at Argentina, you will be an ambassador of your own country, and everything you do or do not will determine the image Argentines will have of people from your country. There are some activities that are meaningful for the family and it is very important that you are open to share with them, such as meals, religious activities, attend to some sport events such as soccer matches, etc.

About AdaptationEach family is different and has different times, try not to compare with other participant’s families. May be, this family has things to share other families do not, or may take them longer to get closer to you. But that does not make it better or worse, it’s simply different. Remember first impressions do not tell the truth and give you some time to discover what they have to give out and benefit at most. It is very important to keep a fluent communication with your family; it may be difficult at first, since probably some family mem-bers do not speak your language. Try to be active and creative to find the way to communicate with them until you learn the language.

About ObligationsTo be able to integrate to the family, it is important that you stop being a guest and turn into a family member, enjoying both pleasures and responsibilities at home. Collaboration with household tasks becomes important at this point. Many times, families do not assign household tasks to the participant, that is why you must be alert on the family needs and determine where you can be helpful.

Let’s discover what activities are important for your host family

and do not loose the opportunity to share with them!!

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About FoodSharing meals is a vital part in the family life. Meals are a distinctive and visible part of a country culture, especially ours. Most families are anxious to share their culture by offering their typical dishes to the participant. It’s likely (absolutely normal) that you do not like all the food. It’s important to be honest and respectful at the same time. It is acceptable that you do not like all dishes but do not make them prepare a special menu different from the rest of the family.

About ParentsYour host parents are responsible of everything it may happen to you, so they will take care of you. It is extremely important that you respect their rules and ask for permission to go out. They must be informed of the place you are and who you meet with; keep in mind that you are under age in Argentina until you are 21 years old, and so you depend on them while your stay in the country. COINED will not support any action host parents do not agree with, since we trust them as the persons who know more the environment you are in and will do everything possible to look after you.

About Brothers and SistersYour relationship with host brothers and sisters is very important and, at the same time, not easy. They will help you meet new friends and become part of a youth group, mainly when you just arrived. Most likely you will make friends different from your brothers´ and sisters´, and it’s OK, since each of you must have their own space. However do not forget to share time with them, they are part of your family and have made and effort for you to be there.

Jealousy may appear, mainly between younger brothers, since at the beginning you are the centre of atten-

tion. It’s just a matter of being tolerant and patient, this will reduce after time, and they will not experience feel your presence as a competition but as one peer.

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By any reason you can change family without corresponding COINED authorization,

moreover, family must be interviewed and approved by COINED before the change.

About ChangesIt may happen that after a while of living together with your host family, neither integration nor a good relationship occurs and a change of family is necessary. In these cases, COINED gives you the opportunity of changing to another family you know who is willing to receive you, after COINED check up. If this possibility is not available, COINED will assign a new family, but does not guarantee the family is located in the same community you are now or continuity in the same school

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You must talk with your host family about any possible conflict and find

the way to solve it together.

Communication

Communication is a determining factor for a good communication with your family. It is very important you keep the family informed about how you feel, about activities, etc. When facing doubts or any lack of comfort, they must be the first to know.

Many times, problems get bigger for not talking about them. The family expects you to tell them about your feelings, concerns or happiness. This does not mean you have to give a report about your life experience or a detail of daily feelings, but sharing situations with beloved people. Regarding privacy, individualism and daily activities, Argentines seldom shuts themselves in; generally the family will expect you not to spend a whole day in your room without talking or experience everything by yourself. Here people are used to share, trust, talk, etc. This will help you feel in company and get to know better people around you. People are used to getting together, visiting, having tea together, having mate, dinner or going out for a pizza. It’s common practice that you receive relatives or friends visits without previous notice. It’s important not to experience this as an invasion, but as a way of relating with others, as a way of contact. And people from this country will expect you to integrate and show interest in getting closer to them. In general, relationship among family members is open, caring and close. Argentines are used to sharing many things, not only household tasks but a mate, watching TV together, talking about their day, etc.

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Do not forget this is your program and it is up to you how to live it,

results and benefits will become achievements if keeping an open

and respectful attitude towards culture.

It is typical that, when arriving home, we meet our parents or brothers, or when we go to a friend’s meeting we kiss each other or shake hands - in a more formal situation. In general, except for school or work schedule, family has lunch and dinner together. This is important for you to know and share this moment with your family. Trying to avoid meals after school or when being alone, it is seen as some kind of rejection.

AttitudeBesides your program development, if you have problems or not with the family, the organization values mostly a commitment and open attitude regarding your integration to the new culture. It may happen that things are not what you imagined before coming to Argentina, but if you keep these two skills during the program, problems will be solved and you will be able to learn from mistakes and avoid them in the future. This will help you keep a harmonious relationship with people around you, and enjoy your stay here.

There are several aspects that talk about your attitude you have towards your family and friends; for instance, keep your staff and room in order, keeping in mind you are not alone, sharing time and experiences with them, making the effort to ask what they need or what you do not know or understand. Do not give things for granted, it is better to make things clear from the very beginning. You will live with people different from you; you have to accept them and respect their differences, and so will them.

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School 36

School

As in every educational program, school is one of the columns of the exchange program, and so there are important aspects to take into account:

General Aspects

- School system in Argentina starts in March and finishes in December, with a 2 week recess during July. - During the months of May-June and October-November partial exams are taken. In the case of December, final exams per subject are taken.

- Secondary school is divided in two stages: basic level, common for all schools and orientation specialization. Most common orientations are: social sciences, natural sciences, arts, exact sciences, biology, economic science, etc. When students finish the basic

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March April May June July August September October November December

School year starts Vacations

1º Exam 2º Exam Final Exam

End of school year

related to business.

fined, the same as his classmates.

Find out with your tutor, what type of alternative you belong to,

so to avoid problems regarding school payments!!!

TAKE ALL CLASSES

preferences, only SPANISH is mandatory, to help you learn the language faster. Although at school, people will be open to help you, understanding the language barrier may be di�cult at the beginning, they expect a

lot from you: to be responsible, to STUDY, PARTICIPATE in class, not to be afraid of asking, and to benefit from classes at the most.

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Timetable

POSSIBLE.

Class attendance is MANDATORY, not optional.

Uniform

Wearing a uniform is mandatory.

drama lessons, choir, social projects, and ecology projects, among others.

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A Typical Day in Argentina Argentine teenagers get up in the morning, have breakfast: coffee with milk, chocolate milk with cookies or toasts with butter and jam, etc. Most children are taken to school after breakfast by their parents, who are going to work. However, there are youngsters who go to school by bus, bike or simply walking.

Before starting classes, an important routine is followed: “The Flag ritual”. This means that once all students are at the main room of the school, quite and in order, the Argentine flag is raised while the hymn is sung.After raising the flag, students go to their classrooms. Classes last 80 minutes with 10min recess. Around 1:30 or 2:00 p .m. classes finished and students are ready to return home. In the case of bilingual schools, with classes both in the morning and afternoon, lunch can be taken at school, so as not to return home. After lunch, students usually do their own activities such as study, rest, play a sport (soccer, basket, gym) dance (Hip Hop, Jazz, Tango, Folklore, and Ballet), and learn a language.Argentine students study a lot during the week, especially before the exams. To make it easier, they usually get together to study. However, there is always time for meeting with friends, for talking, for mate. Friend’s visits do not need to be announced. Keep in mind that life in Argentina is very spontaneous!!!

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A typical day in a private school 7:35 a.m.- 9:05 a.m. Classes9:05 a.m. ¬- 9:15 a.m. Recess9:15 a.m. - 10:30 am Classes10:30 a.m-10:45 a.m. Recess10:45 a.m. -12:05 p.m. Classes12:05p.m - 12:15 p.m. Recess12:15 p.m.- 13:30 p.m. Classes13:30 p.m. End of school day

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School Rules

regularity and, according to each school criteria, the student may become regular again, depending on his

Monitoring

COINED High School Program manages a Tutorship Program for International students that includes comprehensive support by monitoring the Host family, the participant and the Host school. COINED Tutor is in permanent contact with the student and his/her surrounding, COINED Tutor will be able to provide counselling having a complete knowledge of student’s experience.

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Holydays in Argentina

January 1st New Year

March 24th National Day of Remembrance for the Truth and Justice

March/April Holly Week

April 2nd Veteran’s day and casualties during Falklands War

May 1st Worker’s day

May 25th First government

June 20th Flag’s day

July 9th Independence Day

August 17th Death of San Martin

October 12th Race Day

December 8th Mary’s Immaculate Birth

December 25th Christmas

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Questions and Comments?

Enjoy your Exchange in Argentina! 44