What are the Best Places to Study Abroad in Latin America?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably ready to take your college experience to the next level with an extraordinary study abroad adventure. What better way to do than by discovering a program to study in Latin America? 

CIEE Study Abroad offers you the chance to study abroad in five amazing countries across Latin America where each day promises a new adventure. For those of you keen to study Spanish in Latin America, these hotspots will have you speaking like a local in no time! Whether you're soaking up the tango-infused culture in Argentina, discovering the thrills of Chile, exploring the green landscapes of Costa Rica, dancing through the bustling streets of the Dominican Republic, or experiencing the rich history of Mexico, you're set for an experience that’s far from ordinary.  

Stick around as we delve into the best places to study abroad in Latin America and find out which destination could be your next big adventure! 

Argentina 

Argentina, with its dynamic culture, world-renowned cuisine, and stunning landscapes, is a fantastic destination for your South America study abroad experience. Argentina study abroad programs serve up a fun mix of learning and local flair, making it an awesome pick for students who want to ace their studies while absorbing the Argentine culture!  

At the center of it all is Buenos Aires, often affectionately called the "Paris of South America" for its European charm and energetic atmosphere. Studying in Buenos Aires means more than just hitting the books; it's about living the Argentine lifestyle, from passionate soccer matches to captivating dance lessons. Whether you're exploring its grand avenues, enjoying a tango show, or sipping coffee in a charming café, Buenos Aires is bound to dazzle you and ignite your sense of adventure! 

Best Argentina Study Abroad Programs 

Excited about studying abroad in Argentina? Check out our top two Buenos Aires programs that will immerse you in all of what the “Paris of South America” has to offer! 

Featured Program #1: Liberal Arts (Buenos Aires) 

Take courses in history, language, political science, and more while living in the gorgeous port city of Buenos Aires. From studying at world-recognized universities to enjoying cultural activities and excursions, there is so much Argentine history to learn and breathtaking landscapes to explore during your time abroad. 

• Program Length: 20 weeks 
• Credit: 15-18 semester hours/22.5-27 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA    
• Featured Course: Body, Gender, and Sexuality in Argentina 
• Featured Excursion: Day trip to a surrounding city 

Featured Program #2: Open Campus Block (Buenos Aires) 

Discover this magnificent city your way by customizing your study abroad term on the Open Campus Block program. Take one, two, or up to three six-week blocks, and select your courses from various subject areas. 

• 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    
• Featured Course: Culture and Cuisine in Argentina 
• Featured Excursion: Take a Tango class 

Read More: Top 20 Argentinian Slang Words and Phrases You Must Know 

Chile 

Chile is the ultimate adventure playground for your study abroad experience! Think of it as your gateway to stunning landscapes and a seriously cool city vibe. Chile study abroad gives you a chance to explore a country that has everything from epic mountains and sweeping coastlines to buzzing urban life.  

In Santiago, you’ll dive into a city that’s as lively as it is diverse. Picture yourself strolling through bustling markets, savoring delicious Chilean cuisine, and taking in the city’s amazing street art. Santiago isn’t just a backdrop; it’s where you’ll make memories, meet new friends, and get a real taste of Chilean culture. Trust us, this is the adventure you didn’t know you were missing! 

Best Chile Study Abroad Programs  

Explore the thrill of studying abroad in Chile with our standout Santiago programs! Get lost in the city’s cool vibe and breathtaking scenery while gaining unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. 

Featured Program #1: Liberal Arts (Santiago) 

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. You will take courses at CIEE Santiago as well as our partner schools: Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), and Universidad Diego Portales. 

• Program Length: 18 weeks 
• Credit: 15-18 semester hours/22.5-27 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA    
• Featured Course:  History of Social Thought 
• Featured Excursion: Day trips to nearby towns and cities such as Curacaví and Isla Negra 

Featured Program #2: Open Campus Block (Santiago) 

Boasting world-class cuisine, exotic suburban areas, and prominent neoclassical architecture, Santiago is an incredible location to spend one six-week block (or up to three blocks) on 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    
• Featured Course: Doing Business in Latin America 
• Featured Excursion: Visit Pomaire, a picturesque Chilean village known for its traditional pottery and rustic charm 

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

Costa Rica 

Step into a world where adventure and nature go hand in hand – Costa Rica study abroad is your golden ticket to an unforgettable experience. You’ll be based in Monteverde, where you’ll immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of cloud forests and vibrant wildlife. Here, you’ll explore trails draped in green, engage in exciting conservation projects, and embrace the pura vida lifestyle with a community passionate about sustainability.  

Not only will you dive into local culture, but you'll also have the chance to study Spanish abroad and sharpen your language skills. Studying abroad in Costa Rica means diving into nature, connecting with other explorers, and uncovering new wonders every day. Costa Rica is calling, and it’s time to answer! 

Best Costa Rica Study Abroad Programs  

Find yourself surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and incredible wildlife while studying in Monteverde. Let’s take a look at our top two programs in Monteverde perfect for all nature lovers! 

Featured Program #1: Tropical Ecology + Conservation (Monteverde) 

Navigate the high biodiversity of the tropical cloud forest of Monteverde, where conservation initiatives, environmental education, ecotourism, and the local community live together to preserve this unique place threatened by climate change. Students interested in environmental and natural sciences will learn valuable skills through hands-on experience courses.   

• Program Length: 16 weeks 
• Credit: 17-18 semester hours/25.5-27 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA    
• Featured Course: Humans in the Tropics 
• Featured Excursion: Immerse yourself in the steamy jungle of the Lowland Rainforest 

Featured Program #2: Summer Sustainability + the Environment (Monteverde) 

Live on the edge of the world-famous Costa Rican cloud forest in Monteverde, where you'll learn about sustainable economic development, environmental engineering, and other science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-related topics 

• Program Length: 6 weeks 
• Credit: 6-7 per block semester hours/9-10.5 per block quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA    
• Featured Course: Sustainable Tourism 
• Featured Excursion: Visits to natural destinations, such as national parks or reserves 

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

Dominican Republic 

Get ready for a study abroad experience that’s as exhilarating as a Caribbean sunset! Dominican Republic study abroad offers you a taste of incredible culture, stunning scenery, and a city full of energy and charm. In Santiago de los Caballeros, you’ll experience the lively rhythm of the Dominican Republic, where rich history and animated street scenes bring every moment to life.  

Explore historic landmarks, dance to merengue beats, and take part in local festivals. Pack your bags and prepare for a study abroad experience brimming with excitement and unique memories! 

Best Dominican Republic Study Abroad Programs  

Bursting with energy, Santiago de los Caballeros invites you to take part in its colorful culture while studying abroad. Discover why Santiago de los Caballeros is a student favorite year after year by exploring our top two programs in this vibrant city! 

Featured Program #1: Liberal Arts (Santiago de los Caballeros) 

Elevate your Spanish language skills to new heights and learn about the development of the society, culture, business, economics, and politics of the island of Hispaniola while living in one of the most vibrant countries' economies in Latin America: The Dominican Republic. Courses are taught by CIEE Santiago and by Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). 

• Program Length: 14 weeks 
• Credit: 15-18 semester hours/22.5-27 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA    
• Featured Course: Introduction to Dominican Folklore 
• Featured Excursion: Visit to El Limón waterfall, a 40-meter waterfall that ends in a wide natural pool with crystal clear blue water 

Featured Program #2: Summer Community Public Health (Santiago de los Caballeros) 

Spend your summer examining the complexities of healthcare in developing nations by studying abroad in the Dominican Republic. Courses are delivered in Spanish by CIEE’s partner school, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), a top-ranked Dominican Republic university.   

• Program Length: 9 weeks 
• Credit: 10 semester hours/15 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA    
• Featured Course: Pre-Professional Healthcare Issues 
• Featured Excursion: Tour the murals of Los Pepines 

Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: Santiago de los Caballeros 

Mexico 

Gear up for an unforgettable journey south of the border! Mexico study abroad offers an electrifying blend of lively traditions, deep historical roots, and thrilling adventures that will make your experience abroad truly stand out. Your home base will be the Yucatán Peninsula, where CIEE’s study abroad location in Mérida will have you soaking up the sun and exploring a region packed with ancient ruins, lush cenotes, and a buzzing local scene. 

 You’ll be right in the middle of the action, whether you're wandering through Mayan pyramids, dancing at local fiestas, or diving into crystal-clear waters. So, grab your shades because the Yucatán Peninsula is your gateway to a memorable study abroad experience that’ll leave you with stories to last a lifetime. 

Best Mexico Study Abroad Programs  

Experience the magic of studying abroad in Mexico with our top two Yucatán programs. Soak up the region’s captivating heritage and culture all while earning college credit! 

Featured Program #1: January in Yucatan 

This three-week January study abroad program is the perfect opportunity to develop your Spanish language proficiency while you discover the ancient Mayan civilization. Your home base is Mérida – a beautiful colonial city filled with brightly colored buildings and clean, tree-lined streets near the sea! 

• Program Length: 3 weeks 
• Credit: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
• Eligibility: 2.5 overall GPA    
• Featured Course: Mayan History, Culture, and the Environment 
• Featured Excursion: Explore Chichén Itzá and nearby Cenote Sagrado 

Featured Program #2: Open Campus Block (Yucatan) 

• 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    
• Featured Course: Intercultural Communication and Leadership 
• Featured Excursion: Tour the Yucatan Scientific Research Center’s (CICY) Botanical Garden, a green oasis home to more than 700 native species 

Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: Yucatán 

Take Your Studies to Latin America 

Studying abroad in Latin America is your pathway to an adventure that’s as enriching as it is exciting. Imagine immersing yourself in the dynamic cultures, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences that Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico have to offer. No matter if you’re dancing through Buenos Aires, exploring Chile’s dramatic scenery, or diving into the colorful life of the Yucatán Peninsula, each destination promises to expand your horizons in ways you never imagined.  

This is more than just an academic experience – it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and thrive in a part of the world that’s bursting with life. Now, grab your passport and let the Latin American adventure of a lifetime kick off! 

EXPLORE LATIN AMERICA