High School in Argentina (Ages 15-18)

A high school program in Argentina with homestay is the best way for teen participants to discover Argentine culture. As an exchange student, you will be immersed in Argentine culture as you experience the day to day life of an Argentinean teen.

High School in Argentina
Exchange students will be enrolled in a public high school in Argentina. Argentines place a high value on education and the country’s literacy rate is among the highest in South America.Many of the schools are specialized in some subjects or prepare the students for their future studies in university. For example there are schools that prepare students in sciences, other schools are more “history and culture” orientated. Big schools have four fields; they are Humanities and Social Sciences, Economy, Biology and the Arts.

Locations
Exchange students are placed in safe communities all around Argentina, though we do not place participants in major cities such as Buenos Aires. It is important to be flexible about which town you’re placed in since we are unable to take your location preferences into account. Our priority is to identify a host family and community that is the best match for you.

Extracurricular Activities
After school many Argentine teens pursue extracurricular interests such as dance, sports and clubs. Classes in Argentina high schools are typically given in the morning or in the afternoon; therefore, it is necessary that exchange students participate in additional activities. Many exchange students become engaged with sports, music, painting or any other cultural activity that interests them.

Accommodation and Meals
Each volunteer host family provides its international "son or daughter" with meals and his or her own bed. Just as in the U.S., every family is different. You may share a room with a host sibling or have your own room. You may have younger, older or no host siblings.

Your host family in Argentina will expect you to help with household responsibilities, and family members may be more traditional in what they think are appropriate gender roles. Host families do not want or expect a "boarder," but rather a new friend and family member. Most Argentines spend a great deal of time entertaining in their homes, making friends and family a priority. Schools and shops still close at midday so that families can come together for the noon meal.

Independent Travel and Visits from Family
Family members or friends are welcome to visit the exchange student in Argentina once their high school program with CCI is complete. Visiting home or receiving visits from home during the course of a high school program is extremely disruptive to the adjustment process. Such visits very often cause the student to feel homesickness afterward, which means going through the challenging adjustment period experienced at the beginning of the program again after the visit. These reactions to visits are hard on both exchange students and host families. Because we truly wish for all of our students and host families to have positive experiences, we seek to minimize activities that threaten to detract from the positive experience meant to take place between the exchange student and host family such as visits to or from home.

As such, receiving visits from friends or family during your program is not permitted.

Traveling independently outside the host community is not allowed unless it is with an adult chaperone and is approved by the host family, natural parents of the student, partner organization and CCI. Exploring your local host community after class or on the weekends with friends or your host family is encouraged, as it is a great way to soak in the local culture or practice new Spanish skills. Your host family is a great resource to find out about any interesting events going on in the town. We only ask that students find a balance between spending time with new friends and their host family.

Academic Credit Transfer
CCI will enroll you in a public high school in Argentina, and documentation of school work done overseas will be provided. You are responsible for coordinating any transfer of credits from your high school abroad to your high school in the U.S. If you have questions or difficulties, CCI’s staff may be able to assist you in this process. Please note that we cannot guarantee that your American school will accept your studies abroad as credit. You should see your guidance counselor to determine what credits you might need to take outside of your studies abroad to ensure that you graduate high school on time.

Local Support
Your host family will be a wonderful source of support and advice during your time in Argentina. Additionally, you will have what is sometimes called a local representative or a counselor. This person will be an adult outside of your host family who will support you throughout your high school program. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your local representative. He or she is there for you!

Orientation
Before you depart for your high school program, you will need to learn as much as possible about the customs and culture of Argentina. This will enable you to settle in more easily within your host family and community. Upon acceptance to the program, CCI will send you orientation, culture shock, and host country information, so that you can familiarize yourself with your destination. CCI’s National Office or local staff will also provide you with a thorough orientation before your departure. You should also read as much as possible about your host country and practice your Spanish skills as much as you can!

Transportation
Along with your host family information, CCI will notify you of your arrival city, travel dates, and any travel arrangements that need to be made. Airfare to Argentina is your responsibility, and you will need to send CCI a copy of your itinerary to arrange your arrival transfer.

Depending upon the location of your host community, a representative or your host family may be able to meet you at the airport and take you directly to your new home. In other cases, you may be met at the airport and taken to the nearest train or bus station in order to arrive to your host community, where you will be picked up by your host family.

Visas
A student visa is required for the high school abroad program in Argentina. Participants should be prepared to go to the embassy or consulate for their region, in person in order to apply for a student visa. Up-to-date information can be found at http://www.embassyofargentina.us/. Upon acceptance to the program, CCI will inform you of the general requirements and instructions in order to get a passport and visa. However, all passport and visa arrangements are the responsibility of the participant and need to be made according to the consulate’s instructions, as they are the final authority on all visa matters.

Semester Program Options:
Fall Semester: July to December
Spring Semester: February to June

Academic Year:
July to May

Application Deadlines
Fall Semester or Academic Year: March 1
Early Bird Discount - $300: January 2

Spring Semester: September 15
Early Bird Discount - $300: June 1

Requirements
Applicants to the high school abroad program must have an interest in other cultures and be willing to participate as fully as possible in the host country's culture and language, in school, and in host family activities. Other desirable characteristics include: flexibility, curiosity, motivation, and a good sense of humor. When applying for CCI’s High School Abroad Program, you should be in good academic standing and be in good mental and physical health. In addition:

• A minimum of 2 years of Spanish study or equivalent is required
• Applicants must be between 15 and 18 years
• Applicants should possess a high school cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 / 4.0
• Recommendations will also assist in determining acceptance

Program Costs 

 

Included	Not Included
Lodging	Airfare/Visa fees
Full Board (3 meals/day)	Transportation to/from school
Medical/Accident Insurance	Phone cards/cell phone
Local Coordinator	Uniforms, books, materials
24 Emergency Staff	Souvenirs
Pre-departure and arrival Orientation	Incidentals

Fees may be paid by personal check, money order or credit card.