Youth For Understanding USA

Argentina, "the land of silver," is a country big enough to keep any visitor endlessly fascinated, yet intimate enough to feel like home. Students on the summer program will be immersed in the language and culture of Argentina, and year/semester students will get the opportunity to go on an excursion to some of the most beautiful parts of the country such as Patagonia or the Iguazú Falls!
Learn more about Argentina.

Summer Program

Summer students to Argentina have the unique opportunity to be truly immersed in Argentinian culture by living with a local host family and attending a summer Spanish language institute. In this eight-week program, YFU students will attend immersive Spanish language classes at a professional academy. Prior to the program, students will take a Spanish placement exam to determine their appropriate class level.  20 hours a week of language class and 10 hours of language practice activities will give students plenty of time to learn Spanish and explore their temporary home. Typically, 5-7 students from around the world participate in the summer program.  YFU students then attend a local Argentinian high school in order to put their newly improved Spanish skills to the test! Students may attend a private or public school depending on the host family's location. Outside of classes, students are encouraged to get involved in their communities by joining clubs, sports, and other local organizations. 

Academic Year and Semester Programs

During your time in Argentina, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Part of your experience will be:

School: YFU students attend both public and private schools. The type you attend will depend on your host family. One major difference that you will discover is that teachers change classrooms during the day, instead of students. In Argentina, your classmates are with you all day, giving you a chance to make good friends quickly. With your classmates, you will study 12 to 15 compulsory subjects two to three times a week. You can choose from four fields: humanities, science, business, or technical.

Orientations: All students applying for the semester or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July (or early December for winter programs.) This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation along with their families in May or June. Students also have an arrival orientation in Buenos Aires. All orientation costs are included in program tuition. 

Extracurriculars: Outside of regular classes, you can choose to play sports or take computer or art classes.
 

Special Program Offers: Year and Semester program students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay, at an additional cost. For example, YFU has typically offered a one week camp in February and another one week trip in April or May.  In previous years, the camp brought exchange students together in the beautiful countryside, staying at a campsite in Nahuel Huapi National Park, near Bariloche in the northern part of Patagonia.  Students have also had the opportunity to add on a trip to explore the famous Iguazú Falls, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, which included a guided tour of the jungle and a visit to a local indigenous village.  Closer to the program date, participating students will be provided with more exciting details about these trips and camps!

Check out this video from one of the 2016 trips.

UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS

University Year or Semester:  The University program in Argentina is perfect for students looking for an educational experience packed with culture and adventure after graduation. Students on this program live with an Argentinian host family and attend an undergraduate university. Program details such as orientations, excursions, and tuition inclusions are the same as the high school and summer programs.

Combination Program:  With this program, students get the opportunity to make the transition from secondary to higher education while also exploring a new culture and developing their global citizenship! Students spend the first semester of the year attending school as a "13th year," and the second semester as an undergraduate university student. Students stay with one host family as they make this transition. Program details such as orientations, excursions, and tuition inclusions are the same as the high school and summer programs.

Tuition Includes 

-Placement with a host family
-Enrollment in a local Argentinian high school (or Spanish language classes for summer students)
-Airport transfers
-Domestic and international travel
-All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
-Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
-Support from an Area Representative in Argentina while on program
-Comprehensive insurance

Additional Information

Visa Information: A copy of your full passport will be needed several months in advance of departure, as YFU Argentina will need to report you to their Immigration Department early in the visa process. Students staying in Argentina more than 6 months will need an FBI Background Check, which should be submitted as soon as your participation is confirmed in the program.  More information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment.

Additional Costs: Program tuition does not include personal spending money or school-related costs such as books and school trips.  

Important Information: YFU recommends that students are vaccinated against yellow fever, especially if they would like to go on a trip to Iguazú Falls.