Short Term Engineering Program: 3 Weeks in Argentina

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The summer after my first year, I spent two unforgettable weeks studying abroad in Singapore, and it was such an incredible experience that I knew I wanted to do another short-term study abroad. When I saw a program in Argentina focused on Engineering in the Southern Cone, it immediately caught my eye. I applied, got accepted, and soon found myself embarking on another amazing adventure, this time, a three-week journey through Argentina. I’d love to tell you more about it!


This picture perfectly encapsulates my trip

What Are Short-Term Study Abroad Programs?

Before diving into my experience in Argentina, let me briefly explain Short Term Engineering Programs Abroad (STEP). These are faculty-led study abroad programs lasting between 1–6 weeks, typically offered during winter, spring, or summer breaks. The best part? You earn engineering course credits while gaining international experience. My courses in Singapore and Argentina both counted as upper-level engineering electives, meaning I’ll have fewer classes to take during senior year! If you’d like to learn more about my time in Singapore, you can check out my previous blog post here: Singapore Blog

The Class: Engineering in the Southern Cone

In Argentina, I took a course called Engineering in the Southern Cone. On our very first day in Buenos Aires, we met engineering students from the National Technological University Buenos Aires (UTN) and formed mixed teams of Purdue and UTN students. My team, Chicas Bonitas, consisted of an even blend of students from both schools.

The next day, we were introduced to local companies that presented real-world problems for us to solve. My team partnered with Desinmec, a company that manufactures equipment for the dairy and food industries. Our task was to create a proposal outlining how the company could reduce waste across three different budget levels: high, medium, and no budget.

Over the next three weeks, we worked collaboratively to develop our proposal, combining our diverse perspectives and skills. We concluded the program by presenting our project and receiving professional feedback — an experience that closely mirrored what it’s like to work on a real engineering consulting project.

Las Chicas Bonitas

The People and Cultural Exchange

Working with local UTN students was truly one of the highlights of the program. Spending three weeks together, in class, on company visits, and during cultural outings, helped us build genuine friendships and a deep appreciation for each other’s cultures. Everyone I met was incredibly warm, welcoming, and eager to share their experiences.

Collaborating with students from another country gave me fresh perspectives on teamwork and problem-solving. It was fascinating to see how our different cultural backgrounds influenced our approaches to engineering challenges and reminded me of the importance of diverse teams. Beyond academics, we bonded over tango lessons, group dinners, and city tours, which made the experience even more special. One of my favorite memories was a soccer game that all the students played together. I know almost nothing about soccer but it was so fun. Argentina was beautiful, but the people I met through this program were truly the best part.


Futbol Game


Logistics and Travel

While we dedicated a lot of time to our project, we also had plenty of opportunities to explore Argentina. Our trip was organized by an amazing tour coordinator named Veronica, who helped us navigate cities, find great restaurants, and make the most of our free time. Most of our stay was in Buenos Aires, but we also flew to Bariloche and drove to Santa Fe, all travel and accommodations were included in the program cost. My favorite part of the trip was Bariloche, a picturesque town near Patagonia known for its stunning scenery. We took a scenic bus ride through the mountains and even visited the spot known as the “best view in Argentina.” Another memorable stop was the Instituto Balseiro, where our professor had studied. Hearing him share stories about his college days, including working directly with the university’s nuclear reactor, gave us a look into how engineering education differs across the world.



The Best View in Argentina

My short-term study abroad experiences in Singapore and Argentina have been some of the most rewarding parts of my college journey. They’ve helped me grow as an engineer, a global citizen, and a team member. If you’re considering studying abroad, I can’t recommend a STEP program enough. It's the perfect way to learn, travel, and make lifelong memories all at once.


Ellie Bergeron, Chemical Engineering 

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