How to Study Abroad in Argentina

Argentina: A Passionate Place to Study Abroad

Where in the world can you spot a cowboy and a colony of penguins in the same country? Argentina is home to both! With modern-day cowboys known as gauchos riding across the plains — and families of penguins waddling along its southern shores — Argentina is a nation like no other. Its rich culture and diversity make studying abroad in Argentina a fantastic educational and personal experience.

As the second-largest country in South America, it manages to wrap its expansive borders around a little of everything. Argentina’s six regions are so distinct, you’ll think you were visiting six different countries.

Argentina: Many Flavors, Many Views

A Bit of Europe in South America. A country with strong European influence, Argentina’s official language is Spanish, and its capital, Buenos Aires, is known as the “Paris of South America.” Argentines are passionate about food, dancing, soccer, and wine: this country is the fifth largest producer of wine in the world. With a more stable infrastructure than many South American countries, it is easy to find reliable transportation and accommodations throughout Argentina, making it a fantastic country for travel. So hop on a deluxe bus and see the sights! 

Mountain Magnificence. The Andes Mountains stretch along most of Argentina’s western border with the highest mountain in the western hemisphere, Aconcagua, overlooking the country. Plains, grasslands, and farmlands stretch through much of central Argentina, then suddenly shoot up into the tall white-capped mountains of Patagonia. Glaciers and glacier lakes are sprinkled throughout the jagged and impressive peaks, heralded as some of the best skiing and mountain-climbing spots in the world. The southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, is located at the very tip of Argentina in the forbidding Patagonian lands known as Tierra del Fuego.

Beach Bonanza. Bordered by Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, Argentina still has more than 2,500 miles of shoreline. Mar del Plata, along the Atlantic coastline, offers some of the best beaches in South America. This is a popular vacation site for tourists and locals alike, so expect to meet people from all over the world while sunbathing or splashing in the waves. You can find both all-night parties and isolated sands along Argentina’s beaches. 

Inspiring Iguazu. Another attraction is Iguazu Falls, comprised of 275 waterfalls thundering down across two miles of river along Argentina’s shared border with Brazil. The magnificent site is protected by the National Park Service in both countries, and is one of the most visited places in South America. 

Tasty Travels. Beef is a star in many Argentine dishes, as is spicy chorizo sausage. A traditional must-try is the empanada, a delicious pouch of flavor that wraps a flaky crust around all kinds of seasoned meats, vegetables, and potatoes. The typically inviting nature of Argentines, combined with a strong love and pride for local cuisine, ensures that visitors will eat well. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to a local asado (barbecue) as soon as you get your passport stamped! Another famed Argentine palate-pleaser is Malbec wine, a varietal made from grapes grown in the Mendoza region.

What’s it Like to Study Abroad in Argentina?

 Most students studying abroad in Argentina live in homestays. These offer an amazing opportunity for language immersion, and a taste of the everyday life and foods of a local Argentine family. It is easy to find a program that can accommodate you, whether you have taken Spanish for years or just recently learned how to ask where the bathroom is. Those who want to study in Argentina can benefit from an excellent countrywide education system that offers multitudes of schools to choose from. 

Studying in Buenos Aires. Argentina’s capital city is one of the top 10 cities in the world for study abroad. Studying abroad in Buenos Aires offers opportunities to explore one of the world’s great cities, learn the tango, or just watch it performed beautifully by professional dancers in the streets and milongas (tango clubs). San Telmo Square is a favorite of students in Buenos Aires, with its bohemian atmosphere and popular marketplace.

Studying in Cordoba. Argentina’s second largest city, has become a popular site for study abroad as well. Nestled in the rolling hills in the heart of the country, Cordoba offers a great central location for exploring the rest of Argentina. The outdoor enthusiast can reach the countryside in no time, while urban dwellers will be more than satisfied by the energetic city. Cordoba offers students the chance to study at the oldest university in Argentina, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC). This university is one of the most prestigious in South America and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sounds like a perfect place for a history class!

Quick Facts about Argentina

  • Population: about 39 million         
  • Capital: Buenos Aires (population: nearly 3 million)
  • Currency: Argentine peso
  • Famous People: Eva Perón, Argentine first lady and inspiration for the musical Evita; Lionel Messi, soccer/football player; Che Guevara, Marxist revolutionary who helped overthrow the Cuban government.
  • Interesting Fact: Tango originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires.
About the Author
Annie Bierbower

Annie is originally from Nebraska and graduated with a BA in Mass Media Communications and a minor in Graphic Design from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She spent her last semester studying and volunteering abroad in Lima, Perú fueled by a desire to learn Spanish and experience the culture of South America. She has dreamed of traveling for as long as she can remember and started saving by putting dollar bills in a shoebox as a child. She interned in videography and worked as a Production Assistant for the local television station in college. After graduation, she worked as a newspaper reporter and in bilingual customer service before finding her ideal position as a Content Manager with GoAbroad. Her free time is filled with hiking, volleyball, and eating ice cream.