FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about our Study Abroad Programs

1. General Information

2. University Classes

3. Support Service

4. Housing

5. Workshops

6. Program Costs

7. Application

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 education in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Each day we attempt to make Expanish synonymous with the chance to live, breathe, and truly experience the Spanish language as well as the rich culture of Buenos Aires. We hope that all students who choose to study abroad with Expanish will leave Argentina with improved Spanish skills, a new understanding of Buenos Aires and the region, and a broadened view of the world and of themselves. While you are here, and for the duration of your program, 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 students from all nationalities and countries, who are at least 18 years of age. Expanish believes that a study abroad experience is for any student who is young at heart, interested in living in a new country, and most of all, passionate about other cultures, people, and languages.

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 are unsure about how to organize your Gap Year in South America, please check out our Programs page to help you decide.

1.5 How will I meet other people and make friends while in Buenos Aires?

You will begin your stay 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.

2. University Classes

2.1 How do I go about receiving university credit?

Because each university has different procedures and requirements concerning transfer credit, a member of the Expanish University Staff will work with you and your advisor individually to seek to ensure that 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 in our programs given 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 language skills in order to ensure that you have a level sufficient to enroll in regular university 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 highest grade. Students successfully pass their courses with a 4, which is the approximate equivalent of 70%.

2.4 Do I take classes with local students?

It is very important for their cultural immersion experience that students get the chance to interact with locals, so virtually all students on the Semester Program during the regular academic year have the opportunity to enroll in classes with local students. Students in 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 Intensive 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 in Latin America are small courses with a great deal of interaction and personal attention; generally classes are between 2-6 people. All classes in the semester programs and intensive Spanish programs will vary though, generally, classes have between 10-30 students.

2.6 Do you recommend volunteering or interning while taking courses?

Volunteer and Internship opportunities are strongly encouraged as another cultural gateway to learn more about Buenos Aires and the issues and questions the city and its people face. It can also serve as a valuable professional development tool as students consider their future careers. Students should be able to balance classes, activities, and a volunteer or internship placement. If the student is worried about overextending themselves however, they can arrange to either arrive before their class start dates or extend their stay at the completion of the university program 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 grades to be evaluated using an equivalent scale.

2.8 Is the selection process competitive?

All students who turn in the required application materials and meet the minimum eligibility requirements (GPA, Spanish level) are accepted into the Expanish university program to which they apply.

2.9 Can I extend my program dates before or after the class start dates? Can I extend just my housing?

Of course; our programs are very flexible and we would be happy to help students with any special requests relating to extending dates. You can extend your housing in South America for as long as you like both before and after your class start dates. During this extended period you can simply choose to live in Buenos Aires. We can arrange travel options for you, you can continue a volunteer or internship placement, or we can arrange for you to take more language courses in Buenos Aires. Simply note any such special requests on your program Application form.

2.10 I am a university study abroad coordinator and I am interested in arranging a customized study abroad program for my school. How do I go about this?

We would be delighted to put together a special program for your university! Please send us an email using the form available on the Contact Us page, or to university@expanish.com, and a member of the University Staff will contact with you within one business day. We have experience in putting together customized academic programs for colleges with specific program needs. We can arrange for such needs as facilities use, program development focused on a specific content or theme, service learning projects, or programs requiring multiple locations. If you are interested in arranging a specialized program, do not hesitate to contact 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 university@expanish.com, 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.

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 unanticipated, will be taken care of by the Expanish team. Whether study abroad students need airport transportation, health insurance, conversation partners, or any general staff assistance. Expanish students can count on our support throughout the duration of their stay.

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 international airport (Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza) Airport) and transported to their accommodation and/or temporary lodging during orientation.

3.3 Is there a program orientation?

All Expanish university programs include an orientation soon after student arrival in Buenos Aires. The orientation is designed to familiarize study abroad students with the city, their program, additional Expanish offerings they can participate it, and provide them with the chance to meet other program participants. For programs of 8-weeks or more, students will stay the first two nights in a local hotel for program orientation and class registration. Students should plan to arrive in Buenos Aires the Wednesday afternoon before their class start date in order to attend orientation. For programs of less than 8-weeks, students will stay their first night in a hotel in Buenos Aires for program orientation. Students should plan to arrive in Buenos Aires the Wednesday afternoon before their class start date in order to attend orientation. The orientation schedule is subject to change based on the number of program participants.

3.4 Are their opportunities to have a language Exchange Partner in order to practice my Spanish?

Absolutely! Expanish will introduce you to an Argentine who is currently learning your native language. You can arrange a schedule to meet with them at your preference during your stay. This option is offered to 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 trip?

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, and within reasonable distance of the university where you are taking classes. Each homestay and apartment is screened ahead of time by a member of our staff. We have a 24/7 student help desk for emergencies. We also distribute a Welcome Packet when you arrive with pertinent emergency phone numbers, and you will receive a safety talk during the orientation for all of our University programs. Students can drop by our Expanish office at anytime during our business hours if they have any problems or questions. The Expanish staff goes the extra mile to provide students the safest environment possible when on a university program. Please see our Health & Safety page for more information.

Housing

4.1 Is housing required on study abroad programs?

No. Students may choose to find their own housing during their study abroad program in Buenos Aires. Expanish does recommend that study abroad students take advantage of their two housing options during their study abroad program; homestay (with 2 daily meals) or a shared apartment (shared with other young students or professionals). Check out our Accommodation page for more information.

4.2 May I begin my Homestay before my classes start?

You can extend your housing for as long as you like both before course start dates and after your courses are completed class. During that time you can simply choose to live in Buenos Aires. We can arrange travel options for you, you can opt for a volunteer or internship placement, or we can arrange for you to take additional language courses in Buenos Aires just note any special request on your program Application form.

4.3 What is the difference between a homestay and a shared student apartment?

Students frequently ask about the main differences between a homestay and a shared student apartment. These two housing options usually fit two different needs and expectations for students. Students who select a homestay often want to live with a local family and experience South American and Argentine customs and culture on a daily basis, including the unique insight that the option of daily meals provides. Study abroad students who opt for a shared student apartment usually want to live with other young people and are looking for a greater level of independence. Both experiences allow you to practice your Spanish skills on a regular basis and experience domestic life in Buenos Aires as it is lived every day.

4.4 Who will I be living with in a shared apartment?

Apartment mates are study abroad students or young professionals living, working, and/or studying in Buenos Aires, and are generally between the ages of 20-32. Students may have anywhere from one to eight roommates. We also try to ensure that student accommodations are in safe neighborhoods, close to public transportation, and as near as possible to the university where they will be studying.

4.5 Are the accommodations either close to the University I'll be attending or my internship or volunteer placement location?

We place you within reasonable distance of where you are taking classes or volunteering-interning, either by walking or public transportation. All of our accommodation placements are within short walking distance to public transportation.

5. Workshops

5.1 What are the benefits of the workshops?

Our skill workshops are wonderful supplements to our study abroad programs in Argentina. From cooking to photography, and from tango dancing to fileteado artwork, these primarily cultural activities offer students the opportunity to spend time learning about unique aspects of Argentine culture with Latin American locals. All of our workshops and activities invite study abroad students to hone both their Spanish language skills and their cultural literacy as they participate in endeavors outside of formal classes.

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. 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 wish as long as they do not conflict with your course schedule. We generally recommend that students take no more than two workshops per week.

6. Program Costs

6.1 Is the cost of each university program billed through my school?

Similar to academic credit policies and procedures, each university has different billing requirements, thus the University Staff of Expanish will work with you individually on the tuition billing process of 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 program payment requirements of your home institution.

6.2 Are there any scholarships or financial aid available?

Yes; it is very important to us here at Expanish that students from diverse circumstances have the opportunity to study abroad! Scholarships are generally need-based and scholarship details and application materials can be found under the link to Scholarships under each individual Expanish program. Study abroad students should also check out the Scholarship page for our database of study abroad scholarships. Special financial aid decisions are also made on a case-by-case basis; if a student is experiencing any particularly challenging financial circumstance, they can contact the Expanish University Staff at university@expanish.com in order to have their individual situation evaluated.

6.3 When is the program start date?

The program start date is defined as the first day of program classes or the first day of student 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:

While program space is frequently available up to one week before program start dates, openings are not guaranteed if an application is submitted after the application deadline; late submissions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If the application for a study abroad program 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, 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.

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 to Latin America upon request.

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 additional materials. After receiving your application form, the University Staff will contact you concerning procedures for turning in the documents required for your specific study abroad program.

The following list includes five fundamental documents and materials that students must be prepared to submit for any study abroad program to which they choose to apply:

Students may be required to submit additional documentation. Expanish university advisors will inform students of any additional requirements, for an Expanish program of student interest, upon consultation in the early stages of the application process.

Program Supplements:

7.2 How does the application process work?

To apply for an Expanish study abroad program, click on the Booking link at the top of any page. 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 application 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 will need to turn in as well as instructions on how to do so, in order to be approved for your program. After you have turned in all additional documents, you will be notified of your study abroad program approval by e-mail. You will 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. Upon payment of your program deposit, you will be sent a Pre-Arrival Orientation Pack with useful information for planning your program abroad and will also receive an invoice in addition to payment instructions for your program balance. Approximately one week before your program start date you will receive an Arrival Information Email which will provide you with detailed information about your arrival and first few days with Expanish.

IMPORTANT: Students will neither receive program acceptance or housing placement confirmation, nor will they 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?

All application deadlines and deadlines for receipt of all additional documents are sixty (60) days before program start date.