Culture Study Abroad Programs in South America

I actually can’t recommend this program enough. It seriously changed my life. First off, the staff from worldstrides alone should be enough to sell you. I felt more supported by the mentors in Lima then I did in my university in the states. Michelle and Christy are some of the most caring people I have ever met. They were incredibly helpful- I was absolutely sure I could ask them about anything and they would happily help. They went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience possible, from giving dance/surf class recommendations to accompanying a student to the hospital when they felt sick. My host mom, Doris, was absolutely spectacular. Not only was she so sweet and patient, she was also incredibly accommodating (and such a good cook). My roommates had dietary restrictions (One didn’t eat red meat, the other was lactose intolerant), and she worked hard to make sure everyone felt comfortable. She was so patient and helpful as we practiced our spanish. I still call her every other week! Besides the wonderful people involved, Peru as a whole is absolutely amazing. Go. Please. It has something for everyone. It’s one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, so the food is amazing. Worldstrides takes you on both included (Historical district, huacachina (with sand surfing)) and extra excursions. I was lucky enough to be able to go on the extra trips to the amazon (absolutely crazy), and to Machu Picchu. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. Lima is an amazing city with so many events, you’ll never be bored. I did everything from attend an interactive spanish-adaptation of the broadway show “Next to Normal” (phenomenal), to participate in Miraflores’ community zumba classes, to go to a circus, to march in Lima’s pride parade, to fish for piranhas in the amazon. I did the 2-month summer program, and it was spectacular. The first month, I took classes at Cayetano Heredia- Medical Spanish and Community Health. Weekdays were sometimes a little long, but all the teachers were SO supportive and amazing. You get to learn from and shadow practicing doctors and see how healthcare works in Peru, which is a FANTASTIC experience! We even got the opportunity to run a simulated clinical visit with actual actors. The second month, we got to volunteer with Aprendo Contigo, an organization that works to ensure hospitalized children don’t fall behind in schoolwork. We got to have the chance to see what we learned manifest in real life and have real patient interactions. I left wanting to come back as soon as possible, and legitimately considered staying in college for an extra semester just to be able to stay for a whole semester.

I really loved my experience with Worldstrides in Cusco. The program staff was incredibly knowledgable about the topic material, and also very helpful with local things to do and get involved with. I really loved my classes and also the location in Cusco, where there was so much to do, especially as someone who loves hiking, being outside, and traveling. My professors were also really engaging and clearly really interested in the class material and enjoyed teaching us. Overall, I could not have asked for a program which better fit my own interests and created such a positive atmosphere.

Hola a todos, estuve una estancia muy bonita aquí en Arequipa y en las clases de Máximo Nivel. Sobre todo la clases de Dyana. Antes, tenía muchos profesores de español, pero, como ella da sus clases . . . ¡Era la mejorar de todas! Siempre alegre y sonriendo. El clima En la clase siempre era más familiar o como con amigos buenos. Así, nunca me senti como en una clase de escuela. Hacer las conversaciones y la gramatica no era trabajo . Pero tambien muy detallado Y muy bien explicado. Eran tres semanas que ya me hacen falta. Y tambien las clases de cocina con Nora. No solo la comida me gustó mucho. Ella lo hace de una manera. muy buena. Quizá, se podría dar a las estudiante estudiantes de cocina tambien dar un pequeño certificado que dice, que ahora tienen experiencias en la cocina peruana :-)

Dayana made learning Spanish fun. We laughed a lot and learned a lot. She was always encouraging and supportive. Dayana did a good job focusing on our errors with supplementary materials. Our group was very cohesive, in large part because Dayana brought us together. Best Spanish teacher ever!

I was pleasantly surprised with this whole experience! You all have been incredible. Maximo's culture is very welcoming + easy to connect with other people. I so so appreciate all of the support you've provided. Also, Pamela is fantastic!! I wish I could learn from her for longer. She is warm and a great, relatable teacher who has made me feel proud + confident in my Spanish level. My only regret is not staying longer!

Nely was a great teacher. We discussed many debatable topics and I learned a lot of new vocabulary. Everyone at Maximo was great from Patrick, Maia, Gabby and many others. Maximo really takes great care of all their students. I can´t say enough good things about Maximo.

This study abroad program was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I have wanted to do a program like this for many years, so it was amazing to actually do it. I loved meeting all of the new people as well as being immersed in a new culture and getting to see a new part of the world.

I couldn’t have had a better experience abroad! I got to meet new people, go to beautiful places, and so much more! WorldStrides provided me with endless excursions and opportunities to explore Buenos Aires! I gained not only a wealth of knowledge but memories to last a lifetime. Not to mention, I was there during the World Cup!

I've been with Maximo a little over two months into my 6 month stay doing Spanish immersion. The locals, staff, and friends I have met here have been nothing short of incredible! Learning Spanish from native speakers and immersing yourself in the culture is the best way to do it. Cusco, Peru is such an amazing city full of history and wonderful nature. I cannot recommend it enough!

There was so much provided with the program that made me feel very secure about my decision to study abroad with WorldStrides. For example, we had a very clear schedule and an overnight excursion to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu was included. I felt very safe the entire time I was there and knew that if I ever got sick or needed help the program leaders would be there to help me immediately.

I absolutely loved my time in Chile. Not only were the accommodations and classes perfect, but so was the life outside the classroom. Being located in Santiago, we were right in the capital city with multiple events, and activities you could participate in during your time abroad. It was a beautiful landscape with of a city with mountains, and an ocean in Valparaiso\Viña Del Mar just an hour away. I highly recommend studying in Chile!

I recently studied abroad for 5 weeks in Lima, Peru with WorldStrides. This experience genuinely changed my life, and the staff and accommodations provided to us by WorldStrides were a huge part of this. The on-site team was extremely supportive, and the additional trips planned by staff made my experience 10x better. I highly recommend using WorldStrides if you are considering studying abroad anywhere!

Going abroad was such an amazing experience that I definitely reccomend to everyone! This program in Chile was so immersive and very supportive throughout my time. Worldstrides planned great excursions for us that made it very fun with always something to look forward to!

Overall I truly loved the program. I felt super comfortable and I give all of the credit to Expanish. From the moment I arrived at school until I left I really felt that they only had the best intentions for me.

Expanish responded to this reviewAugust 23, 2026

¡Hola, Abigail! Thank you so much for these kind words! :) We're so happy to hear you felt comfortable and supported from day one — that's exactly the experience we aim to create. Making sure our students feel cared for every step of the way is what Expanish is all about, and it means the world to know we got that right for you. We wish you all the best on your Spanish journey ahead. ¡Un fuerte abrazo!

I spent two weeks in Guatemala with Maximo Nivel. My Spanish level was minimal when I arrived. I felt like I was able to have a basic conversation and move around the city with the Spanish I learned. My homestay was very nice, and the staff here solved any issues I had; I would definitely do it again.

Living in Costa Rica for 4 weeks has been an incredible experience. It helped me integrate myself into the culture, language, and nature of the country. I was able to learn Spanish for 4 weeks with no Spanish to being able to form sentences and talk Spanish in tandem with not only my teachers but with the locals. The staff have been excellent in taking care of all my needs including changing accommodations, health issues, checking up regularly. This experience is 5 stars overall!

I graduated from high school a semester early, and the only way I wanted to spend my semester was by being abroad. I've known about Semester at Sea for around 6 years and I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. I searched up the requirements to be accepted and luckily fit all the requirements most importantly being 18, so immediately I applied. I then got an email back the next morning saying I got accepted into the program and that email brought me to tears in the middle of one of my classes. I couldn't wait to board the MV World Odyssey and embark on this journey of a lifetime. On the ship, I gained so much knowledge about different cultures and I was able to be fully immersed in them, not just sticking to the touristy things offered. Semester at Sea does an amazing job keeping the students' safety in country as a priority with having mandatory “Pre-Port meetings” the night before arriving in a country, and offering field programs which are ship run excursions with ship faculty leading them. The community on the ship was nothing I have ever experienced before. We were so close knit and it felt like I was truly in a connected, caring, and welcoming environment. I met the people I never imagined I'd connect with, and they ended up becoming the best connections I've ever made with people. Semester at Sea also helped me get out of my comfort zone which led me to have experiences I would have never imagined I'd have, best example being running a half marathon in Vigo, Spain even though I'm not a runner and have never been a runner. Semester at Sea has given me the world and the opportunity to appreciate it to its fullest. I left the ship with my passport full, but my heart is even fuller with people, memories, and connections I will forever cherish. Semester at Sea was truly the best experience I have ever had and would recommend it to anyone as it was life changing.

I am happy to report that I’ve had a magically adventurous time here, my Spanish has noticeably improved, my hosts were kind and accommodating, and the Maximo and Inca Trails staff were wonderful. Special shoutout to Martha and Susan! They are amazing teachers and people. I’m sad to be leaving but happy to be heading home renewed, inspired and closer to fluency. You all run an excellent program!

I learnt Spanish with a native speaker, she was very kind. There is a very nice atmosphere there. The teachers teach very well. They have a professional approach to learning. They come up with games that make it easy to consolidate words.

My experience in Maximo was absolutely perfect. It was my first solo travel ever and I felt absolutely guided through it. My teachers Runnia and especially Francis were perfect. It was super fun in the classes which made the learning feel less boring but super fun and rewarding. The staff around the organisation is great, some of the nicest people I’ve met. The cooking and dancing classes are well organized and super fun. They also do their best to adjust classes to your expectations. Wishes are not seen as criticism but rather as a possibility to make the clients happy. Quepos/Manuel Antonio itself is a nice town, offering great beaches nice accommodations, aswell as bars and most importantly great people! I will remember this trip for a long time and I’m super happy I made my experiences in Costa Rica with Maximo. I hope to return one day.