Buenos Aires, Argentina

IFSA Summer Internships in Buenos Aires

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Program Overview

EIGHT WEEKS OF HANDS-ON LEARNING, STEEPED IN VIBRANT CULTURE

Buenos Aires is not only a major cultural center, its also one of Latin America’s most important economic hubs. Whether you’re drawn by social justice, community development, politics, business, or the arts, we’ll help you find an eight-week experience that aligns with your goals and helps your resume stand out.  

Add an optional elective to earn additional credits.

This is an exclusive IFSA-Designed Program. Learn more about these affordable programs here.

Details at a Glance

Application deadline

Summer: March 15

Minimum GPA

2.00

Credit load

3–7

Housing

Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option, Homestay

Instruction language

English, Spanish

Language prerequisites

Some placements may require 4 semesters of university-level Spanish. Learn More.

Visa required?

Not in most cases. Learn More.

Apply Now

Academics

Enhance your learning and develop marketable skills with an eight-week Summer Internship in Buenos Aires.

Essential Spanish
Language of Instruction: English and Spanish
If you’ve never studied Spanish before, you’ll take this introductory seminar taught intensively at the beginning of your summer session to complement the IFSA internship experience. By introducing key words and phrases in the classroom—and venturing out into the city to practice them—this class also provides insights into local customs and daily life in Buenos Aires. (1 U.S. semester credit hour)

International Internship Seminar
Language of Instruction: English
All internships include participation in the International Internship Seminar, which uses a blended learning framework with online and in-person components. Online modules provide structured opportunities to reflect on the practical experience of the internship, learn more about your host country’s business culture, and further develop the professional skills needed for a successful transition from undergraduate coursework into a career or graduate school. Plus, you will engage with an online global cohort of IFSA internship participants, gaining exposure to business cultures around the world. At your IFSA location, you will meet in-person with fellow interns to participate in exclusive field visits, learn from guest speakers about working across cultures, and attend workshops on leveraging your strengths for your future job search at home or abroad. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

OPTIONAL CLASSES
You may enroll in one additional class in either Session 1 or Session 2. Not all classes may be offered in a given term. Click on each link below for a detailed class syllabus.

Session 1 Classes

Advanced Spanish I
Language of Instruction: Spanish. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Globalization and Economic Challenges in Latin America
Language of Instruction: 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
Language of Instruction: Spanish
This class 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
Language of Instruction: Spanish. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Argentina and Human Rights
Language of Instruction: English
The class comprises theoretical and practical contents of human rights and modernity. The main objective is to cover the historization of human rights, through an analysis of modernity and capitalism. It focuses on the history of human rights in Argentina from the independence revolutionary era to the return of the democratic government in the 1980s. Finally, the class reviews the experience of human rights in Argentina through two specific ways: The 1976 military coup, the detention camps, and the transition to democracy; Through the visit to communal memory spaces related to the systemic and institutional violation of human rights during the 1976-1983 military governments. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Intervention Strategies in Mental Health
Language of Instruction: 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)

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.

INTERNSHIPS
IFSA internships include real-world work experience, along with developing intercultural skills and experiences that are key to personal, academic, and professional success. Expect to devote a total of 120 hours working with your host organization, with supervision from your seminar instructor, coordinated by on-site IFSA team members. In addition, interns complete the International Internship Seminar for 3 U.S. semester credit hours. Internships are not remunerated.

Students have interned at galleries and museums, business incubators, development agencies, religiously affiliated non-profits, marketing firms, and human rights advocacy groups in Buenos Aires.

Your goals are carefully considered, tailoring the placement process to ensure the best possible fit. Keep in mind that final placements depend on your skills, prior experience, and availability. Although every effort is made to match your placement with your preferred field or area of business, it can’t be guaranteed. Most internships are conducted in English. If you have had at least four semesters of Spanish language instruction, you can ask your IFSA Enrollment Counselor about opportunities to conduct your placement in Spanish.

Application. After you submit your application, resume, and IFSA Internship Intent Form, an IFSA Enrollment Counselor and an on-site IFSA Team member will work with you to identify your professional strengths, review your goals, and refine your internship interests to establish a match. From there, you’ll have an interview with your potential internship host. You will be provided with tips and resources to prepare for your interview.

Sample Placements. The following are examples of internships IFSA students have recently completed. Placement options vary from term to term.

Organization: This NGO’s objective is to raise awareness about the importance of the Right to Play in every child’s life. To this end, it proposes recreational and educational activities to enrich the social and cultural environment.
Subject Areas: Human and Child Development, Human Services, Social Policy, Social Work
Potential Projects: As an intern, you may assist with translation of specific bibliography, social media management, or investigate financial aid, grants, fundraising opportunities, and potential donors.

Organization: This NGO works to defend women’s rights and gender equality through art.
Subject Areas: Arts Administration/Management, Human Rights, Social Justice, Women and Gender Studies
Potential Projects: An intern would be involved in the improvement and systematization of the organization’s archive and documents, the creation of dissemination material, the production of artistic and cultural events, and the co-management of financial support.

Organization: This international NGO promotes citizen participation, transparency, and access to public information to strengthen democratic institutions through collective action. It is also engaged in research and actions in areas such as elections, justice, legislative work, and corruption.
Subject Areas: International Studies/Affairs/Relations, Law/Legal Studies, Political Science, Public Policy/Policy Studies
Potential Projects: You may work in areas such as oversight of public expenditures; monitoring the functioning of the executive, parliament, and judiciary; assisting in the presentation of bills; assisting with reports on campaigns and the electoral processes; and translation and production of dissemination material.

Organization: This organization encourages language practice with people from all over the world, with a focus on the cultural exchange and the values of Argentine cultures. It aims to enrich vocabulary and communication through play and conversation.
Subject Areas: Communications, Cultural Studies, Marketing, Media/Multimedia Studies
Potential Projects: You will participate in various projects such as the coordination of conversation club events, the management of social networks, the creation of content for radio, podcast, Twitch, and TikTok, the writing of articles on interculturality, and the search for national and international funding sources.

Organization: This Buenos Aires city government office promotes Buenos Aires as a destination for study abroad and provides services to and activities for foreign students in the city.
Subject Areas: Advertising, Communications, Marketing
Potential Projects: You would be involved in the implementation of marketing projects.

Organization: This NGO promotes initiatives for women, young people, and families in the vulnerable, suburban neighborhoods of Buenos. It focuses on housing, education, and labor integration.
Subject Areas: Human and Child Development, Human Rights, Social Justice, Women and Gender Studies
Potential Projects: You may be assisting with data systematization, report elaboration, production of dissemination material in English, and organization of training events.

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.
  • You must have completed at least one (1) full-time semester of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.

Recommendation Letter
Not required.

 

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 classes 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 and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.
Below are examples from previous terms; outings may be different for your program. We’ll make every effort to run them all, but sometimes things we can’t control, such as local regulations and health protocols, get in the way. As result, we cannot guarantee activities and 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.
Excursions
  • 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

Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option, Homestay

Meals

Most Included

Details

Buenos Aires students can opt for a homestay with a local family or—for an additional fee—live in city apartments. Homestays provide opportunity for additional support and connection as you get to know your hosts. If you are adventurous or independent, living in a shared apartment allows you to soak up local culture, practice Spanish language skills, and connect with porteños (city residents). Both options allow you to experience the lifestyle of this amazing city.

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 adult 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, universities, shops, and cafes.
  • Commute: Whether on foot or via bus or metro, your travel time to the IFSA Program Center will be no more than 40 minutes.
  • Living space: Only a few hosts have houses; many live in 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.
  • Host family: 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 advance notice if you will not be present for breakfast or dinner.
  • Other details. Your host will give you access to laundry facilities once a week. Keep in mind that washing machines tend to have smaller capacity here than in the U.S.

APARTMENTS

Students who choose this option live in modern, furnished apartments selected by IFSA in the Palermo Chico neighborhood. Palermo Chico is part of the larger Palermo area in the northeast part of the city. It’s a safe neighborhood, known for diversity, green spaces, and upscale restaurants and shops.

There are two options. You can share a two-bedroom apartment with one other IFSA student or choose a single studio space with kitchen and bathroom. Please keep in mind that both apartment options include an additional fee.

Sample apartment housing

Take a look at Cabello 3620 to see what your Buenos Aires housing might be like:

  • Location: Palermo Chico neighborhood.
  • Living space: Two students share an apartment with two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen, and living space. Bedding, linens, towels, and basic kitchenware provided.
  • Meals: No meals provided. Students prepare or purchase their own food.
  • Other details: Wi-Fi included. 24/7 staff and security. Laundry facilities on-site.
  • Commute: Catch the bus out front or around the block, or walk three blocks to the metro station. Travel time to our IFSA Program Center is 25 to 30 minutes by bus.
  • Nearby: Beautiful greenspaces, including Bosques de Palermo (also called Parque Tres de Febrero; bigger than New York City’s Central Park). Open-air markets. Public transportation. Museum of Latin American Art. Evita Museum. Embassies and historic residences.

Dates and Fees

Term
Term begins
Term ends
Program costs
Application deadline
Summer 2024
May 27, 2024
July 19, 2024
$6,575
Passed

Get Started

Selena Rincon

Selena Rincon

Enrollment Counselor