Study abroad in Argentina for a Spanish adventure consisting of a trip to Buenos Aires, the capital city full of cultural monuments and exotic resorts, as well as a picturesque stop at Iquazu Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
When you travel for a semester or summer abroad in Argentina you can eat at an Argentine restaurant and try an empanada, a Spanish pasty stuffed with fish or chicken, and then head over to an arena to catch a game of Argentina’s most popular sport, football, which is known as soccer in America. No matter where you go or what you do when you study abroad in Argentina, you will experience the beauty of this exotic South American country.
Your Study Abroad Buenos Aires Options
If you’re traveling to Argentina to learn the Spanish language or to increase your fluency in it, there are many universities you can attend that provide hands-on programs for international students.
For the beginning Spanish student, you can join the over 20,000 international students who attend the University of Buenos Aires. This university has a prestigious Foreign Language Department that not only offers language courses in Spanish, but also in English, French, Japanese and Latin. Located near the Obelisk, a 220 foot high monument created to commemorate the founding of the city of Buenos Aires, the University of Buenos Aires offers enough educational and recreational activities to keep every student busy.
For more advanced Spanish students, and for those students interest in learning about the Latin American culture, the University of Belgrano offers courses in both Spanish and English. You can take classes in everything from Economics and Architecture to Engineering and Political Science. This university is recognized as a distinguished higher education institution in Argentina, and it proudly offers modernized computer labs, well-equipped libraries and a wide variety of athletic programs for its students.
Transportation in Argentina
Traveling by bus is the most common way to get from one destination to another in Argentina. There are two types of bus services available to people: common and differential. Common service is cheaper, but seating is not always guaranteed and some buses may not have working air conditioners. Differential bus service is more expensive, but you get more for your money with served meals, reclining seats and comfortable conditions.
You can find more study abroad information in the Universities section, and for ways to help pay for your South American trip you can visit the Financing Your Experience and Study Abroad Loan sections.
Argentina also has the largest railway system in South America, providing transportation every day to its population of over 37 million. Owned and operated by Argentine Railways, there are over six routes that travel in and out of the capital city of Buenos Aires. Even though the train provides a great way to see the beautiful landscape of Argentina, it may be very crowded and uncomfortable to ride. So if you decide to travel by train, try to purchase your tickets at least a few days in advance.
Finally, car rental is always an option in Argentina. Many car rental agencies in Argentina allow international drivers licenses, but you need to be able to drive a manual transmission. The most convenient thing about renting a car is that you can pick it up in one location and drop it off at another. The downside is that you should be prepared to spend about $80 for its rental. You can book a car rental before your trip at WebCarHire.com or Avis.com.
For everyone traveling in a foreign country, check out our safety guidelines to be prepared for unexpected accidents or events.
Study Abroad Argentina Currency
No matter what country you visit in your study abroad program, you will need to know its currency. Argentina coins are known as pesos, and many come in both silver and gold. Here’s how the currency works:
- Pesos = 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent coins.
- Bills = Denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
You should never carry around too much cash when you’re in a foreign country. Exchange American dollars for just what you need and don’t get too carried away with making purchases. You can check out our banking abroad section for more study abroad money advice.
Other Places to Visit While Studying Abroad in Argentina
Your study abroad Argentina experience would not be complete without a stop at Patagonia, an amazing South American destination that’s home to the Andes Mountains and is located in both Argentina and Chile. Patagonia consists of some of the most beautiful mountains and lakes in the world, and offers activities such as hiking, whitewater rafting and golfing for tourists. The most southern tip of Patagonia is called Tierra del Fuego, and there you can go skiing and see penguin colonies.
Other places to visit in Argentina are the Mendoza province, where you can hike the Andes Mountains or go horseback riding, and the Colon Theater in Buenos Aires, considered one of the greatest opera houses in the world.
Important Information for Your Study Abroad in Argentina Experience
When you study abroad in Brazil you should always have important numbers handy in case of an emergency. These numbers will provide you valuable information for getting around the country: