Five months in Australia or South America?

Hi everyone!

I’m taking a sabbatical year and have 5 months ahead of me. I’d like to either go to Australia with a WHV (working holiday visa) and travel around while working, or go to Argentina to take Spanish classes and do some volunteering for a month, then travel around South America, passing through Brazil, Peru, Chile, and of course Argentina. What do you recommend? I suspect South America would be a more intense human experience, as it’s a poorer and less "developed" region of the world. I also wanted to know if it’s feasible to find someone sailing from Australia to New Zealand in Australian ports?

Thanks in advance for your replies :)

Gaspard

evening,

If I understand correctly, you want to go to Argentina to teach them Spanish because they’re underdeveloped?😕

If I may, do some research before you go!!

jean

Not at all! My goal would be to take (my message was a bit confusing) Spanish classes so I can more easily connect with people and also have an easier time with volunteering :) Obviously, I don’t think they’re underdeveloped!

hi,

ah! that reassures me 😉 sorry for my very curt reaction, but some attitudes really get under my skin!!

So, it's a great idea to take Spanish classes because it helps a lot and makes you appreciate the country you're visiting even more. For me, Australia is still a dream, but I know Argentina well! Four stays of 5 weeks each in 1976-1981-1995-2001 and 4 months in 2011 (a complete tour of the country). Pure bliss!! Just writing these lines makes me itch to go back 😉

I can't choose for you, but by digging around the forums, you'll get an idea based on your tastes.

Make a good choice and enjoy!

jean

Hi there,

If you're looking for underdeveloped areas in Argentina, Chile, or Brazil, you might be disappointed. On the other hand, Buenos Aires is a great place to learn Spanish. You won’t have any issues with transport or visas afterward to explore the continent. For some photos, you can check out my blog: http://buenosaires.eklablog.com/

Have a great trip.

Hey Gaspard! I’m totally torn like you between Australia and South America... what was your final call?! Are you happy with your choice???