Language Programs in South America

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114 Language Courses in South America
MAXIMO NIVEL
4.67
715
Live and study in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Maximo Nivel offers the most intensive and professional Spanish immersion program in Latin America. Our Native Spanish Program emphasizes oral communication and integrated skills development to truly help build your Spanish language proficiency -
See All 4 ProgramsExpanish
4.33
15
Study Spanish in Spain or Latin America at Expanish! Our Intensive Month program allows students to learn in an immersive environment, drastically increasing their Spanish level in just 4 weeks. They can begin at the start of any month (throughout the year) no matter their current level, making the
See All 3 ProgramsMente Argentina
4.93
28
Embark on a dynamic academic journey in Buenos Aires with Mente Argentina’s Academic Semester Program. Designed for students eager to delve into Argentine culture and academic excellence, this program allows you to study at one of four prestigious universities. Whether aiming for a semester or a ful
See All 6 ProgramsFundación Bolívar Education
5
10
Ecuador is an ideal place to learn Spanish, and our school has three decades of experience teaching Spanish to international students. We offer two main options: 1. Virtual Learning: Study Spanish from native speakers in your home country. 2. Immersion Setting: Learn Spanish quickly in an immersion
5
1
Learn Spanish where it is actually spoken every day. Our Spanish Immersion Program in Bucaramanga combines professional Spanish classes with authentic cultural experiences, local interaction, and optional volunteering opportunities. Unlike traditional language schools, you won't spend your entire d
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
4
1
Learn Spanish in Argentina Immerse yourself in Argentina while learning Spanish! With over 590 million Spanish speakers worldwide, mastering the language opens doors for travel, work, and personal growth. Speaking Spanish gives you access to global job markets, especially in Latin America, North Am
5
14
Hitting two birds with one stone? More like hitting a flock with this Spanish and TEFL Certification Course in Buenos Aires! Through Íbero Spanish School, we are the first institute in the city to offer a combination of accredited TEFL training and Spanish classes. Plus, we have other activities, i
Adelante Abroad
0
0
Are you passionate about wine and eager to explore it in a stunning international setting? The Adelante Abroad Wine Theory and Spanish Immersion Program in Chile offers a one-of-a-kind 3-week study abroad experience that combines wine education with Spanish language learning and cultural immersion.
WorldStrides
4.88
8
Study in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital city, where centuries of history, modern influences, and rich cultural traditions come together. Located along the Pacific coast, Lima offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and contemporary city life, with Indigenous traditions, colonial architecture, world-
See All 2 Programs4.82
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 4 Programs5
1
Take a life-changing gap year abroad with Linguistic Horizons! We offer internships in various fields, volunteer, study abroad programs, foreign language immersion, nutrition, and alternative medicine programs. Our program destinations include South America, Europe, and Oceania. Choose from Spain,
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Learn Spanish in Cusco, enjoy your Spanish learning vacation in a city perched amidst the clouds and the lush Andean greenery at 11,000 feet above sea level. Most language tourists are drawn to Cusco for its proximity to the famous Machu Picchu ruins and the Inca Trail, plus it is surrounded by a
See All 13 ProgramsAcademia Uruguay
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The 'Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera' (DELE), issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry for Education, Social Policies and Sport, are official qualifications accrediting levels of competence and command of the Spanish language. Diploma de Español (Nivel inicial
See All 3 ProgramsChild Family Health International
4.6
5
CFHI’s Intensive Beginner Spanish Programs are unique in that participants begin with service-learning placements rather than clinical rotations. In this program, receive increased Spanish language instruction in preparation for entering healthcare settings. Over the course of 4 weeks, take 40 hours
Kaya Responsible Travel
0
0
What makes traveling worthwhile? When you are able to communicate effectively with the locals and understand what they are saying. If you are a planning a trip to Ecuador, guarantee a more worthwhile experience by learning Spanish from qualified teachers. Enroll in an intensive language course,
See All 2 Programs5
12
The Spanish Immersion Program (SIP) offers a unique and personalized learning experience for adults looking to master Spanish while diving into the vibrant culture of Spain or Colombia. Whether you’re preparing for a stay in Spain, learning for professional growth, or simply passionate about the lan
4.67
3
Spanish Language Learning Program in Uruguay – La Herradura Spanish School La Herradura offers Spanish courses in Montevideo and Punta del Este, combining structured language lessons with real-life practice and cultural immersion. Our goal is to help students learn Spanish effectively while gaining
5
2
Enhance your language skills and explore the captivating world of Spanish with Acento Internacional in Cali, Colombia. Discover the exciting opportunities that await you while mastering the language. Choose from our courses, suitable for beginners to advanced learners (A1 to C1). Gain a well-rounde
Academia Buenos Aires
5
1
Take our Intensive Spanish course at Academia Buenos Aires and learn from experienced and highly motivated teachers with university degrees in relevant disciplines—linguistics, literature, education, etc. Some of the staff also give classes or conduct research at local universities. They designed a
See All 3 Programs5
1
Intensive Spanish School in Villa Morra, Asunción. Group classes: 9 am–1 pm, Monday–Friday. Private classes: Flexible scheduling. Fluido's mission is to make expats feel at home in Paraguay. Sam Goetz, a 27-year-old from the US, had intended to visit Paraguay for just a few months when he arrived i
ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs
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Spanish is spoken slowly and clearly in Ecuador, making it an ideal destination to learn the language. Whether you have never spoken a word of Spanish in your life or would like to enhance your existing skills, ELEP Spanish School offers several courses tailored to individual needs. We provide custo
See All 2 ProgramsEstudio Sampere
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Study at Estudio Sampere Cuenca! Our Spanish school in Ecuador is located in the southern region, which boasts a rich historical heritage and stunning landscapes. Tourists consider Cuenca the most beautiful city in Ecuador. Situated in the highlands, about 8,500 feet above sea level, it provides br
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Located in the heart of Cochabamba, Bolivia—the "City of Eternal Spring"—CLIMA Language Center offers a unique, high-quality Spanish immersion program designed for students, professionals, and travelers. Our methodology goes beyond traditional textbooks, focusing on personalized 1-on-1 instruction t
SP Spanish Program
0
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We offer Spanish courses for all proficiency levels, from complete beginners to advanced learners, including sublevels. Our communicative approach combines structured language learning with cultural immersion, allowing you to practice Spanish in meaningful, real-life contexts. Located in Mendoza,
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OLSA International - More than a Spanish academy, it's a Colombian experience. We are a top-rated certified Spanish Language Academy in all of Colombia (according to Google Reviews) and certified by the Secretary of Education of Medellin. We are the only Spanish academy with a certified foundation
See All 2 Programs0
0
Learn Spanish in Medellín, Colombia, a dynamic and welcoming city known for its year-round spring climate and vibrant local culture. This immersive Spanish program combines structured language instruction with daily exposure to real-life Spanish in one of Colombia’s most liveable and culturally enga
Proyecto Peru
0
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Learn Spanish and gain intercultural experience in the beautiful city of Cusco. We encourage you to immerse yourself in our culture and learn to live and communicate like a local. We provide high-quality, personalized, and interactive Spanish lessons in person or online, with small class sizes to e
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Learn Spanish with us in Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan city also known as the Paris of South America. We believe that immersion is the key to success and the fastest possible way to learn a language. It places your learning in context and gives you a lot of opportunities to use it. At IBL, our co
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Discover Gaia Family Club – a nature-based boarding school where children live, learn, and grow in Spanish. Located in the lush countryside of Chía, Colombia, just outside Bogotá, Gaia offers an immersive Spanish experience for children ages 13 –17, as well as family groups who wish to share the jo
SET IDIOMAS
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Learn Spanish in Cordoba while experiencing a variety of exciting activities in both the city and the sierras. We provide a varied range of language courses and outdoor activities for students of all ages and levels. This combination guarantees dynamic classes and personalized attention, helping ach
CET Academic Programs
0
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Immerse yourself in a new language, intern abroad, or explore a different part of the world. CET’s gap programs offer the opportunity to join college-level courses overseas or online. Whether you're mastering Chinese in Beijing, volunteering while living with a host family in Siena, or creating art
The National Registration Center for Study Abroad
0
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We provide Spanish language training to students from all over the globe, and have been a pioneer in the development and use of interactive video laserdiscs in the teaching of languages, and has produced instructional films in English, Spanish, and French. Conveniently located in Providencia, just f
See All 23 ProgramsEnforex - Spanish in The Spanish World
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Learn Spanish in Latin America with Enforex and discover a country blessed with a vast array of natural wonders. Choose your destination and learn Spanish with Enforex in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, or Bolivia. Our schools are located in the very center of the cities. That means you will be
Don Quijote
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Live "the Spanish way" while learning the language at Don Quijote. Our unique and immersive learning environment helps students reach their full language potential, inside and outside the classroom. We provide a range of courses for all skill levels based on individual needs. We achieve this by tak
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Achieve fluency in the Spanish language with Spanish Adventure's immersive program in San Carlos, Colombia. Our holistic, project-based, communicative approach guarantees a fun and practical learning experience. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Colombian culture while connecting with the local commun
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0
Our Portuguese courses at Escola Português Bem Brasil are designed to help you learn the language through engaging and practical lessons. Located in Brazil, our programs cater to all levels, from Basic to Advanced. Each level aims to improve your speaking and writing skills, so you can handle everyd
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Our English courses in Colombia utilize the highly effective natural learning method, focusing on watching, listening, and repeating. This approach aims to enhance and refine the foundational English skills that learners have acquired during their schooling years. Through structured lessons supporte
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Learn Spanish and live the culture in a country renowned around the world for its thousands of years of history. Peru features ancient ruins and mysterious archaeological sites set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes. Enjoy plenty of opportunities to explore these by taking a language course a
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Learn to speak English—the language of tourism, computers, science, business, and aviation. At IICANA, our courses emphasize communication to help you truly learn and use English in various settings. Regular - Taught from March to December and consists of 2 weekly classes lasting 1 and a half hou
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Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience with our Portuguese Language Courses. Our skilled and experienced teachers will guide you through a journey of linguistic and cultural exploration through courses including: *Academic Portuguese - provides a comprehensive review of grammar, vocabula
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CEC Alpha Idiomas is a renowned language school led by experienced educators. We offer courses tailored to meet diverse language learning needs. Our Portuguese for Foreigners program focuses on developing conversation, writing, listening, and reading. You will also gain insights into the distinc
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Learning Spanish online with Belingual offers a comprehensive and tailored experience for every student. Founded in Bogotá, Colombia, Belingual aims to create positive societal change through language and cultural exchange services. Our courses, whether for beginners, intermediates, or advanced lear
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Our English immersion program will help you master the language through practical and interactive methods. In 100 lessons, you will be in an English-only environment, prohibiting the use of Portuguese to ensure full language learning. Our approach includes repetition, interaction, and activities to
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Learning Portuguese can be challenging due to its unique grammar and structure. At Lotus Encino, we understand the learning process and tailor our approach to meet your needs. Gain confidence in communicating effectively by enrolling in our course. Additionally, we offer preparation for the CELP
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At Colombia Spanish, you can learn Spanish while experiencing the vibrant culture of Medellin. Our school offers several types of classes to meet different needs and preferences. Whether you want general classes, private lessons, or semi-private courses, we have a program for you. Each program focus
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Discover the world of the Spanish language at New England Language School! With our innovative teaching methods and experienced instructors, we're your gateway to mastering Spanish. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, our comprehensive programs cater to all levels. Immerse yourself
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Experience learning Spanish in Buenos Aires, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse entertainment options. We have excellent and enthusiastic teachers, all of them Argentinian locals who are attentive and ready to encourage you to participate and communicate in Spanish and truly learn
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If you are a Brazilian professional who demands excellence in every aspect of your image, discover the Portuguese course at Summit, tailored specifically for individuals like you. We understand that proper language usage is a powerful professional differentiator that inspires trust and respect. O
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Learning English doesn't have to be complicated or boring. At New Language in Brazil, we adapt to your unique learning style to ensure you master English in a practical and enjoyable way. Our focus is on real communication rather than just grammatical rules, making sure you're prepared for everyday
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Experience the vibrant spirit of Rio while mastering Brazilian Portuguese at Português Carioca! Our language school in Ipanema offers a unique language learning focused on speaking skills from day one. Say goodbye to boring grammar lessons with no practical application. We prioritize communication i
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If you’re interested in learning Spanish, study with VIVA Idiomas. We have more than 20 years of experience in teaching languages to students from around the world, thus ensuring you quality instruction. Plus, have the flexibility to choose a modality that suits your availability and needs: Onlin
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Summit offers personalized one-to-one lessons designed to meet your specific needs and requirements, perfect for foreigners seeking to maximize their progress during their stay in Brazil. Whether you're a beginner or at an advanced level. Your lessons will be customized to match your needs and objec
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Discover the world of Spanish with Hablea's immersive language program! Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, our 1-on-1 and group classes cater to all skill levels. Our program follows the structure proposed by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, encompassing a
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Real English Colombia helps students learn English effectively. Located in Colombia, this program offers both in-person and virtual classes to suit everyone's needs. We teach from beginner (A1) to advanced (C1+) levels, following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). With
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Step into the world of Portuguese with Escola Casa Brasileira! Whether you're a professional, student, diplomat, expatriate, or immigrant seeking to thrive in Brazil, our language courses cater to your specific needs. Master the language for career opportunities, immerse yourself in Brazilian univer
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Learning a new language can be an exciting and enriching experience and may open doors to new opportunities. Fala Aí is a language school that provides comprehensive Portuguese language courses for students of all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, we have a course that suit
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Not every language learner has the same goals—and a one-size-fits-all course rarely gets anyone where they want to be. Centro Catalina's private Spanish courses in Colombia are built around you. Whether you're a professional needing industry-specific vocabulary, a student preparing for the DELE or
See All 2 ProgramsA Guide to Language Programs in South America
Locations
Not to state the obvious, but South America is an enormous and diverse continent, so the location of your language program will depend primarily on the language you choose to study and the type of environment you wish to learn that language in! The most popular cities for language study in South America, whether for Spanish or Portuguese language studies, include:
Buenos Aires, Argentina. Known as the “Paris of South America”, Buenos Aires is every language aficionado's dream. The porteños, or natives of Buenos Aires, speak a complex and rich dialect of Spanish called castellano, which traces its roots back to Castile, Spain and is one of the more difficult, but nonetheless beautiful, forms of Spanish to learn. In between learning how to pronounce “ll” as “sh”, take some time to soak up the city’s unexpected European vibe, cheer on the Boca Juniors fútbol team, and show off your tango skills at one of the many underground milongas.
Santiago, Chile. What better place for language study in South America than the famous poet Pablo Neruda’s home? Santiago’s continuous economic growth over the last several decades has transformed the city into a bustling environment that currently boasts over 25 universities. Chilean Spanish is known for its heavy use of slang, and naturally the best way to learn local slang is by socializing! In between pisco sours, be sure to enjoy the surrounding Andes, the hopping Plaza de las Armas central square, and the many famous museums, theaters, and cultural centers throughout the city.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One of the largest cities in the Americas, Rio is one of the main epicenters of Portuguese culture and considered to be the largest “Portuguese city” outside of Portugal. Rio is home to about 100 universities and institutes, and it is the second largest center of research and development in Brazil. Famous for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, students are sure to enjoy learning a unique language like Portuguese while surrounded by humongous mountains and white, sandy beaches.
Language Programs in South America
There is nothing more annoying than people who think that all of South America just speaks Spanish, right? Many individuals group all of Central and South America into the category of hispanic, but those who take their language learning to South America know this is far from the truth.
South America is linguistically one of the most diverse areas of the world, with 37 different language families; the most popular of all language spoken in South America, though by a small margin, is Portuguese. Regardless of the percentage of the population who speaks it, the following are the most popular languages to study in South America and the best places to study them:
For Portuguese language learners, the go-to country is Brazil. More specifically, the most popular locations for Portuguese language study in Brazil include Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paolo, and Salvador.
For Spanish language programs in South America, take your pick of locations! Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina all have Spanish as their official language, and are home to a number of Spanish language schools.
Argentina and Brazil have surprisingly large populations of Italian and German-speakers as well, so many cities in these countries have both languages as co-official languages along with Spanish or Portuguese.
Other popular languages of study in South America include indigenous languages, and in almost every country, an indigenous language is the co-official language with an Indo European one. If you are looking for a more challenging language experience, Quechua (Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador), Guaraní (Paraguay, Bolivia), and Aymara (Bolivia, Peru, Chile) are the most popular indigenous languages.
Since there are so many options for language study in South America, don’t rush into picking one without really thinking about not just which language you want to learn, but also which dialect of your preferred language is best for you. The Spanish spoken in Peru is very different than the Spanish spoken in Argentina, so take the time to research your preferred dialect and the subsequent language programs available.
For this reason, many students wanting to learn a language in South America study at a large university in a metropolitan area, so they can be exposed to as much as possible. Universities such as Universidad de Chile, Universidade de Sao Paulo, and Universidad de Buenos Aires are internationally-ranked schools with impressive language course options. Depending on the type of language program you choose and the amount of language skill syou wish to gain, you can either matriculate directly into language classes with locals or study alongside other international students.
Enrolling in a university to learn a language is not the only option though, and many students choose language programs in South America offered by private language schools, for their specialty in intensive classes, cultural excursions, and more flexible schedules. There are many different private language schools in South America, and each one has very unique course options and styles of instruction, including tango classes, mountain climbing excursions, and cooking classes. There are even family language programs in South America, so don’t hesitate to get your child or spouse in on the fun too!
Scholarships & Costs
To most people’s surprise, those who choose to pursue language programs in South America often end up saving money in the long run. This is because the cost of living in South America is likely more affordable than your home country, and chances are also good that the educational costs are less expensive too. Even in metropolitan areas, you can rent a nice apartment for $300 to $450 per month and live off of $50 to $70 per week in spending money.
While the majority of South America is very affordable, the cost of living does vary between countries. Cities such as Sao Paulo and Santiago consistently rank on the more expensive side, while Lima, Peru and Quito, Ecuador are very inexpensive. However, regardless of the location and how “expensive” it ranks, you will still most likely save money while studying a language in South America (in comparison to what you would have spent during the same period of time at home).
After you have chosen the right location for your wallet, make sure to do your research and craft an appropriate budget for day-to-day spending, and also seek out areas of your desired location that are cheaper than others. Even within the same city, neighboring barrios can have drastically different costs of living, so doing your grocery shopping in one store versus another can save you a lot of dough.
Lastly, if you want to save even more money, apply for scholarships! Both Spanish and Portuguese are highly valued languages, so many scholarships, fortunately, exist to assist students wanting to become fluent in either language.
Accommodations & Visas
Accommodation options for language students in South America are as diverse as the languages and programs themselves. Most language programs in South America include homestay or dormitory housing options, which are ideal for students looking to really integrate with locals, but many students also opt to rent their own apartment. Regardless of which option you choose, language students will have no problems adjusting to their new home for a fairly low cost.
In most of South America, students will not need to obtain a student visa to attend language courses prior to arrival, but rather they’ll need to physically apply for a visa in their host city upon arrival. Many private language schools in South America do not require students to have a visa at all, but most universities will not release your transcript unless you have proof of a visa. However, in some countries, such as Brazil, no visitors are allowed to enter without a visa, so be sure to check with your host country’s consulate or program provider for country-specific requirements.
Not to complicate an already difficult process, but gaining entrance into South America is unfortunately not only reliant on visas and passports. While most individuals will not need a visa to enter, some countries require specific vaccinations (and documentation in your passport) to gain entrance. Check with the CDC to find out what vaccinations you need to travel to your desired host country. Also, be aware that certain nationalities have to pay entrance fees at customs before being allowed to enter. For U.S. students, expect to pay (in cash) anywhere from $50 to $150 to enter countries throughout South America.
For the latest information on visas for South America, consult GoAbroad’s Embassy Directory.
Benefits & Challenges
Beyond the academic and professional benefits of learning another language abroad, students will be able to integrate into a new culture through their language studies in South America and form meaningful connections with locals. This integration will ultimately be the most important part of your time abroad, as it will teach you more than you can learn in any classroom and challenge you in new ways.
Flexibility. Since most of South America has had its share of economic problems, there are still some infrastructure issues that may come up for language students from time to time. Those who spend time in this area of the world will be forced to quickly adapt to its laid back culture and learn to creatively problem solve when things don’t always go their way.
Empowerment. South America is home to people from all walks of life, and students in this region will quickly become exposed to both the beauty and hardships this societal condition offers. Real-world education is the foundation of all personal and social improvement, so students will not leave this region without a new desire to do something meaningful and really challenge preconceived notions.
Regardless of where you decide to pursue language programs in South America and what language you decide to study, you are guaranteed to have a wild ride. Between the amazing people ready to welcome you into their hearts and the landscapes just begging to be explored, you will definitely be learning more than just a new language during your time in South America.
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