Buenos Aires, Argentina

IFSA Summer in Buenos Aires

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Program Overview

LEARNING MEETS CAFE CULTURE, VIBRANT ARTS, AND GAUCHO TRADITIONS

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. Take a class along with an eight-week internship with with IFSA Summer Internships in Buenos Aires.

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

Details at a Glance

Application deadline

Summer: April 1

Minimum GPA

2.00

Credit load

3–6

Housing

Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option, Homestay

Instruction language

English, Spanish

Language prerequisites

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

Visa required?

Not in most cases. Learn More.

Apply Now

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

Globalization and Economic Challenges in Latin America
Language of Instruction: English
his 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)

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) 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 - Session 1
May 27, 2024
June 21, 2024
$4,995
April 1, 2024
Summer 2024 - Session 2
June 24, 2024
July 19, 2024
$4,995
April 1, 2024
Summer 2024 - Sessions 1 & 2
May 27, 2024
July 19, 2024
$7,995
April 1, 2024
Summer 2024 (Australia Outbound)
June 24, 2024
July 19, 2024
$7,125 AUD
April 1, 2024

Get Started

Selena Rincon

Selena Rincon

Enrollment Counselor