SIT Study Abroad: Argentina: People, Environment, & Climate

Truly a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to study abroad in both Southern Patagonia and Antarctica. When else will you be able to travel to Antarctica through the lens of being an exchange student? You truly are integrated into the Spanish-speaking community in Ushuaia with both your host families and your program cohort, and your Spanish-speaking ability increases tenfold. The program director, Maria, is very supportive and wants all of her students to succeed, and will support you through any hardships you may face. The only downside was pre-program departure- the steps are very unclear regarding the need for a Visa, and getting on my flight, I had to purchase another flight outside of the program, leaving Argentina in 90 days (just to prove that I wouldn't overstay the tourist period, not that I would actually be taking this flight to leave the country), which the program said should not be necessary but then I still had to do. I then had trouble getting the ticket refunded, but SIT ended up covering the cost of this extra flight for the headache of it all. Also, homestay families are not created equal- some are definitely more accommodating than others, but Maria and the program staff are all there to help you through any obstacles, and if there is a problem, they are more than willing to step in to resolve it. Overall, even despite the few hiccups, this program is an experience that I will never forget and am so lucky to have had. The nature and hiking around Ushuaia are unmatched, the community is very welcoming, and the educational resources/research in the area are exceptional.

If your goal in college is to experience a wide range of opportunities, this SIT semester (this program in Ushuaia specifically) might be the single best way to accomplish that. You get to see the elusive 7th continent while immersing yourself in the vibrant and unique port town Ushuaia. Your Spanish will improve and you'll get the chance to work with great faculty (shoutout Maria Lola Lida and Solange) and hike beautiful trails with other motivated students!

My time abroad in Ushuaia was awesome. Exciting and unique; an extremely outdoorsy and rugged experience. I mean, come on-- I got to go to Antarctica! I got comfortable being dirty and learned to love it. I grew into my capability for doing anything I put my mind to. My host mom was wonderful. I couldn't have asked for a better stay. She took me in as her "daughter" and showed me around, taking me to do local activities, to her favorite restaurants, and on a road trip. Granted, some other students didn’t have as much luck, but if they were truly uncomfortable the program directors found another family to relocate the students to, each time being a large improvement. The program directors were awesome. truly treated us like adults but showed up time and time again, proving beyond doubt that our well-being was of utmost priority. The cohort of students is small (mine was 17 students but I know recent programs have been about ~25); so it’s nice to have a group to do everything with, but if you thrive in crowds or are looking to study at a local university, maybe reconsider how you want your study abroad community to look. The academics were great. Two words: EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING. We learned so much from so many different sectors; tourism, fisheries, biology, culture, economy. We learned in so many different places, too: classrooms, museums, mountains, beaches, plains. I practiced my Spanish constantly. The one critique is that I wish my Spanish language class would have been a little more intensive. I think I could’ve learned more in the time we had. If you want a true adventure, to immerse yourself in Spanish language and Argentine culture, to be outside, and to learn with your senses with a small group, this is the program for you.

This program was incredible! Not only are you traveling to some of the most beautiful and unique ecosystems, you also get to experience them with a deeper understanding of the environmental and social issues at play. This course felt like a great balance of classroom academics, hands on experiences, and also the individual freedom to explore what interests you. It also is an excellent way to become more confident in your Spanish and your skills at adapting to new cultures, especially with the amazing experience of living with a host family. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves the outdoors, adventuring, and trying new things!

I loved my time in Ushuaia, Argentina, with SIT! The academics were specific to the region, while being able to be applied to different areas of the world, if you think big picture. The trips were carefully planned and highlighted what we were learning in the classroom, while also just being fun. I spent a lot of time on the trails nearby, both hiking in groups and also on solo hikes! Ushuaia has something for everyone, and I highly recommend this program!

The academic and program directors are amazing and really provide an immersive experience. You get to learn from experts across various disciplines and community members. You become very familiar with the program location and the province in general. Antarctica alone makes the whole experience worth it! The internship was very research focused and gives you the opportunity to exercise your project management skills and conduct an independent study. Public transport in the city was reliable and safe. Hiking was mind-blowing.

My time in Ushuaia, Argentina was a highlight of my college experience. If you are looking to improve your Spanish, expose yourself to a new culture, and live in one of the most beautiful small cities in Patagonia along the "end of the Earth", this is the program for you. Ushuaia itself is like a big small town nestled between the end of the Andes mountain range and the ocean. So, there's plenty to do as long as you like hiking, skiing, and immersing yourself in local culture. For example, with other students from the program, I went skiing, horseback riding along the beach, and hiking (sometimes with our host families, too!) in my spare time. The people you will meet are kind, friendly, and warm. Beyond your course programming — which does a wonderful job introducing you to local history, sites of interest, and activities — taking advantage of your stay with a host family can open up lots of doors for you as well. For example, my host sister was around my age and with her, I felt included into her friend group and her family. I joined a local rugby club and experienced everything from the movie theater and mall to nightlife. Doing all of this in Spanish with my host family and friends helped me improve my language in a way that felt natural and fun. Of course, there are challenges to any experience like this, but in my opinion, SIT sets you up for success so long as you are ready to take advantage of all that Ushuaia and its people have to offer.

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I absolutely loved my time during this program in Ushuaia, Argentina. Studying during my U.S. fall semester (Patagonian spring), I will be forever grateful for the three months I got to immerse myself in Fuegian culture. First, the program's academics are very relevant to your time in Ushuaia. They helped me gain more from the immersion, such as the geological processes that led to the formation of the area, the marine and terrestrial biology, and the history of the Tierra del Fuego Indigenous peoples. I will say that the Spanish classes are less so about grammatical concepts and more about practicing conversation. However, the professors are very open to feedback and will tailor lessons to your wants early in the semester. Second, the directors' support is extremely helpful, starting from your orientation week and all throughout the semester. I had a lot of fun getting to know them and experiencing the wonderful trips and experiences they plan alongside the SIT group. They are all very knowledgeable about Ushuaia and are full of recommendations/ share information about cultural events that are happening throughout the city. Third, the nature around the city is extremely accessible and it's very possible to do a day hike almost every weekend when there aren't excursions planned! I used AllTrails for navigation and trail reviews before heading out on trail. Lastly, I had an amazing time staying with my host family. They accepted me on the spot and were very accommodating to my language level and interests throughout the program. The program puts a lot of thought into the matches for host families and students, but if you are struggling with your host family, the directors are very receptive to solutions for any problems. They want to help you be as comfortable as possible and support you for a successful and enjoyable semester. And, of course, who wouldn't want to go on a trip to Antarctica?? I cannot recommend this program enough and all of the amazing memories that come from just one semester in Argentina.

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This was a terrific study abroad experience! The short version was my Spanish improved, I had a wonderful host family, learned about city of Ushuaia and the Antarctic ecosystem, and fell in love with the Patagonian land scape. Also I got to research penguins in the field! In longer form: Arriving in Ushuaia was intimidating, and it took a bit to mesh with my cohort, but once I found my footing, I had some of the best months of my life. I was impressed with how educational the classes were, pleased with how much my Spanish improved, and felt immensely lucky to have such a supportive and loving host family. Classes focused on the local ecology and landscape which generally kept me interested. I started with a good sense of Spanish and ended the program with really good conversational Spanish. I ended up traveling in Patagonia after and was easily able to make friends and rapports in Spanish by that time. I would highly recommend doing this if you have the chance! I think Patagonia is the most beautiful place in the world. My host family was a really good time and I’m still in touch with them over a year later. I truly can’t believe how fortunate I was to have such a social, sweet, and generally loving host family. I had two host brothers who were roughly my age, and I had great and very different relationships with each of them. Antarctica was phenomenal – there is not much to say besides it was a once in a lifetime experience. The boat was luxurious, the landscape was magnificent, and the polar plunges were loads of fun. Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my Independent Study Project. For m ISP, I studied the foraging habits of Magellanic Penguins. I got to go into the field, and take a boat to an island where three species of penguins were nesting and do field work with them multiple times. Once I even picked up and weighed the baby penguins. Interestingly the research paper I produced was able to direct some of my advisors future research and seemed to really play a role in her scientific process. I had some of the best times of my life during this study abroad program and wholeheartedly recommend it. It was wonderful. And if at all possible go on to travel throughout the region – you won’t regret it.

This program was the highlight of my college experience! The semester began with a week-long orientation that allowed me to get to know the other students, understand some basics about Argentinian culture, and get aquatinted with Ushuaia. The SIT staff was incredible throughout this period, planning a variety of activities that helped us all adjust to our new surroundings. After that first week, we met our homestay families. My homestay was with a single woman who was very welcoming. She eagerly introduced me to her family and was always excited to bring me along for a drive around the city. She practiced my Spanish with me every night over dinner and helped me improve significantly. I loved the city of Ushuaia, its relatively small size made it easy to navigate on foot and on public transportation. I never felt unsafe walking around the city alone. It’s location between the water and the mountains was not only beautiful, but allowed for some incredible hiking on the weekends. The city also held parades and other events on holidays that were exciting to experience. I enjoyed the academics in this program. Each class was taught by a different local expert and assignments were created and graded by the SIT staff. This format allowed us to learn about a wide variety of local environmental, social, and research topics ranging from the unique ecosystems of Tierra del Fuego, the history of indigenous groups and the politics of Antarctic exploration. The classes could feel very separated from each other, but the assignments allowed us to fit them together. We also had several class sessions focusing on research and data analysis which culminated in a final group project. The Spanish classes were held at a local language school. While my group had some issues with our teacher, I enjoyed the culminating project where we made a podcast as a class. These classes were complemented by several excursions that allowed us to explore other parts of Tierra del Fuego while getting a different view of the topics we were learning about. We also had a 10 day excursion to Antarctica which was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and complemented our learning about climate change, Antarctic exploration, and Antarctic politics very well. After the classes and the Antarctica expedition, we completed month-long research projects. These allowed me and my peers to get hands-on experience in a topic that interested us, which I felt was incredibly valuable. This was an amazing program and I highly recommend it. I learned a lot and really enjoyed my SIT group (I’m still in contact with several of them). To anyone who is interested in environmental science, Antarctica, the outdoors, and Spanish, this is the program for you!

This program was as culturally immersive as I think you can get. The host family experience is an absolute necessity if you're serious about quickly becoming proficient Spanish and getting to actually know the area. Since the curriculum and itinerary is the same for all students, our group became very close over the course of the semester, resulting in friendships with people who I still keep up with today. That being said, some of the most interesting and rewarding relationships I formed were with locals, either through being introduced to them by my host family or meeting them around town (if you see a group of guys slacklining in the park, please say hi). The coursework itself is absolutely unique. The lectures are taught by a variety of different local professors, scientists, fishermen, and other super knowledgable professionals. The various excursions (obviously including the one to Antarctica) are incredibly well organized, directed, informative, and fun. This program is definitely best suited for people who enjoy being outdoors, with lots of really great hikes around town. Overall, if you're looking for a blow-off semester to party on the beach, this isn't for you. This program is a challenge academically, mentally, and sometimes physically, but I guarantee you won't regret it.

People, Environment, and Climate Change in Patagonia and Antarctica is a phenomenal program that facilitates profound cultural exchange and academic discovery. I'd recommend this program to anyone interested in studying the environment, excited to learn about Argentinian culture, and interested in gaining a deep familiarity with an incredible city that most foreigners just pass through for a couple of days. To name a few of my favorite experiences: 1) I got really into Argentinian rock music, saw a local band from Ushuaia in concert, learned Argentinian songs on guitar, and jammed with the crew on the boat to Antarctica, 2) I co-authored an archaeology paper with a professor from the Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, 3) I went on an overnight backpacking trip to the Laguna del Caminante in the wilderness of Tierra del Fuego, 4) I learned a ton of Argentinian slang and started defaulting to voseo, 5) I made friends at the local rock climbing gym and became close with my host family. The program coordinators, Maria, Viole, and Lida, along with all of the lecturers are awesome (Pauli's jazz band is fire), the host families are overall wonderful, and Ushuaia is a beautiful city to spend a few months. My few gripes: 1) while all classes are taught in Spanish and students are fully immersed in the language with their host families, the American students inevitably ended up speaking a lot of English among ourselves, which somewhat reduced immersion, 2) Ushuaia is pretty remote, which I loved, but someone expecting a European city experience with train lines all over the continent may be disappointed.

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I studied abroad in Ushuaia two years ago, and I am still telling everyone and anyone who will listen about my amazing experience. The program kept a very busy schedule, but because of this, I experienced so many unique things in just one short semester. For example, visiting many of the National Parks (Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Parque Nacional Monte Leon, etc...).The whole program was the perfect Spanish immersion I was looking for and the professors were excellent! The whole team was so helpful and understanding. Thank you SIT: Ushuaia team-- it was truly an experience I will never forget!

To anyone considering this program -- the answer is yes. Do it. Studying abroad in Ushuaia was truly a transformative experience that exceeded all my expectations. The program provided an incredible balance between academics, cultural immersion, and personal growth, making it one of the most enriching opportunities I’ve ever had. The courses offered were well-structured, engaging, and directly tied to the location. Professors were knowledgeable and brought unique perspectives to the classroom. I especially appreciated the emphasis on experiential learning -- field trips, guest lectures, and hands-on projects made the coursework come alive in a way that I personally had never experienced. Moreover, one of the program's highlights was the effort to integrate students into the local culture. From language classes to homestay options, I felt connected to the community. The excursions were thoughtfully planned, allowing us to explore both popular landmarks and hidden gems. The program also encouraged us to engage with locals, attend cultural festivals, and volunteer, which enriched the experience even further. One of my favorites was attending the local international food and cultural festival, where a friend and I were able to try dancing and food from around the world! The program staff were exceptional -- responsive, approachable, and genuinely invested in ensuring our success. From pre-departure orientations to on-site support, they were always available to answer questions or address concerns. They made navigating a new country much easier, from handling logistics to offering tips on adapting to cultural differences. Living in a new country pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I developed independence, confidence, and cross-cultural communication skills. It also gave me the chance to explore and adventure through Ushuaia's natural wilderness, with hikes every weekend to everything from glaciers to mountains to beaches. If you’re considering studying abroad, I cannot recommend SIT Study Abroad Argentina: People, Environment, and Climate Change enough. It’s more than just academics -- it's an opportunity to grow as an individual, expand your horizons, and create unforgettable memories. Because of this program, I was able to get into graduate school at Duke University and pursue projects in the environmental sector that I am truly passionate about. My time abroad left a lasting impact on me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experience.

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This program was more than I ever could have hoped for. The program staff were super supportive and they went above and beyond with planning events for us. In particular, they gave us lots of opportunities to connect with the scientific community in Tierra del Fuego. We had 3 excursions outside of Ushuaia, and they were all incredible. One of those was a trip to Antarctica, which was a crazy opportunity. Ushuaia itself was also an amazing place to be. It is definitely on the smaller side, but I felt that that made it easier to connect with the community. The people in Ushuaia are generally very friendly and accepting even as you are still improving your Spanish. Also, it is right in the mountains and on the ocean, so there are all sorts of outdoor activities that are very accessible from the city. The classes and internship component of the program were both really interesting, and I learned a lot from them. Also, my Spanish improved a ton during this program. Furthermore, the host family experience allowed me to experience Argentinian culture in a way that I never could have if I was living on my own in a dorm or apartment. On the whole, this program was an incredible, once in a life time experience, and I would highly recommend it.

High-quality people: peers, host family, and professors. Amazing landscapes/scenery/field trips (I mean, Antarctica?!)Thoughtfully created academics with a focus on regional, relevant and experiential knowledge. So worthwhile! I became more confident in who I am and what I want at a more profound level/pace

This experience was one of the best things I could have done for myself. I grew so much during this experience and enjoyed every moment of the program. I am incredibly thankful to the staff of this program for showing such love and devotion to not only the students, but also to the community that the care for.

I had an amazing time studying abroad! The program staff are very kind and professional and made a huge effort for this to be the best possible experience for us. The other kids in my program were amazing and our classes were interesting. We had several excursions and lots of opportunities to explore Ushuaia, Patagonia, and Antarctica.

This program created a valuable combination of environmental science and Spanish language education. All of the classes were taught in Spanish by a variety of local researchers who each lectured on their specialty. We learned about the local ecosystem and human interactions with this ecosystem. We also had many excellent field trips and excursions (including Antarctica!) to learn about a place or a research technique in the field. While assignment expectations were sometimes unclear, the program staff was extremely available and helpful to resolve any doubts. They were slow about returning our grades and assignments, but they always gave us detailed feedback and the grades were fair. The Spanish language classes were not very related to the rest of the classes, and they weren't that helpful for me. The last month of the program was spent on an independent study project or internship. Each student works individually with a community mentor on a project of their choice, and the success of the project depends on student motivation and collaboration with the mentor. I had a wonderful experience and gained both field and research lab experience. The paper and presentation to culminate the project are achievable and helped improve my Spanish greatly. The program staff is also a great support network for non-academic problems or concerns. The homestay experience was where I learned the most Spanish language and Argentinian culture. As everything (classes, homestay, buying lunch, daily life) operates in Spanish, it is important to come with a decent language ability and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. The culture is very open to helping you learn, and they do not get easily offended when you say something wrong. The cost of all your necessities (food, housing, transportation) is included in tuition. The host family provides breakfast and lunch, and you receive a stipend for lunch and transportation. I only used my personal money for activities in my free time and for souvenirs. Some students do live fairly far from where we have classes, but the bus system is good, there are plenty of taxis, and Ushuaia is a safe place to walk at any time of night/day. Overall, this program was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it!