10 Best Study Abroad Programs in Latin America

Ready to swap your textbooks for tropical adventures and your school’s campus for colorful cities? Then pack your bags because studying abroad in Latin America is your ticket to an incredible adventure!  

From the vibrant rainforests of Monteverde to the tango-filled streets of Buenos Aires, CIEE’s Latin America study abroad programs offer something for everyone. Explore ancient ruins, savor diverse cuisines, and create lifelong memories with your classmates. Get excited – an adventure in Latin America is just around the corner! 

What are the Best Study Abroad Programs in Latin America? 

Buckle up as we take you through our incredible lineup of Latin America study abroad programs! Each program offers a thrilling mix of cultural exploration, top-notch academics, and adventures that will make your study abroad experience unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to study abroad in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, we have a vast array of programs for you to choose from!  

Let’s jump right into our top 10 Latin America programs! 

Program #1: Summer Global Internship (Buenos Aires, Argentina) 

Does Argentina study abroad catch your attention? Great, because we have the perfect program for you! Our Summer Global Internship program allows you to spend your summer earning real-world work experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s dynamic capital.  During this eight-week session, you’ll soak up the city’s rich Latin culture, sharpen your professional skills, and enhance your global perspective in one of Latin America’s hottest economic spots. 

When you apply to become a CIEE intern, our team will work closely with you to find the perfect internship that matches your unique goals and interests. From education and health science to finance and manufacturing, we’ve got placements in a variety of industries. And don’t worry about the competition – we’ll help you ace the interview process with resume tips, interview prep, and all the support you need to land that dream spot! 

• Program Length: 8 weeks 
• Credit: 6 semester hours/9 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 

Program #2: Liberal Arts (Santiago, Chile) 

If you’re ready to take your Spanish skills to the next level and are looking for Chile study abroad programs, keep reading! CIEE's Liberal Arts program was thoughtfully designed to help students polish and advance their Spanish while building a broad understanding of Chilean history and culture in Santiago.  

Chile's dynamic and cosmopolitan capital is a wonderful setting for students to study alongside local Chileans at CIEE's partner institutions: Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), and Universidad Diego Portales. On top of that, your courses will be enhanced by co-curricular excursions and activities organized by CIEE, designed to deepen your classroom learning and boost your intercultural understanding! 

• Program Length: 18 weeks 
• Credit: 15-18 semester hours/22.5-27 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 

Read More: Santiago vs. Buenos Aires: Which is Better? 

Program #3: Liberal Arts (Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic) 

Following our exploration of the Liberal Arts program in Santiago, Chile, get ready to dive into another Liberal Arts program – this time in the stunning Caribbean city of Santiago de los Caballeros! This program will allow you to elevate your Spanish language skills and learn about the development of the society, culture, business, economics, and politics of the island of Hispaniola. All courses are taught by CIEE Santiago and Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). 

Here you’ll be based in the central valley of El Cibao in the northeastern part of the island, in Santiago de los Caballeros (the Heartland City), which is the second-largest city in the country. Surrounded by breathtaking mountainous scenery, you’ll experience a true taste of Dominican culture as you immerse yourself in this vibrant region. If you got your sights set on Dominican Republic study abroad, this program might just be your ideal match! 

• Program Length: 14 weeks 
• Credit: 15-18 semester hours/22.5-27 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 

Program #4: Tropical Ecology + Conservation (Monteverde, Costa Rica) 

Discover the rich biodiversity of Monteverde’s tropical cloud forest, where conservation efforts, environmental education, ecotourism, and the local community work together to protect this unique ecosystem from climate change. Passionate about environmental and natural sciences? Through this Costa Rica study abroad program, you'll gain hands-on experience and practical skills all while exploring the wild and wonderful biodiversity of the tropics. Plus, you’ll get the chance to learn Spanish and connect with the local community in their native language! In the final weeks of the program, you'll put your knowledge to the test by conducting an independent research project. 

• Program Length: 16 weeks 
• Credit: 17-18 semester hours/25.5-27 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 

Program #5: Summer in Yucatan (Yucatan, Mexico) 

Designed for students from all academic backgrounds, this Mexico study abroad program offers a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural exploration set against the backdrop of Mérida’s stunning architecture and lively streets. When class is in session, you’ll take courses led by expert faculty across a wide range of subjects. Outside the classroom, you’ll have every opportunity to explore all the Yucatán Peninsula has to offer, including guided tours to ancient Mayan ruins (like Chichén Itzá and Uxmal) and visits to the natural wonders of the region (like stunning cenotes). 

• Program Length: 4 weeks 
• Credit: 3-4 semester hours/4.5-6 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 

Program #6: Semester in Buenos Aires (Argentina) 

Spend a full semester abroad in Buenos Aires where you will immerse yourself in the charming life, rich history, and dynamic culture of Argentina’s famous port city. Buenos Aires is the perfect study abroad destination for students eager to explore Latin America and develop their Spanish language skills.  

This program invites you to enroll in a variety of exciting courses at CIEE Buenos Aires and CIEE’s esteemed partner schools – Universidad Torcuato Di Tella and Universidad del Salvador. You’ll also have the option to complete an internship to gain global work experience, engage in a credit-bearing service learning project, or take a CIEE-delivered language courses to improve your Spanish proficiency! 

• Program Length: 18 weeks 
• Credit: 12-18 semester hours/18-27 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 

Program #7: Open Campus Block (Santiago, Chile) 

Boasting world-class cuisine, exotic suburban areas, and prominent neoclassical architecture, Santiago is an incredible location for a six, 12, or 18-week adventure through our Open Campus Block program. You'll learn from our expert faculty in a wide range of subject areas from business to sociology to the arts! For a flexible study abroad experience, check out our Open Campus Block program! 

• Program Length: Six, 12, or 18 weeks 
• Credit: 6-7 per block semester hours/9-10.5 per block quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 

Program #8: Summer Community Public Health (Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic) 

Looking to spend your summer exploring the complexities of healthcare in developing nations? We’ve got the program just for you! Between exciting classroom instruction and hands-on fieldwork in urban and rural settings, you’ll get a close look and new perspective on the social and health issues facing the Dominican Republic. All courses are delivered in Spanish by CIEE’s partner school, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), a top-ranked Dominican Republic university. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete a five-day rural stay in Comedero Abajo, in the Central Cibao valley, as well as other immersive co-curricular activities. 

• Program Length: 9 weeks 
• Credit: 10 semester hours/15 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 

Program #9: Sustainability + the Environment (Monteverde, Costa Rica) 

Join CIEE Monteverde for a life-changing adventure that enhances your knowledge and skills while taking your Spanish to the next level. This program is for students from all fields of study interested in digging into today's pressing environmental issues. When class is in session, you'll take three required content courses, an internship, and a Spanish language course. Outside the classroom, you'll participate in activities on local farms, natural reserves, field stations, and other experiences that provide intercultural understanding. 

• Program Length: 16 weeks 
• Credit: 16-17 semester hours/24-25.5 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 

Read More: Costa Rica vs. Argentina: Which is Better for Study Abroad? 

Program #10: Summer STEM + Society (Yucatan, Mexico) 

Your home base for this program is Mérida, a stunning and historic colonial city centrally located on the Yucatán Peninsula and just 20 minutes from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. In less than a two-hour drive you’ll find biodiverse nature reserves, UNESCO archaeological sites, and charming historic towns where you can enjoy lunch alongside locals while improving your Spanish language skills.  

Select one or up to two six-week blocks at any CIEE Open Campus Block location: Either stay in Yucatan for both blocks or go mobile and spend your second block in another Open Campus Block location! 

• Program Length: Six or 12 weeks 
• Credit: 6-7 per block semester hours/9-10.5 per block quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA 

Where Will You Go? 

Now that you’ve been introduced to our top Latin America programs, are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? With five countries to choose from, we’re confident there’s a program that perfectly aligns with your study abroad goals! Whether you’re drawn to Buenos Aires' lively streets, Monteverde’s diverse ecosystems, Santiago de los Caballeros’ vibrant culture, Santiago’s bustling energy, or Mérida’s historic charm, you’re in for an eye-opening adventure that will redefine your college experience! 

EXPLORE LATIN AMERICA