FAQs

 • Do I need a visa to study in Argentina?
No visa is necessary, entry with a US passport automatically allows a three month tourist stay. Students who would like to stay longer than three months typically cross the border to Chile, spend a few hours or the weekend there, and return with a renewed tourist visa for another 3 months. This has proven to be the quickest and easiest way for visa renewal and has never caused any troubles for foreigners.

 • Are classes difficult?
All of ICLA’s courses are designed to be challenging, but are small so that each student can get the most out of each class. Language support is widely available and small class sizes ensure attention and language development. But no worry, there’s also plenty of time for fun!

 • How can I reach my family in my home country?
All homestays have phones, and with a 3 dollar calling card you will receive an hour and a half of talk time. There is also WiFi for laptops at the institute, and our own computers.

 • What about medication and health related issues?
ICLA recommends bringing filled prescriptions, but doctors and pharmacies are available at reasonable costs—i.e. a dental visit runs around u$s40.

 • How much money should I bring?
Homestay families will provide breakfast and dinner, but students will surely explore local cuisine. For example, a lunch of Argentine empanadas and a soda costs $3-$4, while a pizza costs $5-$7. With a favorable exchange rate for Americans and Europeans, a fair budget will go quite far in Mendoza.

 • What is Argentine food like?
Homestay families all have different backgrounds; Italians, Spaniards, Jewish Europeans, and many middle easterners settled the Argentine west. Typical food from the area may include Gelato (Italian style ice cream) and fresh made pastas, or also ‘Empanadas Arabes.’ Also, beef is king in Argentina and a full asado (barbeque) is easily found. Vegetarian students, though, will have no problem finding healthy and delicious meatless meals—both at their homestay and at one of the city’s vegetarian restaurants.

 • What are the homestays like?
Each homestay family has been hand picked by ICLA, and students will have their own private room. Fresh linens will be provided, along with access to the kitchen of a student is interested in cooking a meal from home.

 • Do I have to bring my own skies/snowboard?
You may opt in for resort rentals, rentals from the city of Mendoza, or bring your own skies or snowboards from the United States.