API (Academic Programs International): Buenos Aires - Universidad de Belgrano

Founded in the 1500s by Spanish conquistadores, Buenos Aires has evolved into a thriving, cosmopolitan city with more than 6 million inhabitants within the city limits and another 6 million in the surrounding areas. Known for its vibrant nightlife, where tango thrives in tangueras, milongas and cultural centers, Buenos Aires offers a dazzling array of learning opportunities, cultural events and social attractions. The seat of the national government, Buenos Aires presents a unique opportunity to analyze the politics and history of this complex and fascinating country. Universities, museums, theatres, shopping districts, and restaurants abound in this metropolis, described by many as the Paris of Latin America.

Programs in Buenos Aires Includes:

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  Semester Argentine & Latin American Studies: Students interested in Argentine and Latin American culture, economics, history, and politics are ideally suited to the study abroad in Buenos Aires in API’s Program of Argentine and Latin American Studies. The program caters to students at all levels of Spanish. Students selecting the Early Start option complete an intensive Spanish language course prior to the start of the standard semester. The intensive Spanish course consists of a five hours of Spanish class, five days a week, for four weeks for a grand total of 100 contact hours of Spanish. Each intensive course is equivalent to 3-6 semester credits, depending on how credit is awarded by the home university. Once the regular semester starts, beginning and low intermediate Spanish speakers complete all coursework in English. Students with a minimum of four semesters of Spanish or the equivalent can choose to complete a combination of Spanish language courses and elective courses in English or Spanish. Students with advanced Spanish language skills are welcome to select as many as 4 courses with Argentine students. All courses are equivalent to 3 U.S. semester credits.

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  Semester Intensive Spanish Language Studies: The Intensive Language Program is designed for students who want to quickly advance their Spanish skills through study abroad in Buenos Aires. There are no cultural electives offered within this program; students complete a series of intensive Spanish language courses. Students can expect to advance a minimum of two levels during the semester.

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  Summer Intensive Spanish Language Studies: The Intensive Language Program is designed for students who want to study abroad in Buenos Aires and work exclusively on improving their Spanish language proficiency.  There are no cultural electives offered within this program. All students complete a placement test upon arrival.

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  Summer Argentine and Latin American Studies: This program offers high intermediate and advanced Spanish speakers the opportunity study abroad in Buenos Aires and select a grammar course combined with one of four courses related to art, literature and culture in Argentina and Latin America. All students will complete an online written placement test prior to departure.  Students who do not demonstrate a high level of Spanish will be asked to consider the Intensive Language program at the Universidad de Belgrano.

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  Summer Teaching Internship for Spanish Speakers: This program is a unique opportunity for students interested in teaching Spanish or English as a second language in their future careers. This program combines an internship in a bilingual primary school in Buenos Aires with a course in teaching Spanish as a second language.  This combination of theoretical instruction and practical experience will increase understanding of teaching methodology and how a second language is acquired.Students will observe and participate in classroom learning through the practical, internship component.  For students with an upper immediate level of Spanish proficiency, this experience will not only enhance students’ CV but also give them an advantage when applying for a teaching job.

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  Summer Medical Immersion Program for Spanish Speakers: Students in this program will earn 6 credits of Spanish language while completing 100 hours of clinical rotations at the Hospital Británico. Mornings will be spent at the hospital, while afternoons will be spent on Spanish language instruction and seminars with local health professionals.