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, 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 form part of 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.

Luján and community service: After flying to Buenos Aires, participants travel to the nearby town of Luján. Here, students spend a total of three and a half weeks, integrating themselves into the lively, welcoming barrio life, and working on a variety of service projects. During the first two weeks, the group lives in a modest villa and students spend much of their time working side by side with local community members, using their Spanish language skills on affordable housing construction sites, educational outreach efforts, helping out at shelters and food banks, or putting together a benefit soccer game. 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 overnight trips into Buenos Aires, home to nearly a third of Argentina’s population. Avant-garde theatre productions, world-class tango performances, and impressive parks and buildings are all standard fare in this cosmopolitan center.

Family Living: During their third week in Luján, students continue working on their projects, but live with a local family, allowing them to immerse themselves in Spanish speaking through day-to-day Argentine life. Whether sharing a gourd of steeped yierba 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.

Salta and the North: After an adios to Luján, the group rounds off its Argentine exploration with four days of fun and adventure in the mountains of the north. Using the beautifully preserved colonial city, 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 go rafting 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 have completed at least two years of Spanish. 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 30 to 50 hours of community service upon successful completion of the program.