Buenos Aires
QUICK FACTS
| Universidad de Belgrano | ||
|---|---|---|
| LANGUAGE & ACADEMICS | Universidad de Belgrano is open to all Spanish levels. Semester courses are available in Spanish and English. Subject areas include Spanish language, Art History, Economics, International Business, Politics, International Relations, Latin American History and Culture, Film, Literature, and more. Summer courses are taught in Spanish in Latin American Studies and Spanish Language. | |
| HOUSING | Semester programs: Homestay or Shared Apartment Summer programs: Homestay | |
| SAMPLE DAY EXCURSIONS | Tigre; Argentine Ranch in the Pampas | |
| SAMPLE OVERNIGHT EXCURSIONS | Mendoza | |
| PROGRAM CALENDARS | Click here! |
the city
Located on the southern tip of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, as well as the country’s cultural and economic center. With around 3 million people living in the city of Buenos Aires and over 12 million in the greater metropolitan area, its influence over the country cannot be underestimated.
In many ways, Buenos Aires feels equal parts New York City, Madrid, and Paris. It offers world-class shopping and dining, unique architecture, beautiful parks and botanical gardens, inexpensive and efficient public transportation, and cultural and religious diversity. For any student looking to learn Spanish, experience life in a different culture, and live in a cosmopolitan city, Buenos Aires is a fantastic choice.
Each area of Buenos Aires is distinctive and offers visitors something unique. From the quiet streets and trendy shops in Palermo SoHo to the hustle and bustle of Barrio Norte, this is a city that has something for everyone. It’s a city that can be quiet and calm, while at other times loud and chaotic.
The residents of Buenos Aires, known as porteños (people of the port), come from many different cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. While most porteños are of Spanish or Italian descent and are Roman Catholic, other European countries, such as Portugal, Germany, and France, are represented in the population as well.
Porteños have an appreciation for music and dance, as Buenos Aires is the city where Tango was born. Originally found in the poorer suburbs of Buenos Aires, Tango wasn’t truly respected until it became popular in Paris in the 1920’s. Still loved by locals today, it plays a vital role in Argentine culture.
Since Argentina is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed from those in North America. The hot summer months of December, January and February can see temperatures climb to over 100°F, while the cooler winter months of June, July and August tend to be in the high 40s to lower 50s. Snow is very rare in Buenos Aires during the winter, but rain and hail are not.
COURSE OFFERINGS
SEMESTER & ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS
SUMMER PROGRAMS
HOST INSTITUTION
UNIVERSIDAD DE BELGRANO
Located in the quiet residential neighborhood of Belgrano, Universidad de Belgrano was established in 1964 and now enrolls over 13,500 students, including 2,000 international students. The university is divided into 13 different schools that offer 33 different undergraduate and 20 graduate majors.
ASA students at Universidad de Belgrano can take Spanish language along with a variety of electives available in both English and Spanish. Semester students can take courses in English, Spanish, or a mix of both! An Intermediate or Advanced level of Spanish is required in order to enroll in electives taught in Spanish.
ASA encourages students to take part in the optional month-long Spanish Intensive Course, as it accomplishes two important goals while maximizing your time in Buenos Aires: it will prepare you to take classes in Spanish and help ease your transition into Argentine culture. Plus, everyday communication will prove to be a whole lot easier once you complete the Intensive Course!
ASA recommends the Intensive Course for students who have never taken Spanish before, for those who haven’t taken it since high school, and for anyone who wants to brush up.
excursions
Semester programs include 1 overnight excursion and 2 day excursions. Summer programs include 2 day excursions per session. Destinations may vary by term. Past terms have included trips to:
Mendoza (overnight excursion) – Enjoy a weekend trip to Mendoza, located in western Argentina. Home to the largest wine producing area in Latin America, Mendoza is known worldwide for its fine wines. We will visit several vineyards, as well as travel to Argentina’s border with Chile for a full day exploring the Andes Mountains.
El Tigre (day excursion) – On the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires, where the Parana and Uruguay Rivers flow into the Río de la Plata, sits one of the world’s largest estuaries. We’ll take a boat ride, relax, shop and eat.
Argentine Ranch in the Pampas (day excursion) – Spend a full day at a traditional ranch in the Argentine countryside. Enjoy the outdoors, including horseback riding, folk music and dancing, and delicious Argentine barbeque (called “asado”), prepared the old gaucho way!
EXPERIENCES
Getting out and exploring on your own is one of the best parts about studying abroad. Here are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you can have abroad with ASA!
Did you go abroad with ASA and have a memorable experience we should add to this list? Email us at hello@academicstudies.com!
HOUSING
Semester students may choose between an Argentine homestay (breakfast and dinner included) or a shared apartment (meals not included).
Summer students will live in Argentine homestays (breakfast and dinner included).
Rooms are typically single occupancy, but in some cases will be double occupancy. We cannot guarantee you a single room.
The majority of homestays host 1-2 students at a time, or in rare cases perhaps 1-2 more, depending on how large their flat is. Bathrooms are shared. If you request housing in a shared apartment, you may live with other ASA students, international students, local Argentine students, or young people who work. Shared apartments may be single gender or all gender; typically 3-6 people per apartment. Both housing options include Internet and are located in safe neighborhoods, within a reasonable distance from school.
HOUSING FAQ
+ Can I room with a friend?
Yes, in most cases we are able to accommodate requests to live with a same-sex friend. Mixed gender roommate requests can sometimes be accommodated as well (but you will not be sharing a room). Please keep in mind that roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back! You will complete a detailed Housing Questionnaire after being accepted to the program, and on this form you can request a roommate.
+ When will I find out where I’ll be living?
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program. You will receive a detailed description of your housing and the location, and if there is another ASA student in your housing we will include their name and email address.
+ What if I don’t like my host family?
If it is a problem with the homestay and not a language or cultural misunderstanding, ASA will move you to a different homestay right away. We have on-site staff in every city who are there to help students with any issues they encounter while abroad, and who check in periodically with students throughout their stay to ensure all is well.
+ Will my host family speak English?
No, but there’s no need to worry! Living in a homestay is the best way for you to learn Spanish, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you will improve. Also, don’t forget that they've hosted international students before, so they understand that you are there to learn their language and want to help you.
+ Will I have a roommate?
Rooms may be double or single occupancy.
+ What should I bring with me?
A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins. Students living in a homestay should consider bringing a small gift for their host, such as a candle, kitchen towel, chocolates, etc.
+ What is the food like?
The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.
+ How far will I live from school?
The majority of our housing is within a 15-35 minute commute from your classes. You will walk, take the subway or bus, or a combination. Please rest assured that we place a high priority on location, and all ASA students live within a reasonable distance from their classes!
Accessibility & Inclusion
Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. Detailed information for underrepresented groups considering Buenos Aires is below. You should also check out Diversity Abroad’s Argentina Travel Guide.
If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please call us at 617-327-9388 or email hello@academicstudies.com.
+ Culture & Ethnicity
Argentina is a country comprised of a mix of ethnic groups with the primary being those of European and Mestizo (mixed European and Amerindian ancestry) at 97.2%. Followed by this is those of Amerindian descent (2.4%), and those of African descent (0.4%)
For Black haircare products and hairstyling for men and women in Buenos Aires, check out Trenzas Africanas on Facebook or Instagram, or Cornrows Argentina. For additional stores that sell haircare products, ASA’s Site Director in Buenos Aires can help you locate options during your stay. That said, you should bring your favorite haircare products with you and enough to last your entire stay, because you may not find the same brands/variety/accessibility of products that you’re used in the US. Here are some helpful tips on Black haircare products and tools to bring with you. You can also check out the Diversity Abroad guide to managing Black hair abroad.
+ Disability Accommodation
According to Wheel the World, Buenos Aires has been recognized as one of the most accessible cities in Latin America. A law was passed in 1994 that required the elimination of barriers for people with reduced mobility in public transportation. Not all subway stations, the "subte", are wheelchair accessible. However, due to the developed tourist industry in the city, as well as in other places of interest in the country, there is a wide range of accessible accommodation and transportation. Additional information can be found here.
We encourage you to open a dialogue with us so we can assess accessibility in housing and academic spaces.
The U.S. State Department has advice for international travelers with disabilities at this link.
+ Food
If you plan to live with a homestay family, please notify us about any special dietary needs with as much advance notice as possible, so we can assess whether your needs can be accommodated within a homestay family. We also offer housing in shared apartments with kitchen provided, where you can prepare your own meals.
Resources for dietary needs for allergies, religious beliefs, or other preferences below. We strongly encourage you to order food/allergy translation cards to help communicate your needs while abroad.
+ Financial Aid & Money Matters
ASA allows payment deferral until your institution releases your Financial Aid, and we offer payment plans upon request to students who need it. More information on billing and payment can be found here.
ASA also has several scholarships you can apply for within our program application. Students who receive a Pell Grant as part of their Financial Aid package are eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship.
+ First Generation
ASA provides hands-on support throughout the entire process. This includes housing, course registration, flight and arrival logistics, and student visa guidance. While you're abroad, our on-site staff is available to support you 24/7. They coordinate social and cultural activities and offer guidance on the local culture, to give you and your support system peace of mind throughout your program. We also have an online orientation for parents/families/support systems at this link.
+ Gender Identity & Sexuality
We welcome students with any gender identity and sexuality on all of our programs. Argentina is generally recognized as a front-runner in inclusivity in Latin America, with same-sex marriage being legalized in 2010 and the newly passed Gender Identity Law which allows for legal gender identity changes.
Check out the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Guide here.
+ Mental Health
Students with a range of mental health conditions can successfully study abroad. If you take any medications, please review the U.S. State Department recommendations for traveling abroad with medications.
ASA is happy to talk to you about what resources are available for any mental or physical health needs you have. Please reach out to us at 617-327-9388 or hello@academicstudies.com. Having advance notice of what your needs are will allow us to identify resources to support you, such as therapy or ongoing medical care to allow you to be successful. Any ASA team member is a safe person to share things with!
With your ASA program, you'll also have a paid subscription to mindhamok, a 24-7 service designed to support study abroad students’ mental, physical and social wellbeing. mindhamok's curated online and live resources give you tools to help you succeed. You can use mindhamok to: Request an appointment with a coach/therapist; Live chat with a coach/therapist about concerns such as roommate issues, relationships, etc.; Discuss homesickness, culture shock, or adjustment concerns; and much more.
Prior to departure, there's a mandatory mindhamok online orientation, where you can ask questions about health and safety, culture, or anything on your mind. mindhamok, coupled with ASA's on-site staff, give you the tools and support you need to succeed.
+ Non-Traditional Students
ASA welcomes all degree-seeking undergraduate students on any of our programs. We are happy to talk through any component of your identity (e.g. age, marital status, parental/caregiver status, military affiliation, et al.) that may affect your ability to participate on a program. You can reach ASA at 617-327-9388 or hello@academicstudies.com.
+ Religion
Argentina is home to a primarily Roman Catholic population (92%), with minority Protestant (2%) and Jewish (2%) population as well as 4% of the population representing other religious groups. Argentina also has the largest Jewish and Muslim populations anywhere in Latin America. ASA is happy to help you find a place of worship in Buenos Aires - just ask us.
ELIGIBILITy
Universidad de Belgrano
Summer/Semester/Academic Year
Requirements
Minimum GPA 2.5. (Students with GPA below 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Spanish.
At least 18 years of age
Graduated from high school
Official Transcript from your college or university. If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit an Official Transcript from each institution.
ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.
INTERNSHIP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Universidad de Belgrano offers a class, Spanish for Community Service, which is a service learning course. This community-based course combines coursework with a volunteering experience in an NGO, museum, library, or school. The professional experience will be academically directed, supervised by a UB faculty, and conducting a project. Students will work 6 hours/week with the guidance of a mentor. They will also meet the faculty once a week to discuss both the assignments and the reading materials. This combination will bring students a meaningful insight of the daily life of the local culture, while also enabling an increased intercultural understanding, and increasing their Spanish acquisition (both the course and volunteering project are conducted in Spanish). For more information about courses offered at Universidad de Belgrano, click here.
Each semester, ASA organizes a Volunteering Day in which all students are asked to participate, through a local organization in Buenos Aires called “De Todos, Para Todos.” One Saturday during the semester, ASA students volunteer at an elementary school that opens on Saturdays as a soup kitchen, serving breakfast and lunch. Beforehand, everyone is asked to collect canned goods or non-perishable food items to bring with them and donate. ASA students will have the opportunity to prepare and serve breakfast and lunch to over 150 needy children between the ages of 7-12. In addition, students get to spend some time with the children, helping them with their homework and playing games and sports with them. It is a fun and rewarding day for both the children and the ASA students! Afterwards, the canned goods provided by the students and any remaining food from breakfast and lunch are donated to 20 needy families in the area.
Volunteering Day has proven to be a highlight of the semester for many students, as this act of volunteering results in a rewarding cultural exchange between the children, families, and the students. Most of the children and families have not met people from the U.S. before, and the children especially are very curious and fascinated to meet the students! “De Todos, Para Todos” had not had foreign volunteers before and were delighted for ASA students to join in. ASA is so pleased to be able to contribute to their organization, as well as provide an enriching cultural experience for our students!
COST & DATES
Billing Information and Cancellation Policy
Price Breakdowns / Estimated Costs of Attendance
Please wait to book a flight until you receive arrival instructions from ASA.
universidad de belgrano
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2024 Semester Arrive Feb. 23 - Depart June 14 Homestay (breakfast and dinner included) Universidad de Belgrano | $13,995 | Oct. 1, '23 | Oct. 30, 23 | BAS1BEH24 | Yes |
| Spring 2024 Semester Arrive Feb. 23 - Depart June 14 Shared Apartment (meals not included) Universidad de Belgrano | $13,995 | Oct. 1, '23 | Oct. 30, 23 | BAS1BESA24 | Yes |
| Spring 2024 + Intensive Month Arrive Jan. 26 - Depart June 14 Homestay (breakfast and dinner included) Universidad de Belgrano | $16,395 | Oct. 1, '23 | Oct. 30, 23 | BAS2BEH24 | Yes |
| Spring 2024 + Intensive Month Arrive Jan. 26 - Depart June 14 Shared Apartment (meals not included) Universidad de Belgrano | $16,395 | Oct. 1, '23 | Oct. 30, 23 | BAS2BESA24 | Yes |
| Summer I 2024 Arrive May 24 - Depart June 22 Intensive Spanish Language Homestay (breakfast and dinner included) Universidad de Belgrano | $4,695 | April 1, '24 | April 15, '24 | BASU1H24 | No |
| Summer II 2024 Arrive June 21 - Depart July 20 Intensive Spanish Language Homestay (breakfast and dinner included) Universidad de Belgrano | $4,695 | April 1, '24 | April 15, '24 | BASU2H24 | No |
| Fall 2024 Semester Mid July - Early Nov. Homestay (breakfast and dinner included) Universidad de Belgrano | $14,295 | April 1, '24 | April 15, '24 | BAF1BEH24 | Yes |
| Fall 2024 Semester Mid July - Early Nov. Shared Apartment (meals not included) Universidad de Belgrano | $14,295 | April 1, '24 | April 15, '24 | BAF1BESA24 | Yes |
| Fall 2024 + Intensive Month Mid June - Early Nov. Homestay (breakfast and dinner included) Universidad de Belgrano | $16,795 | April 1, '24 | April 15, '24 | BAF2BEH24 | Yes |
| Fall 2024 + Intensive Month Mid June - Early Nov. Shared Apartment (meals not included) Universidad de Belgrano | $16,795 | April 1, '24 | April 15, '24 | BAF2BESA24 | Yes |
| Spring 2025 Semester Late Feb - Mid June Homestay (breakfast and dinner included) Universidad de Belgrano | TBA | Oct. 1, '24 | Oct. 30, 24 | BAS1BEH25 | Yes |
| Spring 2025 Semester Late Feb - Mid June Shared Apartment (meals not included) Universidad de Belgrano | TBA | Oct. 1, '24 | Oct. 30, 24 | BAS1BESA25 | Yes |
| Spring 2025 + Intensive Month Late Jan - Mid June Homestay (breakfast and dinner included) Universidad de Belgrano | TBA | Oct. 1, '24 | Oct. 30, 24 | BAS2BEH25 | Yes |
| Spring 2025 + Intensive Month Late Jan - Mid June Shared Apartment (meals not included) Universidad de Belgrano | TBA | Oct. 1, '24 | Oct. 30, 24 | BAS2BESA25 | Yes |
WHAT’S INCLUDED
INCLUDED
ROOM & BOARD / ROOM ONLY (SEMESTER PROGRAMS): Choose between these 2 housing options:
Option A: Argentine homestay with daily breakfast and dinner included.
Option B: Shared apartment with fully equipped kitchen. Meals are not included.
ROOM & BOARD (SUMMER PROGRAMS): Argentine homestay with daily breakfast and dinner included.
TUITION for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.
ACADEMIC CREDITS: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: Final transcript is issued by the Universidad de Belgrano. Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.
EXCURSIONS: Semester programs include 1 overnight excursion and 2 day excursions. Summer programs include 2 day excursions. Locations to be decided.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES in Buenos Aires (museum visits, walking tours, etc.)
INTERNET ACCESS: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.
AIRPORT PICK-UP: Group ground transportation is provided from Buenos Aires (EZE) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.
SITE DIRECTOR: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.
VISA ADVISING: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to “Student Visa Information” to find out if a visa is required for your program.
PRE-DEPARTURE HANDBOOK & ON-SITE ORIENTATION
SUBSCRIPTION TO SAFETURE SAFETY-ENHANCING MOBILE APP
SUBSCRIPTION TO MINDHAMOK: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs
Not Included
Round trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location
Books, materials, lab fees
Local transportation
Personal expenses
Meals if you live in a shared apartment. Daily lunch if you live in a homestay
Laundry
Meals on excursions
Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time
Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program
Visa / Residency Permit (if required). Reciprocity Fee for entry into Argentina, paid upon arrival at EZE airport (if required)
For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions.
If you need a budget or Costs of Attendance for your financial aid office, or if you simply want an estimate of the not-included costs listed above, please click here.