High School Study Abroad in South America

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82 High School Programs in South America
4.82
28
Study Spanish in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires! This cosmopolitan South American capital is known as the Paris of South America. Take language classes in the mornings at a Cervantes Institute in the very heart of downtown and only a block from the Plaza de Mayo. Live with a carefully selected hom
See All 5 ProgramsAFS-USA
4.4
5
Mention Argentina and people think of gauchos, sultry tango dancers, or maybe Evita - but there's more, from first-rate museums, galleries, theaters, and architecture to stunning natural wonders and a variety of landscapes that you will not find anywhere else. The nation's territorial sweep ranges
See All 10 Programs4
3
Grow your Spanish skills in the multicultural city of Buenos Aires. Accelerate your Spanish with four weeks of language immersion in one of the world's most beloved cities, Buenos Aires. After language classes, dive into Spanish conversations while exploring bustling markets, eclectic architecture,
See All 2 ProgramsTravel For Teens
5
3
Peru Service is one of our most spectacular trips for teens finishing grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. It offers the opportunity to perform meaningful service helping the local communities of Misminay and Urubamba while exploring the most iconic sites of this South American gem! Your rewarding days of ser
See All 4 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
4.76
41
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
See All 16 ProgramsInternational Medical Aid (IMA)
4.96
168
IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care
See All 8 ProgramsGreenheart Travel
3.6
5
Greenheart Travel's high school abroad program in Argentina offers you a great opportunity to spend your summer, trimester, semester, or academic year as an exchange student while living with a local Argentinian host family. It promises full cultural immersion, allowing you to practice your Spanish
Mente Argentina
5
11
Explore your academic and cultural horizons with Mente Argentina’s High School Program in Buenos Aires, designed specifically for students aged 15 and older. This program combines intensive Spanish language courses with a deep dive into Argentine culture, offering a safe and enriching environment fo
Putney Student Travel
4.29
7
Strengthen your Spanish skills and experience life in both the Andean highlands and the Galápagos Islands on this language immersion and service program. Join a welcoming host community outside Quito to support agriculture and construction projects while learning Spanish through daily interaction an
See All 4 ProgramsNacel International
5
3
Live the Chilean culture firsthand through our Homestay and School Immersion Program. Experience life with a local family, attend school alongside Chilean peers, and participate in extracurricular activities. Engage in daily Spanish conversation to enhance your language skills for longer academic s
See All 3 ProgramsRustic Pathways
4.5
8
Stand in the shadows of the majestic Andes mountains, connect with warm-hearted indigenous peoples and their culture, and take a selfie with a llama! Peru offers the opportunity to trek majestic trails, explore ancient ruins, visit rural villages, and engage in meaningful community service and genui
See All 2 ProgramsGlobal Works
4.8
5
On the Ecuador: Galapagos & Andean Service Adventure program, immerse yourself in a meaningful homestay with local families on mainland Ecuador. Participate in impactful community service and cultural exchange. Work alongside community members, as well as visiting and learning from an indigenous com
See All 2 ProgramsARCC Programs
5
2
Embark on a transformative 19-day service-learning program in Ecuador, where we delve into the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon and the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands. Our adventure kicks off with hands-on conservation efforts, including participating in an Amazonian reforestation p
See All 2 ProgramsGoBeyond Student Travel
4.88
8
This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language sk
See All 3 ProgramsWestcoast Connection
0
0
Experience South America's natural beauty and cultural richness in this summer volunteer program. Work on diverse community service projects alongside locals in Quito and the Amazon Rainforest. This program in Ecuador uses a service-learning framework tailored for high school students. Our staff p
See All 3 ProgramsThe Intern Group
0
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In today’s global job market, high school students need more than strong grades to stand out. Our High School Internship Program gives motivated students real-world experience, in-demand skills, and exposure to future career paths before university begins. We offer remote/virtual internships for hi
Where There Be Dragons
5
2
Celebrate Peru’s unbelievable diversity: travel along tropical waterways, live with Quechua families in the high Andes, and explore the threads of past and present in the land of the Inca. Dragons Peru summer abroad program offers students the opportunity to dig into critical development issues by l
See All 2 ProgramsGlobal Leadership Adventures
4.86
14
Home to the incredible Andes Mountains, Peru features a diverse landscape, plus traditions and culture that have survived for centuries. GLA offers several programs for teens in the Cuzco and Sacred Valley areas, focusing on volunteer and educational opportunities and cultural exploration. From trek
5
6
Alzar School brings students to the intersection of engaging academics, cultural exchange, and outdoor adventure. Spend a semester split between the mountains of Idaho and Patagonia, Chile. We are a semester school for highly motivated high school sophomores and juniors. Challenging and engaging
The Experiment in International Living
4.6
10
Discover Ecuador’s natural wonders, from the majestic Andes mountains to the lush Cloud Forest and the Galápagos archipelago. Encounter seals in their natural habitat, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, hike volcanic landscapes, and immerse yourself in the country’s vast biodiversity. Begin your jour
Projects Abroad
4.57
7
The Galápagos Islands are a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and adventure. By participating in our programs, you’ll go beyond tourism to immerse yourself in daily life within this legendary biodiversity hotspot. Work alongside local experts to meet real needs in the community while waking up
See All 7 ProgramsASSE International Student Exchange
0
0
Embark on the unique journey of spending a school year or semester abroad with ASSE! Living with a host family abroad and attending a public high school allows for a long-term immersive experience in the culture of the host country of your choice. There are so many reasons to decide to go on exch
Broadreach
4
1
Track a tapir and Andean bears in a cloud forest. Study primates and rainforest ecology in the Amazon. Then get ready to explore the Galápagos, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, on this 20-day adventure for high school students 16 and up. Tropical ecosystems exhibit an amazin
0
0
Studying abroad through a high school exchange program brings lots of opportunities. It changes you positively by helping you understand a different culture, learn a new language, and know more about the world. You get to experience a different way of life, see education from a new angle, and make f
How to Do a High School Program Abroad in South America
Overview
Prepare for High School Study Abroad in South America
Set goals
A little reflection upfront can help shape every choice you make. Setting clear goals makes your high school experience abroad feel intentional and empowering.
- Pinpoint your purpose. Think about why you want to study abroad and what kind of growth you’re hoping for to guide your program search and create a more meaningful experience.
- Choose your learning style. Some programs focus on schoolwork, while others lean into culture, service, or travel. Pick the structure that gets you excited to show up every day.
- Think about comfort levels. Reflect on how independent you’re ready to be and choose a program that supports you while still stretching your confidence.
Understand the benefits
Studying abroad in South America gives high school students a potent mix of academic, cultural, and personal growth. You’ll return home more confident, more aware of the world, and more prepared for college life.
- Authentic language and cultural immersion. Engaging in daily conversations and routines with locals allows you to absorb the language and traditions in a way that goes beyond textbooks and typical tourism.
- A globalized education. Programs in South America let you explore new academic environments, broaden your worldview, and strengthen your college applications.
- Personal independence. Navigating transportation, school routines, and social expectations abroad boosts confidence and life skills fast.
Locations
Choose a Location
South America is massive and wildly diverse, so you’ll want to focus on a destination that aligns with your goals—language learning, culture, adventure, or academics.
Argentina
Argentina mixes boundless landscapes with vibrant city life, giving students an exciting balance of nature and culture. From the glaciers of Patagonia to the energy of Buenos Aires, you’ll find endless opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with friendly locals.
Peru
Peru is a dream destination for high school students who want history, culture, and adventure all in one place. From the magic of Machu Picchu to colorful local markets and mountain-filled landscapes, Peru offers nonstop discovery. Its warm communities and rich traditions create an immersive learning environment that makes every day feel meaningful, inspiring, and totally unforgettable.
Chile
Stretching from the driest desert to icy southern peaks, Chile offers massive adventure potential and a welcoming, relaxed social atmosphere. Students enjoy high-quality academics, beautiful scenery, and a supportive environment full of buena onda.
Focus
Choose a Focus
High school study abroad in South America comes in many flavors. Pick the path that feels the most “you” and sets you up for the kind of growth and adventure you're excited about.
Community Service & Volunteering
Community service programs in South America give students the chance to make a meaningful impact while learning from local communities. These experiences blend cultural immersion with hands-on learning and are an incredible way to give back and gain a real-world perspective at the same time.
Homestays
Homestay-focused programs are perfect for students who want to live like a local and build genuine connections. Staying with a host family means practicing the language constantly, sharing meals, and experiencing daily life up close. It’s one of the most authentic and rewarding ways to understand South American culture.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor education programs are ideal for adventure-loving students eager to explore South America’s iconic landscapes. They’re immersive, confidence-boosting, and packed with hands-on activities that bring nature to life.
Getting Started
Tips & Advice
Your journey begins with finding a program that feels right for you, organizing your documents, and preparing mentally for life abroad.
1. Get matched
Use GoAbroad’s Online Advisor to find programs that match your interests, goals, and preferred destinations.
2. Choose a program
Sign up for MyGoAbroad to compare programs, read info, and select the one that fits your academic or cultural goals best.
3. Decide when to go
- Summer: Great for short, high-energy programs with travel, culture, and adventure.
- Fall: Ideal for longer study programs and cultural immersion with cooler weather and fewer crowds.
- Winter: Works for students seeking short-term exchanges and holiday-season cultural experiences.
- Spring: Perfect for academic continuity and experiencing major South American festivals.
4. Funding & scholarships
Fill out our scholarships and deals application to get instantly matched with funding opportunities for high school programs abroad!
5. Apply
Visit your chosen program’s page on GoAbroad and click “Apply Now” to take the first step toward your South American adventure.
6. Get your essentials
Check your visa and passport requirements, book your flights and transportation, secure travel insurance, and sort out your accommodation.
Latest Interviews

Sarah Preston
School the World
As a high school student, there were not many opportunities to travel to a new place, experience a different culture, and step outside of my comfort z...

Lowa-Joe Hobeiche
ISSOS International
What inspired me to go abroad was the desire to step out of my comfort zone and discover a world beyond what I was used to. I wanted to meet new peopl...
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