CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Location
Argentina: Buenos Aires
Description
The Liberal Arts study abroad program in Buenos Aires, Argentina helps students gain a critical appreciation of Argentina and its importance in Latin America from a social sciences and humanities perspective. This is achieved through CIEE courses offered at Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales and direct enrollment courses in academic departments and faculties at Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pontificia Universidad Católica, and Instituto Universitario Nacional de Arte. Students immerse themselves in the Argentine culture by living with a host family or in a student residence.
Academic Program
Established in 1993, the CIEE Study Center in Buenos Aires includes specialized courses in a variety of disciplines taught by experts in various academic fields, and taught exclusively to CIEE students. In addition, students are required to take direct enrollment courses within academic departments and faculties at the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), the Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina (UCA), and the Instituto Universitario Nacional de Arte (IUNA). This arrangement allows CIEE students to combine the specialized, more personalized "think tank" atmosphere of FLACSO with the vibrant and challenging Argentine university life of UBA, UCA, and IUNA. Given the acknowledged excellence of the faculty and the wide range of course offerings, the CIEE program is suitable for students with very strong language skills. All courses are taught in Spanish.
Academic Culture
Students notice remarkable differences between the U.S. educational system and the Argentine system. Students follow specialized paths of studies which lead to advance expertise in their area of study, and thus, a higher difficulty in courses than what is typically expected from a U.S. undergraduate student.
At FLACSO, however, courses are organized and evaluated on a system very similar to that in the U.S. with each professor following a provided syllabus. At UBA, classes normally meet for four to six hours per week, with class time divided between lectures attended by many students and smaller discussion workshops. At UCA, students matriculate in courses ranging from four to six contact hours, and smaller class size. At IUNA, class size varies in each department from smaller seminar-style classes to larger survey courses. The atmosphere of each university is quite distinct in terms of the socio-demographic backgrounds of the student bodies, their political leanings, size of classes, and infrastructure. The opportunity to enroll in more than one Argentine university is unique and provides insight into the diversity of the Argentine educational system.
The academic year program roughly coincides with the North American academic year, taking place from July to July; the calendar year program coincides with the Argentinean academic year and takes place from mid February to mid-December. Academic year students have a three-month break between semesters and are responsible for housing and meals during that time. Calendar year students have a one-week break between the first and second semesters.
Highlights
Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The Liberal Arts program, while based in rigorous academics, has a strong cultural program throughout the semester. CIEE organizes cultural activities such as visits to museums and festivals; group meals; attendance at local soccer games, theater, and dance performances; as well as local excursions to places of cultural and historical importance such as Recoleta, Plaza de Mayo, Teatro Colon, and the old port district of La Boca.
Argentine Andino Seminar: Past and Present
This four-day academic field trip brings students to the northern province of Jujuy to learn about the indigenous history of Argentina. Students attend lectures by archaeologists and explore indigenous ruins and historical sites, all of which are located in the Quebarada de Humahuaca region, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A hike among the spectacular mountains and a visit to the salt flats at the foot of the Andean mountains complement this field trip.
A shorter day field trip is also offered outside of Buenos Aires. During this excursion, students have the opportunity to explore a more rural landscape and experience life outside of the cosmopolitan capital.
Immersion
Grupos de Interes
These special interest groups provide students an opportunity to meet other young Argentines and participate in cultural activities organized around a common interest. Current special interest groups include the Futbol Club, the Photography group, Latin-American Music Group, and the Journalism Group which publishes a semi-annual cultural magazine, Instantánca, which covers various aspects of life in and around Buenos Aires.
Volunteer Opportunities
CIEE students can volunteer with organizations involved in social policy, human rights, community service, and health issues, among others. Students interested in this option enroll in the Seminar on Community Service and Volunteer Work course, which includes 20 hours of theoretical coursework and 45 hours of volunteer service.
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