When you dream about studying abroad in Argentina, make sure you dream in color. Let your mind wander through the blooming purple jacaranda in the spring, tickling your nose with sweet pleasantries. Brace the cold, white snow-capped mountains, such as the infamous Fitz Roy peaking over the teal-mirrored lakes in Patagonia. Feel the awe of the lush green forestry surrounding the rainbow-inviting Iguazú Falls. Walk your legs to the Casa Rosada (the Pink House) while learning about the past, present, and future of Argentina.
Argentina will keep you busy for a summer, semester, or academic year!
From the high peaks in the Andes, to the rust desert and blue lakes, to the magnificent and abundant wildlife, Argentina offers access to some of the world’s most special wonders. And if you are still wondering why you should study abroad in Argentina, here are some of our favorite reasons to study abroad in Argentina that will be enough to not only color your world, but also to change your life.
11 reasons to study abroad in Argentina
1. Culture and diversity
Culture in Argentina is about passion and community. Here, you will feel the streets alive and breathing. Feel the passion course through your body as you dance Tango, painting the dance floor in flashes of red.
Or, if dance is not your forte, channel your blue and gold energy into cheering for the Argentine fútbol team. Embrace the power of chanting and stomping and cheering alongside a mass audience—that energy buzz will leave you feeling connected and impassioned.
Walking the streets of Argentine cities, such as the capital Buenos Aires, may feel like walking through a European city. The influence of the Spanish colonial era remains, and can be seen in the architecture lining the cityscape.
Although the majority of the Argentine population is of Spanish descent, the country has welcomed immigrants from all over the world, and has small pockets of Afro- and Asian-Argentine communities. Buenos Aires also has one of the biggest Jewish and Muslim populations in Latin America.
Despite this diversity, students of color on Argentina study abroad programs may face additional attention.
2. Food and wine
You’ll love starting your day with mate.
Argentina is known for many things, including their steak and wine. Enjoy any cut of divine meat at a local Parrillas (grill houses), where you can also indulge on a rainbow of grilled vegetables and sausages.
Meat lovers flock to Argentina, salivating, because of the grass-fed cows and Asado cooking techniques. Other foods that will awaken your taste buds include chimichurri, Argentine empanadas, choripan, and golden dulce de leche. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the wild boar!
Pair these delicious meals with an endless array of red wines that have been perfected throughout Argentina’s rich history with wine. When studying abroad in Argentina, tips for integrating into the culture include embracing the local cuisine and drink, including a daily mate—a delicious Argentine tea. Cheers!
3. History of social justice movements for workers’ rights
If you are passionate about social justice, grassroots organizing, and worker’s rights, there are Argentina study abroad programs that can connect you with these local movements.
Argentina has a history of colonialism, radicalism, and transformation; particularly influenced by the oligarchy, the military, and the Catholic Church. The year 2001 served as a turning point for the working class in Argentina.
Workers disrupted the status quo through rebellions, protests, and mobilization to address the impact of neoliberalism and capitalism. As the efforts continue, there are many lessons to be learned from the people organizing for worker’s rights in Argentina.
4. Festivals and art
Art and culture lovers will fall in love with Buenos Aires.
Whether you fancy a good read in the park (purchased from Buenos Aires’ booming book industry), an engaging ensemble at the local concert venue, or a trip to the cinema that leaves you on the edge of your seat, Argentina has plenty of art, music, and literature to offer.
While in Argentina, you will have easy access to the arts to supplement your studies, yet another reason why study abroad in Argentina will color your life. Make sure to check out the critically acclaimed museums like The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA).
Particularly in January and February (summer in Argentina), but also throughout the whole year, Argentina hosts a gambit of festivals that bring people together in celebration of everything from folklore to grapes and chocolate and to the colorful Sun festival. Lucky for you, Argentina offers their own Carnival experience!
5. Access to the outdoors
Out of the many reasons to study abroad in Argentina, the access to the natural wonders of the world will leave you in awe. No matter your level of skill or outdoorsy-ness, you will be able to find a path that will lead you where you never thought you’d go.
Surrounded by walls of ice blue, enjoy a picnic or boat ride amongst glaciers in Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares National Park. Cycle through the winding, tree-laced vineyards of Mendoza, ending your day with a fresh glass of vino.
Hike, ski, or snowboard in the spectacular Patagonia region. You might even see a penguin or two!
READ NEXT: Why Study Abroad? 13 Super Convincing Reasons
6. Indigenous rights and environmental conservation efforts
Although Argentine history is riddled with colonialism—the impacts of which can still be seen today—there are 35 Indigenous communities that are officially recognized within the country which offer a special lens into Argentine culture and history.
These communities hold specified constitutional rights that can be seen both at the federal and provincial state levels. Despite these efforts, tensions remain present over Indigenous rights to the land.
Argentina is host to an abundance of natural resources and wildlife. While studying abroad in Argentina, you can learn about the country’s 18 ecoregions and the challenges and successful efforts towards land and wildlife conservation.
7. Financial support for international students
You don’t need to go broke to study abroad in Argentina.
If you are looking to study in Argentina as an international student, you will find various grants and scholarships specifically offered to foreign students studying in Argentina. Many universities support international students in other ways as well, such as free Spanish language and culture courses.
While Argentina isn’t the most inexpensive place to travel, some budget studying abroad in Argentina tips include finding budget friendly breakfast and lunch specials, indulging in the delicious street food options, taking advantage of free museum admissions, and planning your outdoor adventures ahead of time to consider park fees.
8. Feminist movements in Argentina
If studying social movements is one of your reasons for studying abroad in Argentina, the history of feminism is an enriching learning opportunity. Feminism in Argentina can be traced to the 19th and 20th century European immigration wave.
The contemporary feminist movement in Argentina is now considered one of the biggest movements for women’s rights in Latin America. Issues of particular focus in Argentina include pro-choice advocacy and femicide, with some tension around sex worker’s rights. Learn from local grassroots efforts to create a more inclusive country.
9. LGBTQ rights
Argentina holds many lessons in their history that are relevant and important to consider today. A 1976 Argentine coup d'état disrupted the dictatorship in Argentina. In the decades that followed, various LGBTQ+ focused organizations formed throughout the 1980s and 1990s, advocating for rights and protections of the LGBTQ+ community.
As one of the most progressive Latin American countries, Argentina serves as a wonderful example to learn from. A couple of major wins for the country has been the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2010, as well as the passing of the Gender Identity Law that provides legal identity change protection to trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks.
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3 Argentina study abroad programs to get you started
1. SIT Study Abroad: Social Movements and Human Rights
- Why? In light of the rapid growth of social movements in Argentina, this program highlights grassroots organizations advocating for human rights, environmental justice activists and efforts, and Indigenous land and rights. You will live with a local host family, immersing yourself in the local culture, language, and cuisine. Don’t fret, this program has several excursions to various sites within Argentina. Wrapping up your semester, you will have the option to conduct independent research, or complete an internship with a local organization. The opportunities are endless!
- Where? Buenos Aires
- Read SIT Study Abroad reviews
2. IES Abroad: Advanced Spanish Immersion
- Why? Looking to improve your Spanish language skills? Look no further! This program offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the language in and out of the classroom. Learn about art, political science, or Latin American studies in Spanish-taught IES Abroad classes, and enroll in one course at a local university to obtain your 15-19 semester credits. During your semester, you can choose to either live with a host family or with local Argentine students in a residence hall. Each experience will help you practice your skills and build confidence.
- Where? Buenos Aires
- Read IES Abroad reviews
3. CIEE: Open Campus Block In Buenos Aires
- Why? If you are hoping to customize your semester, this is the program for you! With options to take one, two, or three six-week blocks, you could immerse yourself in Argentine culture fully, or you can create a comparative semester with multiple locations. Classes cover a wide range of topics and offer the chance to further your academic passions in Buenos Aires. Learning is not limited to the classroom on this program, with weekend Study Tours, you will be able to experience the streets of bustling cities, as well as the Argentine countryside. Build your dream program today!
- Where? Buenos Aires
- Read CIEE reviews
Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Argentina
Studying abroad in Argentina will be a highlight of your academic career!
Argentina offers numerous wonders.
Whether you are looking to study in Argentina as an international student, hoping to expand your horizons through gaining college credits while accessing outdoor adventures, or wanting to embrace the Argentine lifestyle (mate included!), studying abroad in Argentina will offer you access to advancing your academics, setting the stones for your future career, and painting your life with vibrant color. Your canvas awaits!
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