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Knowledge Base ­ Argentina
Argentina
References: CIA World Factbook | IIE Fast Facts 2011
Description :: Argentina
Diversity Network’s Country Diversity Notes provide readily accessible summaries of country­specific
information on potential challenges for students who are from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented
in study abroad programs. The notes were created to facilitate the the ability of study abroad professionals
to find a good country fit for prospective study abroad students who are uncertain of how they will be
received abroad because of their race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, religion or disability.
The Argentina diversity note, below, features a country overview as well as information pertinent to the
climate of respect that U.S. students of diverse backgrounds can reasonably expect while living in those
countries. It also offers bulleted information noting facts that may directly relate to student experiences in a
given country. Links for students to pursue additional information resources on the various topics are also
offered.
While the note provides a bird’s­eye view of diversity matters in each country as they pertain to U.S.
students, the country information found in the notes is not exhaustive. Advisors should use the information
contained below in collaboration with faculty and staff who have experience in the particular country,
returned study abroad students who are able and feel comfortable to discuss their own observations of
diversity in the country, and the advisor’s own knowledge.
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**The Diversity Network encourages comments and updates from members**
COUNTRY OVERVIEW
Argentina is the tenth most popular destination for U.S. study abroad students. More than 4,500 of them
studied there during the 2008­2009 academic year, a 14.5% increase over the year prior.
Argentina offers U.S. students high­level study abroad opportunities, with most instruction taking place in
Spanish, depending on the education abroad program. Argentina’s universities enjoy good reputations in a
range of disciplines. Argentina is a Catholic country that is predominantly white. Mestizo or ‘mixed’ race Amerindians comprising
the second most populous group (3%). Although there are few Argentines that identify as black, a very
minor (<1%) black population does exist in the country, a legacy of the African slave trade in the country
during the colonial era and, more recently, some Brazilian and Cabo Verdean influx. Despite the relative
homogeneity in Argentina, many Argentines are accustomed to international visitors.
Ethnic Minorities :: Argentina
Potential Considerations for Students of Color
The majority of the tourists who visit Argentina are white. Consequently, Argentines often tend to
conceptualize all North Americans as white. They sometimes mistake non­Caucasian students for being
something other than Americans. For instance, African Americans or Hispanic Americans may be thought to
be from Brazil or other Latin American countries. Similarly, students of Asian descent may be considered
Chinese regardless of their true origin.
As Argentines of African and Asian descent are few, especially outside Argentina’s urban centers, there are
relatively few goods and services designed for students of these ethnicities. U.S. students of color should not feel overly concerned about experiencing discrimination in Argentina. Still,
this should not be interpreted to mean that prejudice and racism are nonexistent there. Notes:
Most of rural Argentina is homogeneous, with people of African and Asian descent absent. Consequently, it is
in these areas that people may be overly curious.
Most of rural Argentina is homogeneous, with people of African and Asian descent absent.
Consequently, it is in these areas that people may be overly curious.
Argentines are accustomed to people, usually tourists, of all types visiting certain parts of the country
such as Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Bariloche, and Iguazu Falls.
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African American students may be called negro (black), the local word commonly used to describe
black people, whether used in a derogatory way or as a term of endearment.
African American students may be one of the few minority members within the program and thus
work and live with individuals who have no understanding of African American cultures and cannot
provide adequate support.
Students may have difficulty finding certain ethnic beauty products found in the United States.
Hispanic American students may not be perceived as being North American. They may be expected to
speak Spanish fluently because of a Hispanic surname.
Argentines may assume that Hispanic Americans understand the culture and language and thus
expect them to interact socially with more ease.
Additional Links:
“My race is only part of the whole.” Jeramy Johnson’s blog post about being a black study abroad
student in Buenos Aires
Expat in Argentina blog post about being black in Buenos Aires
BBC Mundo article on the myth of no blacks in Argentina
Information on the 2002 film Afro­Argentines by Jorge Fortes and Diego Caballo
Sexual Orientation :: Argentina
Potential Considerations for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer Students
Argentina is reported to be a gay­friendly destination. Buenos Aires is even sometimes touted as the gay
capital of Latin America. Buenos Aires has anti­discrimination laws that protect homosexuals. Most provinces
allow same­sex civil union, with a movement to extend the full rights of marriage to gay unions as well.
With regard to sexuality, Buenos Aires and Cordobá have vibrant gay scenes. In urban areas, students are
unlikely to face harassment whatsoever for being open about their sexuality. This is even the case in the
campo, or countryside, although rural areas can be more conservative than the country’s cities.
Notes:
Openly gay students can feel comfortable in Argentina, with homosexuality widely accepted.
Additional Links:
Gay BA – A guide to gay establishments in Buenos Aires.
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NEXO – LGTB group that publishes a magazine and offers services, including HIV/AIDS tests.
Federación Argentina LGTB – a website that centralizes information on LGBT life in Argentina.
Physical Disability :: Argentina
Potential Considerations for Students With Disabilities
Although Argentina is moderately developed and modern country, it lacks in its facilities for individuals with
disabilities. Infrastructure for individuals with visual, hearing, and physical disabilities is rare. Wheelchair
users will have a hard time finding ramps and even lowered curbs; sidewalks tend to be broken and craggy,
even in major cities. Most hotels are not fully adapted for wheelchair use.
Before selecting a study abroad program it is best to inquire with the program itself as to the amenities and
services available at each program location.
Notes:
Some museums have handicap accessible ramps or lifts. Some also offer special guided tours for the
visually­impaired and signed tours for the hearing­impaired. However, tourist sites are not usually
adapted for visitors with disabilities.
Additional Links :
Argentine Organization for the Handicapped
Religion :: Argentina
Potential Considerations for Religious Students
Most Argentines are nominally Roman Catholic; a smaller number of them worship regularly. In addition to
the Catholics of Spain and Italy, there is a small number of Protestant Christians in Argentina.
Equivalent in number in Argentina's protestants are its Jews, who migrated there towards the end of the
nineteenth century from Eastern Europe, Russia and the Middle East, and following World War II. There is
also a small Muslim community in Buenos Aires. Pentecostalism continues to take root in rural and lower­
income communities across Argentina. Over the previous three decades, New Age and Eastern religions
have gained popularity among some middle and upper class Argentines. Students should feel comfortable
openly practicing their faith in Argentina.
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Additional Links:
Organización Islámico Argentina
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Buenos Aires Temple
Argentina Kosher food guide
Argentina Evangelical Association
Catholic Action Argentina
Women :: Argentina
Potential Considerations for Female Students
Argentina is thought to be a very safe country, however, women traveling alone should follow ‘common
sense’ safety precautions as they would in the United States.
Notes:
Female students who travel to Argentina can expect a level of protection and respect equivalent to the
U.S.
Fast Facts :: Argentina
Capital: Buenos Aires Population: 42,610,981 (July 2013 est.)
Language(s): Spanish (official), Italian, English, German, French, indigenous (Mapudungun, Quechua)
Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other
4%
Ethnic groups: white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry),
Amerindian, or other non­white groups 3%
References :: Argentina
Map, flag, and country facts are from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook online. Accessed
9/28/2011. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the­world­factbook/geos/ar.html
Institute for International Education (2011). “U.S. Study Abroad: Leading Destinations.” Open Doors Data.
Accessed 2013. http://www.iie.org/Research­and­Publications/Open­Doors/Data/US­Study­Abroad/Leading­
Destinations/2009­11.
Diversity Abroad Network 2013
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