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Study in Argentina: Helpful Resources
If you can’t find what you are looking for, please contact us.
PASSPORT & VISAS
Passport: Do I need a Passport to Study in Argentina?
You will be required, by the Argentine Immigrations Authority, to have a valid passport for the entire duration of your studies in Argentina. Your country of birth will determine which of two ways you should proceed in preparing to enter Argentina. If you don’t have a passport, apply for one immediately. Normal processing takes six weeks and may take longer during peak travel times.
Travel Visa Information: Do I need a Visa to Study in Argentina?
If your passport is from one of the following countries mentioned below, it will not be necessary to apply for a visa in order to enter Argentina. You will enter as a tourist and receive an automatic 90 day tourist visa. If your academic program in Argentina is more than 90 days long, you are required to obtain a student visa or an extension, but will do so on site in Buenos Aires with the help of the Mente Argentina Student Reception Office.
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Chile, Cyprus, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong (*), Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic Of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, Norway, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Kitts And Nevis, San Marino, Saint Vincent And The Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Republic, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad And Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States Of America, Uruguay, Estate Of The Vatican City, Venezuela
If your country is not listed above you will need to contact your nearest Argentine Embassy or Argentine Consulate offices at least thirty (30) days prior to the proposed date of departure to avoid inconveniences. Please contact us for more information.
Reciprocity Fee: Who has to pay a Reciprocity Fee to enter Argentina?
All students with passports from USA, Australia and Canada, will enter the country as tourists, but must pay a "reciprocity fee" at customs when you arrive in Argentina. The fee will be collected only at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport and the forms of payment are: Argentine pesos (the equivalent amount according to the exchange rate of the day), American dollars, or credit cards.
- Canadian passport: 75 USD$ (single entry) 150 USD$ (multiple entries valid for 5 years)
- Australian passport: 100 USD$ (multiple entries valid for 1 year)
- US passport: 140 USD$ (multiple entries valid for 10 years)
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STUDY IN ARGENTINA: FUNDING YOUR MA PROGRAM
Mente Argentina Discounts & Promotions: Explore our Discounts & Promotions!
Explore our Program Discounts & Promotions for 2012 here.
Does Mente Argentina offer scholarships to study in Argentina?
Yes!
We recognize that for many students, scholarships are an important aspect and even a necessity in order to study abroad. Keeping this in mind, year after year, Mente Argentina has offered various scholarships for our programs in Buenos Aires. The Mente Argentina Scholarship Program is designed for motivated students who plan to study abroad, however, feel that they need assistance to cover the costs of travel and the program fees.
Please read the eligibility criteria and the application procedures for each Mente Argentina scholarship carefully. Competition for the Mente scholarships and grants is strong and the quality of the materials submitted is very important. The scholarship application procedure is entirely independent from the Mente program application.
General Criteria for all Mente Argentina Scholarships
All Mente Argentina Scholarships are competitive. To receive full consideration, applicants must:
- Have submitted a completed application for a Mente Argentina Program
- Meet all requirements for the scholarship to which they are applying. In the case that a participant does not meet one or more requirement, the application can still be completed and will be analyzed on a case by case basis
- Complete an original essay according to specifications outlined before. Plagiarism is taken very seriously and will not be accepted. Mente Argentina expects applicants to properly cite sources for any quote or paraphrased idea used in their essay
- Complete the scholarship application fully with supporting documents. In order to be considered you must submit the following materials:
All scholarship materials must be sent to our office by mail, fax, or e-mail as noted on the Scholarship Application Form. The completed materials must be sent and received at least 3 months before the program start date.
Applicants will hear back from our office about their potential financial aid 3 weeks after all forms have been received.
Selection Process
Candidates who meet the scholarship criteria and program requirements will have their scholarship application and supporting documents judged by an independent selection committee. Students may apply for more than one scholarship per term; however, only one scholarship per student will be awarded per term. Winners will be notified by phone, e-mail, or mail before the start of their term.
Scholarships Available
Academic Merit Scholarhsip
For academic programs lasting between 1 semester and 1 academic year, scholarships will be awarded in the amoung of $500 to $2500 per student. The number and amount of scholarships awarded will depend on the quality and quantity of applications. The criteria for application are listed below:
**Academic Merit scholarship candidates will be judged on their academic achievements, academic letter of recommendation and the quality, structure and creativity of their original essay**
Financial Need Scholarship
For academic programs lasting between 1 semester and 1 academic year, scholarships will be awarded in the amoung of $750 to $2500 per student. The number and amount of scholarships awarded will depend on the quality and quantity of applications. The criteria for application are listed below:
- Cumulative GPA requirement: 3.0
- A 200-300 word statement on the following: Please offer a personal statement that describes any financial circumstances that is relevant to receiving a scholarship.
- An original 400-500 word essay responding the following prompt : "How Studying Abroad in Argentina contributes to my long-term educational goals"
- Mente Argentina Finantial Need Scholarship Application form
**Candidates will be judged on their overall financial need (gathered from the participant´s personal statement) and their letter of recommendation**
Short & ELAP Programs Scholarships
For programs lasting between 4 and 18 weeks, scholarships will be awarded in the amoung of $250 to $1000 per student. The number and amount of scholarships awarded will depend on the quality and quantity of applications. The criteria for application are listed below:
**Candidates will be judged on their academic achievements, academic letter of recommendation and the quality, structure and creativity of their original essay**
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Mente Argentina Financial Aid Resources for International Students
Explore these alternative funding resources to assist with making your dream to study in Argentina a reality!
Financial Aid Websites
Scholarships Search Engines
Study Abroad Loans
Other Recommended Websites
- http://www.borenawards.org - Boren Awards for International Study provides scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate students to study in world regions critical to US interests
- http://www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/index.html - The Rotary Foundation sponsors the Ambassadorial Scholarships program which is currently the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program.
- http://www.woodrow.org/fellowships/foreign_affairs/pickering_undergrad/index.php - The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Scholarship is administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation and is awarded to students pursuing a career in Foreign Service.
- www.iie.org/gilman - Benjamin Gilman Scholarship (requires Pell Grant).
- http://www.clascholars.org/ - The College Language Association sponsors this scholarship program for students at CLA member institutions who wish to study abroad.
- http://www.olmstedfoundation.org/olmsted/web/index.cfm?view=undergraduateProgram/vwMain - Each year, the Olmsted Scholar Program offers educational grants for two years of graduate study in a foreign language and other educational experiences in a foreign country to competitively selected career line officers from the four branches of the U.S. military.
- http://www.merlewestscholarship.com/scholar.html - The West Scholarship Fund provides as much help as possible to the largest number of eligible and deserving students from Klamath County, Oregon. The fund is managed and administered by the U.S. Bank Charitable Services Group.
- www.jkcf.org - The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarships are applicable for Study Abroad in any country.
- www.cjsfoundation.org - The Corinne Jeannine Schillings Foundation awards scholarships to those who have attained the Girl Scout Silver Award and plan to study abroad.
- www.gmsp.org - The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) program was founded by a grant from Bill and Melinda Gates. It was established to provide an opportunity for African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Islander Americans and Hispanic Americans to complete an undergraduate College education.
- www.coca-colascholars.org - The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has awarded nearly $23 million to more than 2,750 deserving high school seniors. Each year, the Foundation awards $20,000 to 50 National Scholars and $4,000 to 200 Regional Scholars from across the country.
- www.theashleyfoundation.org - The Ashley Foundation scholarship is awarded in memory of Ashley Tamburri. It is a four-year, renewable tuition scholarship awarded to teens who have faced or are facing cancer to encourage them to strive to achieve their goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about financing studies in Argentina with MA
Coming Soon!
TRAVEL PLANNING - GET READY FOR YOUR MENTE ARGENTINA EXPERIENCE!
BUENOS AIRES AIRPORTS: WHICH AIRPORT SHOULD I FLY INTO?
There are two airports in the city of Buenos Aires:
- International flights: Ministro Pistarini Ezeiza (EZE)
- Domestic flights: Aeroparque Jorge Newbery
When flying internationally, you will fly into Ministro Pistarini Ezeiza (EZE)
Upon registering for the Mente Argentina program we ask for participants to forward their itinerary/flight information so that we can coordinate their airport transportation upon arrival (both for pick up and drop off).
A Mente Argentina representative will be waiting for you when you arrive and will take you directly to your accommodation where you will find a Mente Argentina coordinator to welcome you to the city and provide you with important information about the program and living in Buenos Aires. Learn more...
Airfare Resources : Where & How can I find a cheap flight to Buenos Aires?
In order to allow students the flexibility to plan independent travel and to take advantage of travel benefits such as frequent flyer miles, Mente Argentina does not coordinate airfare for students.
Instead, we are happy to direct students towards airlines, travel agencies, and other resources that we find useful when planning a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Thorough research, well in advance (at least two months), is the key to finding a reasonably priced airline ticket. Nonetheless, we recommend checking with three types of resources before purchasing a ticket:
- Student travel agencies: Student travel agencies tend to offer discounted rates. They are especially accommodating when a change or cancellation is made to the flight, as they tend to charge nominal fees for such changes compared to the fees charged by most airlines and travel agencies.
- Discount internet search engines: Internet search engines provide a quick and easy method for comparing multiple airlines at a glance, and at times special "web fares" may be offered.
- Specific airlines: It is always good to call the airline directly for concrete information, special deals, and to inquire whether frequent flyer miles may be applied to the ticket.
The following is a list of student travel agencies, internet search engines, and airlines that fly into Argentine airports:
Student Travel Agencies
Internet Search Engines
Travel & Packing tips for Upcoming Participants
Studying and living in a foreign country can be an exciting and intimidating experience. Remember that when traveling, many things are liable to change, and flexibility is a skill that is naturally developed while traveling. The follow tips help international students who are looking to study in Argentina adjust to cultural and personal differences that one may encounter during their stay in Buenos Aires.
Travel Tips - Packing Tips
GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS
- Sign passport, and fill in the emergency information: Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
- Leave copies of your itinerary and passport data page: Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
- Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.
- Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws: While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws, so read up on Argentine and Buenos Aires politics and legal policies
- Read the State Department travel advisories: These advisories, cautions and warnings are available for all countries so be sure to read them before traveling to any country
- Keep in touch with current events: Knowing political events going on worldwide will help you stay updated on the safety and conditions of the country you plan to travel to.
- Make sure to check our Useful Links as they provide valuable information about Buenos Aires!
ABOUT BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA CULTURE
- Be aware that culture and daily customs change for every country. Remember that you are traveling to a different country to experience their culture and in a certain sense, you are a guest in Argentina which may require certain flexibility in your personal customs. Make an effort to follow the local routine.
- Argentines tend to stay up late, particularly in Buenos Aires, a city that has entertainment at all hours of the day. Meal times differ depending on family and group, but generally dinner is between 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm.
- Night life in Buenos Aires, Argentina starts late and ends late! Bars start to get full around midnight or 1am, and clubs don’t get started until 2am at the earliest and close around 6 or 7 am, so feel free to sneak a nap in after dinner!
- It is customary to tip about 10% in restaurants and cafes, and to leave tips at bars as well. In taxis a tip is not expected but instead the fare is often rounded up to the nearest full peso.
- Be prepared for questions about your home country. Buenos Aires is an international city with people from all over the world, and Argentines are often genuinely interested in where you are from. If you feel uncomfortable answering questions or dispelling stereotypes, explain yourself but also be prepared to answer these type of inquiries.
- Try to learn basic Spanish phrases to facilitate your daily interactions. Remember that every country, city, and group tends to have their own slang. Porteño slang, called lunfardo is very different from academic Spanish, so be prepared to include these cultural differences into your conversations! Brush up on terms by looking at our Mente Argentina lunfardo and argentine slang guide: http://www.menteargentina.com/blog/2011/05/habla-argentino-guide-to-spanish-slang-in-buenos-aires/
- Check the Mente Argentina Blog. Make sure to check our blog as we have several articles related to Buenos Aires's culture, life, etc.
PACKING TIPS
Pre-Packing: things to keep in mind
- Contact: Mente Argentina gives you a pay-as-you-go telephone for local calls, but this phone cannot be used to make international calls directly. It’s important to decide how you would like to communicate with people from home while in Buenos Aires. Email? International calling card? Skype?. If you are not sure what would be better for you please contact a Mente Argentina Program Advisor.
- Electronics: If you are arriving on a weekend (and in particular, on Sundays), many of the stores are closed, so be sure to bring your own electrical adapter or to buy one at the airport when you arrive. Otherwise adapters are normally readily available. Argentine electricity is 220 V, 50 Hz which is different than the 110V in many countries. When using a computer, generally there is a voltage converter on the plug that protects your computer by converting the energy that flows through, but with bigger electronics from another country (alarm clocks, hairdryers, hair straighteners, etc.) you will need to buy a 220 to 110 volt transformer, otherwise irreparable damage can occur even resulting in fire. Buildings use a mix of European style and Australian plugs: either a plug with two circular prongs or one with two flat blades in a V shape with or without a third blade below.
- Weather: Check the weather and temperature before coming to Buenos Aires (you can find more information on our Useful Links). Remember that Argentina is in the southern hemisphere, so their seasons are reversed from Northern hemispheric countries (aka December is summer, July is winter). The average temperatures range from 94F (35C) in January to 50F (10C) in July.
- Valuables: Consider getting travel or personal property insurance if you are bringing something expensive or important.
Tips for Packing
- Pack light. Don’t bring more stuff than you can carry at one time, it will make traveling easier. Remember, airlines charge for additional weight.
- Leave space in your luggage so you can bring home gifts or souvenirs. Remember that Argentina is known for its leather, so leave room for purchases like jackets, bags, shoes, etc.
- Make sure to identify all your luggage, including your carry-on bag. Remember not to lock your luggage because the airline with cut off the lock. However, locking your bag can be useful when traveling later so you may want to bring a lock with you.
- Pack all your valuables and important documents in your carry-on or keep them on you at all times when traveling, preferably in a money belt or bag worn across your chest to keep them secure. Don’t pack important information in your checked luggage such as tickets, travel documents, phone cards, medications, or valuables. Also leave a copy of all travel and personal information with someone back home in case anything is lost during your travels. Remember to print your Mente Argentina important information!
- Keep your passport with you at all times when traveling, and make sure to keep copies of your passport safely stored in different locations in case it gets lost or stolen. Your nation’s embassy can help you get an emergency or replacement passport much easier if you have a copy with you
- Don’t bring anything you simply couldn’t live without if it got damaged, lost, or stolen. If you have something that is of extreme personal value to you, leave it at home.
- Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case your checked luggage gets lost or delayed. It happens sometimes and you may not want to live in your airplane clothes!
- You can buy anything in Buenos Aires, so if you don’t know whether or not to bring something, leave it at home. If you decide you need it later you can purchase it here.
- Re-sealable bags are useful for packing toiletries and wet clothes. Make sure to put anything that can leak into a plastic bag, and pack what you first need on top of your luggage
- Make sure to check the Mente Argentina Blog for packing related articles!
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Money Wise: Shold I take cash to Argentina? Credit or Debit Cards? Traveler's checks?
Below you will find some money-related recommendations for all international students that are planning to study in Argentina for a limited time (1 Year or less)
- Warn your bank beforehand that you will be traveling to Argentina so they anticipate potential international transactions. Check if your bank has a sister bank affiliation in Buenos Aires to avoid unnecessary ATM fees.
- ATM withdrawal fees may apply both with the Argentine bank that you’re withdrawing from, as well as your home bank. Do your own investigation into the advantages and disadvantages of using your bank's debit card internationally. To avoid incurring many of these, you might consider withdrawing large sums at the beginning of each week and leaving what you don’t carry on you tucked away in your luggage
- US dollars can be used in limited locations; so we suggest always carrying argentine pesos. Keeping some US currency in your housing accommodation, however, is recommended in case of an emergency
- Travelers’ checks can be cashed in limited banks in the financial district but can be a hassle, and they cannot be used directly to make purchases. Changing money is easier but can be expensive due to high conversion rates. Instead, we recommend using a debit card to withdraw local currency and a credit card for more expensive purchases or buying online tickets. Again, we recommend checking with your bank beforehand about their international withdrawal fees before coming to Buenos Aires.
- Credit and debit cards can be used in a wide range of locations as a valid form of payment. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted in Latin America. Again, check with your bank on their international transaction policies and fees.
- Try to plan a realistic budget. Although traveling in Argentine can be inexpensive in comparison to other countries (check Living Expenses Argentina 2012), spending tends to sneak up on the unaware traveler. Remember that you are here to experience and explore but these fun experiences can add up. If you would like some help with planning a realistic budget please don´t hesitate to contact a Mente Argentina Program Advisor.
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Useful Links: Make sure to check these links prior to your arrival to Argentina!
Here are some websites that will help you prepare for your studies in Buenos Aires Argentina.
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Study Argentina Guide & Study Argentina Articles: Immerse yourself now!
Mente Argentina has designed a comprehensive Study in Argentina guide for all international students looking to study abroad in Argentina. If you wuold like to check it out, please visit: Study in Argentina Guide.
We also have several interesting articles related to study in Argentina and to living in Buenos Aires in our blog. Make sure to check our most popular articles prior to your arrival!
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Mente Argentina Levelling Test: Test your Spanish Level Now!
Not sure about your Spanish level? Take the MA Online Spanish Test now!
We´ll get back to you with the results.
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Living expenses in Buenos Aires 2012
Wondering about living expenses in Buenos Aires? Here are some examples of the price of popular items in the Argentine capital (all prices listed in US Dollars):
- Subway Fare : $0.25
- Dance club entry: $5-$13
- A Drink: $5
- Steak Dinner: $10-$20
- Taxi ride: $3-$7
- Movie: $7-$8
- Load of Laundry: $4
- A Good bottle of wine: $6-10
Explore the complete list of Living Expenses in Buenos Aires 2012
HEALTH & SAFETY IN BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Health & Safety Overview
The safety of our participants during their stay in Buenos Aires is a top priority of Mente Argentina. We are proactive about risk management in order to reduce the possibility of danger that may be presented to the participants; although we cannot, of course, eliminate all risk. Furthermore, student behavior is a critical component of a safe study abroad experience. Because of this we keep in close contact with the participants of the Mente Argentina program to offer help and guidance throughout their stay in Argentina. Our Mente Argentina staff works to prevent any kind of inconvenience with respect to health and safety for our participants.
Buenos Aires is a fairly safe city, but like any big city, it is important to take certain precautions and use common sense in order to enjoy the urban experience and take advantage of everything an international capital like Buenos Aires has to offer. The locals are remarkably friendly and eager to help out foreigners and travelers. However, participant should be aware that like all major cities, a certain level of crime may exist; the biggest threats to the traveler being petty theft and robbery.
As in any big city, locals and foreigners are recommended to always be aware of their surroundings, take precautions to place themselves in safe and comfortable environments, and avoid unnecessary risk.
On your arrival to your accommodation option, you will receive the Mente Argentina Welcome Guide with some practical suggestions as well as a short talk with recommendations from your Program Coordinator in Buenos Aires.
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Health Insurance in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Travel and Medical insurance is NOT included in Mente Argentina Programs. We strongly encourage students to get travel and health insurance. In the event that a participant does not have insurance, Mente Argentina can recommend some health insurance options.
We can assist participants in deciding which type of coverage best fits their needs, but the insurance company is not connected to Mente Argentina in any way, so we are not authorized to help participants with claims or disputes. Please note that Mente Argentina will not be responsible for any cost incurred by the student relating to medical illness, accidents or any other event that would result in the student early return.
Below are some options that we suggest participants look into before their stay in Argentina:
- Check with your medical insurance at home. Many insurance companies will cover students while they are abroad. Also, be sure to check your provider’s reimbursement policies.
- Check with your credit card company. Many credit cards will provide travel and medical insurance for short periods of time.
- There are some short-term coverage plans here in Argentina that we can assist you in obtaining once you get here. A regular plan for a young and healthy individual costs between USD 80 – 115 per month. There are several companies that are the best and most trusted locally. We can put you in contact with these companies, but we suggest that you first look at these first two options:
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Mente Argentina Safety Resources in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Mente Argentina is very dedicated to the safety and health of our participants. Continually keeping security in mind, we are always looking for more ways to guarantee a safe and comfortable stay here in Buenos Aires for our participants, day or night!
Learn more about Mente Argentina Safety Resources & Practices:
- On-site coordinators that have experience studying abroad, living in Buenos Aires, and speak both Spanish and English. These Mente Argentina staff members are available 24/7 to help students feel comfortable in Buenos Aires and make the most out of their stay. Upon the participant´s arrival, our coordinators will do a personalized check-in at the participants housing accommodation, giving them an orientation to the program and helping them get acquainted with the city.
- We provide students with a cellular phone during their stay in Argentina. For emergency reasons, parents can reach their child by calling or texting this number. Students will also have the numbers of our various coordinators programmed into their phones, so they will have several contacts persons from the very beginning of their arrival. Included in these numbers are emergency contacts as well as radio taxi numbers to help them find their way around the city in a safely and securely manner. An emergency contact card is also included in the Mente Argentina Welcome package.
- We provide students with a "pre-departure information" material and "travel check list" in order to help them get ready for their trip. Included in this information are safety tips, cultural information, banking and financial suggestions, and much more to prepare the participants for their travels.
- Upon arrival, students are provided with a personalized orientation and welcome guide that also includes maps of the city and public transportation, guides, discounts in stores, emergency phone numbers, important addresses, and many other suggestions about Buenos Aires and Argentina
- We provide weekly cultural activities as well as other trips, shows, or Mente Argentina events that allow the participants to explore different cultural settings of Buenos Aires in a friendly group setting. These cultural activities allow for participants to get to know each other and parts of the city, which promotes a learning, discovery, and understanding of Buenos Aires.
- We maintain a preferred network of trusted local hospitals, doctors and medical services. In case there is an emergency with one of our participants, one of our team members will accompany the participant to the hospital and be there to help with everything.
- We personally select all student housing placements based on the student’s preference. By selecting the student housing, we have personal contact with each student’s roommates in case of an emergency, and we ensure that all of our housing is safe and secure.
- We operate out travel and tourist activities with reputable providers.
- We regularly review emergency response and crisis management plans with local program coordinators and pass this information onto the participants.
Health & Safety in Argentina: Student Tips
Students Are Responsible For Their Safety
Keeping in mind our dedication to creating a healthy and safe abroad experience in Argentina, we recognize that both the health and safety of a participant is dependent on sensible student behavior.
All students on our study abroad programs are legally adults and are ultimately responsible for their decision-making and their safety. We expect students to act in a safe and thoughtful manner; otherwise, we reserve the right to ask a student to leave the program.
Buenos Aires is a big city and travelers must take certain precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. In addition to our suggestions below, take a look at our blog post here for some more detailed safety advice.
Also, please find below are some of our preventative recommendations:
- Avoid carrying valuables out in the open, hanging on your neck or over your shoulder. Carry cameras, laptops, mp3 players, etc. in a secure bag. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or valuable accessories that draw attention to you. Always remain alert for pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas such as plazas and on public transportation.
- Don’t flash money, wallets, etc. Keeping your wallet or money exposed is a dangerous idea because it draws attention to you and makes you a target for crime. Don’t keep your wallet on the table at restaurants, or simply sitting in your hands.
- Keep an eye on your belongings. Particularly in the Retiro bus station, luggage theft is an issue. Never leave your luggage alone. With that in mind, never offer to take or watch a stranger’s belongings.
- ATM withdrawals: We do not recommend withdrawing money from ATMs after dark. Always use ATMs located inside a bank and be aware of your surroundings before and after you leave the ATM, carefully checking that no one can see your important information or ATM code.
- Try not to walk alone in dark places, through parks, or neighborhoods you don’t know at night. Stay on well-lit and populated streets if possible. If you feel uncomfortable, try to find the nearest kiosk, restaurant, or populated area and wait there until that feeling has passed. Remember that there is safety in numbers, so when possible, travel with a group.
- Tell someone where you are going particularly if you are traveling alone. This way if someone needs to contact you or vice versa, there is someone aware of where you are and how they can reach you.
- Check maps before you go out. Looking lost or confused can make you look vulnerable. Especially at night, plan your route and how to get home, so that you know where you need to go later in the night.
- Be aware of your surroundings and strangers approaching you, offering bargains, or to be your guide. Remember that pickpockets tend to work in groups and may try to distract you.
- Speak Spanish as much as possible. This is not only good for your personal development and learning in Argentina, but it will help draw less attention to yourself as tourist. Avoid speaking loudly or obnoxiously, particularly in another foreign language.
- Taxis marked with the words “Radio Taxi” are associated with a legitimate taxi company that can account for each car and driver. Although some taxis may look like legitimate cabs, if they are not marked with the words “Radio Taxi”, we do not recommend taking them since there are fewer guarantees that they are licensed or legal.
- Avoid illegal drugs and activities. Every country has different policies and rules and it is better to avoid trouble with another nation’s legal system. Look up Argentine legal guidelines to familiarize yourself with the laws. Most importantly, remember when you engage in illegal behaivior you are not protected by the police. By involving yourself in illegal activities, you are putting yourself at extreme risk.
- The legal drinking age is 18 in Argentina. Remember that drinking responsibly is fundamental to protecting yourself and others. Know yourself and your limits.
- Locate your country’s embassy and consulates. Knowing where your embassy and consulates are, as well as how to contact them is important in case you need new or emergency legal documents of any kind.
- Read the news and stay updated on current events in the country and city you´re in. This way you not only improve your Spanish and learn about Argentine and Porteño culture, but you stay updated on safety and security issues. Mente Argentina recommends you look at the websites listed in our Useful Links section.
- Photocopy all important documents (passports, airplane tickets, health insurance card, driver's license, student ID, etc). Leave copies of these documents safely at home, so if something is lost or stolen, you still have access to backup information.
- Keep in contact with people back home. Not only will your friends and family appreciate it, but it is best that someone knows where you are to prevent them from worrying needlessly.
- Take the same precautions you would at home. Don’t give out your name or address, and don’t share program information with strangers.
- If you are feeling sick, don’t be afraid to go to the hospital or doctor´s office. In order to keep yourself safe, you need to keep yourself healthy. Contact the Mente Argentina program coordinators as soon as you feel ill, and we will set you up with the best options tailored to your personal health needs.
- Mente Argentina Staff will brief you on general safety guidelines when you check in. Ask them about safety precautions and locations that may be less safe at certain times of day. If you have questions regarding health or safety, do not hesitate to ask. Mente Staff are knowledgeable about Buenos Aires and can help you make the most of your experience here.
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Health & Safety in Argentina: Tips for Parents
We encourage students and parents to have in-depth discussions about safety before and during the study abroad process. We also encourage parents and students to read the Health and Safety practices recommended by the Interassociational Advisory Committee on Safety and Responsibility in Study Abroad, a consortium made up of the leading organizations in overseas studies. We believe this information offers a helpful overview of the best practices for study abroad providers, students and parents in health and safety issues.
Other Mente Argentina Tips for Parents
It´s important that we have both you and your child´s contact information.
- Make sure your child has provided you with several contact methods, including the Mente Argentina Student Reception Offfice address and phone number, your participant’s home and cell phone numbers, and email address.
- Make sure your child has your contact information as well, including office, home, and cell phone numbers, email address, and the contact information for a neighbor, close relative and/or good friend who will be able to reach you in case of an emergency
- Providing Mente Argentina with your own contact information as well assures extra security measures are taken and that the Mente Argentina staff can reach you if necessary.
Communicating about health and safety assures that you and your child are on the same page
- Help your child obtain travel insurance, health insurance, and any other legal precautions before he/she leaves for Argentina
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- Discuss safety and health precautions with your child before they leave for the country. This assures that both you and the participant are aware of potential risks and solutions while he/she is away
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- Keep in touch with your child during his/her trip, particularly about any travel plans and activities that may be independent of the Mente Argentina Program. This way you are informed about your child´s whereabouts in case you need to contact them.
Be informed about your child activities
- Stay updated on the events in Buenos Aires. Keeping informed will help you know what is going on in the city, and will keep you in the know.
- Have copies of your child ’s important documents and flight itinerary in a safe and accessible place.
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Health & Safety in Argentina: Frequently Asked Questions
Coming Soon!
Health & Safety in Argentina: Emergency Information
If you have any emergency whatsoever (legal or medical), and if you are currently enrolled in a Mente Argentina Program, please contact us immediately at the telephone number that appears on the Emergency Contact Card that you received on your arrival to Buenos Aires or Contact us now.
You can also write us at Emergency(at)MenteArgentina.com and we´ll get back to you immediately.
MENTE ARGENTINA EDUCATORS SECTION
Information for Representatives, Faculty & Advisors
We have designed a special section for University Representatives, Faculty & Advisors around the world. If you would like to have access to this special section please contact us.
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Study in Argentina Helpful Resources: Mente Argentina Helpful Resources for International Students.