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Argentina Immersive Summer Language Program

Learn Spanish through this immersive program and explore the beauty of Argentina while living with a host family.

Study Abroad in Argentina

Learn Spanish in Argentina by surrounding yourself in the country’s rich culture and becoming part of an international community. This four-week program provides intensive language immersion through both formal study and first-hand experience. By living with a host family, you’ll be able to learn Spanish within the true cultural context. In school, class sizes are small, giving you easy access to teachers and helping you form close relationships with classmates. This is your chance to gain invaluable language skills and intercultural understanding that’ll stay with you for the rest of your life.

Things to Know About Argentina

Argentina is a country shaped by many cultural influences, with communities of students and immigrants from around the world. That means you may encounter people who speak German or Italian in addition to Spanish. Like many cultures with Spanish heritage, Argentina embraces the tradition of the siesta, when many people return home in the afternoon to enjoy lunch and rest. Argentines are friendly and appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak their language. They’re also famous for their grass-fed beef and lively asado (barbecue) culture, so get ready to enjoy some delicious food!

Eligibility Requirements

Current high school students and recent graduates are eligible. Specific age requirements may apply; contact AFS for more details. Must be in good academic standing (recommended GPA of 2.0 or above).

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible? Yes, high school graduates are eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA 2.0 GPA
Age Range (at program start) 14 years and 6 months to 18 years and 0 months
Language Skills No language requirement

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Your Journey to Argentina

AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. From there, your journey in Argentina will begin when you land in Buenos Aires, where you’ll be met by staff and volunteers. After attending orientation with fellow students from around the world, you’ll be ready to travel to your host community, where you’ll meet your host family! On the way you’re bound to notice the colorful nature of Argentine culture as you watch people shopping at street markets (ferias) and going about their daily lives. It’s not uncommon to find men dressed as gauchos (Argentine “cowboys”) next to fashionable women wearing the latest trends! 

Global Prep Argentina 2019 – 4

Meeting Your Host Family in Argentina

During this program, you’ll be placed in either Resistencia or Paraná City, both mid-sized cities, with a local host family. Like anywhere in the world, all families in Argentina are different. But Argentines are usually warm and affectionate with strong family ties. You’re likely to find a welcoming, close-knit family with grandparents often living in the home. When you’re not in your Spanish classes or group activities, you’ll be spending day-to-day life with your host family – an incredible opportunity to learn Argentine culture and practice your Spanish!

Argentina Immersive Summer Language Program – Language Lessons

Your Spanish Language Lessons

Alongside your fellow AFS students, you’ll take lessons at a language school with certified instructors for a total of 80 hours. Classes will typically run five days a week for four hours each day. In the evenings, you’ll go home to your host family and have the chance to practice what you’ve learned in-context. Spanish class becomes especially engaging when you can apply your lessons to that night’s dinner conversation! Your classmates will be other AFSers from around the world, giving you the opportunity to engage in additional intercultural exchange. All study materials are provided, but we do recommend that you bring a Spanish English dictionary to help during day-to-day conversations.

Argentina Immersive Summer Language Program – Exploring Argentina

Exploring Argentina

During your time in Argentina, you’ll have the opportunity to attend culturally themed workshops, explore your community with your host family, and attend classes centered on cooking and the tango! You’re also likely to take part in the famous Latin American fútbol culture, whether it’s by watching a game at home with your host family or attending a sporting event.

Practicing your Spanish outside of the classroom will be a core part of your experience: going to the grocery store, playing soccer with locals, hanging out with your host family, or cultural activities on weekends.

Argentina Immersive Summer Language Program – Food

Food You'll Encounter

The asado is a popular way to enjoy grilled meats called parrillada with family and friends. Or you can try Argentina’s signature snack, the delicious empanada (stuffed pastry). Milanesa (a type of breaded beef cutlet) is another popular dish that reveals the country’s strong Italian influence. You’re also likely to find a lot of yummy Italian-style gelato. Argentines are known for their love of mate, a local green tea. Traditionally, you share mate by passing around a special gourd to each of your friends.

Scholarships and Aid

We believe in the power of intercultural experiences and the potential of our students! That’s why we’re dedicated to meeting the demonstrated financial need of accepted applicants. To be considered, you must complete the scholarship application by the deadline corresponding to your program’s departure. Learn more and view all deadlines below!

Learn More View Deadlines

Visa Info

Do I need a visa/residence permit for Argentina? Yes – Visa
How do I apply for the visa? (By mail, In-person, In host country) Online
Visa/Residence Permit Process Difficulty Level (Easy, Average, Complex) Average
Estimated Visa/Residence Permit Expenses
($ – $$$)		 $$
Frequently Asked Visa Questions Visit our general visa FAQ page for more information.

What's Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 30,000 dedicated volunteers
  • Accommodations
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
  • Program activity fees
  • Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
  • Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
  • International secondary medical travel coverage
  • Visa support and guidance
  • Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people
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Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one.

When you return home from your summer study in Argentina, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.

That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning.

It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in Argentina.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.