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Argentina is a fantastic destination for anyone seeking to study abroad in South America. Famous for its colorful culture and as the birthplace of the Tango, it also features dramatic landscapes like Iguazu Falls and Patagonia, making it a top pick for cultural immersion and outdoor adventure. With AIFS Abroad, you can study abroad in Buenos Aires, earn academic credit at a respected university, and grow your international network in one unforgettable experience. Want to learn more about what it’s really like to study abroad in Argentina?
Hear from three college students who did a study abroad program in Argentina with AIFS Abroad!
Mackenzie: Fall in Buenos Aires
Meet Mackenzie from Carthage College who studied abroad in Buenos Aires at Universidad de Belgrano (UB) during fall semester.
While you are not required to learn another language to study abroad, the opportunity to improve her Spanish skills was an important factor in Mackenzie’s decision to choose Buenos Aires, as she explains:
“I wanted to learn a different form of Spanish than I knew back in the States, and I heard not only was this place pretty safe, but with there being so many people here I would be able to experience tons of Argentine culture…
[My Spanish proficiency] has definitely gotten better but also just become different. Argentina uses a lot of words and phrases that are different than the rest of Latin America.”
Not only does Mackenzie practice her Spanish when’s she out in the city, but she’s also taking a Spanish language course, which she describes below:
“My Spanish class [is my favorite]. The energy is so great so I’m not scared to make mistakes and I can hear about my French and Italian classmates’ experience with language.”
Outside of classes, she likes to spend time with the friends she’s made during her program, as she explains:
“Through AIFS and my classes at UB I have people to eat lunch with or hang out with on the weekends. One of our favorite things to do is go to a language bar to meet people and practice Spanish.”
One reason Mackenzie made friends so quickly was because of the trips and excursions AIFS Abroad includes in the program, her favorite of which was to Iguazu Falls:
“Iguazu Falls was beautiful. I became close with the other AIFS students very quickly and we all booked a weekend trip together where I got to go to Brazil for the first time!”
Amelia: Spring in Buenos Aires
Amelia from College of Charleston studied abroad in Buenos Aires for nearly six months on an early start spring program in Argentina, which includes a four-week Intensive Spanish Language course prior to the start of the semester.
Hear Amelia describe how her courses in Buenos Airies helped her earn credits towards her degree and access a one-of-a-kind elective, too:
“I’m studying political science and working on my minor in Spanish. So, I’m taking plenty of Spanish courses, and a few political science courses, and a fun elective—Tango. Yes, I’m going to be taking a class on the history of Tango, but also there is a dance [component] to it. So, I’ll be learning how to dance Tango.”
Below, Amelia explains why she thinks Buenos Aires is a great place to study abroad:
“If you are trying to learn Spanish, this is probably the best city, in my opinion. I think that the people here are so nice—everyone just wants to practice their English with you or is just so open to you practicing [Spanish] with them… I meet so many more people on the street here… I make friends in random places. I think something that is truly so special about this place is the people.
I really think that people should consider studying abroad in Latin America… I think there is so much outside of [Europe]—amazing experiences, people, food, opportunities to soak up outside of the status quo.”
Housing is included on all AIFS Abroad programs, and some offer the option to choose a homestay. A homestay is a unique housing option that allows you to live with a local family, as Amelia did:
“I ended up going with the homestay because I really wanted to improve my language skills and it’s nice to just be in a family environment in a household. I have absolutely no regrets, it’s the best decision I could’ve made for myself… It feels more like a community experience…. It’s been challenging but so rewarding.”
One of the benefits of choosing an AIFS Abroad program is our dedicated on-site staff. Hear Amelia describe her experience with her Program Director in Buenos Aires:
“Maria’s been great. It’s a very open, honest relationship. I feel like I can really ask anything about the city. Maria is always there to answer any questions I have. We meet up every Wednesday and get coffee and we just chat about what’s going on in our lives and if I need any resources, how my classes are going.”
Megan: Summer in Buenos Aires
Megan from the University of Houston did a summer study abroad program in Argentina. Hear her explain why she decided to study abroad in Buenos Aires:
“AIFS offers a lot of amazing opportunities to intern and study here in Buenos Aires. I chose to study Spanish here because I was looking to go to a Spanish-speaking country. But I think the culture is also a huge part of why I chose Buenos Aires—it has the perfect mix of Latin American and European culture, and you can see it throughout the whole city and their lifestyle, which is amazing.”
During her summer program in Buenos Airies, Megan took one class, as she explains below:
“I have classes Monday-Thursday from 9:30 am to 2:30! I am taking an Intensive Spanish Language course…. We get two breaks during the class—one short break, and one longer break for lunch.”
To sum up her experiences in Buenos Aires, Megan said the following:
“I have never felt so inspired… in school studying the Spanish language but also in life! This really is such a city of culture and art, [with a] love for life!”
Take the next step in your academic journey and dance your way into cultural experiences like these students did—study abroad in Argentina with AIFS Abroad!
AIFS Abroad offers a range of programs in Argentina, each tailored to meet specific academic and personal preferences. As Amelia put it, studying abroad in Argentina offers unique experiences you can’t get with a more traditional European program. Wherever you study abroad, go with AIFS Abroad and take advantage of our valuable program inclusions (which really take the stress out of planning!), such as housing, trips and excursions, social and cultural activities, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, and the support of our trusted on-site staff.