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Summer High School in Argentina

Have a truly unique high school summer experience by living with a host family and attending school in Argentina.

Discover Argentina’s dynamic culture and active lifestyle as you make friends and become a part of the community. This eight-week summer study in Argentina offers you the chance to develop your Spanish skills in a learning environment that is completely different from anything an American classroom could offer. By staying with a host family and attending a local high school, you’ll be immersed in daily life and experience the many layers of this diverse culture. Because the program falls during winter break (remember, seasons are flipped in South America), you can spend a few weeks getting to know your host family while school is out. By the end of the two months, you’ll have gotten a taste of life-changing international education.

Things to know about Argentina

Argentina is famous for its juicy steaks, and you’ll likely get to attend some delicious asados (barbeques). If you like to relax, you’ll enjoy the traditional afternoon siesta, when many people come home from work or school to eat lunch and take a quick nap. Argentina is a diverse country, with immigrants and foreign students from all around the world; you might hear Italian, German, or even Korean as well as Spanish.

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible? Yes, high school graduates are eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA 2.0
Age Range 15yrs, 0 months to
18yrs, 6 months at start of program
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. Before long you’ll be ready to travel to your new community. On the way you’re bound to notice the diversity 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.

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Meeting your Host Family in Argentina

AFSers have lived in communities all throughout Argentina, from the southernmost province of Tierra del Fuego to the northern province of Jujuy. You might even live with a host family in downtown Buenos Aires! Either way, you’ll most likely find yourself in a suburban or urban area. 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.

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Daily Life

Your High School in Argentina

In Argentina, it’s the teachers who change rooms while the students stay put. Enrolling a local school during your summer study in Argentina will provide an amazing opportunity for you to learn Spanish and make friends from around the world. You’ll likely attend a public, co-ed high school. Classes are Monday through Friday either in the morning or afternoon, not both. Morning classes usually begin at 8 am and finish at 1 pm, while afternoon classes start at 1 pm and end at 6 pm. The rest of the day is yours to explore your community, spend time with your host family, and taste some traditional homemade food!

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Exploring the Area

If you’re like most Argentinian teenagers, you’ll have an active social life. Teenagers like to get together in the town square after school or go out in groups to cafes, movies, and parties. On weekends you can check out Argentina’s nightlife and try dancing the tango. Many young people are also on sports teams and passionate soccer fans. You’ll have the chance to take part in the famous Latin American fútbol culture, whether it’s by watching a game at home or going to a loud and rambunctious stadium culture.

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Food you’ll Encounter

The asado is a popular way to enjoy grilled meats called parrilladawith 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 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

What's Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 32,000 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.

A new you awaits.

Apply for Summer High School in Argentina!

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