If you're looking to immerse yourself in one of South America's most vibrant and intellectually rich cities, AIFS Abroad's semester program in Buenos Aires, Argentina offers a transformative academic experience rooted in Latin American culture, history, politics, and society. Hosted at the University of Belgrano (UB), this program allows you to earn up to 16 credits through a carefully curated selection of courses spanning cultural studies, economics, film, gender studies, history, literature, political science, and Spanish language — all while living in one of the world's most dynamic capitals.

The flagship academic option is the Certificate in Latin American Studies, which requires you to take five semester courses plus a directed research course (PALAS 490 or PEAL 490). To earn the certificate, you must submit a 10–15 page research paper in either English or Spanish, working one-on-one with a faculty tutor through five 50-minute tutorial sessions. Courses are offered in both English and Spanish, with many taught in Spanish for students who have completed at least three to four semesters of Spanish (B1 intermediate level or above). You can also integrate into UB's regular course catalog, studying alongside local Argentine students in fields such as economics, entrepreneurship, international relations, political science, and sociology.

The course offerings are remarkably rich and place-based. You might analyze tango as a lens into Argentine social identity, trace the arc of Argentine literature from 19th-century nation-building to the digital age, examine the country's turbulent economic history including hyperinflation and currency crises, or explore gender and sexuality through Latin American cultural artifacts. Classes are frequently supplemented by visits to Buenos Aires museums, urban spaces, and cultural sites — making the city itself an extension of the classroom. Courses like Contemporary Argentine Art take you directly into the city's galleries and neighborhoods, while Latin American Cinema engages you with Argentine film as a vehicle for social critique.

Credit transfer is facilitated through AIFS Abroad, with transcripts issued by Fairfield University for AIFS Abroad Center courses. You will complete a Course Approval Form as part of your application, signed off by your home institution's study abroad office, to ensure your credits transfer smoothly. Language levels are assessed and noted on your transcript using the CEFR framework, and your official transcript is typically sent to your home institution within 60 days of program completion. Pass/Fail grading is not available for AIFS courses (except the directed research tutorial), ensuring that all coursework is fully transferable.

Buenos Aires itself is a compelling destination — a sprawling metropolis of European-influenced architecture, world-class cuisine, passionate football culture, and a complex political history that continues to shape contemporary Argentine life. Whether you're strolling through the colourful La Boca neighbourhood, visiting the ESMA human rights museum, or experiencing a live milonga, the city offers endless opportunities for cultural engagement beyond the classroom. Past AIFS participants have described the program as eye-opening and life-changing, with strong peer networks and excellent organizational support making the transition to life abroad seamless. This program is ideal for undergraduate students with an interest in Latin American studies, Spanish language development, social sciences, or humanities who want a rigorous academic semester abroad with deep cultural integration.