Located in the southwestern part of South America, just over the Andes Mountains from Chile, Argentina is one of the most culturally rich, fascinating countries on the continent. From its history-both indigenous and colonial-to its present, from its food to its astounding wine industry, and from its exciting cities to its breathtaking natural beauty, Argentina has more to offer than most people ever realize. Which is exactly why it is the perfect place for college students to consider spending their four years as undergraduates.

This large country-eighth in the world in terms of landmass-is home to nearly 40 million people. The official language is Spanish, and the government is democratically elected. In fact, its entire structure resembles that of the United States in a number of ways: Its powers are divided between an executive, a legislative, and a judicial branch; and its head of state is a President. This is important because, in today's world, where instability seems to be the norm as opposed to the exception in so many parts of the world, a stable country with a fair government-as is the case in Argentina-is quite more than appealing for full-time college study.

But there is more to Argentina's attractiveness than its government. Its history, for example, is as rich as any in the western hemisphere, and students in Argentina are sure to benefit from it. Humans have inhabited the area since 11,000 B.C.E., and the Incas found their way to northwestern Argentina in the first century C.E. However, it was with the Spanish colonial enterprise that the Argentina as we know it today began to take shape: "Europeans arrived in 1502. Spain established a permanent colony on the site of Buenos Aires in 1580; the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata was created in 1776" (www.en.wikipedia.org). It is this Spanish legacy that has shaped much of Argentina's history, and even today, its influence can be seen in the fact that Spanish is the official language of the country.

But to think that Argentina is purely Spanish in its identity is to be sorely mistaken: "Argentina's culture has been greatly affected by its immigrant population, mostly European. Their influence contributed to the demise of pre-Columbian cultures, resulting in the lack of a dominant indigenous population. The European immigrant groups each adopted different roles. The Basque and Irish controlled sheep rearing, the Germans and Italians established farms, and the British invested in developing the country's infrastructure" (www.geographia.com).

Today, that diverse past is most clearly visible in the cities, particularly the capital Buenos Aires, in which "More than one-third of the country's 32 million people live...which along with other urban areas accounts for almost 90% of the total population. The principal indigenous peoples are the Quechua of the northwest and the Mapuche in Patagonia. Other marginal groups include the Matacos and Tobas in the Chaco and other northeastern cities. There are strong Jewish and Anglo-Argentine communities throughout the country; small communities of Japanese, Chileans and Bolivians; and enclaves of Paraguayan and Uruguayan residents" (www.geographia.com).

This international flair to the larger cities situates Argentina squarely in the middle of the contemporary phenomenon of cultural globalization, and in this sense, an education in Argentina is just as much international as it is Argentinean.

Buenos Aires itself is a wonderful city, and within its streets and boulevards are some of the most rewarding experiences to be had in South America. "Considered 'The Pearl' of South America, Buenos Aires has an intense cultural life where tango, long coffee [gatherings] and football (soccer) are essential elements in its people's daily lives" (www.easybuenosairescity.com). From sporting events like polo, rugby, and tennis to the famous live music scene (which runs the gamut from traditional tango all the way to hip-hop, reggae, and beyond), there are enough activities in Buenos Aires to keep even the most restless visitor happily occupied.

Of course, there is nothing nearer or dearer to a college student's heart than food, and it is here that Argentina shines. Its cuisine has been influenced by others from around the world, but there is nothing more typically Argentinean than asado, or beef that has been grilled over an open flame (www.mibsasquerido.com.ar). This is most commonly eaten in a "parrillada, or grill room, where a large variety of barbecue-style dishes can be sampled" (www.iexplore.com). There are also restaurants, especially in the cities, that specialize in cuisines from around the world-remember, Buenos Aires is an international destination for students and businesspeople.

And in recent years, the Argentinean wine industry has become one of the most exciting in the entire world. It may sound surprising, but the fact is that Argentinean wines, especially reds produced from the fabulous Malbec grape variety, are some of the best values in the world today. And in addition, touring Argentinean wine country is a breathtaking experience-perfect for weekend getaways if you attend college in this country.

Argentina, then, is one of the most rewarding countries in the western hemisphere in which to attend college. From its political stability to its fascinating history to the fact that its official language is Spanish (a language that many Americans learn at an early stage in their schooling), Argentina is a wonderful place to attend college. Its universities are of a high caliber, its people are famously friendly, and the benefits of living there are sure to extend far beyond what you could ever imagine at this point. So give this country by the Andes a chance-the rewards are incalculable.