What to expect when attending High School in Argentina

Secondary education in Argentina (secundaria) generally runs from around age 12-13 to 18, though the exact structure varies slightly by province, since education is managed regionally rather than nationally. Most schools follow the same overall pattern:

• The first years (ciclo básico) cover core subjects common to all students.
• The final years (ciclo orientado) let students specialize in a track such as sciences, humanities, economics, or the arts, similar in spirit to choosing electives or an academic focus in the US.

A typical school day runs five days a week, generally starting around 8 AM and finishing in the early-to-mid afternoon, though exact hours vary by school.

The school year follows the Southern Hemisphere calendar: classes run from early March to mid-December, with summer vacation in January and February.

Unlike some other countries, Argentine schools don't run extracurricular clubs on campus. Instead, students get involved in their host town's local clubs, a great way to make friends outside of class, whether that means football, volleyball, tango classes, or an extra Spanish course.

Nacel places students in public schools, in semi-private or semi-public schools (subsidized or partly tuition-funded), and, on request, for an additional fee, in fully private schools. Many schools require a uniform.

A typical school day runs a single shift, five days a week: most schools go from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, though some run an afternoon shift instead, from 1:30 to 6:30 PM.

Core subjects at the secondary level include Mathematics, Spanish, Literature, English (as a foreign language), Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Physical Education, Music, Technology, and Economy. Depending on the school, additional subjects may include Technical Drawing, Biology, Physics, Visual Arts, Chemistry, French, Italian, or Latin.

Academic credit: international students receive a certificate of attendance and can request a grade report at the end of their stay (this must be requested when applying; let your Nacel counselor know in advance). Please note: neither Nacel nor the host school can guarantee that grades or credits earned in Argentina will be recognized by your home school; check with your school counselor before you go. Graduating from an Argentinian high school is not part of this program.

Why choose Nacel for High School Abroad in Argentina?

Nacel has decades of experience placing international students in South America, with the same standards of care we apply worldwide:

• Our host families are motivated by cultural exchange
• Families are placed in small towns close to the school, so getting to class is simple.
• Your program starts with a 4-day welcome orientation in Córdoba (Wednesday to Sunday), including a 15-hour Spanish course, a city tour, and full-board accommodation so you arrive at your host family already comfortable with the basics.
• ou'll have support and a 24-hour emergency line throughout your stay, with an in-country coordinator who understands exactly what exchange students go through.
  

What are the benefits of a High School Abroad in Argentina?

Beyond the classroom, a semester or year in Argentina is a chance to grow as a person. Our exchange students consistently tell us they come back:

• ​More independent and confident,
• Fluent enough in Spanish to think and joke in the language, not just translate it,
• Connected to a host family and friends they'll stay in touch with for years,
• More open-minded, with a broader view of the world and other cultures,
• And ready to bring that experience into college applications and beyond.
  

Argentinian School System: Key Facts

• School types: Argentina has public schools (free, state-run), private schools (tuition-based), and international schools. Nacel primarily places students in local public or private secondary schools for full cultural immersion.
• School schedule: Classes typically run five days a week, starting around 8 AM, with the school day generally ending in the early-to-mid afternoon (exact hours vary by school and province).
• School calendar: The Argentinian school year runs from early March to mid-December, with the main school break in January and February (Southern Hemisphere summer). 
• Curriculum: Core subjects are common to all students in the early secondary years; in the final years, students choose a specialization track (sciences, humanities, economics, or arts).
  

High School Year Abroad in Argentina: Ressources

• ​High School Abroad in Argentina: your daily life in your Argentine school and host family
• ​Exchange students tell us about their High School Study Abroad in Argentina!​