Buenos Aires, Argentina | Santiago, Chile

Emerging Economies: Buenos Aires & Santiago

Study Abroad
Length:
Fall, Spring

At a Glance

Program Dates:

  • Spring 2025: February 17 - May 30
  • Fall 2025: September 01 - December 12

Credits:

16 to 19 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$19,950

Visa Required:

Maybe

Housing:

Homestay

Language of Instruction:

English, Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

None

The program begins with orientation in Buenos Aires, where the first half of the program is held, followed by a week-long, program-related trip to Peru, and the second half of the program in Santiago. 

Learn about the accelerated pace of globalization and economic growth in these markets while experiencing two very different cultures, complete with their own distinct institutions, laws, and business practices and cultures. Both cities serve as models for the pitfalls and opportunities surrounding economies in transition within the global marketplace. 

Background Image Mask
Buenos Aires and Santiago Will Be Your Classrooms

Meet business professionals in Buenos Aires and Chile.

Background Image Mask
Improve Your Spanish Language Skills

Take an optional semester-long, 3-credit Spanish course.

Background Image Mask
Live in Homestays

Live in a furnished room in the home of a señora or family.

Background Image Mask
Travel Throughout South America

Travel to Peru, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and Uruguay.

Fall 2025

Program Dates:

September 01 - December 12

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
19,950

Program Advisor

This person does not have a headshot photo

Lindsay Smith

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

a view of Buenos Aires from a rooftop

Why Emerging Economies?

Designed for students interested in Business, Economics, Sociology, and Political Science, this multi-location interdisciplinary program offers a unique comparative perspective of two of the most notable emerging economies in South America: Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago, Chile.

Get to Know Your Host Cities

Background Image Mask
Climb Cerro Santa Lucia

Take in Santiago at this hill located in the heart of the city.

Background Image Mask
See the Street Art

Check out street art as you stroll through the barrio of Bellavista.

Background Image Mask
Feast at a Traditional Argentine Asado

Try steak with chimichurri sauce, empanadas, and more.

Background Image Mask
Get Your Tango On

Attend a tango show at one of Buenos Aires’ many venues.

The Student Experience

View All Blogs

Program Dates

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

February 17 - May 30

Application Deadline:

Fall 2025

Program Dates:

September 01 - December 12

Application Deadline:

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. 

We offer unique courses that explore economics, South American history and culture, and other topics through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.

Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 16-19 credits per semester. All IES Abroad courses are taught in English, except for the language course. 

  • EC/PO/IR 330 Emerging Economies: A Global Perspective of Opportunities & Challenges in Argentina & Chile (required, 4 credits) 
  • Two IES Abroad English-taught courses in Buenos Aires (required, 3 credits each) 
  • Two IES Abroad English-taught courses in Santiago (required, 3 credits each) 
  • IES Abroad Spanish language course (optional, 3 credits) 

Courses in Buenos Aires

  • IR/PO 353 Populism and Neo-Populism: Latin American Politics in a Changing World
  • HS 321 Contemporary Argentine History: Politics & Culture in the Construction of a National Identity 
  • IB 340 Business Strategies in Latin America 
  • FI 356 International Finance

Courses in Santiago

  • EC 235 The Wine Industry in Chile: The Challenges and Opportunities of Sustainability
  • EC/IR/PO 342 Chile: Regional and Global Trade Organizations
  • IB/ES 332 Chile: Sustainability & Business
  • HS 362 Chilean Identity: History and Society 
  • BS 301 Social Entrepreneurship & Leadership for the 21st Century: The Latin American Context 

Courses in Buenos Aires & Santiago

  • EC/PO/IR 330 Economic Development in Latin America
  • SP 221, SP 321, or SP 421: Level determined by Spanish Language Placement Assessment 

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the  IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (8)

Business Administration (1)

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)

About the IES Abroad Centers

The Centers are where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Buenos Aires Center is located downtown near neighborhoods known for their history and architecture. The IES Abroad Santiago Center is located in Providencia, a vibrant residential neighborhood. Whichever destination you’re currently closest to, the Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Housing

Students sit around a patio table with their host family at a Santiago homestay.
  • Homestay

Homestay

You have a furnished room in the home of a señora or family during your time in Buenos Aires and in Santiago. In Buenos Aires, your homestay provides breakfast and dinner during the week, and breakfast on the weekend. In Santiago, your homestay provides two meals per day each day of the week, including weekends. You will be provided all of your bed linens and towels in both cities. English-speaking hosts are available on a limited basis.

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Buenos Aires and Santiago, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

group of students standing in front of a tall, gothic building with two spires on a cloudy day

Luján & Local Estancia

1 Day Fall & Spring

Visit the city of Luján, with its famous cathedral that attracts pilgrims from all over the country. Enjoy the open fields of the greater Buenos Aires province, then spend the afternoon at an estancia (cattle ranch).

A student lies on a wall that says "we are not hippies, we are happies"

Valparaíso & Viña del Mar

1 Day Fall & Spring

You will discover the culture of two of Chile’s most beautiful coastal towns: one is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the other is home to one of Chile's Nobel Prize-winning poets, Pablo Neruda.

Two students standing in front of a red stucco building and smiling at the camera.

Colonia del Sacramento

1 Day Fall & Spring

Travel across the River Plate to Uruguay to visit the 300-year-old town of Colonia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic quarter of Colonia reflects the old Spanish and Portuguese colonial styles. Its narrow cobblestone streets and remnants of its...

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2025

Tuition
$
14,675
Housing
$
5,030
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
19,950

Fall 2025

Tuition
$
14,675
Housing
$
4,975
Insurance
$
300
Total
$
19,950

2026 Spring

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Learn More
Two students snorkel in the ocean.

Orientation

Stay at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Introduction to Buenos Aires
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjustment. Information about other important topics is also covered.
Intensive Language Learning
During the first week of the program, you will begin your language learning experience and participate in activities to meet and bond with others.
Introduction to Santiago
When you arrive in Chile, you’ll attend a two-day orientation, which will include topics such as academic courses, housing, transportation, and health and safety.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of the local culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

Background Image Mask
CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

Background Image Mask
24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

Background Image Mask
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Background Image Mask
Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

Background Image Mask
TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Background Image Mask
Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
passport stamps and stickers inside of passport books

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
three students standing in front of fair table with IES Abroad catalogs

The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
two students laughing while hugging