Latin American Studies & Courses with Locals
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About this Program
Designed for students at the high advanced level of the Spanish language (5 or more semesters of college-level Spanish), this program is an ideal option for those hoping to have an immersive experience in Buenos Aires. You will learn among fellow international students and be taught by the faculty at the Universidad de Belgrano. The majority of the PEAL courses, or the Spanish-taught Argentine and Latin American studies courses, require at least a high intermediate level of Spanish.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Spanish
- Courses with Locals
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Local University Program
- Language Intensive Program
- Service Opportunities
- Apartment
- Dorm
- Homestay
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 180-240
- Credit System: Contact Hours
- Typical Course load: 4-5
- Credit Per Course: 30-90
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: Universidad de Belgrano
- Credit Conversion Rate: 10 Contact Hours = 1 SU Quarter Credit
- Quarter Range: 18-24
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $4,000
- Spring Semester: $4,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to ISA on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by ISA. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring: Mild with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). A pleasant time to explore cities and natural landscapes.
- Summer: Hot, particularly in the north, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Southern regions, like Patagonia, remain cooler.
- Autumn: Cool, with temperatures between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), often bringing beautiful fall colors to the landscape.
- Winter: Cold, particularly in the south and mountainous areas, with temperatures between 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Snow is common in the Andes and Patagonia.
Travel Resources
- Air: Major international airports are located in Buenos Aires (Ezeiza), Córdoba, and Mendoza.
- Train: Argentina has a limited rail network for long-distance travel, though there are suburban train lines in Buenos Aires.
- Public Transport: Efficient bus and metro networks (known as "subte") operate in Buenos Aires and other major cities. Taxis and rideshare options like Uber are widely available.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Top attractions include Iguazu Falls, the Perito Moreno Glacier, and Buenos Aires’ colorful La Boca district.
- Language: Spanish is the official language, though English is understood in some tourist areas and among younger generations.
- Festivals: Major events include Carnival, held in various cities; Buenos Aires Tango Festival; and the Mendoza Wine Harvest Festival.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Argentina is renowned for its beef and barbecue culture, known as “asado.” Other notable dishes include empanadas, choripán, and dulce de leche.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are available in major cities, though traditional Argentine cuisine is meat-heavy. Gluten-free options are also becoming more common, particularly in Buenos Aires.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires: Avenida Colombia 4300, C1425GMN, Buenos Aires (Phone: +54 11 5777-4533)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Accessibility in major cities like Buenos Aires is improving, with newer public buildings and transportation becoming more wheelchair friendly. However, older structures may lack proper accommodation.
- LGBTQ+: Argentina is one of the most progressive countries in Latin America regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and Buenos Aires hosts an annual Pride parade.
- Religion: Argentina is predominantly Roman Catholic, with religious freedom protected, and growing Protestant and non-religious communities contributing to its diversity.
- Race & Ethnicity: Argentina is ethnically diverse, with European, Indigenous, Afro-Argentine, and immigrant populations, though Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities often face social and economic inequalities.
- Gender: Argentina is a leader in gender equality in Latin America, with legal protections and advancements like legal abortion, though gender-based violence and wage gaps remain persistent challenges.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by ISA.
U.S. passport holders studying in Argentina for more than 90 days are required to obtain a student visa prior to arrival (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). The application process varies by Consulate and student location and may require travel the nearest Consulate to apply in-person. ISA will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in ISA’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.