Baylor in Argentina

Baylor in Argentina offers students an immersive summer experience combining Spanish language study, professional development, service learning, and cultural exploration. Based primarily in Mendoza at the foot of the Andes, students live with Argentine host families, study alongside Baylor faculty and local instructors, and put their Spanish skills into practice through everyday life and community engagement.

Program Details

Term: Summer
Program Dates: May 23–July 9, 2026
Location: Argentina
Cities include: Mendoza and Buenos Aires

Minimum GPA: 2.5
Minimum Classification: Sophomore (24 credit hours completed at Baylor)
Language Requirement: SPA 1302 or equivalent proficiency demonstrated through the Modern Language Placement Exam (MLPE)

Academic Experience

Students complete 7 credit hours, including six hours of Spanish coursework and a one-credit Engaged Learning and Service course. Spanish courses are taught by Baylor faculty and Argentine instructors at Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo).

Required Course

Engaged Learning and Service in Argentina
PPS 1100 | 1 credit hour
Students connect academic learning with service and community engagement, developing the knowledge, skills, and partnerships needed to orient their emerging expertise toward human flourishing and the common good.

Spanish Course Options

Students choose two three-credit Spanish courses appropriate to their level:

Intermediate Spanish
SPA 2310 | 3 credit hours
Develops intermediate proficiency in speaking, writing, listening, and reading Spanish.

Exploring the Spanish-Speaking World
SPA 2320 | 3 credit hours
Explores cultures of the Spanish-speaking world while developing conversational and written Spanish skills.

Conversation and Composition
SPA 3302 | 3 credit hours
Builds advanced oral and written proficiency and serves as a bridge to upper-level Spanish coursework.

Latin American Culture and Civilization
SPA 3311 | 3 credit hours
Explores the history and culture of Latin America.

Topics in Hispanic Language and Literature
SPA 4388 | 3 credit hours
Offers advanced study of a selected topic in Hispanic literature, language, or culture.

Course placement is based on completed prerequisites, placement exam results, or departmental approval.

Immersive Experience

Spanish learning extends well beyond the classroom. Students live with Argentine host families and use Spanish daily while experiencing the culture and community of Mendoza.

Students also complete approximately five hours of service each week. Opportunities include:

• Medical Shadowing: Clinical observation through UNCuyo's health programs, with exposure to local health care settings and specialties.
• English Language Teaching: Classroom assistance at Colegio San Andrés, a local primary and secondary school.
• Cultural Exploration: Excursions in the Andes and opportunities to experience Argentine food, history, traditions, and daily life, including time in Buenos Aires.

Faculty Leadership

Program Director
Dr. Melisa Dracos
Associate Professor of Linguistics
Melisa_Dracos@baylor.edu

Courtney DePalma, M.A.
Associate Director of Student Leadership
Honors College
Courtney_DePalma@baylor.edu