Buenos Aires, Argentina
IFSA Summer in Buenos Aires


Program Overview
Get to know the sights, sounds, tastes, and history that make Buenos Aires a distinctively colorful and lively Argentine city. Whether you prefer class in English or Spanish, you’ll find intriguing options designed to help you explore and understand the porteño way of life.
Catapult your strong Spanish skills forward with an intensive language class. Get to know the themes that play out in 20th century Chilean and Argentine literature. See how an increasingly interconnected world economy has impacted the Argentine nation and Latin America. Learn how Argentines address mental health issues and the impact this approach has for different segments of people. Or discover the events that have shaped Argentina as a leading defender of human rights.
This flexible program includes options for one or two four-week sessions, with the opportunity to layer in an eight-week internship with IFSA Summer Internships in Buenos Aires.
Details at a Glance
Application deadline
Minimum GPA
2.00
Credit load
3 - 6
Housing
Homestay
Instruction language
English;Spanish
Language prerequisites
Some classes may require 4 semesters of university-level Spanish. Learn More.
Academics
During your IFSA Summer in Buenos Aires, customize your study abroad experience by taking a single class during the four-week Session 1 or take a single class during the four-week Session 2. You can also extend your studies by enrolling in both Session 1 and Session 2.
SESSION 1 CLASSES
Advanced Spanish I (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Globalization and Economic Challenges in Latin America
Taught in English, this class examines globalization’s historic impact as economies and financial systems become more interconnected – from economic changes in Latin America in the 1960s through future economic scenarios for Argentina in the 21st century. Supporting topics ranging from climate change, commercial conflicts, and strategic trade alliances with China, the U.S., and other regions, a series of field visits allow students to gain firsthand experience with the economic challenges and opportunities globalization presents in and around Buenos Aires. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Unheard Voices: Contemporary Literature
Taught in Spanish, this course explores the fundamental texts and authors of Chilean and Argentine literature of the 20th century. We will not only cover the canon of Latin American literature, but also rethink the canon to develop a counter-literature. To this end, we will trace the cultural tensions the texts express and to put them in relation to the correlative political conflicts. We will also consider certain themes from the 19th century to understand the way in which Argentine and Chilean authors take up, readapt and reformulate these themes, according to new questions in the 20th century. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
SESSION 2 CLASSES
Advanced Spanish II (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Intervention Strategies in Mental Health
Taught in English, this class explores some of the most relevant strategies of intervention in mental health. Some psychologists in Argentina have defined “mental health” as a comprehensive and inclusive state of actions capable of producing welfare rooted in the insertion of the individual in their functional milieu. We shall attempt to the clarify the following terms: strategy, intervention, and mental health. We will explore multiple mental health intervention strategies and their applications to diverse situations and populations. Identifying effective preventive and therapeutic strategies is crucial to establishing public policies which contribute to mental health at individual, family, community, and social levels. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Comparative Perspectives on Human Rights
Taught in Spanish, this class explores practical and theoretical contents of human rights in Latin America and modernity. Students will examine massive human rights violations in Latin America—from the 1976 military coup in Argentina and concentration camps, to the impacts of neoliberal capitalism on human rights concepts in the 21st century throughout Latin America, where Argentina is now recognized worldwide for policies in defense of human rights. Students will interrogate how social justice theories can be used to rethink each system and its consequences for Latin America’s diverse populations. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Australia Outbound Program
Students enrolled at select Australia universities are invited to participate in Session 2 of this program. The program is open to students of all year levels and all fields. Students will earn 45 contact hours credit; the equivalent of one subject.
Please see the Australia Outbound term below in the Dates and Fees section for program fees and expected expenses in Australian dollars. For more information on the Australia Outbound program, please reach out to us at australiaoutbound@ifsa-butler.org.
Can I take my classes in Spanish?
To enroll in our Spanish-taught classes at this program, you must have a specific language level. Please visit our Language Requirements page for more details. If you have questions about whether you qualify, contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor.
VOLUNTEERING
IFSA offers volunteer opportunities for students on this program. Volunteering does not earn academic credit and will not appear on your Butler University transcript. Volunteer opportunities mostly surround group activities or events on set days (two or three “jornadas”) throughout the summer program. Opportunities vary, but may include working with the LGBTQ+ community or helping out at a bilingual school in Buenos Aires. Examples of places where students may volunteer:
- Natan Gesang Primary School: Students have the opportunity to teach English.
- Sociedad de Integración Gay Lesbica Argentina: This organization works to promote the social integration of the GLBT community in Buenos Aires.
- Maguen Avot: This organization tutors children.
- Caminantes: This organization’s goal is to help the homeless population in Buenos Aires recover in any area they might need: to get a job, psychological support, legal support, or to overcome addictions.
We also offer specific opportunities to all students requiring different levels of Spanish for one or two day activities: events and campaigns, weekend helping trips (with Caminantes).
Given the length of the program, these are the only volunteering opportunities available for the summer in Buenos Aires. You may sign up for a volunteer placement during orientation.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
- You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university. Students attending select Australia universities are also eligible.
- You must have completed at least one (1) semester of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.
Recommendation Letter
Not required.
Visa Requirement
Not required for U.S., Canadian, or Australian citizens. A visa may be required if you are a citizen of another country.
TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects courses taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.
Excursions
Activities
- Tango Classes: Showcase your moves during two separate, exciting tango classes. One lesson takes place in a traditional milonga, a dedicated space for tango dancers, followed by a delicious dinner. The second lesson takes place at a LGBTQ+ friendly milongal. Here the tango is danced without traditional dance roles assigned by gender.
- Graffiti Tour: Capture intricate murals during a guided tour of the famous and colorful La Boca neighborhood.
- ¿Comprendes español?: Practice your Spanish skills with a local Argentine during a language exchange event hosted by the IFSA Buenos Aires Global Flagship.
- BA Celebra: Celebrate the vast community of identities in Argentina at Buenos Aires Celebra Colectividades where countries such as Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela show off their foods, dances, and culture!
- Walking Tour: Explore the Palermo neighborhood, a nature preservation, and the popular MALBA museum.
- Mataderos Fair: Soak in the neighborhood of Mataderos to experience Argentine traditions and indulge in some local dishes such as torta frita, locro stew, empanadas, or of course the famous dulce de leche pancake.
- La Plata Day Trip: Spend a day in La Plata, the capital of the Buenos Aires Province, visiting the Republic of Children. This organization was founded with the purpose of teaching children the importance of exercising their rights as citizens.
- Uribelarrea Day Trip: Uribelarrea is a small town that preserves its history and traditions, including festive folkloric activities. Learn how to raise goats and experience making goat cheese!
- Tigre Visit: Enjoy a boat ride and kayaking during this relaxing excursion to the city of Tigre.
- San Antonio de Areco Day Trip: Savor the delights of a traditional Argentine barbecue in the small town of San Antonio de Areco, well known for its strong gaucho traditions.
Housing and Meals
Housing
HomestayMeals
Most IncludedDetails
Buenos Aires students live with local families in what’s called a homestay. Homestays are a fabulous way to soak up as much culture as you can and provide plenty of opportunity to make language gains. Many students keep in touch with their hosts after they return home.
Homestays: Who’s at home?
We place students with carefully screened families in safe neighborhoods, with up to two IFSA students per family. Many families have been hosting IFSA students for years. Often, they have grown children who have left home, and enjoy having young people around.
You might live with a retired couple or a retired woman, perhaps with visits from young grandchildren. Your hosts might have high school-age children and a grandparent living with them. Or you might join a single mom who shares her home with her young daughter, with another adult child living nearby.
- Location. Typically in the Recoleta, Palermo, Belgrano, Villa Crespo, Almagro, and Caballito neighborhoods for easy access to public transportation, the IFSA Program Center, and shops and cafes.
- Commute. Whether on foot or via bus or metro, your travel time to our two IFSA Program Centers will be no more than 40 minutes.
- Living space. Some hosts have houses; many have apartments. Expect to have your own bedroom, though it will likely be smaller than a typical U.S. space. Students share a bathroom with other family members. Your host will provide a desk or other suitable place to study.
- Language. Few families are fluent in English, but most can communicate. We do our best to place students without Spanish skills with English-speaking families.
- Meals. Two meals a day included. Students occasionally eat out with friends and buy snacks independently. Hosts appreciate a heads up in advance if you will be eating out.
- Other details. Your host will do your laundry once a week. Keep in mind that washing machines tend to have smaller capacity here than in the U.S.
Dates and Fees
Get Started

Selena Rincon
Enrollment Counselor