SIT Study Abroad: Argentina: People, Environment, and Climate Change in Patagonia and Antarctica

Truly a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to study abroad in both Southern Patagonia and Antarctica. When else will you be able to travel to Antarctica through the lens of being an exchange student and learn so much about the local environment? You truly are integrated into the Spanish-speaking community in Ushuaia with both your host families and your program cohort, and your Spanish-speaking ability increases tenfold. The program director, Maria, is very supportive and wants all of her students to succeed, and will support you through any hardships you may face. The only slight downside was pre-program departure- the steps were a bit unclear regarding the need for a Visa, and getting on my flight, I had to purchase another flight outside of the program, leaving Argentina in 90 days (just to prove that I wouldn't overstay the tourist period, not that I would actually be taking this flight to leave the country), which the program said should not be necessary but then I still had to do. I then had trouble getting the ticket refunded, but SIT ended up covering the cost of this extra flight for the headache of it all. This was also all in Spring 2024, so they may have updated protocols since then to make arrival easier! Also, homestay families are not all created equal- some are definitely more accommodating than others- but Maria and the program staff are all there to help you through any obstacles, and if there is a problem, they are more than willing to step in to resolve it. Overall, even despite the minor hiccups, they were nothing in comparison to how amazing an experience the program was. I will never forget all that I've learned, from the countless field trips in Tierra del Fuego across Argentina and Chile, to the hikes with friends and community members, to connecting with locals, to the expedition to Antarctica; I am so lucky to have been in the program. The nature and hiking around Ushuaia are unmatched, the community is very welcoming, and the educational resources/research in the area are exceptional.

This is a ridiculously fantastic opportunity. You get the chance to live with a super cool host family in a vibrant and beautiful port town (the southernmost city in the world!). You'll get the chance to:
Hike some of the best trails on the continent
Land on Antarctica
Eat authentic Argentinean asado
Improve your Spanish
Learn about the local environment with driven and outdoors-inclined students
Some of my favorite memories in the city—camping in the mountains, having cookouts with the group, gigging in local bars, watching the sun set either way too late or way too early, etc.

My time abroad in Ushuaia was awesome. Exciting and unique; an extremely outdoorsy and rugged experience. I mean, come on-- I got to go to Antarctica! I got comfortable being dirty and learned to love it. I grew into my capability for doing anything I put my mind to.

My host mom was wonderful. I couldn't have asked for a better stay. She took me in as her "daughter" and showed me around, taking me to do local activities, to her favorite restaurants, and on a road trip. Granted, some other students didn’t have as much luck, but if they were truly uncomfortable the program directors found another family to relocate the students to, each time being a large improvement.

The program directors were awesome. truly treated us like adults but showed up time and time again, proving beyond doubt that our well-being was of utmost priority. The cohort of students is small (mine was 17 students but I know recent programs have been about ~25); so it’s nice to have a group to do everything with, but if you thrive in crowds or are looking to study at a local university, maybe reconsider how you want your study abroad community to look.

The academics were great. Two words: EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING. We learned so much from so many different sectors; tourism, fisheries, biology, culture, economy. We learned in so many different places, too: classrooms, museums, mountains, beaches, plains. I practiced my Spanish constantly. The one critique is that I wish my Spanish language class would have been a little more intensive. I think I could’ve learned more in the time we had.

If you want a true adventure, to immerse yourself in Spanish language and Argentine culture, to be outside, and to learn with your senses with a small group, this is the program for you.

This program was so awesome! I learned so much about the environmental and social issues facing the region of Southern Patagonia while also getting great hands on experience. The landscapes and excursions are incredible, outdoor lovers this program is for you! I improved so much in my Spanish abilities and loved getting to experience the culture especially through the homestay experience. I feel so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to do this program, I highly encourage others to do it as well!

I loved my time in Ushuaia, both independently and as a part of SIT! The program staff and the host families offered a lot of support, and I was really able to connect with the community. I recommend joining a local organization of some kind, like a church, dance classes, or clubs! If you enjoy the outdoors, you will love the curriculum and how much you'll learn about the place you'll be exploring in your free time. Included trips are top tier: Chile, around southern Argentina, and of course, Antarctica!

The academic and program directors are amazing and really provide an immersive experience. You get to learn from experts across various disciplines and community members. You become very familiar with the program location and the province in general through field trips and your courses. Antarctica alone makes the whole experience worth it! The internship was very research focused and gives you the opportunity to exercise your project management skills and conduct an independent study. Public transport in the city was reliable and safe. Hiking was mind-blowing. Great bakeries and cafes. More nightlife than you would think.

This program was amazing. The city of Ushuaia is super safe and surrounded by mountains and the canal. So much hiking and natural places to explore. This program is excellent for developing your Spanish abilities and if you really want to integrate into the community. You get to do an internship or individual project of your choosing during the last month and really give back to your community. You also get to go to Antartica and Chile and explore the island of Tierra del Fuego. Also time for individual travel if you want. The host family was one of my favorite parts!

This program is an incredible opportunity. You will travel, improve your spanish, and learn about the environment of southern patagonia. If you have a strong base in ecology and biology, the classes will not be too challenging (apart from them being in spanish). Program directors are incredible and caring, you will be well supported through the entire process. I came into this program knowing minimal spanish and being a natural resources major less focused on science and I felt that I was perfectly challenged.