What will you take away from this experience?

• Professional skills: Strengthen your communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability through hands-on activities and group experiences.

• Sustainability in action: Explore real-world conservation and sustainability efforts and gain a deeper understanding of how communities can address environmental challenges.

• Global perspective: Develop a broader understanding of Latin America’s culture, environment, and approach to sustainability by engaging with local communities and organizations.

• Cross-cultural communication: Practice navigating new cultural environments, building relationships, and communicating with people from different backgrounds.

• Personal growth: Challenge yourself outside your comfort zone, develop greater independence and resilience, and return home with a stronger sense of your own interests and capabilities.

• A story to share: Return home with concrete examples of leadership, service, teamwork, and sustainability engagement to discuss in college applications, interviews, and future opportunities.

Why go abroad with Puentes?

For more than a decade, Puentes Abroad has helped students from leading educational institutions across the United States, including many Ivy League universities, to learn, work, and immerse themselves in Argentina. As a locally based organization, we bring deep knowledge of the region, trusted local relationships, and extensive experience designing experiential programs.

For our high school programs, students are supported by the Puentes Abroad team, throughout every step of their journey, from arrival through departure. We carefully oversee accommodations, transportation, activities, and on-the-ground logistics so that students can focus on making the most of their experience and so that families can feel confident knowing they are well supported abroad.

The program will begin in the city of Buenos Aires to provide you with an introduction to this dynamic, global city and its culture and sustainability projects. Then you will travel to Entre Ríos to become immersed in nature and do hands-on conservation projects.

Buenos Aires

Discover Buenos Aires, Argentina’s vibrant capital, where European-inspired architecture meets Latin American energy, and every neighborhood tells a different story. From the colorful streets of La Boca to the lively cafés of Palermo and the historic plazas of San Telmo, Buenos Aires offers an exciting blend of art, music, history, and everyday life. Students will have the opportunity to explore Argentina’s rich cultural traditions, and discover how a dynamic international city is responding to global challenges through innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. With its thriving creative scene, diverse communities, and endless opportunities for exploration, Buenos Aires is the perfect destination for students looking for an authentic city to broaden their perspectives, build meaningful connections, and gain firsthand experience in a new culture.

Entre Ríos

Experience a different side of Argentina in Entre Ríos, a province known for its lush landscapes, winding rivers, charming towns, and rich rural traditions. Located between the Paraná and Uruguay Rivers, Entre Ríos offers the chance to step beyond the city and connect with Argentina’s natural environment and agricultural heritage. From exploring wetlands and river ecosystems to discovering local traditions, regional cuisine, and the rhythms of life in smaller communities, you will gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between people, nature, and sustainable development. Whether enjoying the province’s scenic countryside, learning about local environmental initiatives, or experiencing the warmth of its communities, Entre Ríos provides an unforgettable setting for adventure, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning.

You will do hands-on learning, cultural exploration, and professional development activities designed to help you discover Argentina while building valuable skills for your academic and professional futures.

• Professional development and team building activities: Participate in interactive workshops and team-building challenges designed to strengthen communication, collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Through hands-on activities and group discussions, you will explore your strengths, build confidence, and develop practical skills that can be applied in future academic, professional, and community settings, thus preparing you for university life.

• City Tour: Upon your arrival to Argentina, you’ll go on a tour of the major sights and neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. The tour will include a stop at the Ecological Reserve, a unique natural environment located along the city’s riverfront, to provide insights into the importance of urban conservation, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship.

• Sustainability activities with local ecological organizations: Engage with local organizations working to promote sustainability and environmental awareness in Argentina. Through interactive activities and meaningful conversations, you will learn about local environmental challenges, explore potential solutions, and consider how individuals and communities can contribute to positive change.

• Biking adventure: Discover Entre Rios from a different perspective during a group biking adventure through the area’s parks and green spaces.

• Kayak activities: Explore the natural beauty of the Río Uruguay through an exciting group kayaking adventure. You will develop teamwork, communication, and adaptability skills while connecting with the region’s waterways and gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting natural environments.

• Estancia farewell lunch: Visit an “estancia” (ranch) just outside of Buenos Aires for our final meal together to experience the Argentine countryside and gaucho hospitality. Enjoy a traditional Argentine “asado” (barbecue), while reflecting on the experiences, connections, and insights you’ve gained throughout the week.

• Daily group meals: Share meals together while experiencing Argentina’s rich culinary traditions and vibrant food culture. These group gatherings provide opportunities to connect with fellow participants, practice cultural exchange, and reflect on the experiences and insights gained throughout the program. The Puentes team will accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies to ensure that every participant can comfortably enjoy the group meals.

Before, during, and after your Pathways to Purpose experience, the Puentes team is dedicated to making your adventure abroad as enjoyable and meaningful as possible.  

Pre-departure preparation: In advance of your departure for Argentina, we’ll give you access to the exclusive online Puentes Portal with detailed pre-departure steps, information to help you prepare for your travels and life abroad, and a directory of fellow Pathways to Purpose participants.  You will also participate in the Pre-Departure Webinar with the Puentes team to review program details and your pre-travel questions.

Airport transfers and local transportation: Upon your arrival to Buenos Aires, you will be welcomed at the airport by Puentes staff and transported to your program-coordinated housing. The program includes all transportation for program-coordinated activities in Argentina, including transfers between Buenos Aires and Entre Ríos and the return trip to the Buenos Aires airport for your departure. 

Orientation seminar: Upon arrival, you will have an Orientation seminar on the Pathways to Purpose program activities, cultural considerations to help you navigate life in Argentina, and important safety guidelines. We’ll also provide you with a welcome bundle with local treats. 

On-Site Support: The Puentes team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the ground, in person.  Puentes is always available to help you work through any adjustments to your time abroad.

Insurance: Your program includes international insurance coverage for medical care and emergencies.

Lasting Impact: After completing your Pathways to Purpose adventure with Puentes, you join the network of Puentes alumni.  You will continue to be supported through the mentorship of the Puentes team, and you’ll be eligible to receive letters of recommendation from Puentes for your future professional and academic endeavors.  We are committed to continuing to build bridges for your future.

Meet your Program Leader, Kelly Williamson!

In Buenos Aires, you will be housed in a shared apartment building with the other program participants, creating a comfortable home base where you can connect and experience the city together. Accommodations will include Wi-Fi and shared bathroom facilities, and Puentes staff will be housed with the group and be available 24/7 throughout your time in the city.

In Entre Ríos, you will embrace a more natural experience and stay overnight in tents and sleeping bags within the Río Uruguay Park. Accommodations will include shared bathroom facilities and Wi-Fi. Puentes staff will stay at the Park and be with the group 24/7, providing on-site guidance and support and helping ensure you are comfortable, safe, and well cared for throughout the experience.

Who is the ideal participant for this program?

The Pathways to Purpose: Sustainability and Impact in Argentina program is designed for high school students who have completed their freshman year of high school and have not yet begun college at the time of the program.

Ideal candidates are students who are:

• Ready for an outdoor adventure and excited to do camping in tents, hiking, and kayaking. No prior outdoors experience needed - just a good attitude!

• Interested in professional growth and strengthening communication skills and teamwork abilities, while exploring future career paths.

• Passionate about sustainability, with interests in environmental conservation, service work, and hands-on outdoor learning.

• Globally minded, collaborative, open to new cultures and perspectives, and excited to learn and grow through an international experience. No Spanish language skills required to participate, but be ready to pick up some “español” during the program!

How to enroll in Pathways to Purpose?

Early, priority enrollment deadline: November 15, 2026

Regular, final enrollment deadline: January 5, 2027

There are two simple steps to take before the enrollment deadline so that we can help make sure that this program is a good fit for you:

Step 1: Submit the following brief Interest Form to receive detailed information on program inclusions and program fees, as well as the link to sign up for an Advising Call.

Step 2: Have a 15-minute Advising Call with the Program Leader Kelly.

Once you have submitted the Interest Form and had the Advising Call, we will notify you of your admissions decisions on a rolling basis until all program spots are filled or until the final application deadline of January 5, 2027.

Upon being admitted to the program, you will be asked to confirm your spot within 7 days by paying the Enrollment Deposit. The Program Fee Balance is due by January 15, 2027.

Given the purposefully small size of this selective program, we encourage you to apply early to ensure your spot!

There is no fee to apply.