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High school exchange program
in Argentina
Immerse yourself in the Argentinian way of life, living with a host family and studying at a local high school.
Live like a local in the land of tango
Student exchange program in Argentina
Argentina is an extraordinary mix of European cultures and Latin-American traditions, giving shape to a truly fascinating country.
Argentinians know good food and drink, celebrate family and human relations, are passionate about art and sport – especially soccer and the traditional game of Pato!
From cosmopolitan cities like Buenos Aires to natural wonders including the Andes mountains and impressive Iguazu Falls, it will be easy to fall in love with the country’s diversity and rich character.
As the saying goes, “travelling to Argentina, people cry twice: once when they arrive and once when they leave”.
Sentiment, art and impressive landscape: this is Argentina
Off on an adventure!
Patagonia, the Pampas, the Andes, Iguazú Falls, the Atacama desert - but also unique animal species, such as the capybara, the largest living rodent in the world. A whole year wouldn't be enough to explore the vast natural beauty of Argentina!
What's high school like in Argentina?
Art through school
At school in Argentina, you will learn about many cultural aspects of the country, including the significance of tango in the Argentine society, the traditional music, theatre, literature… your artistic flair will thrive.
Teacher-student relationship
The Argentine sense of hospitality permeates the classroom walls, too. School life is relaxed and you will be able to build a personal rapport with your teachers, whose relationship with students tends to be friendly and informal.
Stronger together
A typical school day cannot start without the “saludo a la bandera” (saluting the flag). Picture yourself wearing your Argentine's school uniform and singing the national anthem before classes start, feeling part of a cohesive group. Can you find the Argentine patriot in you?
Early knock-off
Classes finish early in the afternoon and you will have the rest of the day to yourself. Make the most of this free time to join a sport club, mingle with the locals through activities available in the community, or simply spend time with your host family and new friends.
A big country full of wonders. Let it surprise you with an exchange experience!
Choose authenticity – trust WEP and prepare to be amazed.
On a WEP Classic program, you will experience the true Argentina. You may be placed anywhere in the country, depending on the location of the host family who has chosen you to share this incredible adventure with.
Volunteer host family
Public school
Placement anywhere in Argentina
Short-term, semester or year programs available
Your host family during your exchange year
Gain a second family – they can’t wait to welcome you into their lives!
Here is why:
Your Argentinian family will support you throughout your adventure overseas. Argentinians are extremely cordial and will treat you like a family member in every respect. Whenever you’re experiencing issues, you will be able to count on their help and friendship.
Family in Argentina includes uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents and grandchildren – you’re in for a rich and loving extended family experience.
You will slide into the routine of an Argentine family and their everyday life will become yours. Daily errands, Sunday barbecues, typical celebrations such as the Carnival, the Semana Santa, el Día del Amigo… through discovering unique traditions and local specialties, you’ll become a true Argentine!
Your school in Argentina
Find out more about your school experience in Argentina
The Argentine education system
In Argentina, students begin primary school at six years of age, followed by six years of escuela secundaria (secondary school) between the age of 12 and 18.
At the end of high school, students sit the Bachiller nacional, the final exam which provides access to tertiary education.
The Argentine education system
Secondary school in Argentina
Argentinian high school lasts six years, divided into two cycles. The first, ESB I (base level) consists of three years following a general curriculum, that is the same for all schools. During ESO II (second level), students can choose a specific path and follow relevant subjects. This will be ideal if you already know what your preferred field of interest is.
Here are the six years of secondary school in Argentina:
- Basic level (ESB I)
- First year
- Second year
- Third year
- Second level (ESO II)
- Fourth year
- Fifth year
- Sixth year
Secondary school in Argentina
High school subjects
Secondary school in Argentina offers the same subjects across all schools, however from the second level (ESO II) onwards, you will be able to choose your area of specialty based on your aspirations and interests. You can opt for sciences, arts, foreign languages...
A student exchange program to Argentina allows you to gain specific knowledge in your field of interest.
High school subjects
Extra-curricular activities
You will have free time in the afternoon to get involved in one or several extra-curricular activities. Outside of school, you will be spoilt for choices:
sport: soccer, rugby, dance...
art: painting, drawing....
Argentine culture: tango, music lessons...
It’s the perfect chance to meet new people and immerse yourself completely in the local culture and community.
Extra-curricular activities
School calendar and holidays
The school year in Argentina usually starts in March and ends in December.
Throughout the year, you will encounter several national holidays and religious festivities:
New Year’s Day: January 1st, to celebrate the beginning of a new year
Carnival: two days in February to dance and have fun with friends and family
Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice: March 24th, a tribute to the victims of the military dictatorship
Holy Thursday and Good Friday: end of March, a religious time to spend with family
Malvinas Day: April 2nd, commemorating the soldiers killed in the Falklands War
Labour Day: May 1st, often including a barbecue or picnic with family
Día de la Revolución de Mayo: May 25th, with parades, culinary exhibits and cultural events
Anniversary of the Death of General Güemes: June 17th, to celebrate the hero of the War of Independence
Flag Day: June 20th, to pay homage to the Argentine flag and its creator, Manuel Belgrano
Argentina Independence Day: July 9th, with fireworks and traditional food across the whole country
Anniversary of the Death of General José de San Martin: third Monday of August, to honour the great military man
Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity: early October, to celebrate cultural diversity with parades, colours and social events
National Sovereignty Day: late November, to commemorate the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado
Immaculate Conception of Mary: December 8th, a religious holiday celebrated with cultural events and dancing
Christmas Day: December 25th, a special time to be shared with family
School calendar and holidays
Grading system
In Argentina, grades are on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the maximum. The minimum passing grade is 6.
Grading system
Stories from students and parents who have been there
Here are the testimonials of families who have chosen WEP for their exchange experience.
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about our high school exchange programs!
Going with WEP is best
Since 1988, a wide choice of destinations and comprehensive assistance before, during and after your overseas program. WEP is the ideal partner for your adventure.
We also get to choose who we travel with: our schools, host families and overseas partner organisations are carefully selected.
We offer a custom-made insurance policy, specifically designed for our participants, and we have a solid network behind us.
Emergency assistance, overseas and from Australia, is available 7 days out of 7, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Allowing all our participants to live their desired overseas experience is a mission, a challenge we're thrilled to accept.
FAQ
Your host family, local coordinator and your host organisation will provide you with support while you are overseas. WEP Australia will remain in contact with the host organisation and your parents to coordinate and support your experience. In case of an emergency, both you and your family will be able to call an emergency phone number that is answered 24/7.
You will be advised of your placement location, host family and host school as soon as feasible. This can range from a few months prior to departure, right up until departure, as a lot needs to happen behind the scenes before each student's placement process is complete and can be communicated to you with certainty. The placement process doesn't only include sourcing a suitable host family, but also finding availability at a local school, and completing all red tape (including, for example, lenghty criminal history checks in some countries). Prior to departure from Australia, all students will receive host family, host school and local coordinator details.
Independent travel is not permissible while on exchange. However, you will be able to travel with your host family, school, host organisation and other community groups such as sporting teams or scouts. Again, the foremost aim of the program is educational, and your priority for any holiday periods must be your host family, who will be investing a lot of time, energy and money into this experience - simply in return for your frienship and positive contribution to their household.
Generally speaking, overseas schools won't issue a diploma to exchange students who are only there for a short time and don't graduate at that school. You may however be provided with a honorary certificate, as well as a WEP certificate of completion, which however don't count towards credit or graduation in Australia.
Language experience is desirable, but not necessary, for most countries. However, some countries have mandatory language requirements. You'll find the specific requirements for each country listed on its page. Intensive language courses may, in some circumstances, meet language pre-requisites. WEP strongly recommends language preparation prior to departure as language knowledge is of enormous benefit in assisting you to quickly adapt to your new family, school and life.
Of course, there are English-speaking destinations available if you are not interested in learning another language.
No, it's the host families who choose the student they wish to invite into their home. Based on the documents you will submit as part of your WEP application, one lucky family will choose to open their home and hearts to you, which is why for all Exchange Classic programs, and many Flex programs as well, there is no avenue for students to choose a specific location.
It may be possible to live with an overseas family that you already know (excluding relatives of the student). However, the family will have to be screened and approved, prepared and supported by our partner organisation in the same manner as any other host family. School enrolment must also be available.
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