Language & Culture in Buenos Aires FAQ
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Location Academic Structure Financials
Cost Eligibility Insurance
Housing Credit Health
Food Orientation  
Program Structure Travel  

Location

Where is the program located?

In the center of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Cost

How much will it cost me to participate in this program?

See the Budget Estimate sheet available at the Learning Abroad Center.

Are there any fees I will have to pay to apply?

Yes, there is a $50 application fee.

Housing

Where will I live?

Students are housed in apartments or with Argentine host families.

When will I find out where I am living? With whom will I live?

If you have a roommate preference, you can request one on your housing form. Room assignments are made approximately two weeks before the program begins. We will email you with your roommate information.

How close will my housing be to my classes?

Apartments are about a five minute walk from the school. Host families are a 15-20 minute walk.

Will I be able to meet and interact with people from the country I am studying in?

Your classes will be with other US students on the program. However, there will be many opportunities to interact with the people in Buenos Aires.

Food

Where will I be eating my meals?

Breakfast and dinner are included in the program fee. Lunch can either be eaten at restaurants, made in the apartments, or with host families.

Are there food options available for vegetarians or vegans?

There are kitchens in the apartments so you will be able to prepare some of your own meals. Homestay students will not be able to prepare their own food.

Program Structure

Who is in charge of this program?

The Learning Abroad Center at the University of Minnesota together with the Fundación Ortega y Gasset in Buenos Aires.

Who will I work with for all my pre-departure planning?

You will work with the Learning Abroad Center staff. You will be given a contact at the time of application.

How much work will I need to do on my own to prepare?

You need to fill out the application, purchase your airline ticket, complete an Academic Planning form, obtain the necessary travel documentation (passport and visa), clear all holds, and register. It is also important to study about Argentina prior to arrival.

Academic Structure

What subjects can I study?

You will choose from the classes that are listed on the Academics page.

Will I know the exact classes I'll be taking before I leave?

You will most likely know which classes you are taking before you go.

How many students are accepted into the program and does the program usually fill before deadline?

It varies, but we usually can accept all qualified students.

Who will I be taking classes with and who will teach my classes?

All classes are held with host country nationals and are taught by Fundación Ortega y Gasset faculty.

How often will I attend class?

Classes are held Monday through Thursday.

What language are my courses taught in?

Spanish and/or English, depending on the class.

Is the Global Identity course required?

No, but this course is highly recommended and will help you make sense of the new ideas and experiences you encounter while abroad. Global Identity is a 1-credit, online course that will help you gain a better understanding of how to apply your new intercultural skills to your post-graduation plans.

Eligibility

What are the eligibility requirements for this program and do I have to take any prerequisite classes before I go?

There is a 2.5 GPA requirement. There are no prerequisites unless you are taking upper-level Spanish, in which case you would need to show you have taken the lower-level courses first.

Do I have to be an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota to participate?

No, but you must be 18 years of age or older.

Credit

How many credits will I receive and what kind of credit will I get?

You will enroll in 12 to 15 credits. You will receive University of Minnesota resident credit.

How long will it take for my credits to show up on my transcript?

Six to eight weeks after your return.

How will I know if these credits will count toward my degree requirements?

You are encouraged to do academic planning before you depart. This process will help you determine how the courses you take abroad will fit into your degree.

Orientation

Will I attend an orientation before I leave?

Yes. You will attend a Learning Abroad Center orientation about six to eight weeks before the program starts.

Will I have an orientation once I arrive on site?

Yes.

Are there any other meetings I will have to attend?

If you use financial aid, you will need to request a Study Abroad Cost Estimate (SACE).

Travel

Will I have to arrange my own travel or will it be arranged?

Group flights are usually arranged. You may arrange your own travel, provided you inform us of your plans.

Will someone meet me at the airport when I arrive?

Yes, if you arrive with or at the same time as the group flight.

Can I travel during this program?

Most of the three-day weekends are free for travel.

Are there any excursions planned during this program and will I have to pay for them separately?

Several planned excursions are included in the cost of the program. These tours and day trips show the city and country's historical and cultural highlights. Destinations include San Isidro, Tigre, San Antonio de Areco, Luján, and, in Uruguay, the historical city of Colonia del Sacramento. Students will also attend cultural fairs in Buenos Aires, including San Telmo's in Buenos Aires' art quarter; Matadero, the only folk and gaucho fair inside the city; and Parque Avellaneda.

Financials

Can I use my financial aid for this program?

Yes. You will need to get a Study Abroad Cost Estimate (SACE) from the Learning Abroad Center.

Can I use my scholarships for this program?

Scholarships can usually be applied. Check with your scholarship provider.

Are there any scholarships that I can apply for?

The Learning Abroad Center offers scholarships. Visit the Scholarships page for more information.

Insurance

Will I be covered by insurance while abroad?

You will be fully covered by CISI insurance, the University of Minnesota's comprehensive international insurance policy.

Do I need to keep my US insurance while I'm abroad?

Yes. You are only covered by CISI insurance while overseas. It is very important to also have insurance here in case you need continued medical care when you return.

Health

Are there any vaccinations I will need to get before going?

You need to check the Centers for Disease Control website for an update on possible shots. Currently there are no vaccinations required in order to enter Argentina.

What should I do about the prescription medicine I take?

You must take all prescriptions with you and keep them in their original containers. If you run out, medicines can NOT be mailed through FedEx or any other mail company.

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Last modified on November 21, 2008