Passport and Visa

Do I need a passport even if I’m only going for a month?

Yes.  Always bring a passport with you when traveling to a foreign country.  Remember: make lots of copies of your passport!  Leave one behind with your emergency contacts and put a copy of your passport in each piece of luggage you take with you, including your carry-on.

  
Do I need a Student Visa if I’m only going for a month? What about if I go for a semester?
Visas are required. Summer and semester students apply for their visa upon arrival on-site, in Buenos Aires.  Students on a year-long program are required to obtain a visa. Please be aware of when to apply for your visa by looking at our Passports and Visas information page.

Should I keep my passport with me every place I go during my time abroad?

No.  Leave your passport and other important documents in a safe place at your apartment.  However, you should carry a COPY of your passport at all times.  That way, should you misplace your wallet or purse, you will not lose your most vital information.

What should I leave behind for my parents/emergency contacts?

Leave your correct contact information, a copy of your airline tickets, a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable), and your Onsite Program Director’s contact information.  

City Information
 

What is the typical weather in this city?

The National Weather Service provides an International Source Weather service with information on weather conditions.  Check it out at http://weather.noaa.gov/weather/AR_cc.html.  If you want to find out more information on typical weather in Buenos Aires try http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/ARBA0009.html. This site provides information on current conditions, historical statistics, seasonal weather, and much more.

What types of clothes should I bring?

Buenos Aires has a generally mild climate and is typically warm most of the year with an average temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter, temperatures dip into the 30's and 40's while summers are characterized by warm, humid days. Most of the regions' rainfall is experienced in the autumn and spring months. GSE students are advised to bring clothing that is light, comfortable, and easily layered should temperatures unexpectedly change. Cotton T-shirts, short/skirts, swimwear, sandals, comfortable walking shoes and light pants are recommended. In the winter you will want to ensure that you have a few pairs of pants, jeans, long and short sleeve shirts, and a light rain jacket. 
 

Will I have free time?

GSE offers numerous group activities, but there is also plenty of time to explore and experience all that Buenos Aires has to offer.

What are some things to do?

In Buenos Aires and the surrounding areas it is easy to find any type of activity.  Within the city limits you can discover Buenos Aires through its numerous historical sights, museums, galleries, theatres, shopping districts, and exciting nightlife. The University of Belgrano also provides plenty of campus activities and events.

Should I bring a computer?

If you decide to bring a computer on this trip, you must assume all responsibility for the computer.  GSE is in no way responsible for the loss or damage of any personal items while participating on a GSE program.  The University of Belgrano will have computer labs accessible to all GSE students.

What type of transportation does the city offer?

As a major urbank, city Buenos Aires has numerous means of transportation.  All students are provided with a metro pass good for the beginning of their program, which gives them access to the Buenos Aires metro system known locally as el subte.  Buenos Aires' metro system is easy to use and provides extensive coverage of the Greater  Buenos Aires metropolitan area including major districts in the city center. The metro will ensure that GSE students can travel throughout the city at their own leisure.

 
University Information

Is attendance mandatory?

Attendance is mandatory.  All matters of attendance comply with the attendance policies of the University of Belgrano.
 

Do credits transfer?

The University of Belgrano is a fully accredited university. Those students who have received credit for GSE programs in the past have complied with the same protocol set in GSE’s “Transfer Credit” instructions.  Also, it is important to comply with the policies of The University of Belgrano, which include regular attendance, participation, and completion of all required course work and exams.

Are there any optional university courses?

You must enroll in a minimum of three courses at The University of Belgrano. This includes 1 Spanish language course and up to four Latin American Studies electives. Students participating in the Integrated Studies program have the option of choosing other courses from the university's curriculum.
 

What will books and school supplies cost?

The estimated cost of these items while on a semester program is approximately $250.  You will be instructed during your first days of class on how and where to obtain these items.

Living

Are meals provided?

Semester and year long GSE programs do not provide daily meals.  We recognize that each student prefers their own type of diet.  In order to allow students to eat whatever they want and whenever they want, GSE ensures that all student housing is equipped with a kitchen.

Who will I be living with?

Typically, you will live with other GSE students participating in your program, however you may also have the opportunity to live with foreign students. You will most likely be living in a multi-room apartment, sharing a room with a friend (if applicable) or a GSE participant who most closely matches your Student Housing Preference questionnaire.

Will I have a single, double or triple room?

As a GSE participant you will most likely share a room with one other person.  If you are participating in the program with a friend, GSE will try to accommodate the two of you together.  Remember to let GSE know that you are going with a friend so that housing assignments will be created according to your liking.  If you are not going with a friend, GSE will match you with a program participant who most closely matches your answers on the Student Housing Preference questionnaire.  Occasionally students will have a single or triple room.