Studying abroad is a life-changing experience. With that said, we understand that there is a lot of preparation and thought that goes into finding the perfect study abroad program. Finances often times play a role in this decision – in addition to preferred location and academic offerings. Looking for an easy guide on affordable options in Latin America? Check out these incredible options below:
Programs under $4,000
Home to stars Shakira and Sofia Vergara, this Caribbean coast city couldn’t be fuller of life and passion! Imagine drinking natural tropical fruit juice every day and visiting the beach on the weekends. You will do so much more than improve your salsa dancing skills, you will have the opportunity to earn 5-7 semester credits by studying at the Universidad del Norte’s state-of-the-art campus. Are you an Engineering major and looking for an opportunity to go abroad? The Summer 2: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) program allows you to enroll in ABET-accredited engineering courses in English and any of the courses (including any level of Spanish) from the Summer 1: Spanish Language & Courses with Locals program.
By day, you’ll study Spanish. By night, you’ll find the best food carts, gaze at the stars laying on the steps of the city’s “Monumento” and dance Bachata and Merengue all night long. Not only will you learn cool Dominican slang, but you can earn 6-9 semester credits within a five week academic program! The Summer 1: Culture, Literature & Spanish Language program is perfect for beginning, intermediate and advanced students who want a fully immersive experience in the city that’s known as the “heart” of the Dominican Republic. Students can easily visit beaches and nearby towns on the weekends, enjoy several excursions including Santo Domingo, the country’s historic capital, and La Romana, where they’ll get to visit the Cueva de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders) and the white sand beaches of Saona Island.
Programs under $5,000
Less than an hour away from the bustling city of Miami, Havana has an aura about it that is romantic, exotic and unexplored. It is the intangible beauty, the joy of its people, the rhythms of music, and its rich political history that make Havana unforgettable. Pack your bags and enjoy a five week academic program at the Universidad de las Artes. The Summer 1: Spanish Language, Literature & Culture program is open to students of all language levels. Interested in U.S. – Cuban relations? Take a look at our new English course offerings: Cuban Foreign Policy: Defying Realism and U.S. Latin American Relations.
Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, Chile
Take a ride up a funicular and enjoy the sights of Valparaíso’s colorful hills or take a stroll down the boardwalk as you watch the sun set on the picturesque beaches of Viña del Mar. Regardless of where you’re going, there is so much to discover and appreciate in the sister cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Enjoy the harmonious balance of Valparaíso’s eccentric and artistic nature and Viña del Mar’s modernity and striking landscapes. Whether you’re just starting to learn Spanish or wanting to delve into Latin American Studies, the Summer 1 / Summer 2: Spanish Language & Latin American Studies program(s) offer culture courses in English and Spanish and is open to all language levels. Practice your Chilean slang over the weekends and while on your included day excursions to the Playas del Norte and Cajón del Maipo.
Programs under $6,000
Do you believe in magic? Spend seven weeks of your summer exploring the friendly city of Florianópolis, also known as the “Island of Magic.” Surrounded by 42 breathtaking beaches, Florianópolis is every adventurer’s paradise. Your day-to-day activities outside of the classroom can vary from paragliding, sand-boarding, surfing, and hiking. Fully immerse yourself in the Brazilian culture and Portuguese language by participating in the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) eligible Summer 2: Intensive Portuguese Language program at the Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina. Advance a whole language level in just a few short summer months and fall in love with this unbelievably beautiful city.
Venture into the heart of the historic Inca Empire and spend eight weeks of your summer nestled in the Peruvian Andes during the Summer 1 + Service-Learning: Language, Literature & Culture program in Cusco. Students dive into two courses at the ISA Study Center in Spanish, English or Quechua; making this program great for students of all language levels. Soak in Peru’s rich cultural history while earning 6-7 credits. Once completing the academic portion of the program, your last four weeks will primarily focus on serving an amazing local organization. Placements are assigned based off of your interest – options include taking care of alpacas at a Peruvian heritage sanctuary or assisting medical professionals in clinics. Service-Learning can be completely experiential, but you also have the option to opt for academic credit as well.
Latin America is calling your name this summer!
Feel free to reach out to the following Site Specialists to discuss any of the programs highlighted above:
Alan Thompson, Site Specialist for Colombia, Dominican Republic: athompson@studiesabroad.com
Johanna Alvarado, Site Specialist for Chile, Cuba, Brazil: jalvarado@studiesabroad.com
Sarah Lorber, Site Specialist for Peru: slorber@studiesabroad.com
