FAQ

1. General Information

1.1 Why should I choose Expanish over other study abroad organizations?
1.2 Do I need a visa to study in Latin America?
1.3 Am I too old to study abroad? Too young?
1.4 How do I choose between the General Spanish and University Programs?
1.5 How will I meet other people and make friends while in South America?

2. University Classes

2.1 How do I go about receiving university credit?
2.2 How will my Spanish level be determined?
2.3 How are my classes graded?
2.4 Do I take classes with local students?
2.5 How many people are in my classes?
2.6 Do you recommend volunteering or interning while taking courses?
2.7 Is there a minimum GPA?
2.8 Is the selection process competitive?
2.9 Can I extend my program dates before or after the class start dates? Can I extend just my housing as well?
2.10 I am a university study abroad coordinator and I am interested in putting together a customized study abroad program for my school. How do I go about this?
2.11 I am a university study abroad coordinator. How do I get more information about offering Expanish programs at my institution?

3. University Classes

3.1 What additional services do you offer?
3.2 Will some one be meeting me at the airport when I arrive?
3.3 Is there a program orientation?
3.4 Are their opportunities to have a language Exchange Partner to practice my Spanish?
3.5 How is my safety insured on my Expanish study abroad?  

4. Housing

4.1 Is housing required on study abroad program?
4.2 May I begin my Homestay before my classes start?
4.3 What is the difference between a homestay, shared student apartment, and a residence
4.4 Are the accommodations close to the University or my internship or volunteer placement?

5. Workshops

5.1 What are the benefits of the workshops?
5.2 How do I sign up for workshops?
5.3 Can I arrange for workshops after I arrive?
5.4 May I request a workshop not on the list?
5.5 How many workshops should I take per week?

6. Program Costs

6.1 Is the cost of each university program billed through my school?
6.2 Are there any scholarships or financial aid available?
6.3 When is the program start date?
6.4 How is my payment determined for University Programs?
6.5 How should I pay?
6.6 What is your cancellation policy for University Programs?
6.7 Why do you use PayPal/Why did I receive an invoice from PayPal?
6.8 Can you help me find a discount airfare?

7. Application

7.1 Do I need to turn in any additional application materials?
7.2 How does the application process work?
7.3 When is the application deadline for each program?

1. General Information

1.1 Why should I choose Expanish over other study abroad organizations?
Expanish has taken on the challenge of creating the context for an enriching, unforgettable experience for students seeking to study abroad in Latin America. Unique among study abroad programs in Latin America, our programs are meant to offer students a high quality language education throughout the Spanish-speaking countries of the Americas. Each day we attempt to make Expanish synonymous with the chance to live, breath, and truly experience the Spanish language. We hope that all students who choose to study abroad with Expanish will leave Latin America with improved communication skills and wonderful memories involving the language in and out of the classroom.

Our base in metropolitan Buenos Aires and our strong contacts all over South America provide a unique experience for visiting students. Furthermore our commitment does not end after your first day of class. We are available of the duration of your program, and we are dedicated to providing you the best possible experience abroad.

1.2 Do I need a visa to study in Latin America?
All students on a program of more than 90 days will need to apply for a student visa. Please check our Student Visa page for details about the visa application process.

1.3 Am I too old to study abroad? Too young?
We welcome all students who are at least 18 years old. A diversity of ages, nationalities, professions, and interests contribute to the unique experience each of our students have; regardless of age, any student who is interested in studying abroad and meeting new friends from all over the world will feel right at home with Expanish programs.

1.4 How do I choose between the General Spanish and University Programs?
Expanish offers students from 18 to 80 many flexible programs with a variety of options to choose from. If you are having trouble deciding between a General Spanish Program or a University Study Abroad Program, or you are unsure how to organize your Gap Year in South America, please check out our Program Comparison Chart to help you decide.

1.5 How will I meet other people and make friends while in South America?
You will begin your stay at your chosen destination with a program orientation where you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants. You will be able to meet individuals in your Classes, during Workshops, during weekly Activities, in your Homestay or shared apartment, and through the local Expanish staff.

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2. University Classes

2.1 How do I go about receiving university credit?
Because each university has different requirements, a member of the Expanish University Staff will work with you and your advisor individually to ensure you receive credits for your courses abroad. After you have submitted your application form, the University Staff will follow up with both you and your advisor concerning all academic credits available on our programs and the specific requirements of your home institution.

2.2 How will my Spanish level be determined?
You will sit for a placement test during program orientation to determine the level of your Spanish courses or to ensure you have a level sufficient to enroll in regular thematic courses.

2.3 How are my classes graded?
For all classes taken in Argentina, students receive grades on a scale between 1 and 10, with 10 being the best grade. Students pass their courses with a 4, which is equal to about 70%.

2.4 Do I take classes with local students?
It is very important to us that students get the chance to interact with locals, so all students on the Semester Program during the regular academic year do have the opportunity to enroll in classes with local students. Students on our Summer Latin American Studies Program will be sharing the campus with local students who are in the middle of their regular academic year. Students in all Spanish courses will be sharing the campus with local students.

2.5 How many people are in my classes?
All Spanish language immersion classes and summer classes are small courses with lot of interaction and personal attention; generally classes are between 2-6 people. All classes on the semester program will vary by class; generally classes are between 10-30 students. All students in Spanish language courses will have between 10-15 students in their class.

2.6 Do you recommend volunteering or interning while taking courses?
Students should easily be able to balance classes, activities, and a volunteer or internship placement. If the student is worried however, they can arrange to stay before or after their class start dates in order to volunteer or intern.

2.7 Is there a minimum GPA?
If a current undergraduate, U.S. students are required to have a minimum accumulative 2.5 GPA, and students of all other nationalities can submit their course marks to be evaluated on a similar scale.

2.8 Is the selection process competitive?
All students who turn in the required application materials and meet the minimum eligibility requirements for their program (GPA, Spanish level) are accepted into our university programs.

2.9 Can I extend my program dates before or after the class start dates? Can I extend just my housing as well?
Of course; our programs are very flexible and we would be happy to help students with any special requests. You can extend your housing for as long as you like both before and after your class start dates. During that time you can simply choose live in Buenos Aires, we can arrange for you to travel, you can continue a volunteer or internship placement, or we can arrange for you to take more language courses either in Buenos Aires, or in one of our other locations around South America. Just note on your Application form any special requests you have for your program.

2.10 I am a university study abroad coordinator and I am interested in putting together a customized study abroad program for my school. How do I go about this?
We would be happy to put together a special program for your university! Please send us an email through the form available on the Contact Us page, or to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , and a member of the University Staff will be in contact with you within one business day! We have in the past put together customized academic programs for colleges with specific needs, for instance a particular time period and multiple locations. If you are interested in putting together a specialized program, do not hesitate to tell us!

2.11 I am a university study abroad coordinator. How do I get more information about offering Expanish programs at my institution?
Please send us an email with all your requests through the form available on the Contact Us page, or to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , and a member of the University Staff will be in contact with you within one business day! We would be happy to supply you with digital and print materials for your webpage and for your students.

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3. Support Services

3.1 What additional services do you offer?
A comprehensive list of our support services is available under the Support Services link. You can be assured that the necessities of your stay, both foreseen and unforeseen, will be taken care of by the Expanish team. Whether students need a cell phone, airport transportation, insurance, conversational partners, staff assistance, and much more, Expanish students can count on our assistance from the very first day through the very last.

3.2 Will some one be meeting me at the airport when I arrive?
All Expanish study abroad students will be met upon arrival at the airport and transported to their accommodation and/or program orientation lodging.

3.3 Is there a program orientation?
All universities programs have an included program orientation once students arrive in Buenos Aires. The goal is that Expanish students can become familiar with the city and their program course rapidly, and so they can meet other progam participants. Program orientation will vary, but always include at least the first night in a local hotel in the Centro for program orientation. Orientation also includes a welcome dinner, city tour, university tour, class registration, extensive welcome pack with information, a calling card, subway passes, maps, and transportation info.

3.4 Are their opportunities to have a language Exchange Partner to practice my Spanish?
Absolutely! Expanish will introduce you to a local who is currently learning your native language to meet with at your leisure during your stay. This option is offered to all Expanish students of all ages and is outlined under our Support Services link.

3.5 How is my safety insured on my Expanish study abroad?
Our students' safety is of the utmost importance to us. All of our homestay and shared apartments are located in the safest neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, close to public transportation within reasonable distance to the university where you are taking classes. Each homestay and apartment is screened ahead of time by a member of our staff. We also have a 24/7 student help desk for emergencies. All study abroad students are provided with a cell phone during the length of your program with a US$50 deposit, so you always have a way to communicate with our staff, friends, or family throughout your stay here. We also distribute a Welcome Packet when you arrive with all your emergency phone numbers, and you will receive a safety talk during orientation on all of our University programs. Students can drop by our schools and offices anytime if they ever have any problems or questions while here. The staff of Expanish goes out of their way to offer students a very high quality language and university education in the safest environment possible. Please see our Health & Safety page for more information.

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4. Housing

4.1 Is housing required on study abroad program?
Yes, housing is a requirement on all Expanish study abroad programs, primarily for safety and pogram coordination reasons, but also to ensure our Expanish students have the opportunity to truly learn the lenguage with a native speaker. If a student presents a case for a program without housing, they can also let the Expanish University Staff know in orde to evaluate if an exception should be made.

4.2 May I begin my Homestay before my classes start?
You can extend your housing for as long as you like both before and after your class start dates. During that time you can simply choose live in Buenos Aires, we can arrange for you to travel, you can continue a volunteer or internship placement, or we can arrange for you to take more language courses either in Buenos Aires, or in one of our other locations around South America. Just note on your Application form any special requests you have for your program.

4.3 What is the difference between a homestay, shared student apartment, and a residence?
Students often ask about the main differences between a homestay, a shared student apartment, and a residence. These types of housing usually fit two different needs and expectations of students. Students who stay in a homestay often want to live with a family and see the local customs and culture of the country played out on a daily bases, including through daily meals. Students who stay in a shared student apartment or a residence usually want to live with other young people and are looking for a greater level of independence, including making their own meals and being more responsible for their independent Spanish language development. Students in a shared student apartment will be placed with at least one native Spanish speaker, while those in residences may or may not be living with native speakers.

4.4 Are the accommodations close to the University or my internship or volunteer placement?
We place you within reasonable distance of where you are taking classes or working, either by walking or public transportation. All of our accommodation placements are within short walking distance to public transportation.

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5. Workshops

5.1 What are the benefits of the workshops?
The core of our programs revolves around various skill workshops and cultural activities that offer opportunities to spend time with locals. All of our workshops and activities invite students to flex both their linguistic and physical muscles as they participate in endeavors outside of formal classes. Workshops are a fun way to learn a new skill while putting Spanish to use with more individual attention.

5.2 How do I sign up for workshops?

You will be sent a workshop preference form to fill out after you have been approved for your program, and workshops will be charged with the program balance.

5.3 Can I arrange for workshops after I arrive?

Absolutely. You will be given instructions about how to add or arrange for new workshops during program orientation.

5.4 May I request a workshop not on the list?

We can arrange special workshops upon request for students if they request the workshop before their program start date.

5.5 How many workshops should I take per week?
You can take as many Workshops as you want as long as they do not conflict with your course schedule (usually meet in the afternoon). We generally recommend students take no more than two workshops per week.

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6. Program Costs

6.1 Is the cost of each university program billed through my school?
Like academic credit standards, each university has different billing requirements, thus the University Staff of Expanish will work with you individually on the tuition billing process for your home institution. After you have submitted your application form, the University Staff will follow up with both you and your financial aid advisor concerning all tuition requirements of your home institution.

6.2 Are there any scholarships or financial aid available?
Yes; it is very important to us that all students from all walks of life have the chance to study abroad! Scholarships are generally need-based and scholarship details and application materials can be found under the link to Scholarships under each Expanish program. Students should also check out our Scholarship page for our database of study abroad scholarships. Special financial aid decisions are also made on a case-by-case basis; if the student is experiencing any difficulties or special circumstances, they can contact the Expanish University Staff in order to evaluate his or her situation individually at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

6.3 When is the program start date?
The program start date is defined as  the first day of classes or the first day of accommodations, whichever is first.

6.4 How is my payment determined for University Programs?
An application fee of U$S 60 is required to process the application (credited to program balance). Students can pay the remaining balance in two ways:

Option 1: Turn in a deposit of 20% of the total program fee upon admission approval [no later than sixty (60) days before program start date], and pay program balance in full by thirty (30) days before the program start date.

Option 2: Turn in a written consent for a financial aid transfer from your home institution financial aid office upon admission approval [no later than sixty (60) days before program start date], and ensure balance is paid in full by thirty (30) days before program start date. If the student would like the help of Expanish in negotiating this process, the student must advise the University Staff (university@expanish.com) by or before the application deadline. Your home institution does make all final decisions regarding their financial aid packages.

While spots are oftentimes available up to one week before program start date, they are not guaranteed if application is submitted after the application deadline; submissions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If the application is submitted after the program deadline and the student is approved for admission, the full program fee will be due upon admission approval. Applications will not be accepted less than one week before program start date.

6.5 How should I pay?
Payments from students or from universities can be made by check, by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, or by bank transfer.

6.6 What is your cancellation policy for University Programs?
If the cancellation is 60 (sixty) days or more before the program start date, students will receive a refund of the full program fee and a 90% refund of the deposit, minus the U$S60 application deposit. If the cancellation is between 60 (sixty) days and 30 (thirty) days before the program start date, students will receive a refund of the full program fee and a 50% refund of the deposit. If the cancellation is made less than 30 (thirty) days before the program start date, students will receive a 50% refund of the total program fee. No refunds will be made after program start date. In the event that Expanish cannot place students in their requested courses and the student decides to cancel, all fees including the U$S 60 application deposit will be refunded.

6.7 Why do you use PayPal/Why did I receive an invoice from PayPal?
We use PayPal as our invoicing system for credit cards, debit cards, and actual PayPal accounts - once you register, you will receive a follow up email from an Expanish staff member and an email invoice sent via PayPal. Once you click on the link included in the email, you enter into a secure PayPal webpage where you can pay by credit card - we use PayPal because it is a secure database that protects you from identity fraud and is thus safer for your credit card number.

6.8 Can you help me find a discount airfare?
All study abroad students are provided with a list of helpful websites to use when looking for airfares to Latin America upon their program approval. Expanish also works with several discount travel agencies and can help students make their travel arrangements upon request!

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7. Application

7.1 Do I need to turn in any additional application materials?
Depending on which program of study you choose, you will need to turn in some additional materials. After receiving your application form, the University Staff will be in touch with you about how to turn in the documents required for your specific program. The following list outlines a list of materials students should be prepared to submit:

* Statement or purpose should contain reasons for studying in Argentina (min 650 - max 750 words, double-spaced, in English or Spanish).
** Documentation of Spanish Proficiency includes any additional certifications you may have showing Spanish competency (AP test results, certificates.etc.).

Program Supplements:  

§         Internship applicants: Letter of recommendation and Résumé/Curriculum Vitae (in Spanish).

§         Volunteer applicants: Brief essay stating reasons for wanting to volunteer (max 400-words, in Spanish).

§         Scholarship applicants: Appropriate Expanish Scholarship Application.

  7.2 How does the application process work?

To apply for an Expanish study abroad program, click on the link that says Application at the top of any page, or Apply for this Program under each program description. Complete the online application form or fill out the PDF version, verify that you have read and agree to our Terms and Conditions, and then submit the form.

  Once Expanish receives your application form and you have paid the application fee, you will be sent a follow-up email explaining which additional documents you need to turn in and how to turn them, in order to be approved for your program. After you have turned in all additional documents, you will be notified by email of your program approval, and be sent your Pre-Arrival Orientation Pack with useful information for planning for your trip abroad. You will also receive several important forms that need to be filled out and sent back to Expanish immediately, as well as the invoice and payment instructions for the program deposit.

IMPORTANT: Students will not have a confirmed program and housing placement or be registered for their courses until they have turned in all of their documents, been officially approved for the program, and paid their program deposit.

7.3 When is the application deadline for each program?
Application deadlines and deadlines for receipt of all additional documents are always sixty (60) days before program start date.

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