Buenos Aires, Argentina

Cryptocurrency & Society: Transformations & Challenges in Argentina

Customizable Global Pathways

Length:

Spring, Summer, Summer 2

Disciplines:

Political Science, Business, Economics & Finance, International Relations, Finance, International Business

About the Program

Length: 4-6 weeks

Argentina is a global leader in cryptocurrency adoption, driven heavily by citizens seeking refuge from chronic inflation and currency controls. As the country’s commercial and financial center, Buenos Aires provides an ideal setting to examine how Argentina’s rise and adoption of cryptocurrency has transformed the financial sector and public usage of currency.

Through a combination of classroom learning, industry visits, guest speakers, and experiential activities, students will explore the bitcoin sector within the broader context of Argentine economics, commerce and international trade. The program will examine topics such as regulatory frameworks, the history of cryptocurrency, inflation and devaluation, political history of Argentina, supply chains, investment, infrastructure, and the role of government and industry in shaping Argentina’s economic future.

While based in Buenos Aires, students will engage with businesses, financial institutions, government and industry representatives, angel investors and organizations connected to Argentina’s cryptocurrency sectors. Site visits and cultural experiences will provide additional perspective on the relationship between natural resources, economic development, and the communities and industries they support.

By connecting Argentina’s growing cryptocurrency usage with the commercial and financial activity of Buenos Aires, the program offers students a firsthand look at how this country participates in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee the availability of all housing, excursions, cultural events, guest lecturers or tours.

Academics

Academic Program includes:

One faculty-taught courses (content TBD by the University, not transcripted through IES Abroad Registrar)
OR
One customized, cohort-only IES Abroad course such as: FI 356: International Finance, FI/EC 358: Financial Markets and the Economy, FI 373: Venture Capital and Entrepreneurial Finance, IB 340: Business Strategies in Latin America or Alternative Investments (3 credits each, taught by IES Abroad-sourced faculty)

Program Components

Classroom Space – IES Abroad Buenos Aires:

The IES Abroad Buenos Aires Center is located in downtown Buenos Aires and is within walking distance of the Plaza San Martin and the Recoleta Cemetery. Students and faculty members will have access to outdoor study and lounge spaces, including a small library, fridges and microwaves. Wireless internet is available for personal laptops, and printers and copy machines can be used on request at the Center.

Guest Lectures:

Program includes two guest lectures per course, which can be tailored to the program theme, delivered by distinguished local experts with backgrounds in the course discipline, offering additional academic enrichment. Examples include: Why Argentina Ranks Among the Top 10: A Deep Dive - Mario Braga, Guest talk: Marcos Copello, CEO of Pollux Finance , Bitcoin and Society: Transformations and Challenges in Argentina - Nicolás Bourbon, Camilo Jorajuría & Francisco Calderón, Argentina's Political Landscape under Milei - Ignacio Labaqui, Argentina's Macroeconomy: Now, Here and Tomorrow - Mario Braga, Business Innovation: Bitcoin as a Platform for Enterprises - Manuel Beaudroit - Stablecoins – Emiliano Giupponi (UNL).

Local Engagement & Community-Based Learning:

Meaningful community-engagement and opportunities for local interaction can be offered through visits to organizations, communities, institutions, and NGOs working on sustainability policies and social issues, with each visit complemented by a lecture or discussion to provide context and deepen students’ understanding. IES Abroad Buenos Aires also offers a Language Partners program, a tandem exchange that pairs students with local university students or recent graduates to practice both languages, spending half of the time speaking English and half in Spanish.

Support & Administration

U.S.-Based Customized Program Manager (CPM) and Coordinator (CPC):

Will assist your students in planning and preparing for your program.

Chicago-Based Dean of Students Office and Crisis Management Team:

Available 24/7 in case of serious student emergencies.

Center-Based Staff (Program Manager/Coordinators):

Available 24/7 in case of emergencies. Will be your Center contact for the program and work closely with you to prepare and implement the program. Will accompany students on all IES Abroad-sponsored events.

Enhanced Health & Safety:

Additional predeparture orientations for the cohort prior to arrival on-site. involvement. Additional reflection time built into coursework and pre-/post-excursions.

CISI Insurance (Required):

This insurance covers IES Abroad students, faculty, and guests anywhere in the world during the specified program dates. Coverage includes doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, mental health treatment, and prescription drugs.

Orientation & Farewell

Orientation (Required):

Virtual and on-site orientations, including overview of the IES Abroad Center and the city, and comprehensive health and safety.

City Tour:

Program includes a guided bus tour of the city (including neighborhoods of La Boca, San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Recoleta Cemetery and Plaza de Mayo); can be tailored to include specific sites based on overall program theme.

Meals:

Enjoy two delicious, traditional Argentine barbecue Welcome and Farewell meals atop the stunning rooftop terrace at the IES Abroad Buenos Aires center.

Transportation

Housing

Student Housing:

Option A: Shared apartments with fellow students. Our fully furnished apartments are centrally located and within easy distance of the IES Abroad Buenos Aires Center. Apartments are equipped with 1-2 twin beds per bedroom and Wi-Fi. Students will have access to washers, dryers, a shared kitchen, and bathroom, as well as common areas designed for socializing and relaxation. No meals are provided for this housing option.
Option B: Homestay. Students will live with a family or señora in a private homestay. Students will receive breakfast 7 days per week, dinner on weeknights and lunch or dinner on weekends for a total of 14 meals per week. Each student will have their own room.

Program Leader (Faculty/Staff) Housing:

Program leaders are typically housed in self-catering apartments, each with a fully-equipped kitchen and internet access. Meals are not included.

Excursions

Site Visits Within City:

Program includes three integrated site visits that bring together academic focus with Buenos Aires' world-renowned attractions. Potential site visits include: the Recoleta walking tour, Plaza de Mayo walking tour, Teatro Colón, Evita Museum, Graffiti Tour, National History Museum, and more.

Business Visits:

Program includes two business visits to leading organizations in Argentina's financial and tech ecosystem. Examples include the Central Bank of Argentina, Roxom, Deloitte, Globant, Brubank, and Endeavor Argentina, among others. Previous editions have featured visits to: - NGO Bitcoin Argentina at Espacio Bitcoin – "The Rise of Bitcoin in Argentina: Challenges and Opportunities" (Alfredo Roisenzvit & Diego Gutiérrez Zaldívar) - Central Bank of Argentina Museum - PaleoBit – "Cuevas" and Bitcoineta - Roxom – with Borja Martel & Máximo Biocca.

Day Trips Outside of City:

Program includes one local cohort day trip out of the city that highlights the context of the immediate region. Transportation, meals and activities to be included. Examples include: Estancia (Rodizio Campo), El Tigre or Colonia, Uruguay.

Cultural Events:

Program includes two cultural events for the University’s students during the program such as a tango show, cooking classes, theatre performances, soccer matches, concerts, and film screenings.