Language Programs in South America

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.