Once in a Lifetime Experience September 07, 2026

Truly a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to study abroad in both Southern Patagonia and Antarctica. When else will you be able to travel to Antarctica through the lens of being an exchange student and learn so much about the local environment? You truly are integrated into the Spanish-speaking community in Ushuaia with both your host families and your program cohort, and your Spanish-speaking ability increases tenfold. The program director, Maria, is very supportive and wants all of her students to succeed, and will support you through any hardships you may face. The only slight downside was pre-program departure- the steps were a bit unclear regarding the need for a Visa, and getting on my flight, I had to purchase another flight outside of the program, leaving Argentina in 90 days (just to prove that I wouldn't overstay the tourist period, not that I would actually be taking this flight to leave the country), which the program said should not be necessary but then I still had to do. I then had trouble getting the ticket refunded, but SIT ended up covering the cost of this extra flight for the headache of it all. This was also all in Spring 2024, so they may have updated protocols since then to make arrival easier! Also, homestay families are not all created equal- some are definitely more accommodating than others- but Maria and the program staff are all there to help you through any obstacles, and if there is a problem, they are more than willing to step in to resolve it. Overall, even despite the minor hiccups, they were nothing in comparison to how amazing an experience the program was. I will never forget all that I've learned, from the countless field trips in Tierra del Fuego across Argentina and Chile, to the hikes with friends and community members, to connecting with locals, to the expedition to Antarctica; I am so lucky to have been in the program. The nature and hiking around Ushuaia are unmatched, the community is very welcoming, and the educational resources/research in the area are exceptional.