Argentina, known for its vibrant culture, scenic landscapes, and passionate communities, is a dream destination for English teachers and travelers alike. Recently, we invited Fabiana Casella, an esteemed language teacher and educational expert, to give us a glimpse into her beautiful country. Fabiana has been a driving force in English education, bringing her passion and expertise to classrooms across Argentina and even internationally.
Must-Visit Landmarks in Argentina
Shelly: Which landmark is a must for visitors?
Fabiana: Downtown Buenos Aires is a must-see, with its unique blend of European-style architecture and Latin American spirit. The Puerto Madero Area, Palermo Neighborhood, and San Telmo are filled with lively bars, tango clubs, antique shops, and museums. The Fine Arts Museum offers visitors a taste of Argentine art and culture, making it a cultural hotspot in the city.
Fun Fact: Buenos Aires is often called “The Paris of South America” due to its architecture and wide boulevards, and it’s home to the widest avenue in the world—Avenida 9 de Julio, named after Argentina’s Independence Day!
Tasting Argentina: Popular Local Dishes
Shelly: What is a popular local dish?
Fabiana: Argentina is known for its amazing food! Here are 10 must-try items for anyone visiting: empanadas (savory pastries), choripán (a chorizo sandwich), and Argentina’s famous asado (barbecue) are some highlights. Also, don’t miss out on tasting dulce de leche, often served in alfajores, a popular dessert.
Fun Fact: Argentina is the world’s largest consumer of beef per capita, and the tradition of asado goes beyond just grilling—it’s a social event where family and friends gather for hours to enjoy slow-cooked meats and good company.
Engaging English Learners with Real-World News
Shelly: Describe an activity your English learners enjoy!
Fabiana: My students, especially teenagers, love talking about current events. We have a weekly activity called “Monday Morning News.” In groups of three or four, students choose a news article from the Buenos Aires Herald on topics like Politics, World News, Technology, Sports, Economy, or Entertainment. They read, summarize, and prepare key vocabulary words to discuss with the class. Each group gets around 3-5 minutes, allowing every student to speak for about 60-90 seconds, which helps with their speaking and summarizing skills.
Fun Fact: This activity aligns with Argentina’s deep love for conversation. Argentines are known for their social gatherings and lively discussions, especially about soccer, politics, and the latest news!
About Fabiana Casella: A Dedicated EFL Teacher
Fabiana Casella is an inspiring EFL teacher and ICT Specialist from Argentina, recognized as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and an international speaker. Since 1989, she’s been teaching secondary students and tutoring learners of all ages. Fabiana’s dedication to global learning has led her to teach ESL and Spanish in the United States, where she earned the Cultural Exchange Ambassador Diploma. She’s also a member of the Argentinian Teacher’s Association (APIBA) and an iTDi mentor. In 2015, she was selected to participate in the iEARN conference in Brasília, Brazil, furthering her commitment to international educational exchange.
Teaching English in Argentina: A Dynamic and Rewarding Experience
For TESOL teachers, Argentina offers a rich, immersive experience where you can explore stunning landscapes, dive into a lively culture, and engage with passionate students. Argentina’s love for learning English continues to grow, especially in major cities like Buenos Aires, where English proficiency is highly valued in business, tourism, and education. From tango in the streets of San Telmo to the passionate cheers in soccer stadiums, Argentina offers an unforgettable setting for teachers and learners alike.
Thank you, Fabiana, for sharing these wonderful insights into Argentina! For TESOL teachers looking to teach English abroad, Argentina promises not only professional fulfillment but also a lifetime of cultural memories.
Learn more about living and working in Argentina with TESOL Certification.
