Discover Argentina. Build Your Future. Make an Impact.
Do hands-on conservation projects, gain professional insights, and become immersed in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires and in the natural landscapes of Entre Ríos.
This one week, spring break program is designed for high school students who are eager to develop practical professional skills, explore global sustainability challenges, and gain meaningful experiences that help to prepare you for college and beyond.
2027 PROGRAM DATES: Saturday, March 27, to Sunday, April 4
ACTIVITIES
DESTINATIONS
SUPPORT
ENROLL
Puentes Information Session for 2027 Pathways to purpose Program
Join us to learn more about our high school program.
Wednesday, November 4, at 7:00 pm ET / 6:00pm CT / 4:00pm PT
Activities: The Three Pillars
1. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Build the confidence and skills needed for college, careers, and life.
Strengthen communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.
Discover personal strengths, interests, and professional values.
Practice public speaking, résumé and cover-letter writing, and career planning.
Develop problem-solving skills through interactive workshops and team challenges.
2. SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION: Explore how people, organizations, and communities are creating a more sustainable future.
Engage with local environmental organizations and community initiatives.
Kayak along the Río Uruguay and explore regional waterways and biodiversity.
Bike and hike through parks, beaches, and green spaces in Entre Ríos.
Participate in conservation projects, including tree planting, biodiversity monitoring, and native-species protection.
Discover careers in conservation, environmental policy, land-use planning, and nonprofit leadership.
Learn about urban conservation and environmental stewardship.
3. CULTURAL CONNECTION: Experience Argentina through its landscapes, traditions, communities, and people.
Explore Buenos Aires, including its neighborhoods, landmarks, and Ecological Reserve.
Connect with local communities through food, music, and shared experiences.
Enjoy a traditional countryside “estancia” (ranch) experience, with “gaucho” (cowboy) hospitality and a full Argentine “asado” (barbecue).
Build cross-cultural communication skills and a broader global perspective.
“I had a fantastic experience with the Puentes program! All of their events were great and it felt like they really cared about us. I feel like I made some lifelong friends who I definitely want to keep in touch with.
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CITY OF BUENOS AIRES
Experience Argentina’s vibrant capital through its neighborhoods, culture, history, and sustainability initiatives.
Explore urban conservation, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Connect with local communities through food, music, and shared experiences.
Lodging: Share a comfortable apartment building with other program participants, with Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms. Participants will have their own bed in shared bedrooms with two to three other participants. Puentes staff will be housed in the apartment with the group and be available 24/7.
Meals: Daily group meals offer opportunities to experience Argentina’s food culture, connect with peers, and reflect on the day’s experiences.
ENTRE RÍOS
Connect with Argentina’s natural landscapes, waterways, and rural traditions.
Participate in hands-on conservation and biodiversity projects.
Experience local communities, regional traditions, and life beyond the city.
Lodging: Experience an immersive overnight stay in safari tents within the Río Uruguay Park. Each participant will have their own sleeping pad and sleeping bag and share a tent with other program participants. Campsite bathrooms and showers will be available. Puentes staff will also be in tents at the Park and be with the group 24/7.
Meals: Enjoy group breakfasts prepared at the campsite, picnic lunches and snacks between activities, and campfire dinners with games, music, and time to connect.
Puentes is with you every step of the way.
Participants and their guardians can count on comprehensive preparation and support before, during, and after the program.
Pre-departure webinar and travel preparation resources.
Exclusive online Participant Portal, with packing list, program calendar, and participant directory.
International travel insurance for the duration of the program.
Airport pickup and coordinated transportation.
24/7 on-site general and emergency support.
Comprehensive assistance with housing, medical care, emotional well-being, and logistics.
Accommodations for any dietary restrictions and food allergies.
Invitation to join the global Puentes Alumni Network upon program completion.
“I have never before felt so challenged, rewarded, and authentic. This program—due largely in part to its fantastic structure and focus upon creating a true community —facilitated the wonderful experience that I have been so fortunate to have.”
Meet your Program Leader, Kelly Williamson!
Kelly is uniquely qualified to guide Puentes Abroad’s professional, cultural, and sustainability programming. Raised in Buenos Aires, she has studied and traveled extensively internationally, earning a bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology from the University of New Mexico and a master’s degree in Sustainable Development Practice from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. She oversees the professional mentorship component of Puentes’ Internship Program, coaching students through international work experiences. Outside Puentes, she volunteers with Argentine conservation and sustainability organizations.
Kelly combines an international perspective and extensive mentorship experience with strong academic training and hands-on experience in environmental advocacy. As program leader, she helps students connect professional growth, cultural curiosity, and meaningful environmental impact.
Have questions for your program leader? Contact Kelly.
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. 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.
Comprehensive, thoughtfully designed programs with hands-on learning experiences
A year-round, locally based team with deep knowledge of Argentina
Meticulous, flexible, innovative, and professional program management
A trusted on-the-ground partner to leading U.S. universities
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!
“Ann and her team at Puentes Abroad are valued and trusted partners of Penn Abroad. Their team sets a high bar for student support, cultural activities, and professional workshops and development opportunities to enhance the student experience.”
There are two simple steps to take before these enrollment deadlines so that we can help make sure that this program is a good fit for you:
Early, priority enrollment deadline: November 15, 2026
Regular, final enrollment deadline: January 10, 2027
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 10, 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.
Don’t forget to rEgister for THE info session
Learn more about our Pathways to Purpose program for high schoolers.
Wednesday, November 4, at 7:00 pm ET / 6:00pm CT / 4:00pm PT
“My Puentes experience was very fulfilling both professionally and personally. Not only did the program help me better understand my interest in what I want to do once I graduate, but I also found myself becoming more independent. It was a learning experience as well as a growth one that I’ll take with me. I met great people and hopefully made lasting friendships. I would definitely do it again.”