GoAbroad

Study Abroad Programs in Central America

Of the eight countries that make up Central America, you will discover that each has an exceptional history, culture, and natural beauty to keep your travel bug fully satisfied. Apart from the diverse cultural landscapes that makes up this region, Central America has lots to offer students, including plenty of supplemental activities to suit a range of majors and areas of study. Students are therefore encouraged to dive right into study abroad in Central America, and get a front-row seat before all the good ones are taken!

Read More
seamester

Featured Provider of the Month

Discover who you are on the ultimate gap adventure! Sail the world!
with Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

119 Study Abroad Programs in Central America

CIEE College Study Abroad
9.7625 reviews

CIEE College Study Abroad

CIEE Tropical Ecology + Conservation in Costa Rica

Explore the high biodiversity of the tropical cloud forest of Mon...

See All 8 Programs
Arcos Learning Abroad
9.6197 reviews

Arcos Learning Abroad

Arcos Learning Abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica

Study abroad in the highlands of central Costa Rica, in the charm...

University Studies Abroad Consortium
9.0836 reviews

University Studies Abroad Consortium

USAC Costa Rica: Heredia - Latin American Studies & Ecology

The Heredia program in Latin American Studies and Ecology is an i...

AIFS Abroad
9.0935 reviews

AIFS Abroad

AIFS Abroad in San José, Costa Rica: Semester

Spend a semester or academic year in the lively capital of San Jo...

See All 7 Programs
ISA by WorldStrides
8.8918 reviews

ISA by WorldStrides

ISA Study Abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica

San José – or Chepe, as it is lovingly called by locals – is the ...

See All 2 Programs
IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad
9.437 reviews

IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad

IFSA Universidad Nacional Partnership

CULTIVATE FLUENCY IN SPANISH, INDULGE YOUR LOVE OF THE OUTDOORS ...

See All 2 Programs
MAXIMO NIVEL
9.45559 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America

Live and study in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Maximo Niv...

See All 6 Programs
Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
9.7651 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...

See All 2 Programs
CIS Abroad
9.01276 reviews

CIS Abroad

Affordable, Comprehensive Study and Intern Abroad Programs

CIS Abroad Study and Intern Abroad programs are some of the most ...

See All 5 Programs
SIT Study Abroad
9.420 reviews

SIT Study Abroad

SIT Study Abroad: Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystem

On Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity ...

See All 2 Programs
Universidad LCI Veritas
7.2218 reviews

Universidad LCI Veritas

Study at the Universidad Veritas in Costa Rica

Founded in 1968, Universidad Veritas is a Costa Rican educational...

See All 4 Programs
Intercultura Costa Rica
108 reviews

Intercultura Costa Rica

Spanish + Cultural Immersion - Beautiful Beach & City Campus

Learn Spanish and immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture at one ...

See All 2 Programs
CEA
9.5723 reviews

CEA

CEA CAPA Education Abroad in San José, Costa Rica

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, blends urban life and natura...

See All 2 Programs
GVI
9.8318 reviews

GVI

Costa Rica Community Development Service Learning for Groups

This trip takes you to the stunning Costa Rican Pacific Coast. Gr...

See All 4 Programs
Arcos Journeys Abroad
9.7363 reviews

Arcos Journeys Abroad

Spanish Language & Costa Rican Culture

Immerse yourself in the Spanish language of Costa Rica, the happi...

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

Spanish Classes in Peru

April 20, 2025by: Katherine Drab - United StatesProgram: Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America
10

Tania was amazing at speaking fully in Spanish and encouraging me to do the same. Additionally, Nora was an incredibñe host mom. We all loved her! : ) ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏ ‏‏‎ ‎

A Guide to Studying Abroad in Central America

Locations

Central America is a vast region made up of eight different countries, each with something different to offer prospective study abroad students. Each of these countries have well-established study abroad programs and local universities, with additional opportunities and resources available, in the way of community involvement, extracurricular adventures, and weekend expeditions.

Panama. Studying abroad in Panama is about as affordable as it gets. The cost of living is low, and public universities are free for everyone, including international students. With almost 90 higher education institutions, lush rainforests, and of course, those that famous canal, Panama is an excellent place for environmentally-minded students, as well as individuals with an interest in architecture, business, and urban and regional planning. 

Costa Rica. Home to one of the largest and most diverse ecosystems in the world, Costa Rica is an attraction for any student interested in wildlife or environmental science. The dramatic landscapes vary, from the high cloud forests to the Caribbean coasts, making this coastal nugget an ideal place to spend a semester or summer studying abroad

El Salvador. The smallest of the Central American countries, El Salvador packs quite a punch with its mountainous terrain, rich history, and notoriously friendly culture. Despite its rocky political past, El Salvador remains an excellent non-traditional place for study abroad in Central America, especially those interested in studying Spanish, social work, human rights, or tourism.

Belize. Known for its beaches, scuba-diving, Mayan temples, and tropical reefs, Belize is the perfect place to study abroad in Central America for those who love outdoor adventures. Located in the heart of Central America, it is a diverse nation, culturally made up of Creole, East Indian, Garifuna, Chinese, and many more groups of people. Study abroad programs in Belize are especially common in the fields of ecology, marine biology, sustainable development, medicine, and other health related professions.

Honduras. With a recently stabilized political scene and an expanding tourism industry, there has never been a better time to study abroad in Honduras. Students looking to hone their skills in the Spanish language should especially look no further than this beautiful, tropical country. Just make sure you go during the dry season!

Deals Banner Image
Apply for Scholarships & Deals on GoAbroad

to get exclusive discounts on meaningful travel programs!

Apply Now

Recent Study Abroad Articles