About Argentina: Known throughout the Americas for the quality of its education system, the national pride of its inhabitants, and the famously large and rich vocabulary of the average person, Argentina is a vibrant melting pot of Spanish, Italian, Italian, and German cultural influences. Beautiful colonial architecture, sensuous tango dancing, the vast expanses of Patagonia, and the warm coals of a parrilla (traditional grill), all play a part in a strong and cohesive national identity. One challenge to this identity has been the economic depression of the last decade. While recent successes give cause for hope, there is still much to be done to return Argentina to the prosperity it once enjoyed. Living, working, and learning Spanish in Argentina is made easy and fun by the stunning array of cultural offerings and the gregarious, open, and friendly character of the Argentines themselves.

Village Life and Service Projects: This language immersion program begins with a day of orientation in the capital city of Buenos Aires, and then moves out into the countryside. There, students live for three and a half weeks in a small village, where they collaborate on community service projects with local townspeople. During the first two weeks, the group lives simply and students work side by side with local community members, using their Spanish language skills on projects including construction, educational outreach efforts, and helping out at shelters and food banks. Organized language lessons, research projects, and games conducted by the group leaders complement the constant real-life learning that happens on the projects. On the weekends there is time for exciting overnight trips into the surrounding area.

Family Living: Each student joins an Argentine family during the third week in the village. During this homestay week, students are immersed in Spanish speaking through day-to-day Argentine life. Whether sharing a gourd of steeped yerba maté tea with grandparents and grandchildren, playing soccer with family members and neighbors, or simply helping with the daily chores, students are often surprised at how much their language ability improves. During the day students continue working alongside local people to complete community projects.

Salta and the North: After saying adios to their host families, the group begins five days of fun and adventure in the mountains of the north. Using the beautifully preserved colonial city of Salta as a starting point, students enjoy a variety of day and overnight trips, including the opportunity to ride horses across the spectacular altiplano and to raft on rivers that spill through high canyon walls. At the core of all this activity is a continued emphasis on language learning, as students interview local guides, participate actively in planning excursions, and create a strong base for ongoing interest in the Spanish language and in Hispanic cultures.

Students must currently be studying Spanish and have completed at least two years of study. They are required to speak Spanish on the program, and must sign a pledge that they will do so. Participants receive a certificate from Putney recognizing 60 to 80 hours of community service upon successful completion of the program.