Exchange Report

Once you have been selected for the exchange program at DiTella, the university will contact you with detailed information about the next steps. They provide a step-by-step guidance on the student visa application, which is required by the university. In addition, they set up a WhatsApp group for the exchange students and the International Office, where you can ask any questions. The undergraduate “summer” semester begins in August. An obligatory orientation day takes place on the Friday before classes start. Course registration (one month prior to the semester) can be chaotic and you might not get into all courses first try. However, once the semester begins, it is possible to drop courses and request enrollment in others. In the end I was enrolled in all courses I had planned to take. I recommend booking your flight to Buenos Aires early, as ticket prices for July can be high. I traveled with Air Europa from Munich via Madrid and chose a flexible ticket. This paid off, as I later postponed my return flight.

Some students stay in BAplan, a student housing option typically in Palermo Soho. You live with around nine other students, have your own room and share common areas such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and often a terrace. I shared an apartment with the other WIRE exchange student. We found it in Palermo Hollywood via Airbnb. Many hosts prefer arranging the rental outside the platform after initial contact, which can reduce costs for you and fees for them. Palermo is the place to be. Most exchange students live there. It is quite safe and the best cafés, restaurants, bars and parks are located there. I would not recommend staying in Belgrano (although it is closer to the university, there is not much going on), nor in Retiro, San Telmo or Recoleta (far away from where the other exchange students live). Staying in Palermo (or nearby areas such as Villa Crespo or Chacarita) is non-negotiable in my opinion. Flatmates can also be found through the Di Tella exchange students WhatsApp group.

The campus is quite new and they are currently building another faculty. The university has a rooftop terrace, a café with awesome cookies (FUD’s, after a while, the cashiers even know your name) and even a parrilla on campus. The courses taught in English are easier than the Spanish ones. I took the following: Introduction to US Law (Spezialisierung ÖffR and Course Abroad 2): At first, this was my least favorite course. The teaching style was monotonous. The professor analyzed US court cases, occasionally asked questions, but hardly anyone understood or participated. Later, we suggested individual case presentations instead of the midterm exam. He agreed and loved the idea, which significantly improved the atmosphere. In the end, the course was fine. The final exam was a take-home exam (we also proposed this change). Global Marketing (Course Abroad 1): Very relaxed professor, he takes attendance. Midterm and final exams are based on topics discussed in class, plus one group presentation. Overall workload is low. Resolving International Tax Disputes (Fachseminar ÖffR):
The most inspiring professor I have ever had. He is passionate about his subject and his job. The course is quite interactive, with many questions and open discussions. By the end we got quite close (also with the Argentine students) due to the positive and humorous atmosphere. Assessment was based on participation and a final essay. Seminar in Law and Technology (Spezialisierung PrivatR):
Four essays in total, each presented in class and followed by a short discussion. Celia, the professor, is also nice. Spanish Language Course: I took this course to improve my Spanish. I did not participate in the exams, since you don‘t get credits for this course at WU.

There are several metro lines in Buenos Aires, but you will mostly use the bus. Buses run 24/7, Uber is also cheap. As in any large city, you should be attentive. However, the areas where you will likely spend most of your time (Palermo, near DiTella) are generally safe. I personally had no issues walking home alone at night in Palermo as a woman. Buenos Aires offers so many activities and experiences. The university provides some leisure activities as well. In addition, there are two organizations (PALES and BAIS) that organize events for exchange students throughout the semester, including trips to Iguazú and Uruguay. Another event is Mundolingo, which takes place several times a week. The city has many parks, restaurants, clubs, sports activities, cultural events and parties. There is always something happening and you will never run out of options. Travelling within Argentina is also easy and comparatively affordable. Long-distance buses depart from Retiro and connect Buenos Aires with destinations across the country. I travelled a lot during the semester.

I fell in love with this city, with the country and its people. I couldn’t have imagined a better destination for my exchange semester. It truly felt like a once in a lifetime experience. There is an endless amount to explore: breathtaking landcapes, places full of life, incredibly nice people and the best food.