New Global Institute in Buenos Aires Exemplifies The Paris of South America

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College Study Abroad

Ever wonder why Buenos Aires is called The Paris of South America? Student’s studying abroad with CIEE this fall will find out, firsthand.

The Buenos Aires Global Institute is moving to a 100-year-old townhouse with a rich, Parisian architectural legacy. It was one of many petits hôtels constructed in the 1920s by Europeans attracted to the culture, beauty, and booming economy of Buenos Aires. The construction craze in the French Beaux Arts style was so big, the city became known as The Paris of South America.

What makes a building distinctively French? For starters, the four-story townhouse features iconic French windows, arched doorways, a slate-tiled roof, and a grand circular staircase with a scrolled-ironwork handrail. Many of the rooms have the original French-oak parquet floors, mahogany paneled walls, ornate chandeliers, and small street-side balconies. According to Global Institute Buenos Aires Director Andres Piacentino, the building’s classic style speaks to the history of CIEE while the modern interior completely aligns with the needs of today’s students. “This marvelous site fits our vision for the Buenos Aires Global Institute perfectly and fully embodies the CIEE brand.”

The building is located in the regal Recoleta neighborhood which at the turn of the 20th century, attracted the ruling elite as its residents. Today it remains one of the most affluent areas of Buenos Aires filled with cultural attractions, high-end shopping, and fine dining. In fact, the Recoleta Cemetery is one of the main tourist attractions in Buenos Aires as it contains the graves of past presidents of Argentina, Nobel Prize winners, and a granddaughter of Napoleon. Designed by French architect Prosper Catelin in 1822, it is hailed as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world.

Renovations are scheduled through the summer and will be complete when students arrive in the fall. The building will feature ample classroom space, a student lounge, tutoring rooms, and a beautiful outdoor patio. “We can’t wait to see students, faculty, and visitor’s reactions when they come through the main door.”