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Argentina Gap Year: High School and University Program

Dive into Argentinian culture and community through this gap year program adapted to you!

Study Abroad in Argentina

This unique program in Argentina is designed for young people who are ready to step outside their comfort zone and experience education — and life — in a completely different way. Living with an Argentine host family, you’ll become a genuine member of your local community: attending classes with local peers, practicing Spanish in real conversations, and navigating daily life in a culture that challenges and enriches you. This is a year to explore — not just Argentina, but yourself.

Rather than following a fixed academic track, you’ll be placed in an educational setting built around you, reflecting your age, interests, and host community. That might mean attending secondary school, auditing university courses, or joining a higher educational institution — and that flexibility is exactly the point. If you’re someone with an open mind and a genuine curiosity to experience education in a new way, then this is the program for you!

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. It’s also the origin of the tango, and the capital of fútbol! And, its natural wonders are stunning – Argentina is home to the Perito Moreno Glacier, Rainbow Mountain, Iguazú Falls, and the Serranía de Hornocal. 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

Graduates Eligible? Yes, high school graduates are eligible to participate in the program.
Minimum GPA 2.5
Age Range (at program start) 17 years and 6 months to 18 years and 6 months
Language Skills None

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

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.

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 or volunteers. On the way to your host community, 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! After arriving in your host community, you will attend an orientation and get a crash course on Argentine culture, living with a host family, safety, and support structures.

Argentina Gap Year_Host Family

Meeting Your Argentine Host Family

AFSers live in communities throughout Argentina – 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.

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.

Argentina Gap Year_High School

Your High School or University in Argentina

Studying 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.

Because this is a unique program catered to you, your school or university structure will be dependent on a variety of factors, such as your age, personal interests, and the educational options available where you’re hosted.

If you’re attending a high school in Argentina, you’ll likely 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!

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

What's Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 30,000 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.
  • 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

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.
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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, if you’re like most AFSers, 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 while studying abroad in Argentina.

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