Buenos Aires, Argentina

Customized Business, Data Science and Technology Semester in Buenos Aires

Customizable Global Pathways

Length:

Fall, Spring

Disciplines:

Business, Economics & Finance, Entrepreneurship, Management, Communications, Marketing, Computer Science, History, Spanish/Hispanic Studies, International Relations

About the Program

Length: Fall or Spring Semester

Explore business, data science, and technology in one of Latin America’s most dynamic and innovative markets, and consider partnering with IES Abroad to implement an unforgettable semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Also known as the "Paris of the South", Buenos Aires is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city where European influences meet the energy and cultural richness of Latin America. Through internships, case studies, site visits, and guest lectures, students can examine how companies, entrepreneurs, and organizations across Argentina and the region drive innovation and digital transformation in emerging markets. This customized semester program offers the flexibility of a hybrid program, tailored to your institution's needs.

With academic offerings spanning Business, Economics, International Relations, Politics, South American History & Culture and more, the program can be designed to align closely with your students' academic and career goals. English is the primary language of instruction, except for Spanish Language courses and a number of select courses also taught in Spanish at partner universities.

Beyond the classroom, students can also complete a part-time internship or community-based learning as part of their study abroad experience in Buenos Aires. This program offers an exceptional combination of academic quality, cultural immersion, and affordability—providing students with a once-in-a-lifetime international experience at a more accessible price point.

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

Academics

Academic Program includes 12-14 credits of the following courses:

One or two faculty-taught courses (content TBD by the University, not transcripted through IES Abroad Registrar)
2. Two or three IES Abroad-taught courses alongside IES Abroad standard students. Students will select courses from IES Abroad's Business, Data Science, & Technology and/or Societies & Cutlures programs. Course options available in Business, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Political Science, International Relations, Technology, Marketing, Spanish, Internship Seminar, Community-Based Learning (3 credits each, taught by IES Abroad faculty)
OR
One Direct Enrollment course at Universidad del Centro de Estudios Macroeconómicos de Argentina (UCEMA)

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. Wireless internet is available for use with personal laptops, and students and faculty will be able to use printers and copy machines at the IES Abroad Buenos Aires center.

Guest Lectures:

Program includes two guest lectures per faculty leader course, which can be tailored to the program theme, delivered by distinguished local experts with backgrounds in the course discipline, offering additional academic enrichment.

Research Symposium:

Students have the option to participate in a Research Symposium at the end of the semester. Participants include IES Abroad staff, professors, host families, language partners, orientation assistants, family members. Student presentations panels typically draw from class papers, research/fieldwork, or writing in a particular genre in Spanish. Students often present work in progress, such as a set of research questions with preliminary conclusions. Presenters are awarded certificates of presentation and their work is published in a conference proceedings book. These books are then mailed to the authors and to U.S. universities of interest.

Local Engagement & Community-Based Learning:

Students have numerous opportunities for social and academic engagement through Language Exchanges with local students and community-based learning. Community-based learning combines time spent with a local organization and a for-credit academic seminar. In the seminar, students have structured time for reflection, discussion, and even research on the issues of their host community. Working alongside locals toward a common goal, students experience firsthand some of the social issues that affect Buenos Aires and contribute their skills to a community-driven solution. Possible placements include organizations focused on advocacy for people with disabilities, community health, children in vulnerable contexts, at-risk youth, homelessness, human rights, and sustainable agroecokogy. We also offer a local 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.

Internship:

Gain hands-on experience and add international experience to resumes through a part-time business internship in Buenos Aires. Placement examples include: Financial Technology & Digital Banking, Digital Business & Marketing, Media, Communications & Public Relations, and more.

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:

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. Examples 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.

Field Trips Outside of City:

Program includes two local cohort multi-night excursions linked thematically to courses. Accommodations, transportation, meals and activities to be included. Examples include: Patagonia (Bariloche) and Jujuy.

Cultural Events:

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