- Buenos Aires, Argentina
You are here
Buenos Aires - Latin American Societies & Cultures
$5 Million in Financial Aid
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Argentine Language, History, and Culture through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
All students enrolled in Latin America Society & Culture are required to take at least Argentina Today, an English-taught area studies course offered only at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Argentina (UCA). Alternate courses are available for students with advanced Spanish skills.
While in Buenos Aires, you take 15–19 credit hours per semester.
You customize your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional program components:
- IES Abroad Spanish language course (required)
- Partner University Course at UCA* (required for students not taking other partner university courses )
- Spanish-taught Partner University Courses at UCA, UBA or UTDT (for students with advanced language skills, additional prerequisites may apply)
- Spanish language reading/writing workshop
- English-taught IES Abroad Area Studies courses
- Spanish-taught IES Abroad Area Studies courses (for students with advanced language skills)
- IES Abroad internship or service learning placement
*Students must select at least one partner university course.
Academic Symposium
Throughout the semester, you’ll work with faculty on a specific research project, and are invited to present your paper (in English or Spanish) to the entire Center community. Papers can be based on specific academic course-related projects or on students’ study abroad experiences, can be in Spanish or English, and are published at the end of the semester. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to hone your research, writing, and public presentation skills which will serve you well in your future endeavors, both academic and professional.
Courses
This is a list of planned course offerings. A final list of course offerings will be made available to you in your MyIESabroad account.
Language of instruction can be found in each course syllabus.
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN 364 - The Making of Patagonia: An Interdisciplinary Approach | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS/CU 330 - Drugs & Violence in Latin American Literature and Arts | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ES 330 - Argentine Environment and Society: Perceptions and Challenges | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS 321 - Contemporary Argentine History: Politics and Culture in the Construction of a National Identity | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB 340 - Business Strategies in Latin America | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| MG/IM/IB 302 - Managing Behavior in Organizations: A Cross-Cultural Perspective | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG/IM/IB 302 - Managing Behavior in Organizations: A Cross-Cultural Perspective | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN 395 - Internship seminar | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/PO 353 - Populism and Neo-populism: Latin American Politics in a Changing World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS/CU 330 - Drugs & Violence in Latin American Literature and Arts | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT 344 - 20th Century Argentine Poetry: From Written Culture to Popular Song | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| LT 360 - Argentine Literature and the Formation of National Identity | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG/IM/IB 302 - Managing Behavior in Organizations: A Cross-Cultural Perspective | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK 220/320 - Marketing in Latin America | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/PO 353 - Populism and Neo-populism: Latin American Politics in a Changing World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS 360 - Cross Cultural Psychology | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL 395 - Service Learning Seminar | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP 101I - Spanish Language in Context: Novice Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 6 |
| SP 201I - Spanish Language in Context: Novice Abroad III | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 6 |
| SP 301I - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 6 |
| SP 351 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 401 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 451 - Spanish Language in Context: Competent Abroad | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
Partner Institution(s)
The following universities release their official course offerings just before the start of each semester. For this reason, you will not be able to register for university courses until you arrive on-site. Course offerings vary by semester. Eligibility depends on language level and, in some cases, your previous academic experience in the discipline.
When you enroll in a course at a partner university, you will commute to class just like the local students do.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Argentina (UCA)
www.uca.edu.ar
Founded in 1958, Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina is a leading university that is internationally recognized. UCA enrolls approximately 22,000 students, hosting about 700 international students each year from 40 countries. You will enroll in the Argentina Today course, or in at least one other University course. Additional courses are available in the disciplines below:
- Business & Economics
- Philosophy & Humanities
- Psychology
- Social, Political & Communication Sciences
Location & Commute Time
The university’s Buenos Aires campus is located in the trendy Puerto Madero neighborhood, which is the historic waterfront area along the Rio de la Plata. The commute time from UCA to the IES Abroad Buenos Aires Center is normally 20-30 minute by public transportation.
Service Learning
Participating in a service learning experience in Buenos Aires is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people towards a common goal, you experience first-hand some of the social issues that affect Buenos Aires, while contributing your skills towards a community-driven solution.
A service learning experience consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by a weekly academic, for-credit service learning seminar. Through the seminar, you have structured time for reflection and discussion, and even research, on the issues of your host community.
Possible placements may include organizations focusing on:
- Advocacy for the disabled
- Community health
- At-risk youth
- Homelessness
- Other social issues unique to Buenos Aires
Evaluations and Academic Credits
You complete written assignments in addition to field work visits, and volunteer placements. You receive three IES Abroad credits and a grade for the seminar based on your performance at the assigned volunteer placement, participation in seminar sessions, and various assignments.
Internships
While adding study abroad to your résumé is impressive enough, adding an internship is even more powerful, and can help distinguish your application for graduate school or a job opportunity in today’s competitive job market.
Here are just some of the ways your internship will set you apart:
- Develop the professional and personal skills you need to become a global leader
- Learn from international professionals in a hands-on environment
- Immerse yourself in a new environment and gain cultural understanding
- Improve your communication skills
An internship provides an invaluable cultural experience, and helps you develop professional and personal skills. All IES Abroad internships are supervised and offered as academic options earning 3 IES Abroad credits. No prior Spanish language study is required, though placement options can vary based on your language levels.
A service learning placement allows you to develop similar skills while working within social organizations in Argentina.
Placement Areas
- Arts & Museums
- Business/Marketing
- Education
- Journalism / Communications
- Public Health
Field Trips & Events
Although your adventure begins in Buenos Aires, our field trips take you to other great destinations in Argentina and provide contrast and context for what you are learning in Buenos Aires. Most trips are covered by IES Abroad; you share a portion of the cost with IES Abroad for some trips.
Possible destinations may include:
San Antonio De Areco
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Spend the day in an estancia with a traditional asado and learn about gaucho skills.
Luján & Local Estancia
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Visit the city of Luján, with its famous cathedral where pilgrims come from all over the country. Spend the day at an estancia and enjoy outdoor recreational activities.
San Isidro
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Tour San Isidro, one of Buenos Aires' most beautiful suburbs known for its wealth and tradition. Take a guided walking tour through the main town square with its Neo-Gothic cathedral and handicraft fair. Then tour the Museo Villa Ocampo, and finish the day by the Río de la Plata with its amazing views of the city.
Jujuy
4 Days | Fall & Spring
Experience the Jujuy Province, near the Bolivian border, and engage in activities like trekking in the Andean foothills and the salt flats of Salinas Grandes. While there, enjoy the unique local cuisine and culture, including the local folklore music and dance typical of this region.
Colonia del Sacramento
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Travel across the River Plate to Uruguay to visit the 300-year-old town of Colonia. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the historic quarter of Colonia reflects the old Spanish and Portuguese colonial styles, with its narrow cobblestone streets and remnants of its original fort, and dotted with quaint cafes, some overlooking the river toward Buenos Aires in the far distance.
Note: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Course-Related Trips
Course-related trips are academic trips associated with courses. They are organized to complement IES Abroad courses and contribute to a general knowledge of Argentine culture and society. Participation is based on course registration.
Past examples of short course-related trips include:
- La Casa Lo Conejos in La Plata
- Graffiti walking tour
- Museums in Buenos Aires
- Neighborhood tours
- Theaters in Buenos Aires
EXTENDED COURSE-RELATED TRIP
Students in The Making of Patagonia course traveled to Patagonia, a region in southern Argentina, which is famous for its picturesque beauty.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Buenos Aires is making sure you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
Orientation
The program begins with an orientation that introduces you to our Buenos Aires staff, your fellow students, and the city of Buenos Aires. Topics such as academics, housing, transportation, and health and safety are covered.
Language instruction and an introduction to colloquial Spanish in Argentina are additional components of the orientation. You will also receive academic advising and register for IES Abroad and partner university courses.
Additionally, CORE™, IES Abroad’s Comprehensive Orientation & Re-entry Experience, begins during orientation and continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Buenos Aires, it will feel like home.
Homestays - Live in a centrally-located homestay with local residents. This is a great option if you’d like to improve your language fluency and immerse yourself in the local culture. Twelve meals are provided per week.
Apartments – Live with another IES student in a centrally-located, furnished apartment that is within walking distance of the Center. No meals are included.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Buenos Aires through our cultural events and activities, such as:
- A visit to a lively, local market in the Mataderos neighborhood
- Guest lectures on history, politics, and contemporary issues
- Tours of San Telmo, Recoleta and Teatro Colón
- An exciting evening at the Madero Tango Dinner and Tango Show
Get to Know Your New City
Feast at a Traditional Argentine Asado
Try local dishes, such as steak with chimichurri sauce, empanadas, and more.
Get Your Tango On
Attend a tango show at one of Buenos Aires’ many venues, and immerse yourself in the rhythms of this historic dance.
¡Vamos Argentina!
Experience the thrill of cheering on Argentina's national soccer team in their home stadium.
Explore the Local Neighborhoods
Stroll the chic neighborhood of Palermo, and explore the Botanical Gardens there.
Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts
Walk through more than 24 exhibit halls of international art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$5 Million in Financial Aid
Our Center
The IES Abroad Buenos Aires Center is located in downtown Buenos Aires within walking distance of Plaza San Martin and Recoleta Cemetery.
Features include:
- Classrooms
- Student lounge
- Library and group study room
- Kitchenette
- Staff offices
- High-speed Internet and printer access
Our Staff
Juan Hudson
Center Director
Born and raised in Argentina, Juan (John) Hudson has extensive experience living and learning abroad. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, and he earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Prior to joining IES Abroad, Juan held senior academic and managerial roles in the study abroad field in Latin America. Juan has also served as the Director for the Graduate Marketing Program at the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa, as well as Director of the MBA Program at the Universidad de Palermo's Graduate School of Business in Buenos Aires. In Argentina, he has held numerous teaching appointments in the fields of international business and marketing, and he has served as a Visiting International Scholar at Virginia Commonwealth University.
IES Abroad Staff
IES Abroad Staff
Agustín Eisele
Director of Academics
Florencia Magnasco
Student Affairs Manager
Ileana Ayos
Partner Programs Coordinator
Rosario Tobias
Administrative Manager and Intercultural Competence (ICC) Coordinator
Ana Príncipi
Spanish Coordinator
Tomás Fernández Abrevaya
Moodle and Administrative Assistant
Latest from Buenos Aires
My buddy Max (2nd from the left) & I with the ladies of Rincon Ecuatoriano.
Forever grateful for Max for being such a huge support system for the adventure that was the investigation and making of the documentary, filming the documentary, and always being an open ear and an incredible friend.
Contact a Past Participant
From budgeting tips to housing insight, 500+ IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad experiences and advice.
