The best of many worlds

High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we match you with a host family and school in the province of Córdoba. If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the program for you.

About Argentina

See more – join a round trip!

South America’s finest

The school system in Argentina is one of the best in South America. Even if there are no requirements of documented language skills, a basic level of Spanish will make your days a whole lot easier.

The Argentinian school year is between March and December, but you are welcome to start your year in the fall, just like you would do back home. You are also welcome to choose how long you want to stay, a full year, a semester or a shorter term.

The high school system

High school in Argentina is divided into two periods. The first one is called basic level, which is common to all schools, following a general curriculum. After this level, students choose a specialisation or orientation. The range of subjects depends on the specialization.

Some schools offer special projects designed for those who are willing to participate, like theatre and choir workshops, recycling, social projects, ecology projects, photography and art. Your school, often a private school, will decide which class that suits you best.

A typical day

School starts early in the morning, always with a particular ritual called el saludo de la bandera, meaning to raise the flag. All students gather while watching the flag and singing the national anthem. You will all wear the same school uniforms, normally there’s one for winter, one for summer and one for PE class. In the Argentinian school, you are expected to be polite, respectful and focused on your learning.

Our host families are located in the Córdoba Province area, most likely to the west or south of the province. Our host families have been carefully selected taking into account their genuine desire to share their language and culture with you.

Kisses and questions

The Argentineans are polite, warm and very engaging. Don’t be surprised if your family members kiss you on the cheek and ask personal questions the very first time you meet. This is a lovely way to be greeted when you have moved to a completely new country.

Family first

The typical Argentinean family is more than just parents and children. All relatives are important and during your stay you will probably have close contact, even with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. They all care deeply for each other. And the best part is they will care just as much for you!

The host families are always eager to show you the natural wonders that are typical of their area. They will introduce you to their traditions and give you the opportunity to experience the Argentinian lifestyle from the inside.

Free time in Argentina

Take the opportunity to experience the fantastic nature after school. Exactly what you can do depends on what your region has to offer. There will probably be plenty of spots you cannot find back home. Just a walk with friends in your nearest area will be exciting when you first arrive.

Join a club and get new friends

There are also a variety of cultural institutions and clubs where you can practice sports, theatre and music. In some schools, these activities can also be done in special training courses after class. You will meet many new friends if you participate in these activities.

Time for tango

Do not forget! When you visit Argentina you have to try the tango. Even if you’re not a dancer, it’s something you just have to do, at least once. If tango is not your thing, maybe you want to play soccer, basketball, volleyball or do gymnastics.

See more of Argentina

We all need a break from homework sometime. Spend your time off from school on a trip with us. We offer you the chance to see more of Argentina. In November, we travel south to Patagonia. It will be a trip full of cool nature experiences, for example a boat trip across the Strait of Magellan.

You might even spot a sea lion or a killer whale! In March/April, we pack our bags for a trip to the north and the east. One of the stops will be the fantastic waterfalls Iguazú Falls. Both trips are an additional cost. Your local contact person will give you more necessary information. 

Welcome Camp

Begin your adventure in Argentina with the perfect kick-off, the STS Welcome Camp! You’ll stay in Córdoba, brush up on your Spanish and learn a number of valuable things about your life in Argentina.

Welcome Camp in Cordoba

The Welcome Camp in Cordoba will make sure that you get off to a good start in Argentina. It is included in the programme fee and also includes 15 hours of Spanish classes. When it’s time to leave the camp, you will feel confident in moving in with an Argentinian family.

Speak Spanish all day

The Welcome Camp will give your Spanish a real push, since you will start every day with language classes. The whole group of exchange students will be divided into three smaller groups, depending on their level of Spanish. You will make a test before departure to make sure you are placed in the right group. It will be natural for you to continue speaking Spanish all day with your new friends. Before you know it, you will be comfortable with the language.

Body language and empanadas

Apart from language classes and lectures about Argentinian culture, the course includes other activities as a group. The leaders will take you for a town walk, a picnic by the river and give you a crash course in body language. The last activity of the week is a Farewell Party where you will taste traditional Argentinian empanadas – delicious!

What’s included:

• Accommodation in a host family
• Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
• Emergency support 24/7
• STS bag
• School spot in Full board in a host familya public high school
• STS Welcome Camp
• Free interview
• STS Diploma
• School spot in a local high school
• Online pre-departure meeting
• Meetings and material to prepare you and your parents