How to Study Abroad in Argentina

South America's second largest country and the world's eighth, Argentina is a fiery melting pot of distinct cultures despite its dominant Latin roots. Because of Argentina's large size, you will find very different regions, allowing you to experience stark contrasts within a single country. From the remote wild to the busy plazas of Buenos Aires, there's a study abroad program out there that best suits your goals and interests.

Argentina is different from many South American countries as its population is largely composed of people from Europe. Despite the majority of the population are from Spanish and Italian descent, Argentina is a diverse, multicultural center with a wonderful culture and strong economy. Immerse yourself in a new culture, study a language among native speakers, and experience Argentina the way its meant to be experienced—as a resident, not a passerby!

Choosing a Program

Is Argentina calling your name? Great—pick up and answer! Now that you've made the exciting decision to study abroad here, all you need to do is select which program you're going to participate in. While it can feel overwhelming at times, we've made a cheat sheet to help make your decision process a little clearer.

Language:
Take advantage of your time spent in Argentina by selecting a program that gives you opportunities to study the local language—Spanish! An incredibly useful and widespread language, Spanish is the language of Argentinian's every day life. While English is used in business, you would be wise to learn a few key phrases to help enhance your experience there. You can study Spanish alongside students from all over the world!

If you are not entirely confident in your Spanish language skills, select a program that teaches students in both English and Spanish.

Housing:
Living abroad can mean different things to different people. If you're interested in a true immersion experience, you would likely take advantage of any opportunity to closely interact with the locals, including participating in a home stay. On the flip side, if you prefer a bit more independence abroad, you may find an apartment is a more suitable living situation. Whatever you fancy, select a program that ultimately fulfills your desires for your study abroad experience.

Some universities offer dormitories or residencies, and those which do not offer accommodation counseling services for international students. As an international student, you can rent a room in a students’ residence, or alternatively rent a house or an apartment; or a single room in a family home or apartment.

With API's study abroad program in Buenos Aires, students are automatically placed in a homestay environment, with the aims of improving students' understanding of Argentinian culture and Spanish language. On the other hand, Panrimo abroad gives their students the option to stay in a home stay or to stay in a single / shared apartment in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires. If neither of these options sound ideal to you, we recommend CEA's program prepares international student residence halls.

IES Abroad Buenos Aires staff arranges adventurous and exciting trips designed to take you to places you may not have explored on your own. With guided tours from experienced guides, you will learn more about Argentina's nature, history and architecture.
-- IES Abroad

Activities and sightseeing:
Different study abroad programs use different approaches to helping students experience a culture outside of the classroom. Some programs will opt to pre-organize meaningful events for students to participate in, with the hope of giving students the most enriching experiences possible. Other programs, conversely, prefer to allow students to organize their weekend activities independently, thus giving students more freedom for seeing the sights they truly want to see. Which is better? You decide!

IES Abroad organizes a slew of fun activities for students participating in their semester and year long program in Buenos Aires. From day trips to traditional ranches, longer trips to neighboring Uruguay, or visits to local craft markets, IES Abroad students certainly won't have time to get bored! If you're looking for a little more outdoor fun, check out Panrimo Abroad, who organizes a short trip to the nearby Andes mountain range! Sweet!

Where to Study Abroad in Argentina

No matter where you study in Argentina, you can be sure that your program will either be in cities or near them, allowing you plenty of chances to fully explore the abundance of culture in Argentina. There are really two very different parts to Argentinian culture—one being Buenos Aires, the second being the rest of the country. We recommend giving both a shot while you're there!

BUENOS AIRES: Buenos Aires is somehow a combination of indigenous, colonial, modern, and futuristic—you've got to see it to believe it! Nicknamed the "Pearl" or South America and the "Paris" of South America, Buenos Aires is home to 32 million citizens (about forty percent of the population!) AND serves as a major center for local cultural, economic, and political life. You will find that the architecture of Buenos Aires is much more reminiscent of Europe than you will find in other South American cities—and it provides a great selection of top notch museums, theaters, and other culturally significant (and entertaining!) places.

Tree lined boulevards, pop-up tango lessons on street corners, reggae music, and a wealth of landmarks makes Argentina's capital city an ideal location for a study abroad experience.

MENDOZA: Big city living comes to pass in beautiful Mendoza, found in Argentina's wine country. While featuring a ton of activities for nightlife, great dining, and many entertainment scenes, this city also has many tranquil areas, and is known for being very "green!" It's location at the foot of the Andes Mountains certainly doesn't hurt, either!

If you prefer to experience a different side of Argentina, one that is not found in the oft-visited Buenos Aires, Mendoza is the city for you. It is a perfect destination for lovers of the outdoors (or you regular ol' adventure-seekers).

Scholarships to Study in Argentina

Life in Argentina comes at an extremely affordable price, so rest easy knowing that studying in Argentina will not lead to long last debt. Regardless that the cost of living is relatively inexpensive compared to the US or European nations, getting there may not be.

Instead of playing the "Find a Flight" game for hours on end trying to save a couple of bucks from different websites, jump the gun and instead apply for scholarships (which may end up saving you a large chunk of cash in the end).

• Scholarships Argentina offers 30 partial scholarships to international students interested in learning Spanish in Argentina!
• IES Abroad offers a variety of scholarships for those participating in their programs - including a few great options in Argentina!

Language and Customs

Tango, tango, tango! This dance began near the beginning of the 20th century and is truly a cultural treasure; just about anyone who's anyone knows this evocative dance! If they're not swinging their hips in tune to the Argentinian guitar, your next best bet is to find the locals at the nearest sports field, catching a quick game of "football." Whether people are playing or watching, Argentinian's love this national sport!

This large country boasts of many natural landmarks, such as the incredible Andes Mountains, the towering Iguazu waterfalls and river, or the Perito Moreno Glacier—don't leave the country without seeing them all (and taking a healthy amount of photos!).

Add a little adventure to your life and study abroad in Argentina—experience the DEEP south and impress your friends with your newfound tango once you've returned!

Contributed by Megan Lee