Go on high school exchange in Argentina
Why study abroad in Argentina?
A high school year in Argentina will give you a wonderful mix of cultures and indigenous traditions. And your Spanish will get a powerful boost. This is a big, bold and beautiful country with many different landscapes and different climate zones – from subtropical in the north, over the vast green plains (Pampas) in the centre to subpolar and glazier zones in the far south.
High School Classic
High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we match you with a host family and school in the province of Córdoba. If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the program for you.
About Argentina
Visiting Argentina is like visiting a hundred different places in one! And the best part is that when you’re an exchange student with us, you will have the chance to explore the country through some trips exclusively designed for you and your fellow exchange students.
National treasures
The Argentineans have a deep respect for their national symbols, such as the flag, the national anthem and the escarapela (knot of ribbons). These will all be present in the educational environment and in the public life.
Other typical Argentinean treasures you will stumble upon are gauchos (cowboys), mate (Argentinian tea), asado (grilled steak), tango (the national dance), and dulce de leche (sweet and similar to caramel).
See more – join a round trip!
We offer you the chance to visit southern Argentina, including Patagonia, in November and northern Argentina in March/April, at an additional fee. This is a safe, comfortable and interesting way to get the most out of your year in the country.
Population: 43,5 million
Area: 2 766 890 km2 (Second biggest country in South America)
Capital: Buenos Aires
Language: Spanish
Government: Republic
Currency: Peso (ARS)
Highest mountain: Aconcagua 6 962 m
High school exchange – all you need to know
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South America’s finest school system
The school system in Argentina is one of the best in South America. Even if there are no requirements of documented language skills, a basic level of Spanish will make your days a whole lot easier.
The Argentinian school year is between March and December, but you are welcome to start your year in the fall, just like you would do back home. You are also welcome to choose how long you want to stay, a full year, a semester or a shorter term.
The high school system
High school in Argentina is divided into two periods. The first one is called basic level, which is common to all schools, following a general curriculum. After this level, students choose a specialisation or orientation. The range of subjects depends on the specialization.
Some schools offer special projects designed for those who are willing to participate, like theatre and choir workshops, recycling, social projects, ecology projects, photography and art. Your school, often a private school, will decide which class that suits you best.
A typical day
School starts early in the morning, always with a particular ritual called el saludo de la bandera, meaning to raise the flag. All students gather while watching the flag and singing the national anthem. You will all wear the same school uniforms, normally there’s one for winter, one for summer and one for PE class. In the Argentinian school, you are expected to be polite, respectful and focused on your learning.
Welcome to your new family!
Our host families are located in the Córdoba Province area, most likely to the west or south of the province. Our host families have been carefully selected taking into account their genuine desire to share their language and culture with you.
Kisses and questions
The Argentineans are polite, warm and very engaging. Don’t be surprised if your family members kiss you on the cheek and ask personal questions the very first time you meet. This is a lovely way to be greeted when you have moved to a completely new country.
Family first
The typical Argentinean family is more than just parents and children. All relatives are important and during your stay you will probably have close contact, even with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. They all care deeply for each other. And the best part is they will care just as much for you!
The host families are always eager to show you the natural wonders that are typical of their area. They will introduce you to their traditions and give you the opportunity to experience the Argentinian lifestyle from the inside.
Quick facts
Who can go: 14–18 years on arrival
Departure month: February/July
Language requirements: Good English. Spanish recommended
Visa: Yes. Additional cost
Prep course: Welcome Camp, included
School year: March–December
School day: 7.30 – 13.00 or 13.00 – 17.00
Subjects: Compulsory
Free time in Argentina
Take the opportunity to experience the fantastic nature after school. Exactly what you can do depends on what your region has to offer. There will probably be plenty of spots you cannot find back home. Just a walk with friends in your nearest area will be exciting when you first arrive.
Join a club and get new friends
There are also a variety of cultural institutions and clubs where you can practice sports, theatre and music. In some schools, these activities can also be done in special training courses after class. You will meet many new friends if you participate in these activities.
Time for tango
Do not forget! When you visit Argentina you have to try the tango. Even if you’re not a dancer, it’s something you just have to do, at least once. If tango is not your thing, maybe you want to play soccer, basketball, volleyball or do gymnastics.
See more of Argentina
We all need a break from homework sometime. Spend your time off from school on a trip with us. We offer you the chance to see more of Argentina. In November, we travel south to Patagonia. It will be a trip full of cool nature experiences, for example a boat trip across the Strait of Magellan.
You might even spot a sea lion or a killer whale! In March/April, we pack our bags for a trip to the north and the east. One of the stops will be the fantastic waterfalls Iguazú Falls. Both trips are an additional cost. Your local contact person will give you more necessary information.
Welcome Camp
Begin your adventure in Argentina with the perfect kick-off, the STS Welcome Camp! You’ll stay in Córdoba, brush up on your Spanish and learn a number of valuable things about your life in Argentina.
Welcome Camp in Cordoba
The Welcome Camp in Cordoba will make sure that you get off to a good start in Argentina. It is included in the programme fee and also includes 15 hours of Spanish classes. When it’s time to leave the camp, you will feel confident in moving in with an Argentinian family.
Speak Spanish all day
The Welcome Camp will give your Spanish a real push, since you will start every day with language classes. The whole group of exchange students will be divided into three smaller groups, depending on their level of Spanish. You will make a test before departure to make sure you are placed in the right group. It will be natural for you to continue speaking Spanish all day with your new friends. Before you know it, you will be comfortable with the language.
Body language and empanadas
Apart from language classes and lectures about Argentinian culture, the course includes other activities as a group. The leaders will take you for a town walk, a picnic by the river and give you a crash course in body language. The last activity of the week is a Farewell Party where you will taste traditional Argentinian empanadas – delicious!
What’s included:
- Accommodation in a host family
- Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
- Emergency support 24/7
- STS bag
- School spot in Full board in a host familya public high school
- STS Welcome Camp
- Free interview
- STS Diploma
- School spot in a local high school
- Online pre-departure meeting
- Meetings and material to prepare you and your parents
Add-ons
Would you like a little more control over your high school exchange, or prepare yourself a little extra?
With our add-ons, your dreams may become reality.
Preparatory language course – Spanish
€800
Are you going on an exchange year to a Spanish-speaking country? Prepare yourself with our digital language course! It’ll help you master the language faster once you’re there and make it easier to understand what your new friends, host family and teachers are saying right from the start.
Designed to prepare you for your exchange year, this course is perfect for those who want to start practising the language as soon as possible. You will gain confidence in the language, get the tools to face the challenges of studying abroad and increase your awareness of different cultures.
The course is digital and includes a total of 28 hours of study spread over three weeks in August. There are several different levels of proficiency on the course, so you will have to take a language test before the start of the course.
Our destinations
Take our short quiz and discover which high school exchange destination fits your vibe.
USA
Discover life as a high school student in the USA. A whole new way of living – from yellow school buses and pep rallies to school pride, homecoming dances, and weekend road trips. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture you’ve only seen in movies, experience the American school spirit firsthand, and find out what everyday life is like as a U.S. teen.
Argentina
A high school year in Argentina will give you a wonderful mix of cultures and indigenous traditions. And your Spanish will get a powerful boost. This is a big, bold and beautiful country with many different landscapes and different climate zones – from subtropical in the north, over the vast green plains (Pampas) in the centre to subpolar and glazier zones in the far south.
Australia
Studying in Australia is more than just sunshine and surf. It’s about meeting new friends, trying Vegemite (yes, really), and learning what it’s like to go to school on the other side of the world. Whether you're in a coastal city or a small rural community, you’ll experience life like a true Aussie teen – full of adventure, culture, and personal growth.
Austria
You don’t have to be skier to love Austria. But if fresh powder and well prepared slopes is your thing then Austria will be your kind of heaven. There are mountains and lift systems everywhere and they are often close to the cities.
Canada
It isn’t hard to see why Canada is attracting an increasing number of international high school students for their year abroad. Canada isn’t just the second-largest country in the world, where the people are friendly and life is easy-going. It also has beautiful natural scenery, wide-open spaces, the great outdoors and plenty of wildlife.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream, with deep rain forests, perfect beaches, mountains, volcanoes, islands and spectacular wildlife. But the country's best asset is the people, who are warm, welcoming and share a unique way of seeing the world. Pura vida ('pure life') is both a greeting and the national philosophy. It encapsulates a friendly and worry-free lifestyle and an appreciation of people, nature and a good time.
China
Live and study in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, one that combines the cutting edge of technological development with a history that dates back millennia. The past, present and future seem to merge in China. Discover its unique culture and fascinating language from the inside on an unforgettable high school exchange.
Denmark
Take the chance to study in the lovely country Denmark! Despite the country's small size, there is a lot to discover here. Come with us to Denmark as an exchange student and experience the green landscapes, blue sea and beautiful old towns. Eat typical food such as smørrebrød and frikadeller, rent a bicycle in Copenhagen and treat yourself with some amazing Danish pastry at a cosy café!
Finland
Finland's stark Nordic scenery is home to fascinating wildlife, pristine forests, some 200,000 lakes and the world's happiest people, not to mention Europe's top educational system and an extremely high quality of life (and don't forget the saunas).
France
Around 85 million tourists from all over the world can’t be wrong – France is the place to visit. For decades the country has had the number 1 spot in the World Tourism Organisation’s yearly statistics. It’s no wonder France is a favorite. Shopping, fashion and sightseeing in Paris, the glamorous beach life on the Côte d’Azur, skiing in the French Alps and a beautiful countryside are some of the things that attracts foreigners. Also, it’s no doubt that France is number 1 when it comes to food. Will you try a delicacy such as escargots?
Germany
Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population. It’s also the European Union’s biggest economy, which you will notice by the high standards of living. This modern, cosmopolitan country is a centre for technology and innovation. It attracts people from all over the world with a varied cultural scene and a certain love for concerts and festivals.
Great Britain
Studying in the UK is more than afternoon tea and iconic landmarks – it’s a chance to experience life as a British teen and discover a world of new perspectives. From buzzing cities like London and Manchester to charming countryside villages, your exchange year in the UK combines academic challenges with unforgettable cultural moments.
Ireland
A high school exchange in Ireland means diving into a vibrant culture full of music, tradition, and friendly energy. You'll live like a local, attend an Irish secondary school, and become part of a community that is full of character. From green hills and coastal cliffs to school spirit and weekend céilís, life in Ireland is anything but ordinary.
Italy
Go on high school exchange in ItalyFree brochure Why study abroad in Italy? If you ask an Italian why you should come to Italy the answer will probably be because Italy has the best food, the most beautiful language, the greatest culture and world class soccer teams. Well, it’s hard to disagree. This country sure…
Japan
Welcome to a nation like no other! Japan is the world’s third largest economy, and a trendsetter in culture, fashion, and technology. Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional arts as well as its contemporary pop culture. It’s a country where old meets new in a totally unique way.
Netherlands
Most people are familiar with the tulip plantations, the windmills, the expertly built canal system (great for skating in winter time) and lively cities like Amsterdam, Haag and Rotterdam. We are of course talking about the Netherlands – a small but interesting country, with more to offer than just these traditional symbols.
New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand is more than just scenic landscapes and friendly locals – it’s about discovering a whole new way of learning and living.
Norway
Take the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most mesmerising countries. Norway is known worldwide for its exceptional nature and it’s the perfect destination for you who love skiing and snowboarding.
Spain
A high school exchange year in Spain means becoming part of a culture that’s lively, welcoming, and full of everyday moments. You’ll attend a local high school, live with a welcoming host family, and experience what daily life is like as a teenager in Spain. With nearly 500 million people around the world speaking Spanish, gaining confidence in the language will open up new opportunities – both now and in the future.
Sweden
Did you know that Sweden is a 1 574 kilometer long country with nearly 100 000 lakes? Pretty impressive. The country has great coastlines and lots of vast forests. But also charming cities, both big and small, from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north. Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is a lively city located in the most amazing archipelago. It is a beautiful country with great wildlife and plenty of wide open spaces. If you're lucky you'll see the King of Sweden, or at least the king of the forest, the famous moose. Come join us for a genuine experience!
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