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High School in Argentina

Spend a year or semester in Argentina and experience one of South America’s most vibrant countries with a diverse mix of European, African and indigenous cultures

Study Abroad in Argentina

Consider our high school study abroad in Argentina! Argentina is fascinating in so many ways. The country is rich in both Latin American and European cultures. It’s the origin of the tango. It’s the capital of fútbol. And, its natural wonders are stunning – check out the Perito Moreno Glacier, Rainbow Mountain, Iguazú Falls, and the Serranía de Hornocal. The country has large communities of foreign students and immigrants, so you’ll meet people from all over the world during your high school study abroad in Argentina. You might even hear Italian or German spoken alongside Spanish.

Things to Know About Argentina

If you like to stop and smell the roses or ceibo, their National Flower, Argentina is for you. You’ll enjoy the daily siesta, when many Argentines come home from work or school in the middle of the day for lunch and a quick nap. By going to a local Argentine high school, you’ll be immersed in Argentine language and customs. What you learn during the day will sink in at night when you spend time with your host family. This is your chance to break out of your comfort zone and join in Argentina’s diverse and ever-evolving cultures. You may also have the chance to live with a host family in neighboring Uruguay.

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible? No, participants cannot have graduated prior to the start of the program
Minimum GPA 2.5
Age Range 15 yrs, 6 months to
18 yrs, 0 months at start of program
Language Skills Preferred, but not required
COVID-19 Vaccine Required

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

Visa Information

AFS will provide visa guidance and support documents (if applicable). Visa processes can be lengthy and complex; you may be required to travel long distances to apply for the visa if there is not an embassy, consulate, etc. close to your home. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond a return date from your host country. We urge you to apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible if applying to an AFS program. We recommend not taking any trips (domestically or internationally) within 2 months prior to your AFS program as it may interfere with the visa application process and result in a late program start date. 

Travel & Orientation

 In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience.

Also during this time, 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, where you’ll be met by staff and volunteers…as well as your fellow AFSers from around the world! Shortly after arrival, you will attend an arrival orientation and get a crash course on Argentine culture, living with a host family, safety, and support structures. 

ARG-HS-Buenos-Aires

Your Accommodations

AFSers live in communities throughout Argentina while attending high school. From Tierra del Fuego in the south to Jujuy in the north, you’re likely to have a host family that lives in a small town or rural area. You could also live in Uruguay, just across the river from Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital.

It’s a good bet you’ll come across mouth-watering asado, or barbeque, a popular Argentine pastime. And, you may even spot men dressed as gauchos–Argentine cowboys!

Argentina Host Family

Meeting Your Argentine Host Family

Your host parents will greet you with traditional Argentine hospitality. While culture-shock is real and challenging at times, it shouldn’t be long before you feel at home in their community. Like anywhere in the world, all families in Argentina are different. But Argentines are usually warm and affectionate with strong family ties. You’ll likely find a close-knit family with grandparents often living in the home.

Global Prep Argentina 2019 – 4

Your High School in Argentina

A high school study abroad in Argentina will offer an amazing opportunity for you to make friends, learn Spanish, and exchange cultures. As in much of Latin America, the school year begins in early March and ends in early December, with a winter break in July. Most AFS students are enrolled in public co-educational high schools. You’ll have classes Monday through Friday either in the morning (8am to 1pm) or afternoon (1pm to 6pm). The rest of the day is yours to explore your community, spend time with your host family and friends, or even learn to tango!

What's Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 32,000 dedicated volunteers
  • Accommodations with a vetted host family
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
  • School enrollment 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.
  • Free Language Proficiency Testing: after your immersive study abroad experience, take an AAPPL (ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages) language proficiency test to be able to add your language skills to your resume or possibly your high school transcript!
  • Orientations and intercultural education before and during your program
  • International secondary medical travel coverage
  • Visa support and guidance
  • Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people

Scholarships and Aid

We believe that studying abroad should not be contingent on personal finances. When you apply, we work with you to understand your family’s needs and match you with available scholarships and aid. 100% of accepted applicants with demonstrated need receive funds.

Learn More

Visa Info

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

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 high school study abroad 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.