What You’ll Study
TOTAL CREDITS - 14-21 credits per semester
The Intensive Language Program is designed for students who want to quickly advance their Spanish skills through study abroad in Buenos Aires. There are no cultural electives offered within this program; students complete a series of intensive Spanish language courses. There are several break periods of various lengths throughout the semester. Housing is included during these breaks. API excursions may be scheduled during these intra-semester breaks and students are also welcome to travel independently.
CREDIT BREAKDOWN
Forty-five U.S. contact hours generally equate to three semester credits, and the API transcript letter will recommend a total of 7 U.S. semester credits per intensive Spanish course. Students are cautioned, however, that home universities may award fewer credits for each Spanish course than the high number of contact hours may suggest.
- Fall Early Start Term
- Intensive Month 1
- 120 Argentine contact hours (108 U.S. contact hours; 7 U.S. semester credits)
- 5 hours of class per day, 4-5 days per week for 4 weeks
- 3 Additional Months
- 240 Argentine contact hours (216 U.S. contact hours; 14 U.S. semester credits)
- 3 hours of class per day, 4-5 days per week for 14 weeks
Students are advised that the early start option cannot accommodate beginning level Spanish students, though students at the beginning level are welcome to apply to the regular start fall option.
- Fall Regular Start Term
- 3 Months
- 240 Argentine contact hours (216 U.S. contact hours; 14 U.S. semester credits)
- 3 hours of class per day, 4-5 days per week for 14 weeks
- Spring Term
- Intensive Month 1
- 120 Argentine contact hours (108 U.S. contact hours; 7 U.S. semester credits)
- 5 hours of class per day, 4-5 days per week for 4 weeks)
- 2 Additional Months
- 120 Argentine contact hours (108 U.S. contact hours; 7 U.S. semester credits)
- 3 hours of class per day, 4-5 days per week for 7 weeks
ACADEMIC AND CALENDAR YEAR STUDENTS
The Argentine academic calendar follows the calendar year: the first semester in Argentina is actually the equivalent of the spring semester in the U.S. Students who wish to study for two semesters in Argentina are encouraged to consider the Calendar Year option (spring/fall) rather than the traditional Academic Year option (fall/spring) to avoid having an extended break of 2-2.5 months between semesters. Housing is not included during the break between semesters within the Academic Year program.
Completing two semesters of the Intensive Language program is only suitable for students starting the program with a beginning level of Spanish. Students starting the first semester with intermediate Spanish skills are encouraged to select the Program of Argentine and Latin American Studies program for the spring term.
TEACHING OPPORTUNITY - "SHARE YOUR LANGUAGE"
API has collaborated with a government initiative, Share Your Language, to advance opportunities for youth in public schools through promoting bilingualism. By participating in this month-long program during your academic semester in Buenos Aires, you can also be a part of making a positive impact on the community.
API students will gain practical experience in the field of education by combining theoretical teaching methods, class observation, and a chance to act as a lead teacher in two language classes.
Speak with your resident director on site to learn how to apply.
TRANSCRIPTS
API students receive a transcript from the Universidad de Belgrano upon completion of their program.
