Argentina: Regional Integration, Development, and Social Change

Homestays

SIT students sharing a celebratory meal with host families in Pujato

The Argentina: Regional Integration, Development, and Social Change program includes an urban and rural homestay, which exposes students to a diversity of Argentine communities and environments.

Buenos Aires - Live with a host family in Argentina's capital city
For most of the program, students live with a host family in Buenos Aires. Host families provide the perfect opportunity to improve language skills and give students insight into urban Argentine life. Through the homestay, students discover the habits, customs, and values of Buenos Aires' residents. Host families come from middle class backgrounds and work in many different fields. Typically, host families live in apartments or small houses located in the Recoleta, Palermo, and Belgrano neighborhoods, relatively close to Instituto de Desarrollo Económico y Social, where many classes are held. All host families share a strong interest in having a valuable educational exchange experience with their SIT student.

Students have the opportunity to engage not only in their host family's daily routines—which could include shopping, family dinners, and visits with neighbors—but also in cultural activities. Many students join their host family in visiting museums, going to concerts, spending time at neighborhood street markets, attending sports events such as soccer matches, taking weekend trips, or enjoying family celebrations, including birthday parties and national holidays.

Rural homestay at the Pampa Húmeda – Share daily life with a rural Argentine family
During the five-day academic excursion to the center of the Pampa Húmeda (Arrecifes, in the province of Buenos Aires), students stay with rural families that are small or middle-sized agricultural producers. Students become immersed in their host families’ daily routines, often assisting their families with agricultural activities in order to understand the particularities of rural Argentine life.

As part of the rural excursion, students visit local institutions and meet with community leaders to gain a better understanding of the complexities and importance of the agricultural sector for the Argentine economy. They also have the chance to make a contribution to the community by participating in activities like the traditional "Plant a Tree" ceremony, an SIT initiative intended to serve as a remembrance for local communities from their host students. During the excursion, students may also spend time with area youth.

The rural homestay can be incredibly rewarding for the local community, host families, and SIT students and often results in powerful bonds. Many students return to visit their rural homestay family later in the semester, frequently to celebrate family events, such as la quinceañera party of their homestay sisters.

Other accommodations during the program include small hotels and hostels.

Credits: 16

Duration: 15 weeks

Program Base: Buenos Aires

Language Study: Spanish

Prerequisites: 4 semesters Spanish and relevant coursework Read more...