One of the fall semester study abroad options that CSB and SJU students can embark on is located in the exciting, picturesque, and historical South American capital city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Students can take classes in both English and Spanish while in Argentina, and this program is especially beneficial for those seeking to practice and improve their Spanish while living in a homestay with a local family and interacting with porteños through a variety of opportunities including, but not limited to, completing an internship with a local business, volunteering with a local non-profit organization, participating in the Language Partners program, or joining a sports team at the local university. We sat down with Ana Dailey, a junior Psychology major and Hispanic Studies minor who recently returned from Buenos Aires, to chat about the experience.
What motivated you to study abroad in Argentina?
I always wanted to study abroad in South America and have an adventure that not everyone else has! This program seemed like a great way to practice my Spanish, meet new people, and go on some of those incredible adventures. Overall, the program helped me become more comfortable with navigating new situations, making me more flexible and open-minded, and gave me so many amazing memories!
What were your classes like?
Some of my classes were taught in English, and others were taught in Spanish. The majority of my classes were at a study center with other study abroad students from around the U.S., and one of my classes was at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Argentina (UCA) where I was able to interact with local Argentine and other international students. All of the classes I took helped me fulfill requirements either for my Psychology major, Hispanic Studies minor, or general education requirements for the Integrations Curriculum at CSB and SJU.
The classes I took included:
- Communication and Creativity – an engaging class at the local university where I explored acting and creative writing with other international students.
- Spanish – this class challenged and strengthened my Spanish skills, and we went on really cool field trips like to the famous Teatro Colón.
- Community Based Learning Seminar – I got to volunteer at two local non-profits, which gave me great experience working with new people and developing new skills.
- Cross-Cultural Psychology – this allowed me to take a class in my major and do interviews with elderly women from a nearby neighborhood.
- The Making of Patagonia – we learned about the history of Indigenous people in the Patagonia region of Argentina and then traveled as a class to the city of Bariloche where we talked with local experts and went on amazing hikes!
What was your experience like living in a homestay?
I really enjoyed my homestay experience. My host family included me in their family get-togethers (like my host mom’s birthday!) and we had dinner together every weekday, which allowed me to try new foods, improve my Spanish, and learn about everyday life for Argentines. I also shared my homestay with another American student who became one of my best friends!
What are some of your favorite memories from your semester in Argentina?
A group of friends and I went to the Argentina vs. Bolivia men’s soccer game (a World Cup qualifying match) at one of the huge soccer stadiums! It was an incredible game with so much energy, especially because soccer star Lionel Messi scored 3 goals!
I also went paddle-boarding on the lake next to the beautiful Buenos Aires rose garden, spent many afternoons eating empanadas in the park with friends, and went to many tango/salsa dance classes!
What advice do you have for students who may be interested in studying abroad in Argentina?
I would say go for it!!! This program helped me really feel part of the culture in Argentina, as I was living there instead of just being a tourist passing through. When else are you going to have the chance to do that? I also made some of my best friends through the program–people from around the U.S., Argentina, and the world–that I’m going to stay in touch with for a long time. Finally, the staff at the study center in Buenos Aires were excellent in helping us transition to the city and supporting us every step of the way!
In addition to the amazing learning opportunities students have within the city of Buenos Aires, this program also includes a four-day/three-night excursion to the northern province of Jujuy. While in Jujuy, students learn about local Indigenous traditions related to Carnaval, trek through gorgeous red-tinted mountains on a guided hike with llamas, and visit the salt flats to learn about salt mining and to take some fun photos like the one pictured below:
Apply to study abroad in Argentina in fall 2025!
Applications are now open for the 2025 fall semester program in Buenos Aires, Argentina! In addition to all of the aforementioned program inclusions, Bennies and Johnnies will be accompanied by faculty director Corrie Grosse from the CSB and SJU Environmental Studies department for the duration of the semester. Students can apply on the Global Portal, and applications are due by noon on Tuesday, February 4th. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage globally with CSB and SJU!
Scholarships for study abroad are available. Students can peruse available scholarships on the Center for Global Education’s myCSBSJU page and/or inquire within the Center for Global Education.
