Study Abroad Programs in South America

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230 Study Abroad Programs in South America
CIEE College Study Abroad
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Your Liberal Arts program in Buenos Aires lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds who have Spanish language skills. You will enroll in CIEE courses and host institution courses delivered in Spanish. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricul
See All 39 Programs4.78
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Study abroad in the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, known as the Paris of South America. Explore numerous historic neighborhoods and learn about the world-famous tango while taking classes with one of our renowned academic partners. Argentina is a country of vast landscapes and a f
See All 2 Programs4.5
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Launch your global career in 2026 with an internship in Spain or Latin America through Adelante Abroad. Gain real international work experience, strengthen your resume, improve your Spanish skills, and build a global network while living abroad. We offer customized internships abroad in 30+ profess
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Spend your high school studying abroad in Colombia to discover its diverse cultural influences and natural beauty. The country has a variety of environments to explore, ranging from the snow-covered mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to desert zones in La Guajira. Or, you can appreciate c
See All 2 ProgramsUniversity Studies Abroad Consortium
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*Due to the global health status worldwide, USAC is making programmatic changes to summer, fall, and yearlong programs, and some options might not be available. These changes are posted on individual program pages on the USAC website.* Santiago is a city of contrasts: historic areas stand side-
See All 4 ProgramsAIFS Abroad
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Traveling and seeing the world doesn’t necessarily mean taking a break from your studies. Study abroad with AIFS and broaden your academic knowledge while learning about foreign cultures! Serving more than 1.5 million students since 1964, AIFS is a recognized provider of study abroad programs. We o
See All 9 ProgramsWorldStrides
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Discover Buenos Aires through a semester abroad in one of Latin America’s most vibrant and culturally diverse cities. Study at the University of Belgrano, Argentina’s first private university, and take courses in English or Spanish while exploring Latin American Studies. Immerse yourself in the city
See All 5 ProgramsSemester at Sea
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Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective t
See All 2 ProgramsIFSA, Institute for Study Abroad
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Discover a new perspective on mental health! Explore psychology, neuroscience, and more in Argentina, where mental health is viewed without stigma—and there are more psychologists per capita than in any other country. Get settled in a homestay or modern apartment and take classes in English at o
See All 9 ProgramsNew York University
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Study Spanish in Buenos Aires, the modern cosmopolitan hub of Argentina known for its old-world charm. You will take an intensive Spanish language course at your skill level and choose from a variety of courses taught in either English or Spanish. Through NYU Buenos Aires’ homestay program, you can
See All 2 Programs4.96
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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 7 Programs4.67
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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 7 ProgramsSeamester Study Abroad at Sea
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Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real out
See All 3 Programs4.69
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Spend your summer studying abroad in Buenos Aires while earning academic credit and immersing yourself in Argentine culture. The Expanish Summer Program combines engaging coursework with cultural exploration in one of Latin America’s most fascinating cities. Students take courses connected to cultu
See All 4 ProgramsSIT Study Abroad
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On Argentina: Social Movements and Human Rights, study social movements in a country internationally renowned for its innovation and protagonism in the struggle for human rights for its diverse populations. Argentina has seen rapid growth in social movements in recent decades. The symbolic, social,
See All 11 ProgramsIES Abroad
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Study abroad in Chile with IES Abroad and immerse yourself in the creative energy of a country emerging as an economic power with modern social programs and ties to both Europe and Asia. You might practice Spanish at a market, meet up with local and international friends, and spend time with your
See All 15 Programs4.93
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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 18 Programs4.62
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Gain practical experience in holistic health while exploring the Peruvian Andes. The Nutrition & Natural Medicine program in the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru, is a unique opportunity. You will learn about Peruvian superfoods, food as medicine, healthy cooking, natural Andean medicine
CEA
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Buenos Aires is a multicultural city filled with immigrants from all over the world, making it a great place to understand how different cultures work together. Located on the western shore of La Plata River, the birthplace of the tango has a thriving arts culture, hip café scene, rich literary hist
See All 5 ProgramsAcademic Programs International
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Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and is located on the shore of the Río de la Plata. It is one of Latin America's most important ports and populous cities. This grand city with wide avenues and a vibrant cosmopolitan flair is seen as more European than Latin American. Its energy and bustle a
See All 5 ProgramsAUIP - American Universities International Programs
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Antarctica is a wondrous place, the “coldest, windiest, driest, highest, quietest, most remote, and least understood continent on earth.” It has been an object of human speculation for millennia and a prize for explorers, sealers and whalers, scientists, and geostrategists for over two hundred years
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The Middlebury School in Argentina provides an immersive academic and cultural experience designed to help students advance their Spanish proficiency while engaging deeply with Argentine life. Through the Middlebury Language Pledge, participants commit to speaking only Spanish throughout their time
See All 4 ProgramsChild Family Health International
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Learn about hospital medicine through rotations at some of the oldest and most renowned teaching hospitals in Latin America, such as the premier infectious disease hospital and the largest public pediatric hospital in the region. During your time in Cordoba, witness government efforts to provide car
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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 2 Programs0
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IPBio is launching a 15-day, all-inclusive expedition that combines biological research and conservation volunteering with a truly immersive experience of Brazilian culture, history, and Amazonian traditions. By exploring the region through both scientific and cultural perspectives, participants gai
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Study Spanish at Universidad de la Sabana in Chía, Colombia—just 45 minutes from Bogotá—and experience a fully immersive language and cultural program. What sets Vive Español apart is its combination of high-quality instruction, small class sizes, and real-world language use through community intera
See All 3 Programs0
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If you are looking to combine travel, sustainability, cultural exchange and practical learning in nature, this experience is for you. Eco Caminhos is a self-sustaining eco farm and international community located in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro, surrounded by waterfalls, forests and regenerative
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Your First Year Abroad program in Buenos Aires lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co
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Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations ac
See All 8 Programs0
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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 3 Programs4.87
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Get Certified to Teach English Worldwide Turn your ambition into a global opportunity with the Ofqual Regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma. This advanced course is designed to take you from beginner to confident English teacher, giving you everything you need to start teaching in a variety of settings.
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A MEDLIFE Nursing Service Learning Service Trip offers free, high-quality healthcare to communities that lack access to essential health services. Local practitioners staff our Nursing Students Service Trips and offer crucial medical treatment and preventative screenings. These service-learning trip
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Our Jaguar Program is a transformative learning journey empowering you to tackle local and global challenges using innovative problem-solving and design-thinking tools that will also propel your academic learning and future career. You’ll also immerse yourself in Colombian culture, learn about its
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SIT’s Global Master of Arts in Sustainable Development Practice is a full-time, one-year degree that explores the interconnected nature of global health crises, economic inequality, natural resource degradation, and political and ethnic conflicts. Study begins in Ecuador, focusing on biodiversity
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Complement your studies with meaningful experiences in this program! The Ecuador Study and Intern – Latin American Studies Track comprises eight weeks of study, a service project once a week, plus an optional internship for 2 or 4 weeks after your studies. During your two-month studies at Univers
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Argentina. Can you say history, romance, culture, dance, food, and passion in the same sentence? You can say it and live it when you join our TEFL program in this exciting country. Complete your accredited TEFL course in Buenos Aires while munching down on chimichurris and soaking in the local ener
SSA Education Abroad
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Spend four weeks studying language and culture in Córdoba, Argentina, through an intensive summer term at Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina’s oldest university. This program is designed for students who want focused Spanish language development, cultural immersion, and academic flexibilit
See All 4 Programs4.61
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Spend a semester living and conducting research with Round River in Chilean Patagonia, where we work with local organizations to monitor wildlife and advance conservation initiatives while exploring the diverse terrain, from rugged mountains to fjords, glaciers, forests, and expansive plains. Stud
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Explore sustainable water management on The GREEN Peru Program! Through this hybrid program, you’ll gain knowledge through live, virtual classes, community engagement, industry exposure, innovating for sustainable solutions, and global water stewardship. Combined with the nation’s historical techno
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Get ready for an adventure in the Amazon rainforest! Spend two weeks at amaZOOnico, a wildlife rescue center located in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. AmaZOOnico rehabilitates, reintroduces, and cares for wildlife animals that have been victims of trafficking. During your time at the center, you
See All 2 Programs4.5
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Start college in Argentina with Verto's first-year study abroad program. Find your inspiration in Buenos Aires’ vibrant culture, dynamic pace of life, and welcoming people. With Verto, you'll: • Become a global citizen, expand your horizons, and grow in your independenc • Explore Argentina's live
The School for Field Studies
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Experience the incredible biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon when you spend a semester in the rainforest studying conservation, development, and sustainability. Meet the residents, analyze environmental policies, and explore diverse ecosystems to learn about climate change, resource extraction, and
See All 4 Programs4
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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
The University of Minnesota
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Study Spanish, read literature, and learn about Argentine culture in the urban landscape of Buenos Aires, a city of 15.5 million. This program is offered in collaboration with the Learning Abroad Center and the Fundacíon José Ortega y Gasset. The Fundacion is in the heart of the city's downtown ar
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Planning to work during your gap year? Or are you just looking to better yourself? AdventureEXP’s Life Skills Foundation course is designed to equip you with critical skills necessary for both personal growth and professional success. This course blends our engaging curriculum with practical profes
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Access to clean, safe water is becoming one of the most urgent environmental challenges of the 21st century. Recognizing its vital role in global conservation, development, public health, and economic stability, this two-week winter service-learning course in Ecuador explores the critical relationsh
See All 2 Programs0
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Combine your passion for horses with an unforgettable cultural adventure in Argentina. Riding The World offers a unique equestrian immersion program designed for young riders who want to improve their riding skills while experiencing a new language and culture. Based in Córdoba, Argentina, particip
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Seeking a pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, or global and public health-related leadership opportunity abroad? Join the VAW Global Team Leader Fellowship. We are looking for Team Leaders and Chapter Presidents at your university or within your community! The Team Leader (TL) will have a numb
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Did you know that a degree isn't required to teach abroad in Brazil? With just a TEFL/TESOL certificate, venture to a country famous for soccer, Carnivals, and colorful cities! Use the coupon code GoAbroad15 upon checkout to receive 15% off any course. Take advantage of our Super Sale! Choose from
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Explore the vibrant city of Cali, Colombia, known for its salsa culture, delicious food, and rich heritage. Our travelers/volunteers teach English at Colegio Americano, where they educate students from pre-K to high school on various subjects, including United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Enhance your Medical Spanish in Ecuador! Looking to improve your Spanish for healthcare settings while immersing yourself in Ecuadorian culture? Our Medical Spanish Program offers personalized, one-on-one instruction (20 hours weekly) designed to help you communicate effectively with Spanish-speaki
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Learn Spanish in Cartagena, Colombia, a vibrant Caribbean city famous for its colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage. This immersive Spanish program combines structured language instruction with daily exposure to real-life Spanish in one of Colombia’s most visually striking and culturally
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Embark on an unforgettable journey with our on-site TEFL/TESOL accredited course in Buenos Aires, the city of all passions. As a student of a globally recognized institution, you’ll receive a prestigious certificate that opens doors to teaching English worldwide. Not only will you gain the skills an
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Embark on a thrilling summer adventure on the captivating island of Providencia. Located in the heart of a stunning UNESCO biosphere reserve in the Western Caribbean, the island’s rich cultural tapestry reflects its history as a global trade hub shaped by English and Spanish rule and encounters with
CET Academic Programs
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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
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Asuncion is surrounded by virgin rainforests and is known for safari adventures, gorgeous waterfalls and indigenous groups. Participants will be staying at the NRCSA Center at the heart of the city. The school is dedicated to teaching Spanish and Guarani to foreigners. Students are taught using a "d
See All 4 Programs0
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Earth Expeditions (EE) are Miami University study abroad courses designed for people looking for inspiring professional development opportunities while earning graduate credit. All courses engage with grassroots conservation and sustainability programs making a difference in Africa, Asia, Australia,
See All 4 Programs0
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Aliore is offering various Traditional Dance Workshops in multiple countries: Tango tour in Buenos Aires- Dance the tango in the company of professsional dancers and well-known teachers. (10 days) Percussion and dance workshops in Guinea- 1, 2 or 3 weeks with professional musicians and dancer
Enforex - 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
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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
How to Study Abroad in South America
Why
South America is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the northeast. Compared to other study abroad destinations, the pristine landscape within the borders of South America remains relatively untouched. The preservation of ancient populations and wildlife species makes study abroad in South America an obvious choice for history and natural science majors alike, though students in any area of emphasis will appreciate the vibrant culture of this musical continent and the art with which it balances the influences of the past with a contemporarily modern vibe.
Locations
Although South America technically encompasses 12 distinct nations, the following five offer the majority of study abroad program opportunities:
Argentina is the largest of the South American countries, and its diverse landscape boasts both the highest peak and lowest point on the continent. Buenos Aires is Argentina’s capital city and ranks as one of the top ten cities for study abroad worldwide, most notably charming students interested in studying art, health sciences, language, math, and Spanish. Córdoba is the second largest city in Argentina and home to the country’s oldest university, earning itself a UNESCO World Heritage site title.
Brazil. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, setting it apart from the rest of the dominantly Spanish-speaking countries of South America. The universities in Brazil are more up-and-coming than other long-established systems in South America, and public schools are more reputable than private. São Paulo is home to the most prestigious universities in the country; although, Rio de Janeiro remains the most popular location for study abroad in Brazil, and is the most visited city in the entire Southern Hemisphere. A country whose lifeblood is music and where the Amazon provides the richest source of tropical rainforest species in the world, Brazil is ideal for students interested in music, Portuguese, and science.
Chile. The thin strip of land that makes up Chile boasts more than 2,500 miles of Pacific coastline for students to enjoy. Chile holds the title as the most economically stable, and arguably most safe and most hospitable South American country. Not to mention, the education system in Chile is top-notch! The capital city of Santiago serves as the country’s administrative, cultural, commercial, and educational center, making it an easy choice for students looking to study abroad in Chile, especially those with interests in Latin American Studies, Spanish language, and literature. In contrast to the big city of Santiago, Viña del Mar features some of the best gardens and beaches on the continent, and provides an alternative hub for students seeking a slightly smaller scale study abroad experience in South America.
Ecuador. The alluring Andes and a volcanic landscape are perfect backdrop for adventurers who choose to study abroad Ecuador. Quito, the bustling capital, is where the majority of study abroad programs in Ecuador are based. The international relations scene within the city and the surrounding Inca ruins that contribute to its UNESCO World Heritage site status will especially delight students interested in archaeology, history, politics, and social sciences. The Galapagos Islands claim to fame is its isolated ecosystem and range of species that has been credited for inspiring Charles Darwin to develope the theory of evolution. Not surprisingly, the most common areas of emphasis for study abroad programs in the Galapagos are environmental studies, social sciences, and Spanish.
Peru. With the chance to immerse in what is known to be the clearest Spanish in the world, there is no better place to study Spanish abroad than Peru. Warm agreeable weather, some of the best cuisine in the world, and friendly locals to top it off make the international metropolis of Lima a great pick for students in a variety of emphases. Cusco, on the other hand, may provoke what seems like entirely different seasons within a single day, but its UNESCO World Heritage site title and the fact that it used to function as the old Inca Empire capital makes it tough to beat.
Program Options
Naturally, the most common subject of study in South America is Spanish. However, there are many more courses and subjects to choose from; hands-on learning opportunities directly related to your subject of choice is the norm for any study abroad program in South America.
Natural Sciences. Science majors, across the board, will relish the opportunities study abroad in South America presents; learning about and living among such incredible biodiversity, that others can only dream of or read about in textbooks, will be undoubtedly fulfilling. Natural wonders include: the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, the largest and driest desert in the world, Atacama in Chile, the highest falls on earth, Angel Falls in Venezuela, the largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon in Argentina and Brazil, and countless others. The toughest job science students who study in South America will face is what to see first!
Spanish. With the exception of Portuguese-speaking Brazil and prominently Dutch Suriname, South America presents limitless study abroad programs focused on Spanish language learning. Ecuador has the highest number of Spanish study abroad programs in South America, while Peru is perfect for beginners, since it is known for having easy to understand spoken Spanish. Whatever the destination, students will benefit greatly from taking Spanish courses while studying in South America, either as their primary focus or tacked onto their major workload.
History. Rich historical roots, with ancient architecture, timeless traditions, and a vibrant culture to prove it, South America competes as history buffs’ top paradise. From indigenous groups to European immigrants, history students will find a range of interesting populations to study in South America. Not to mention, in many locations, you will actually be able to walk among the ruins of civilizations past!
Extracurriculars. Undecided and declared majors alike will enjoy taking a class or two that is specific to their South American experience. Learn to tango, salsa, or samba by taking a course in Latin American dance or cook delicious ethnic dishes you can impress your friends with back home; just be sure to take something with a Latin American flair if you are going to study in South America!
Scholarships & Costs
The cost of living in South America is noticeably lower than that of North America. Both transportation and housing are relatively cheap, but tuition may still be comparable to your home university. Scholarships for study abroad in South America can help ease the financial stress of studying abroad, and opting for smaller, independent scholarships will give students the best chance at offsetting their costs as they tend to be less competitive.
Living expenses will vary from one country to the next, with Chile being the most expensive, followed by Argentina, Colombia, and then Brazil. Bolivia and Ecuador are the most economical for students who want to study abroad in South America on a shoestring budget. No matter which country you choose for study abroad in South America, you’ll soon find that smaller cities tend to be more cost effective than large ones. Additionally, utilizing farmers markets and corner tiendas over sit-down restaurants and bars will allow for the accumulation of savings during the week in exchange for splurging on weekend excursions.
Accommodation & Visas
Homestays are the most common, and generally favored, style of accommodation provided through study abroad programs in South America. Not only does a host family offer the best chance for complete cultural immersion and fast-tracked language learning, but not much beats a home-cooked Latin American meal. Since, traditionally, locals live at home and commute to school while attending university, alternative forms of housing are not commonly available around university campuses. However, it is always best to ask your study abroad program provider for advice, as they are most often willing to work with students to meet their needs. Additional housing options may include: apartments, dormitories, and individual or shared independent housing (off-campus).
The most important thing to remember when obtaining a student visa to study abroad in South America is to begin the process well in advance. Though generally not complicated, obtaining a visa can be time consuming. Your university’s study abroad office or program provider can usually answer any questions and offer assistance, though requirements are generally basic and include:
A passport valid for six months past the last day of your trip
A return ticket
Proof of acceptance into your program
Proof of funds to last through your entire stay
- Application fees
Travel Tips
Bilingual Benefits. In today’s global society, learning a foreign language is exceptionally valuable, and there is no better way than through immersion! If you study abroad in South America, you'll be able to practice your language skills on a daily (and possibly hourly) basis with locals.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy. South America is full of life and laughter. Students who study in South America won’t have to venture far to find relief from a stressful study session or settle in to a more relaxed way of life.
GPA. With endless adventures and nightlife activity, students may find their grades suffering if they allow their studies to take a backseat to the surrounding distractions, so be sure to remember your purpose in South America at the end of each day!
From Patagonia and Iguazu Falls to the Amazon Rainforest, there is plenty to discover through study abroad in South America. The hardest part won't be enjoying your time abroad, it will be choosing where to kickback and enjoy yourself! Once you choose to study in South America, everything else will fall right into place!
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