IFSA Summer in Buenos Aires

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.