There’s nothing better than furthering your education abroad, learning about a new culture while navigating a new higher learning institution at the same time – but where are the best places to study abroad? Whether you want to experience life in a cosmopolitan city or a seaside town, these are the top places to study abroad in Latin America.
Ciudad de México, Mexico
Easily the top place to study abroad if you’re looking for academic prowess, a fast pace of life and vibrant culture. As well as being an excellent choice for studying abroad, it’s also one of the most visited destinations in Latin America, offering some of the best street food in the country and a mixture of Spanish and English-language taught classes.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some study abroad students avoid Argentina due to its reputation for having a less than standard Spanish accent when compared with other Latin American destinations, but don’t let this minor obstacle put you off. Buenos Aires is actually the ideal spot to study abroad in Latin America – it has a cosmopolitan, European vibe and a reputation for safety that many may feel more comfortable with.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Neighbouring Argentina is the often overlooked Uruguay and its capital city, Montevideo. Sometimes dubbed the Switzerland of South America, this country is laidback, safer than many other Latin American destinations and relatively progressive too. While the capital can be pricey, it’s still pretty affordable and is known for providing a great quality of life.
Panama City, Panama
This capital is the most developed in Central America, boasts great connection potential with both Central and South America and has a cosmopolitan feel, with a Caribbean influence.
Anywhere, Bolivia
If you like the idea of Panama, but think it might be a bit too pricey, then consider heading south to Bolivia, South America’s cheapest destination. This is one for the cash-strapped student who still wants a totally immersive and culturally fascinating experience during their semester studying abroad. Bolivia is rich in indigenous culture, situated close to popular Peru and nearby Brazil and has a vibrant, underrated second city with La Paz.
Bogotá, Colombia
Known as the city with the clearest, most neutral Spanish accent in all of Latin America, the Colombian capital is the ideal spot for a beginner Spanish speaker to grapple with grammar. Plus, the city itself is a diverse and interesting place to live, with tons of cultural attractions and a reputation for friendly residents.
Antigua, Guatemala
Central American favourite Guatemala is ideal for beginner Spanish learners. With plenty of Mayan culture, some indigenous languages and excellent proximity to the Caribbean coastline of Belize or the verdant scenery of Mexico’s Chiapas state, you’ll feel neither overwhelmed nor bored in the quaint colonial city of Antigua, Guatemala should you choose to study abroad there.
Santiago, Chile
The Chilean accent often ranks alongside the Argentine twang as one of the hardest Spanish variations for learners to get to grips with, but that shouldn’t put you off heading to Chile for a semester abroad. The top place to study abroad in Chile has to be Santiago though, one of Latin America’s safest, stable and up-and-coming destinations…oh, and its rain-free for eight months of the year. There you can find culture, cuisine and a fairly low cost of living.
Quito, Ecuador
For students seeking cultural and geographical diversity in their study abroad experience, Quito is ideal. Located in the tiny South American country of Ecuador, you’re nestled between Colombia and Peru, benefiting from coastline, mountains and jungle. It’s also one of the better places for learning Spanish as a result of the clear accent. Furthermore, the capital is both pretty and well-equipped meaning you won’t find it hard to settle in.
Source: theculturetrip.com
