Baylor in Argentina
Baylor in Argentina offers students of all majors a unique combination of Spanish language immersion, engaged learning and cultural exploration in Mendoza, a vibrant city at the foot of the Andes. Through hands-on experiences in local healthcare and/or educational settings, students use Spanish beyond the classroom while gaining firsthand insight into Argentine culture, communities and professional practices.
Students deepen their understanding of global cultures, build meaningful connections across cultures and grow academically, professionally and personally through coursework, a homestay experience and cultural exploration in Mendoza and Buenos Aires.
Program Details
Term: Summer 1
Program Dates: May 22–July 7, 2027
Application Deadline: February 15, 2027
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 earn 6 credit hours of Spanish while making significant gains in their language skills through daily use of Spanish in and out of the classroom. Courses are taught by Baylor faculty and Argentine instructors at Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo).
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.
Engaged Learning Experience
Students put their Spanish skills into practice through hands-on experiences in the local community while building valuable intercultural, communication and professional skills in an international context. Students can participate in healthcare or education experiences based on their interests, regardless of major or career goals.
Healthcare: Gain international healthcare experience through medical shadowing and other hands-on learning opportunities in public and private hospitals and clinics. Students develop a deeper understanding of healthcare education and practice in a global context and engage with faculty and students from UNCuyo’s Facultad de Ciencias Médicas.
English Teaching, Tutoring & Language Exchange: Engage directly with Argentine students and educators in public and private schools through English teaching and tutoring, classroom activities, and language and cultural exchange. Open to all majors, these experiences build communication, leadership, teaching and intercultural skills and can provide valuable preparation for international opportunities such as the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship.
Homestay Experience
Students live with Argentine host families, providing daily opportunities to practice Spanish while experiencing the language, culture and hospitality of Argentina firsthand.
Cultural Exploration
Students experience Argentina well beyond the classroom, from hiking in the Andes Mountains to exploring the iconic sights, vibrant neighborhoods and rich history of Buenos Aires. Cultural experiences may include cooking and tango classes, gaucho traditions and opportunities to experience everyday life in Mendoza.
Faculty Leadership
Program Director
Dr. Melisa Dracos
Associate Professor of Linguistics
Melisa_Dracos@baylor.edu
Courtney DePalma, M.A.
Associate Director Student Leadership and Engagement
Honors College
Courtney_DePalma@baylor.edu