Mente Argentina

Review Title: A Fantastic Experience in Argentina My two months in Buenos Aires were unforgettable. The accommodations were comfortable and in great locations like Recoleta or Palermo, making it easy to enjoy everything the city has to offer. One of the best parts of the experience was meeting people from all over the world and building friendships that will last. The local staff were welcoming, helpful, and always willing to assist with any questions. Buenos Aires is an incredible city full of culture, great food, and amazing energy, and this program made it easy to feel at home from day one. I highly recommend it to anyone considering spending time in Argentina.

I approached Mente to do a language course during my time in Argentina and it proved to be a very rewarding decision. Joining Mente gave me a community in BA as well as being the gateway to meeting some of the people I would make my most lasting memories of Argentina with and would push me to continue to improve my spanish. I was hesitant to pay the extra for Mente rather than doing language classes independently but I am very grateful I made the decision to be a part of the community and enrich my whole trip with the activities and people from Mente.

I completed the wine course with Mente and found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only was I able to significantly broaden my wine knowledge and deepen my understanding of viticulture, wine production, and tasting techniques, but I also had the opportunity to enjoy a truly immersive experience in Argentina's renowned wine region. Mente ensures that every aspect of the program is well organized and thoughtfully planned. From providing all the necessary supplies and resources to offering continuous support throughout the course, their team is always available and ready to assist. Their attention to detail, professionalism, and genuine care for participants made the experience both educational and enjoyable. I would highly recommend Mente to anyone looking to expand their wine expertise while experiencing the culture, hospitality, and beauty of Argentina.

I came to Argentina with mente Argentina for the first time and it was a really good experience ! It’s perfect if you want to make friends and contacts really quickly, the atmosphere is warm, people are really nice and the activities are amazing ! I did the barman program during 1 month and it was really resourceful but I ended up staying in Argentina longer using Mente Argentinas apartment. Even if I was technically not with Mente anymore, I kept really good friendships from mente Argentina as I was in the shared apartment option. The apartment has everything you need to make your stay comfortable, it was also close to marketplaces, bars etc. This option is also really good if you want to make friends fast ! I recommend entirely !

Mente Argentina is a fantastic experience from start to finish. This is the second time I have used them and I could not recommend them enough. All the members of staff are so welcoming and supportive, and are fantastic with not only helping you find the right experience, but also settling into life in Argentina! The many different types of courses they offer appeal to everyone, and the internship they helped me choose was a perfect fit and I had such a wonderful time. The activities they offer help you get to know everyone which makes being alone in Argentina a much better experience!

I had the amazing opportunity to do a two-week Spanish immersion program through Mente. It was such an amazing experience. The apartment they provided was modern and in a great location. I looked forward to going to class every day and enjoyed all the activities they arranged. Buenos Aires is the most beautiful city I have ever visited, and I can't wait to go back. I have already recommended Mente to many friends and plan on returning for another program.

Nous avons vécu une excellente expérience de stage grâce à l’association Mente Argentina. Ils nous ont accompagnés à chaque étape de notre projet : organisation du voyage, aide pour trouver un hôpital afin d’effectuer notre stage infirmier, et soutien tout au long de notre séjour. En plus de l’aspect professionnel, l’association a également organisé plusieurs repas dans différents restaurants de Buenos Aires, ce qui nous a permis de découvrir la culture locale et de rencontrer des habitants. Grâce à leur professionnalisme, leur disponibilité et leur bienveillance, notre expérience a été à la fois enrichissante sur le plan professionnel et humain. Nous recommandons vivement Mente Argentina à toute personne souhaitant réaliser un stage à l’étranger en toute sérénité.

I traveled to Argentina through Mente’s study abroad program and had the best time ever! During my 3 months staying in Buenos Aires, I met a ton of new friends, gained valuable cultural experiences, and had the opportunity to immerse myself in a different part of the world. My program package consisted of housing, group activities, and a Spanish language learning school. While I did arrive in Argentina after taking Spanish classes all throughout school, my Spanish speaking skills improved exponentially after taking classes. I can confidently say that it was my favorite part of the Mente program! I would spend each weekday learning and growing with some of my closest friends, as well as spending evenings and weekends getting together for an asado or ice cream. I do recommend having at least some Spanish speaking capabilities before arriving, and I believe that I was able to do much more during my time there because of that. With regards to my housing, I was initially living with an Argentinian host mom in a homestay, yet I ended up moving to a shared apartment after the first month or so. There were multiple reasons why I decided to move, and while the Mente coordinators were totally supportive of my decision, some communication issues did eventually contribute to the difficult situation. However, after moving into the shared apartment with other Mente students, I immediately felt that I had more freedom and control over how I spent my time. That isn’t to say that all Mente homestay’s are unsuitable for everyone, but just in my case there were some complications. After I moved in to the apartment, me and my roommates outfitted it with various items such as cooking equipment, toiletries, and some furniture. In addition to that, Mente had the apartment cleaned weekly and were also very gracious whenever we needed any help with anything. The group activities were definitely the main thing that Mente provided. We would eat lunch at historic restaurants, go on museum tours, and walk around in beautiful open air markets. There was also so much more that just those examples, and I’d say that there was normally at least 1 or 2 activities each week. Something that was a little difficult was that the activities were usually announced the day before they were scheduled, so it was sometimes hard to plan things ahead of time. I would also say that the majority of the things that I filled my time with were things not associated with Mente, such as traveling to Córdoba and Montevideo, playing on a club ultimate frisbee team, or going to a River Plate game, all of which were a ton of fun as well. If you have any questions about what to do, what to see, or where to go, I’m more than happy to give some suggestions! I think my main takeaway for anyone reading this review is that if you’re on the fence about whether or not to take this trip, do it! While traveling abroad isn’t always the easiest thing to do, that’s what makes the experience so special and unique. While I do think that Mente has some areas that could use improvement, such as setting you up with a stable phone plan or being more proactive about planning, I can’t picture myself not taking this trip. While challenging situations did show up, the Mente coordinators were always there to help and support me. The city may seem daunting when you first show up, but after some time you’ll become accustomed and ready to take advantage of the amazing opportunity. I definitely would not be the person I am right now without my time in Buenos Aires!

I recently finished the four-week cooking course with Mente Argentina, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. This course stood out because it felt personal and genuine. The instructors shared technique their love of Argentine food and culture in an engaging manner. I left with more confidence in the kitchen and a real appreciation for Argentine hospitality and friendship. If you want something meaningful, hands-on, and unforgettable, Mente delivers exactly that.

I loved my experience with Mente Argentina! I am in my mid-twenties and recently graduated from college in the US, and Mente helped me set up a prestigious internship in Buenos Aires. I was able to gain valuable work experience and also begin learning Spanish. While in the program, I met some wonderful people that I have kept in touch with for a year now after coming home. It was great to have the Mente program to help me arrange housing and have people to help me navigate moving to a new city and country. Everyone was so nice, and Mente was flexible with what would work best for me. I was also able to have experiences in Buenos Aires that were both authentic to Argentina while also doing many tourist activities through the events that Mente planned each week. I spent 4 months with the Mente Argentina program, and in reality, after 2 months I felt like I could have been on my own. I did the homestay, which was really great, but I didn't know beforehand that I wouldn't be able to use the oven or stove there, so I had to eat out for every meal or have no-cook foods. Overall, I would highly recommend participating in the Mente Argentina program if you are looking for a unique international adventure while still having the safety of a program who knows where you are and can help with anything you need.

During my GAP year after highschool I spent two months with Mente. From the start they were very supportive, helping with any questions I had and finding the perfect voluntary work. I was able to work with kids, as I had hoped and it turned out to not only be very fun but also an opportunity to learn a lot about the country, the culture and general life questions. Mente also provided me with an apartment in one of the best neighborhoods of the city were I was able to meet others from different countries. Mente also did a great job on organizing events, were we got to explore the city, get amazing food and meet others in the program which really helped me to find friends. Without Mente my time in Argentina wouldn’t have been nearly as special as it was and I would always recommend them.

Mente’s staff were very responsive and flexible, even after I arrived. Honestly, I wasn't comfortable with my first room, but they quickly moved me and made sure I was comfortable, and are always happy to help. I loved the Spanish school and felt very safe in my neighborhood. Activities were scheduled week by week, so you’d find out the details closer to the date, which kept things feeling spontaneous. Some of the activities were group meals. We also visited some great spots I wouldn’t have found on my own. Overall, I am really glad Mente made this experience in BA possible without needing to arrange everything myself.

I had the incredible opportunity to spend three months with Mente at the start of this year, and the experience was truly unforgettable! As part of my university degree, we were required to spend time abroad in an internship, and Mente made this transition so smooth and effortless. They took the time to find an internship that not only aligned perfectly with my personal interests but also met my university’s specific requirements—making the entire process seamless. During my stay, I lived in a shared apartment, which was a great way to meet new people from different backgrounds. The location was perfect, and it allowed me to explore the city in my free time. One of my favourite parts was the weekly activities organised by Mente. They were always engaging, never repetitive, and catered to a variety of interests. The group meals were my personal favourite—everyone had the chance to get to know each other over delicious food, and we were always spoiled for choice! Throughout my time abroad, Mente was incredibly supportive, always available to answer any questions or ease any concerns I had. Ultimately, it was an amazing experience and I can't recommend them enough!

I would recommend Mente to anybody looking to gain experience abroad whilst enjoying the local culture and creating new friendships. My experience with Mente was very good, they were more than helpful when I encountered an issue with a local and i enjoyed playing the football every week (which is included in the program) that was ran by Sam. It was well worth the money for both the experience and all the events they host during the week which are free for Mente participants! My friend also joined along sometimes as he was travelling for 14 days with me and they were more than accommodating to him too. I choose to do a business internship over the course of 9 weeks, I created many events for both locals and students looking to make new friends or experience new interest. I highly recommend doing the tango or joining the football sessions!

Mente has a fantastic team that is dedicated to making a positive experience for you in Argentina. The internships sometimes aren't the best (if I were to redo, I would focus more on learning/skill-building), but the smoothness of entry to the country, social network, and individual support are well worth it. I made life-long friends at on my Mente trip!!!

I was going on a semester abroad through out the organisation Mente Argentina in Buenos Aires. Since the beginning I had really good and fluent contact with Mente. They helped me a lot with figuring out my specific situation which I really value and appreciate. The reponses always came quite quick and have been detailed. I arrived with a good feeling in Buenos Aires. Few minutes after my arrival, a worker from Mente showed up and gave me a starter kit, with a Sim Card, a guide and a cash exchange which made my start really easy. For any matters or upcoming problems Mente has been available and fixed them quite quickly. Through the good network of Mente, I quickly made friends and had the opportunity to be part of a language school and my university programm. Mente organised multiple events every week. The events have been quite interesting and were definetly a lot of fun! Since today I am grateful that I met so many people and good friends through Mente. With their helpful and open attitude the people in the Mente Team became good friends as well. I will definetly recommend anybody to benefit from the organisation Mente Argentina, especially if a semester abroad in the city of Buenos Aires sounds interesting :)

I did a 4 months internship abroad through Mente Argentina and it was a great experience. my internship was at Vice Argentina and they are an event planning organization so I was able to plan events for international students she's very fun opportunity taught me a lot of things and also I got to meet a ton of people. about 2 months into my 4 month internship I inquired with them if I could also do something else while I was there and they were more than happy to set me up so I actually was able to volunteer at an orphanage as well which was a very very very cool experience not to mention all the people I've met that we're still friends to this day I have probably a place to sleep in almost every single country in the world and I got super super immersed into the Argentine culture which was amazing

I spent 3 months in Buenos Aires with Mente Argentina and had a wonderful time! It was my first time travelling alone and they really helped by giving me a structure and support whenever I needed it. I signed up for their Spanish and volunteering programs, both of which were excellent. Mente is good at helping you settle in and feel at home. Their weekly socials are also a great way to meet new people. Would definitely recommend!

Mente Argentina was an incredibly enriching experience that I would recommend to anyone considering living in Argentina or just wants to immerse themselves in Argentinian culture for a few weeks. The registration and enrollment process was seamless and the staff was very responsive and helpful throughout the program. Intensive Language Program: I participated in Mente Argentina to enhance my Spanish language skills, and it delivered excellently on this front. Classes were conducted almost entirely in Spanish, (even for those with little Spanish skills, instructors do a great job of communicating in Spanish most of the time) fostering an immersive learning environment that was relaxed but professional. All of the instructors were native speakers (and many of them had extensive knowledge of the local socio-political context of Argentina). They all had extensive teaching experience, which helped us grasp complex linguistic nuances. I really enjoyed the small class sizes which allowed for personalized attention and active participation/conversation, making the in-class learning process extremely effective. Though after four hours, my brain was exhausted. While I was only in the language program for a week, I learned about Argentinian history, culture, literature, and politics while also learning a little Spanish along the way! Cultural Immersion: Beyond the classroom, the Mente program emphasized cultural immersion and offered various cultural activities, such as Mate classes, dance workshops, and guided tours of historic sites, which enriched our cultural knowledge. The Mente-sponsored lunches and other programs were also a bonus and not something I expected but certainly took advantage of! I met some really cool folks from all over the world including the UK, Canada, Australia and other parts of the US. Make sure to take the La Boca tour and the Bike Tour, they were my favorites!! All of the tours that Mente offers were phenomenal and had really knowledgeable tour guides and the best part, they’re free! DJ Program: By far this was my favorite part of my experience. The instructor for this program was absolutely the best and I could not have asked for a better experience. Though I was only in the DJ program for two weeks, I strongly recommend that you spend a minimum of 4 weeks if you are serious about learning how to be a DJ. Two weeks for me was not enough but it certainly was an experience I will never forget! Social Integration: The program fostered a strong sense of community among the participants. I really liked that many of us came from diverse backgrounds but shared a common goal of learning Spanish. This created a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. The group activities and excursions were cool and provided opportunities to bond and make lasting friendships. The social aspect of the program was a significant highlight, making the experience enjoyable and memorable. Living Arrangements: This was also one of my favorite aspects of the Mente Program. I stayed in a one-bedroom loft apartment in Recoleta, though I’d recommend rooming with others for the social aspect. The apartment was nice and had everything I needed, best part is it was located near many cafes and restaurants and directly across the street from a laundry mat. The location was convenient too, close to bus and metro stops. I never felt unsafe especially walking around late at night. Some negatives/areas to improve upon: Balancing academic responsibilities with cultural activities and social engagements was occasionally challenging, especially if you are only there for two weeks like I was. If you plan to stay longer, this may not be that big of a deal because there is so much to do in Argentina, I couldn’t do it all in two weeks. I would have liked to have had more organized Mente events in the evening since that is when I had more free time. A slightly reduced time in the Spanish courses could have allowed for a better balance between study and leisure. A four-hour course in the morning and then a 2 hour course in the late afternoon is a bit rough. I would have preferred a more back to back schedule so that I could have more free time in the evening. Also, keep in mind that Argentinians go out to dinner very late at night so plan accordingly! The only other issue I had was the confusion with the Metro Card and the Sim card for the phone, it wasn’t clear on how much credit was loaded on the metro card. The Sim phone card was confusing as well, it was not clear if there were phone minutes or data and whether or not more minutes/data needed to be purchased.

Mente Argentina was instrumental in making my 6-week stay in Buenos Aires a resounding success. I enrolled in the Spanish and Tango programs, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the quality, expertise, professionalism, and flexibility of everyone involved. I have taken a number of Spanish intensives, and this was by far the best I’ve experienced. They make you speak in Spanish, no matter your level, and they are encouraging without your feeling pressured to perform beyond your capacity. I learned SO MUCH and made friends as well! The tango was phenomenal. I took private lessons as well as group classes as part of the program, and my teachers were exacting, knowledgeable, and encouraging. I went from an advanced beginner level to true intermediate in only 6 weeks of hard work! In fact, I had originally planned to stay for 4 weeks but I was having such a great time I added another 2 weeks onto my stay. I was living in a studio apartment in a terrific area - central, quiet, yet near all forms of transit. I felt like I really got the hang of being a “porteño”. The Mente staff were really helpful - really went above and beyond, even advising me on a trip to Patagonia which was not part of their program. I always felt like I had a resource I could call on, at any time. I was a little concerned about thinking this was mainly for college-aged or recent college grads, but I found people of all ages in the program and I felt quite comfortable in my mid-sixties with all the folks I met. In sum - this is definitely the way to start out experiencing a complex city like Buenos Aires on one’s own - with a support team like Mente Argentina behind you!