SIT Study Abroad Argentina: Social Movements and Human Rights

SIT Study Abroad Argentina: Social Movements and Human Rights

Location
  • Argentina
    • Buenos Aires
Term
Fall, Spring
Subject Areas
Anthropology Cultural Studies Global Studies Latin American Studies Sociology
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Host Family
Language
Spanish

Pricing

Starting Price
21690
Price Details
See more info on our site
What's Included
Some Activities Airport Transfers Classes Travel Insurance
What's Not Included
Some Activities Airfare Meals SIM cards Visa
Apr 14, 2026
Jun 01, 2026
2 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Spend a semester abroad in Buenos Aires studying social movements and human rights. Learn about the most relevant issues on the current human rights agenda from an intersectional approach, engaging with environmental, Afro-descendant, migrant, feminist, indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ activists. Visit Patagonia, Litoral, and the Argentine Northwest to learn about campesino and Indigenous communities. Hone your Spanish through homestays, classroom learning, and field instruction.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers immersive language learning, rigorous academics, and deep cultural engagement through homestays, local excursions, and an independent research or internship project.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

Program Highlights

  • Study social movements and human rights in Buenos Aires.
  • Engage with activists from environmental, Afro-descendant, migrant, feminist, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ groups.
  • Witness how grassroots organizations fight for human rights and social justice on multiple levels.
  • Learn Spanish through homestays, classroom work, and field study.

Program Reviews

4.93 Rating
based on 42 reviews
  • 5 rating 92.86%
  • 4 rating 7.14%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.6
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.75
  • Housing 4.75
  • Safety 4.55
Showing 1 - 8 of 42 reviews
Yosselin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Learning Beyond the Classroom

SIT Social Movements and Human Rights is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a hands-on experiential program, just like they describe on the website! While the course load can be demanding, a well organized study schedule and asking questions when confused makes it very easy to manage. The most memorable moments for me were when visiting the various organizations and being warmly welcomed by the Mapuche communities, which were all truly life changing. When approaching this program, it is very important that you come in with an open mind and embrace every learning opportunity.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment for me was when submitting and presenting my research project. I felt intimidated because I had limited research experience before this program and felt unsure at times when writing it. However, I overcame it by checking in with my advisor and approaching every feedback as an academic growth opportunity. I did not only feel supported by my advisors but also by the program staff that were all every kind in every step of the way.
Pros
  • High level of support by Anna, Gri, Eli, and Cata
  • Traveling to other parts of Argentina
  • Academic growth
Cons
  • Adjusting to the foods
1 person found this review helpful.
Thomas
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I learned more about myself through learning more about the world.

The experience of field-based learning and cultural immersion has left a remarkable impact on me that I will undoubtedly never forget. As a Black and queer student, I have developed so much as a person, as a student, a creative, a friend, a community member, etc. I have learned more about myself through exposure to things both familiar and unfamiliar. I am more confident sure of who I am because of this program. Additionally I've developed knowledge of human rights histories and current issues and fostered the skills to articulate effective action items accordingly. I can attribute my growth experience to the phenomenal support of the program faculty and the connection to marginalized communities within a eurocentric country.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Once for dinner I had a fish milanesa made of merluza. I unfortunately didn't have a great experience with enjoy the argentinian cuisine while I was there. That was partially due to being pescatarian and gluten free, but partially due to lack of flavor and spice within the culture. That being said, I'm incredibly grateful to have had all meals supplied by the program accomodate my restricting dietary habits
Pros
  • Improvement in languagge
  • Better understanding of myself
  • Independent research skills
Cons
  • Local cuisine
1 person found this review helpful.
Sami
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Supportive and Incredible Program

My favorite part of my experience was living with my host family and meeting with community organizations and indigenous communities around the country. I feel like I not only learned about Argentina but was immersed in it. I did not know I would have so much support from our program leaders, and I am so grateful for everything they planned and did for us. The Spanish immersion is a big part of why I chose to go to Argentina, and I was not disappointed. My vocabulary, confidence in speaking, and ability to understand others in the language improved drastically, largely because of my interactions with my host family.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I wish I had not been as hard on myself about my progress in learning Spanish. I didn't realize how much better it had gotten until I returned to the US, and I spent a lot of time being stressed about if I was learning quickly enough.
Pros
  • Language immersion
  • Lots of travel
  • High level of support
Cons
  • Small group size
  • Can be hard to meet people outside of the program
  • Inconsistent schedule week to week
40 people found this review helpful.
Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A unique and life changing experience!

This program in Argentina contributed deeply to my academic and personal growth. Courses included the topics of Human Rights, Argentine History, Social Movements, Research Methods and Ethics, and the Spanish Language. Throughout each of these courses I gained immense knowledge about Argentina in the topics of Human Rights and Social Movements and improved my Spanish language skills. I learned so much about the fight for autonomy for indigenous peoples, the workers industry, the history of Argentina, along with current conservation efforts. I made amazing connections that I hope to carry with me throughout my life and met some of my best friends through this program. My independent study project also led me to connect with the history and the people on a deeper level. Through the support of my director's and advisor, I was able to connect with people who were experts in their field and are activists still working toward change. Overall I am so grateful for this program and all it offered me. I am forever changed by what I gained.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
My most nerve racking moment was interviewing an Abuela from Abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo at her home. I was worried about being the most respectful I could in a language I didn't understand. But I did it. I was scared and I did it, I asked her questions and we worked through it together. Mutual understanding transcends language barriers and we were able to get through the interview smoothly with mutual respect and understanding. I am now grateful to have her as someone I have crossed paths with and still message on occasion.
54 people found this review helpful.
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Worthwhile adventure

I looked at a lot of study abroad programs for different countries and with different companies, but I am genuinely so glad I landed on this one. This program gave a fantastic overview of how the country's history influences it's current political and cultural climate. The staff were incredibly helpful and caring. They helped me navigate health issues that came up while I was abroad, and I never felt alone. The homestays and the location made it an amazing immersive experience. The first half of the program focuses on classroom instruction, excursions in CABA, and week long trips to the North and the South of the country to help you understand the history of Argentina. Then the second half is dedicated to either an internship with a group or an independent study on a social movement or topic relating to human rights. This made for a nice balance between classroom and hands-on learning. We each had the time and resources to explore a topic that we were interested in for about a month as well.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
We got to travel to the northern provinces of Salta and Jujuy and to Patagonia in the south. I was surprised by how different the geography is throughout Argentina. The Salinas Grandes Salt flats was easily one of the most beautiful places I've visited. The program also set us up so we could talk with local groups who are fighting to preserve the landscape and its resources.
66 people found this review helpful.
Poppy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life-changing experience with SIT

Passionate, committed students looking for an immersive and meaningful study abroad experience look no further! I can confidently say that this experience changed my life. From living in a homestay to traveling the entire country on field trips, from learning from leading professors in social movements, law, and history to completing an incredible internship, I can't think of a better way to deeply engage with this wonderful country. Plus, the local staff is so supportive – I truly felt at home here.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
SINK IN! Linger at those late-afternoon meriendas, watch a telenovela with your host mom, take up dance classes, join a club, sit in on night classes at UBA. Buenos Aires is one of the most welcoming cities I've ever travelled to, and SIT's program directors are here to help you make the most of it. I, for one, joined an illustration workshop and a book club with a group of elderly ladies in my neighborhood. My experience—and Spanish skills—were significantly improved as a result!
Pros
  • Rewarding and multi-faceted academic approach, well-suited for engaged learners
  • Several weeks of field trips in which you connect with otherwise inaccesible regions, social movements, and communities
  • Wonderful home-base in Buenos Aires
Cons
  • Buenos Aires can be overwhelming at first, especially if you haven't spent much time in a big city
  • The program is jam-packed with activities and travel, so you need to manage your time and self-care well
  • Returning to the US after such a great experience is tough!
64 people found this review helpful.
Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AWESOME PROGRAM!!

SO glad that I chose this program. I could not have asked for a better group of students and coordinators to experience Argentina with. Not only did I grow to love Buenos Aires through my amazing homestay experience, but I also got to travel, most notably, to northern Patagonia and the northwest (Jujuy and Salta), where we visited human rights organizations + indigenous communities, learning about Argentina through a variety of contexts/perspectives. This program prides itself on its rigorous academic component, but it's not all studying! A huge part of my experience was exploring the numerous amazing neighborhoods of BA with friends. If you want to learn so much while also living it up in the best city in the world, choose this program!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Really take the opportunity to try to speak as much spanish as possible. We tried in our group to stay in spanish but it didn't really stick. Its pretty difficult when its no ones first language but if I were to do it all over again I would try to speak more spanish with the other students. That being said I still improved so so much through the homestay/classes.
Pros
  • Home stay/language immersion
  • coordinators (las chicas) <3
  • academic visits
60 people found this review helpful.
Lily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Amazing Argentine Adventure!

My experience abroad was truly unique and incredibly enriching, standing out significantly from other study abroad programs. Its immersive nature was the primary reason I chose this program, particularly the opportunity to live with a host family.

The program team genuinely cares about your well-being and success. They were consistently present and supportive throughout the entire duration, making me feel comfortable and looked after in a foreign country.

Academically, the program offers an in-depth exploration of Argentina. The lecturers are not only experts in their fields but also incredibly insightful, providing a comprehensive understanding of the country's history, culture, and society. Beyond the classroom, there are abundant opportunities to explore Buenos Aires.

One of the most distinctive aspects of this program is the two group travel excursions that allowed us to meet with indigenous communities. This was a profound and eye-opening experience, offering a perspective rarely found in other study abroad programs.

For the one-month period, you have the choice between an internship or individual research. I opted for the research path, and the program's extensive network was very helpful. They connect you with experts who provide guidance and support throughout your research project.

Overall, this program is an excellent opportunity for anyone seeking an immersive and academically rigorous experience abroad. It goes far beyond typical study abroad programs because of its cultural engagement and unique learning opportunities.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
1. Practice Your Spanish: You're in Argentina, so immerse yourself! Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Try to speak Spanish as much as possible, not just with your host family, but also your friends in the program. The more you practice, the more you'll get out of the experience.
2. Choose Your Final Month Wisely (Internship vs. Research): Think about your academic and career goals. Come with an open mind about topics, but also think about areas you're genuinely passionate about. The network of experts is fantastic, so be proactive in utilizing their knowledge.
65 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers