Mental Health Matters: Supporting Students on Study Abroad Trips

Mental health is more important

than ever, both in school and at work. For faculty leaders of study abroad programs, supporting students’ well-being is a key responsibility. This article shares simple strategies to help students stay healthy and happy while abroad, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed and enjoy their experience. Let’s dive in!

Why Mental Health Matters During Study Abroad Trips

Mental health is especially important during study abroad trips, where students face unique challenges like culture shock, language barriers, and being far from home. These stressors can impact their well-being and ability to fully enjoy the experience and get the most learning out of it. In addition to their role as educators, faculty leaders must play a key role in creating a supportive environment during these programs.

  • Challenges Students Face:

    • Isolation and being overwhelmed in unfamiliar settings

    • Difficulty adjusting to new cultures or languages

    • Homesickness or lack of familiar support systems

  • How Faculty Leaders Can Help:

    • Check in regularly with students one-on-one and in group settings

    • Encourage open conversations about mental health, feelings, and emotions

    • Promote self-care practices

    • Recognize signs of stress

A faculty leader’s role goes beyond academics—they are mentors and advocates for students’ well-being. By fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere, they help students navigate challenges and make the most of their time abroad. Prioritizing mental health on these trips ensures students stay healthy, engaged, and ready to learn.


Healthy Habits to Promote Mental Well-Being

Promoting mental well-being during study abroad trips starts with healthy habits. Here’s how students and faculty leaders can work together:

For Individuals:

  • Eat balanced meals and stay hydrated - groups should try to eat breakfast together and make it a time for open discussion. Faculty could ask questions specifically about how students feel or things they don’t understand. Remind students to drink water during the day, especially on physically demanding days.

  • Get enough sleep and rest - faculty should chose lodging away from nightlife spots and encourage early bed times. Starting daily activities at 9 or 10, but not earlier, will allow students to get more sleep.

  • Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing - in addition to having their own meditation practice faculty could lead daily meditation (even 5 minutes goes a long way).

  • Balance workloads to prevent mental burnout - design travel itineraries considering not just their physical strenuousness, but also mental load

For Teams and Communities:

  • Encourage open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma - faculty should share their own feelings to encourage students to share

  • Ensuring students have time to relax and explore - free time during a faculty led programs is as important as structured programming. Students often learn more when they have time and space to process what they are seeing.

  • Organize wellness activities, like yoga sessions or mental health workshops, to bring the group together - this can be designed as part of the program from the planning stages

By focusing on these habits, faculty leaders help students stay healthy, happy, and ready to make the most of their study abroad experience.

 
A faculty leader’s role goes beyond academics—they are mentors and advocates for students’ well-being

Types of Necessary Aid Leaders Might Have to Provide

In addition to promoting healthy habits, faculty leaders must also be prepared to provide direct support when needed. This support can come in many forms:

Emotional Support:

  • Practice active listening and show empathy - often times just getting their thoughts out will help students process a challenging situation.

  • Create a safe space where students feel comfortable sharing their concerns - students leaders can be a great resource as go-betweens with faculty

Practical Support:

  • Connect students with mental health resources, such as local or virtual counseling services, clinics, or hotlines - check with your college or university what resources are available to student on study abroad programs

  • Create assignments that ask students to reflect on their experience and their related feelings - a daily journaling assignment can be a great destressor in addition to helping students learn more

  • Be flexible with workloads or deadlines to ease stress and prevent burnout - especially for students showing signs of stress, you can delay the deadline for an assignment or otherwise alleviate the stress point during the program

Educational Support:

Crisis Intervention:

  • Recognize signs of mental health crises, such as severe anxiety, depression, or burnout

    • Emotional distress: Intense sadness, anxiety, fear, anger, or hopelessness 

    • Changes in mood: Sudden or extreme mood swings, from euphoria to depression 

    • Cognitive difficulties: Confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory loss 

    • Behavioral changes: Withdrawal from social activities, neglect of personal hygiene, increased substance use 

    • Suicidal thoughts or actions: Talking about wanting to die, making plans to harm oneself, or engaging in self-harm 

    • Hallucinations or delusions: Seeing or hearing things that are not real, or having false beliefs 

    • Paranoia or distrust: Feeling like others are out to get them, or having excessive fear and suspicion 

    • Isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family, and social support networks 

    • Psychosis: Loss of touch with reality, experiencing hallucinations or delusions 

    • Additional Warning Signs:

      • Changes in sleep or appetite: Insomnia, excessive sleeping, or significant changes in eating habits 

      • Increased agitation or restlessness: Feeling anxious, jittery, or unable to sit still 

      • Difficulty making decisions: Feeling overwhelmed or unable to make simple choices 

      • Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or other obligations 

      • Changes in appearance: Neglecting personal hygiene or wearing unusual clothing 

  • Know when and how to escalate to professional help - faculty should know who to contact in case of recognizing signs a mental health crisis. The university international education coordinator is a good first point of contact. They will be able to direct faculty toward additional resources and help. The travel insurance hotline can also be a good resource, as well as third party provider (e.g., Learn from Travel) staff.

By offering a mix of emotional, practical, educational, and crisis support, faculty leaders create a safety net that helps students navigate challenges and thrive during their study abroad experience.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Faculty leaders often face challenges when supporting mental health during study abroad trips. Here’s how to address common issues:

Stigma Around Mental Health:

  • Normalize conversations about well-being by sharing personal experiences - this may be challenging for some faculty, but imagine how much more challenging it is for students

  • Create a safe, open environment where students feel comfortable discussing their feelings

Limited Resources or Funding:

  • Use free tools like mindfulness apps or online resources from the CDC or other health institutions

  • Organize low-cost group activities, such as yoga sessions or nature walks

  • Partner with local organizations to provide additional support

Balancing Support with Academic/Professional Demands:

  • Set clear boundaries while staying flexible with deadlines or schedules

  • Offer mental health days to help students recharge without falling behind

By tackling these challenges, faculty leaders can create a supportive space where students feel valued and understood. Small steps, like open conversations and creative solutions, make a big difference in fostering a healthy, positive experience for everyone.

 

Mental health is key to success in academic and professional settings, especially during study abroad trips. By promoting healthy habits, offering support, and addressing challenges, faculty leaders can help students thrive. Take proactive steps—like open conversations, flexible policies, and regular check-ins—to create a positive environment.

Reflect on this: What’s one step you’ll take to prioritize mental health in your next program? Small actions can make a big difference for your team’s well-being.

How to Lead Reflection During a Faculty Led Study Abroad Trip

A professor leads a reflection during a study abroad program

The Power of Reflection in Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad can be life-changing for students, and faculty-led programs make it possible. Reflection is a key part of the learning process, helping students grow from their experiences.

This article provides simple, effective strategies for leading meaningful reflections during your program. Let’s explore how to make the most of this powerful tool!

 

Why Reflection Matters in Study Abroad Programs

Reflection plays a crucial role in faculty-led study abroad programs, acting as a bridge between experience and learning. In experiential education, reflection helps students process what they’ve seen, felt, and done, turning moments into meaningful lessons. Without it, the full potential of their journey may go untapped.

Benefits of Reflection:

  • Cultural Immersion: helps students navigate new environments and understand different perspectives.

  • Academic Connection: links classroom theory to real-world practice, making concepts more relevant.

  • Personal Growth: encourages students to think critically about their values, assumptions, and goals.

  • Group Bonding: by sharing their thoughts and feelings students will draw closer and support each other

Risks of Skipping Reflection:

  • Missed learning opportunities: traveling abroad can be an overwhelming experience. Reflections help students organize and process what they experience.

  • Fragmented experiences: students might not realize the value of visiting a botanical garden on a history program. It’s up to faculty to help them stop and smell the flowers - and perhaps the history of horticulture as it relates to colonialism and world trade.

  • Potential inaccurate conclusions (e.g., viewing cultural practices as “strange” instead of meaningful): people are usually biased toward cultures different from their own. Reflections helps dispel misconceptions.

In short, reflection isn’t just an add-on—it’s an essential element of any successful FLP. It ensures students don’t just “see” the world but truly engage with it, gaining insights that last long after the program ends.

6 Key Principles for Leading Effective Reflections

Guiding reflections during faculty-led study abroad programs requires a few key principles:

  1. Create a Safe Space:

    • To build trust and openness for honest discussions and ensure students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts find a location that is casual and private. A hotel restaurant between meal times usually works well, as does a park on a warm day.

    • Verbalize the intention to create a safe space. Ask students to open their minds and not judge each other’s questions, but rather aim to understand and help each other.

    • Be caution inviting local residents or others who are not part of the course into the reflection, at least initially. Everyone should start on even footing to promote balanced conversation.

  2. Be Intentional:

    • Link reflections to the program’s goals and learning objectives. Remind students of the learning objectives frequently during the program and write them out during reflection times. Ask students to specifically address the learning outcomes the context of their experience for that day.

    • Highlight specific issues, concerns, or activities and ask students to comment on specific aspects of those activities. A faculty leader must lead not just the travel component but also the reflection. Share your own thoughts and ask students if they agree or disagree. Encourage disagreement!

  3. Encourage Active Participation:

    • Ask open-ended questions. Don’t ask yes or no questions and don’t “lead the witness” by suggesting the responses. You will be surprised to learn that students interpreted a situation very differently than you did or others in the group.

    • Invite all students to contribute, not just a few. You may need to call on students who do not willingly participate or ask some students to respond to comments made by their peers.

  4. Balance Structure with Flexibility:

    • Have a list of questions but leave room for spontaneous discussions. If the conversation is moving and students are engaged, its better to continue than to cut it short and change topic or ask a new question. Try to connect the next question with the topic that students are engaged with.

    • Allow students to process and share experiences in their own way.

By following these principles, you’ll help students get the most out of their study abroad experience.

 

Strategies for Meaningful Reflections

Here are some practical strategies to make reflections engaging and impactful:

Use Guided Questions:

Ask open-ended questions to spark deeper thinking. Sometimes a follow up “why?” really gets the gears moving. For example:

  • What surprised you most about today’s experience? Why?

  • How did this activity challenge your assumptions?

  • What connections can you make between this experience and your own culture?

  • What is making you uncomfortable here? Why?

Connect to Academics:

Help students link their experiences to coursework. Ask:

  • How does what you saw today relate to what we studied in class?

  • What theories or concepts that we learned about apply to this situation?

Incorporate Different Formats:

Mix up reflection styles to keep students engaged. Try:

  • Group discussions for sharing ideas. Have students break up into small conversation groups and then bring them back together to share their conclusions.

  • Journaling for personal reflection followed by sharing selections from student entries.

  • Creative activities like poetry, drawing, storytelling, or even roleplay.

Leverage Technology:

  • Whatsapp groups are an easy way to communicate with the whole group and the text (and emoji) format is familiar to students. Prime reflection in the afternoon by asking an engaging question in the morning.

  • Reflection through Social Media is second nature to students and helps to document the journey. Create a channel or handle just for your program and curate a selection of the most meaningful content. This can be shared with groups in future years!

  • Ask students to make a photo journal or a video project to capture their experience individually or in groups.

Overcoming Common Reflection Challenges

Leading reflections during study abroad programs can come with challenges, but there are solutions for each:

Time Constraints:

  • Set aside dedicated time each day, even if it’s just 15 minutes before dinner or after breakfast. On the bus between destinations also works well.

  • Keep reflections focused and purposeful. Once you address the topic of the day, finish the reflection, respecting any set time limit.

Student Disengagement:

  • Encourage involvement with open-ended questions or ask students to themselves ask their peers questions.

  • Use small groups or creative activities like drawing or role-playing to stimulate discussion.

  • Pick a different student leader each time and allow them to ask questions or determine the theme

Cultural Barriers:

  • Frame reflections with cultural context. After all, culture is always going to be a novelty on a study abroad program. All learning will occur in the context of the foreign culture.

  • Ask local partners to participate to shed light on unique cultural elements or differences.

By tackling these challenges head-on, you can create meaningful reflection moments that enhance the study abroad experience for everyone.

 

Learn from Travel guides often support and facilitate reflections along with faculty leaders. Our guides are native to the destinations or fluent in the local culture, making them the perfect conduits for culturally-immersive learning during reflections. Our goal is to ensure your program is not just a trip, but a transformative experience.

 

Reflection is key to making study abroad programs meaningful. It helps students process experiences, grow personally, and connect learning to real life. Use the strategies shared here—like guided questions, creative formats, and overcoming challenges—to lead effective reflections.

What’s your favorite reflection technique? Share your ideas and make your faculty-led study abroad programs even more impactful!

10 Best Languages to Learn for Traveling

10 Best Languages to Learn for Traveling

Learning a language is a very valuable skill. If you plan on traveling or taking a study abroad trip, then learning a new language to communicate with locals can be really helpful for assimilating into the culture. In some professions, speaking multiple languages can also be extremely useful for communicating in the business world.

Knowing which languages to learn can be difficult, however. There are some more useful languages to learn because they have more speakers or are used more often in business. This guide will cover the ten best languages to learn based on these factors.

Learn the Languages Most Useful to You

There is no single "most useful language" to learn. The language you should learn depends on your plans and several other factors. Take into account:

  • The number of speakers: Often, it's more useful to learn a language that has many speakers.

  • Geographic region: Depending on where you live/where you are traveling, there may be a more useful language to learn. For example, Swahili can be one of the more useful languages to learn if you plan on traveling to East Africa.

  • Versatility: Some languages are used in multiple settings. Mandarin Chinese, for example, can benefit you if you travel to China, but you might also use it at home in the U.S. in a business setting.

  • Career: Some careers call for more specific languages. If you often find yourself on business trips to Germany, for example, then German could be the language for you. Generally, those who speak other languages are more employable and may earn more money.

The key is to consider which languages you will use most often and focus your attention there. For example, if you often travel to a particular country, learning the native language will get you far, even if it's not one with many speakers.

1. Spanish

According to Ethnologue, Spanish is the fourth most widely spoken language in the world, with a Spanish-speaking population of 548 million speakers worldwide. Spanish-speaking countries include Spain and those in Latin America.

Spanish speakers are spread far and wide. It's the official language throughout South America in all countries apart from Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. It's also widely spoken in the U.S., with around 40.7 million Spanish speakers in the states, which means it's useful both at home and abroad.

It's also a relatively easy language to learn if you speak English. As a phonetic language, you speak Spanish as it's written, and some words are similar to English. That said, English speakers must get to grips with more complicated verb tenses.

2. French

Similar to Spanish, the French language is relatively easy to learn because a lot of English words come from French. However, the spelling system is more complicated than Spanish, making it harder to pick up. Like Spanish, it also has a more complicated conjugation system than English.

French is the fifth most common language, with 274 million speakers. It's the official language in France, but it's also one of several official languages in countries worldwide, including Canada, Haiti, and much of West Africa.

French speakers have a lot of opportunities abroad thanks to the widespread nature of the language.

3. Mandarin Chinese

After English, Mandarin Chinese is the second most spoken language in the world, with over a billion Chinese speakers. Notably, there are twelve Chinese languages, with Mandarin being the most common language in China.

As one of the six official languages of the UN, Chinese is a useful second language to have, especially in the global business sector. China has the second-largest economy in the world, too.

Keep in mind that native English speakers might struggle to learn Chinese. It has a different writing system, complex tones when speaking, and multiple moods and registers. That said, the payoff is worth it, as American Express lists it as a particularly useful language for business.

4. German

German is one of the top ten import and export countries for both the U.S. and the U.K. As a result, German is one of the most important languages to learn for international business.

As an official language in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, and more, it's also a language with many native speakers. Although comparatively few countries speak German as a primary language (most speak other languages alongside German), it is still essential for international business.

It is a tricky language that's a challenge to learn, thanks to its challenging grammar rules. If you plan to learn German, give yourself ample time to master it.

5. Arabic

There are over 274 million Arabic speakers worldwide, making it the 6th most commonly spoken language in the world. Politically speaking, Arabic is one of the most important languages to learn since Arabic-speaking countries provide the western world with natural resources like oil.

It's becoming increasingly important in international business, too, as the Middle Eastern economy grows. Countries in the Middle East are becoming more prevalent in many industries, including sports. As a result, it's an incredibly useful language for people in this industry.

English speakers have to overcome the hurdle of learning a new alphabet to speak Arabic, and it is also considered one of the most challenging languages to learn.

Notably, there are many dialects belonging to native speakers in different regions. Egyptian Arabic is widely understood, in part due to the film industry, so it's a good place to start.

6. Japanese

Japanese is the thirteenth most commonly spoken language globally. It's an essential language in business since Japan is an economic powerhouse.

Japanese speakers are especially valued in technology industries. Many tech giants hail from Japan, and as the country releases more advanced tech, workers who speak Japanese are incredibly valuable.

Although it's only an official language in Japan, there are communities of native speakers in Hawaii, Taiwan, South Korea, and Brazil. Many people in the United States also speak it at home, making English their second language.

7. Russian

The Russian language is the eighth most spoken in the world, and it's one of the six languages of the UN. It's spoken in numerous countries throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia, making it one of the most useful languages to learn if you plan on traveling to this area.

Russian is somewhat of a lingua franca in this area, so it's helpful to speak it if you plan on exploring anywhere around Russia or Eastern Europe. Furthermore, Russian is one of the more important languages to learn if you plan to work in politics.

8. Portuguese

Portuguese speakers exist in geographically diverse regions, including South America, Africa, and, of course, Portugal. It's more widely spoken than many people realize, as it's the ninth most common language in the world.

Brazil has a huge economy, so Portuguese is another language that's great for business. It's also a language on the rise, so Portuguese speakers are likely to enjoy higher demand in the near future. Thanks to Brazil's rapidly growing economy, those who speak Portuguese will prove increasingly useful for future business.

9. Hindi

Hindi recently became the third most spoken language in the world, with 602 million speakers. Hindi-speaking communities exist in India, Pakistan, and beyond. Sometimes, 'Hindi' also refers to mutually-intelligible Urdu.

Widely spoken languages like this are really beneficial in a variety of settings, as you never know when you'll run into native speakers. Plus, Hindi is easier to learn than you think - bungalow, shampoo, and jungle are all English words borrowed from Hindi.

10. Italian

Italian lies outside the top 20 languages in the world. However, it's still a useful language for a variety of people. For those who speak more than one language already, Italian can be an easy one to learn.

Those learning French or Spanish, for example, might find it easy to pick up the Italian language because they belong to the same language family.

Italian is one of the best languages to learn for anyone working in art and culture or even history and food.

Plus, Italy is the second-largest manufacturing economy in Europe, so it remains one of the most important languages for business.

Learning a Language to Study Abroad

Speaking a foreign language is considered a valuable skill. Language skills can help you with applications to study abroad and valuable languages also improve your resume. The best language to learn depends on your field of work and where you spend the most time.

Depending on time constraints, you might also want to consider which are the easiest languages to learn. For English speakers, a romance language like French or Spanish is often the easiest.

Of course, knowing a foreign language is not essential for studying abroad, but it can help. If you want to learn more about study abroad programs, check out our sample itineraries.

Alternative Spring Break Trips: Volunteering for College Students

Alternative Spring Break Trips: Volunteering for College Students

Spring break is synonymous with wild parties and having fun. It's also associated with travel. However, you don't have to travel to Mexico for Spring Break to let loose and go crazy. There are plenty of alternative spring break trips that allow you to have fun while broadening your horizons and setting up for your future.

Many students go on study-abroad trips and volunteer abroad during spring break. There are still ample opportunities to meet people and see the world, but it's also a rewarding opportunity.

These seven alternative spring break trips are designed to help you immerse yourself in world cultures and learn along the way. But first, why bother with an alternative spring break trip?

Why Participate in an Alternative Spring Break?

Sure, a regular spring break trip is fun, but there are many benefits to taking an alternative spring break trip instead. College students from all over the world participate in alternative break programs as a way to expand their horizons and help those in need.

There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer abroad in a country you have never visited before, making a difference in people's lives while you discover something new.

Here are some great benefits of studying abroad during spring break:

  • New friends: There are plenty of opportunities to meet other college students and fellow travelers while volunteering abroad. You will encounter college students from other universities and meet locals from the country you visit, giving you an expansive network of new people you might want to stay in touch with.

  • Discover new countries: Travel expands the mind, and many study abroad programs allow you to visit a country you've never been to before. In just one week over spring break, you can travel to countries near or far, from Costa Rica and Jamaica to Italy and Australia.

  • Unique opportunities: Each program offers something unique, which means you get to make some fantastic memories. Different projects provide unique angles on essential projects and endeavors; you will never get experiences like this again.

  • Adds to your resume: When you graduate from college, you must start applying for jobs. Volunteer programs abroad look great on your resume, which is perfect for setting you apart from other candidates.

There is an alternative spring break plan to suit everyone. You can visit your study abroad office to see what potential options are available or check out our sample itineraries. Make sure you check what your dream program requires so you can nail the application process.

Keep reading to discover some awesome spring break projects you can get involved with.

1. Teaching Abroad

Teaching abroad is one of the most popular alternative spring breaks. There are many options, from teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in a foreign school to educating communities on specific topics.

Some international schools teach all courses in English, which means native English speakers are in high demand as teaching assistants. The result is that you don't need a college degree to assist and teach in schools abroad.

Plus, teaching doesn't have to stop at school children. You can also teach adults courses on community building, entrepreneurship, or any specialties you have.

In general, teaching abroad is an excellent option if you're doing a teaching major or if you love working with kids.

2. Volunteering with Local Communities

There are countless opportunities to volunteer with local communities around the world. For example, you can spend your alternative spring break assisting flower merchants in Colombia or learning about colonial resistance in Jamaica.

These alternative spring breaks have no limits, with something to suit everyone and every interest. Volunteer opportunities are plentiful and often involve a fantastic chance to learn new skills and expertise in a meaningful way. Each one has a different focus, too, which means there is an option to suit everyone.

Volunteering can also be an enriching experience because you get to meet people you would never normally interact with and participate in programs that make a difference to those in need.

It means you return from spring break feeling fulfilled because you got to make a meaningful difference.

3. Building Projects

Another standard option for an alternative spring break trip is to get involved with building projects. It's essentially another way to volunteer, but with more physical labor than some other programs.

For example, Learn from Travel's 8-day study abroad program in Panama involves constructing houses for sustainable construction projects.

It's an excellent opportunity to spend your spring break helping people, but you also get free time to hit the beach, paddle board, surf, and engage with the local cultures.

Volunteer programs like this have a tangible result, which means you get to see the fruits of your labor by the end of the week. It has a genuine impact on the lives of locals, and you might even make friends along the way.

Other programs include building schools and other essential community buildings. Sometimes, there are also emergency relief programs that involve rebuilding affected parts of the community.

4. Disaster Relief

Natural disasters are on the rise with climate change. Banding together with fellow volunteers, you can devote your alternative spring break to helping those affected by disasters. People are often left injured, homeless, or hungry following these unforeseen disasters, so there is a lot you can do to help.

From distributing meals and volunteering in food banks to re-constructing damaged buildings and searching for lost family members, there is always a need for more volunteers. Join a team of other travelers to support those in need and make a real difference.

If you plan on volunteering for disaster relief and taking a trip to a place affected by a natural disaster, make sure you partner with responsible travel organizations or non-profits, as it can be dangerous to travel to these areas alone.

Some parts of the world are prone to natural disasters. As a result, there are plenty of volunteer programs that involve disaster prevention or mitigation. For example, strengthening buildings or even education programs to prevent oil spills and other human-made catastrophes.

5. Preserving Natural Habitats

Nature lovers can participate in ecological tourism as a means of helping the planet. Plenty of parts of the world are affected by over-tourism, where the natural landscape becomes damaged by too many visitors. It can have a knock-on effect on local people and animals.

Those interested in ecology can participate in thought-provoking programs that teach you how to care for the local environment. Plus, visiting far-flung corners of the world, like rainforests, savannahs, and rugged coasts, is an exciting way to spend spring break.

College students majoring in biology or science can also take the time to research. As far as alternative spring breaks go, volunteer programs that help the environment are some of the best ways to really explore the world.

6. Working with Endangered Animals

Animal lovers can also work with endangered species in various parts of the world. If you are a college student studying veterinary science or zoology, this could be an even more rewarding experience for you as it will help with your studies.

Great alternative spring break trips involving animals include volunteering at sanctuaries such as big cat rescue centers in Africa, orangutan sanctuaries in Indonesia, or even sea creatures in nearby countries. In some cases, you don't even need to go abroad.

7. Virtual Study Abroad Programs

In some cases, you don't need to go abroad at all. Studying abroad can be expensive, and you might not have a massive budget for your spring break. After all, college students don't tend to have substantial travel budgets.

Learn from Travel offers virtual study abroad programs that allow you to explore the world on a budget. You can engage in collaborative international projects over spring break, learning from other faculties worldwide.

Or, spend an alternative spring break taking live virtual tours of far-away destinations. There are options to explore any of your interests, from marine biology in Belize to migration in Mexico.

These programs are an excellent way to spend an alternative spring break doing something meaningful.

Ready to Embark on Your Next Adventure?

If you are a college student and want to spend your spring break doing something a little different, then these options are all a great place to start. There is something for everyone, with a volunteer program to suit all interests.

There are numerous advantages of spending your spring break volunteering instead of partying, and past travelers tend to agree.

If any of these alternative spring break options appeal to you, contact us to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.









The Ultimate Travel Abroad Packing List for Students

The Ultimate Travel Abroad Packing List for Students

Meta Title: 14 Things to Include in Your Packing List When Traveling Abroad

Meta Description: Traveling internationally can be worrying if you don't know what to pack. Take the stress out of it with this comprehensive packing list for study abroad.

Packing for a study abroad trip can be worrisome, especially if it's something you have never done before. You must consider everything from the right bag to the contents within it, ensuring you don't miss anything important from your study abroad packing list.

Let us take some of the stress out of it with this international travel checklist, including everything you need for a smooth study abroad journey.

How to Pack Your Bag for International Travel

Effective packing is more than just cramming everything into your bag.

When studying abroad, you must pack efficiently to ensure your journey goes smoothly and your semester abroad runs perfectly. Firstly, consider the length of your stay and what you will do there.

Many digital nomads nowadays insist on taking only a carry-on bag, but some traveling students prefer to take a large backpack alongside their carry-on. This can also depend on the climate of your host country and the type of clothing you need.

Another top tip is to get packing cubes. They can help you organize your travel bag into categories so that it's easy to save space and find what you need. You can also use them to separate dirty and clean laundry while on the go.

It's also a good idea to start packing early so that you can make sure you have everything you need.

Without further ado, here's the ultimate packing list to help you plan your study abroad trip.

1. Choose the Right Bag for the Trip

Before you even start packing, you need to choose the right travel bag. Depending on where you are going, you may need a different style of bag.

Most commonly, students on a semester abroad opt for backpacking backpacks so that it's easy to move around and uneven pavements don't become an issue. While suitcases can feel more organized, pulling them around on wheels can become tiresome.

On shorter faculty-led study abroad programs, a suitcase might work fine, but you should be able to carry it up several flights of stairs as elevators might not be common in your destination. If you can’t carry it up the stairs, you are likely overpacking. 

Make sure your bag of choice is sturdy and large enough to fit all your belongings but not so big that you can’t manage it. Here are some options from Wirecutter

You should also consider a smaller day bag for flights and day trips. Having lots of pockets, straps, and a place for a water bottle is always a good idea. Some day bags come with anti-theft devices, which could be good if you’re bringing a laptop. More from Wirecutter in this category

2. Important Documents to Bring Abroad

At the top of your packing list should be all your travel documents. This includes:

  • Passport

  • Driver's license and/or another secondary form of ID

  • Boarding pass

  • Travel insurance policy

  • Visa (if required)

  • Vaccination booklet (if required)

  • Paper with emergency contacts 

  • Paper with credit card numbers 

  • Paper copies of all important documents

Notably, you should pack these documents in your carry-on so that they remain close to you. Plus, you will need your passport and boarding pass on the plane, so they're no use to you in your luggage. 

We also recommend bringing a money belt or money pouch where you can store your credit cards, cash, and other valuables. These pouches are hidden under your clothes and are hard to steal, which is really important in some parts of the world where pickpocketing is common. 

Make a copy of your passport and upload it to the internet for access in an emergency. When going out, bring your copy and leave the actual passport in your hotel to reduce the risk of losing it. 

We also recommend packing a list of emergency contacts in paper form, which will be useful if you lose your phone, as well as a written list of phone numbers for each credit card you carry, in case you need to cancel them due to theft or loss. 

Copies of all of these items should be stored online. 

3. Laptops and Other Electronics for Travel

Smartphones are essential for modern travel. They are useful for storing boarding passes, banking information, and other tickets. Plus, they let you keep in contact with your friends and family back home and other travelers you meet along the way.

Many students also take their laptops on study-abroad trips. You can use it to study, update your CV, and unwind with Netflix shows after a long day at work, not to mention Zoom calls.  Remember that you will be living abroad, so you must consider what to do in your free time. We recommend spending as little time as possible on your computer, but there might still be times when it’s necessary. 

It can also be a good idea to take an e-reader. They can save space compared to taking a pile of heavy books. If you take a laptop or an e-reader, ensure you have protective cases and the relevant travel insurance to protect your items.

Finally, you should bring a headlamp if traveling to rural areas especially around the equator, where it gets dark at 6pm every day  and there might not be a lot of street lighting. In some places electricity might go out unexpectedly, and you don’t want to rely on your phone for light. 

4. Power Adapters and Convertors in Other Countries

Speaking of electronics, make sure you have all the relevant chargers, adapters, and converters. Different countries use different electrical outlets and different voltages. Double-check that you have the right adapter, or you will be left unable to charge your cell phone.

You can pick up an adapter at almost any airport or online. 

5. Comfortable Walking Shoes for Travel

When traveling for study or work, you will mostly be busy doing activities that require you to be on your feet. For example, our faculty-led programs include activities like visiting flower farms in Colombia or participating in construction projects in Panama. These activities require comfortable footwear.

Even for study abroad adventures like exploring your new city, you don't want to be stuck with uncomfortable shoes. If you are near the beach, you can also consider flip-flops, which still allow you to pack light while adding an alternative to sneakers or walking boots.

Be prepared to walk long distances in your shoes, so make sure you break them in before packing them.

Shoes are the bulkiest item, so take some multi-purpose options rather than packing all the shoes you own. A good option for warm climate destinations are comfortable running shoes with a mesh top and good tread. Your feet will stay cool in these even when the weather gets hot. 

For colder climates, especially if going to urban areas, a nice pair of boots is best. They should be professional enough to go to class or a meeting, and rugged enough to withstand submersion in an icy puddle. 

6. Travel Sized Toiletries

Travel-sized toiletries are an essential item in any bag. You don't need to go overboard and bring your whole makeup bag, but make sure you have all your essential toiletries.

Bring:

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Body lotion

  • Shower gel or soap

  • Deodorant

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Small sunscreen

  • Razor and small shaving cream 

  • Any everyday toiletries you use

Buying the useful items at home can help you save money since these essentials can cost more elsewhere. You might also not be able to find your preferred brands in other countries. 

These items are heavy compared to your other packing needs, so don’t go overboard and only bring the toiletries you will actually use. 

7. Climate-Friendly Clothing to Pack

When packing your clothes, make sure you carefully consider the climate of your study-abroad location. For hot weather, pack light fabric clothing, and summer clothes like shorts and t-shirts,  ideally 100% cotton. Polyester doesn’t do well in humid conditions. 

Take a look at the weather, too, because a light rain jacket rarely goes amiss, unless you are going to the tropics where it might be too hot to wear a rain jacket. A small umbrella might do the trick there. Take a few lighter options and a few things you can use to layer up to places that are hot in the day and cool at night. 

For cold weather, make sure you have thermals ready and lots of layers. Three light layers (t-shirt, sweatshirt, and light jacket) will keep you warmer and be more versatile than one thick layer (one large jacket). 

You should also ensure that you are comfortable working and moving around in the clothes you bring. Consider what local people wear. In European cities you will want to dress up. In much of Latin America you’ll wear pants and not shorts in the cities, regardless of your gender. 

Furthermore, make sure you pack clothes to last the entire trip. If you are staying longer than a couple of weeks, check out the laundry arrangements in the place you are staying so that you can plan for your time abroad. Generally bring more socks and underwear than you think you will need and fewer shirts and pants than you think you will bring. You can wear shirts and pants twice, or even three times, before washing…but not your underwear. 

Remember to take casual wear for relaxing and lounging, as well as working and studying. For example, if you have a free afternoon at the beach, you'll need your swimwear. Make sure you don't bring any culturally inappropriate clothing, either.

And don't forget your pajamas!

8. Credit Cards Abroad and Foreign Currency

It's a good idea to take out some currency before you set off on your trip. It's a good idea to research the host country's payment method to see what will work best for you.

Geneally, it is best to use an ATM card to withdraw money once you arrive to your destination. This way you get the best exchange rate possible. Just be sure to use your debit card and not your credit card for this. Taking money out with a credit card can be extremely expensive. 

When checking your credit card off your packing list, ensure it's a card with no foreign transaction fees. Otherwise, you could rack up a hefty bill during your international trip. There are plenty of banks that offer such cards, like Capital One.

Don’t bring traveler’s checks. Tell your parents, who might have suggested the idea, that they are no longer used. 

9. Reusable Water Bottle

It's a good idea to take a reusable water bottle so that you don't need to keep buying water. In many countries, however, it's unsafe to drink water from the tap, so do some research on your destination before you leave. Usually, your hotel or other places will have water dispensers from which you can fill up. 

10. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

Depending on where you stay, there may not be towels available. Having your own towel on hand is convenient, and a quick-dry towel is better if you plan on moving around a lot. Consider a towel one of your travel essentials.

11. Medicine or First Aid Kit

Don't forget to pack a basic first aid kit. It doesn't have to be bulky and take up too much space, but you should pack a couple of medications, including:

  • Band-aids

  • Oral rehydration salts

  • Allergy medicines

  • Sunscreen

  • Pain killers

  • Thermometer

  • Cold and flu medication

  • Insect repellent/sting reliever

Make sure you do your research in advance to find out if any prescriptions you have are available in your host country. If not, pack enough supplies to take from your home country, and make sure you have copies of your prescriptions.

12. Basic School Supplies

When you travel to study abroad, it's easy to forget the essential items you need for studying. Typically, you won't need a lot. A small pencil case and a notepad should do, especially if you plan on taking a laptop with you.

13. Host Family Gift

If you stay with a family when you study abroad, don't forget to pack them a small gift. Studying abroad is a cultural exchange, after all, and they will usually appreciate a little something from your home country to say thanks. The best gifts are ones that are unique to where you are from and share a bit of your own culture. The gift should not be expensive, which might make it awkward. 

14. Familiar Extras

If you have space in your luggage, make sure you take other things to keep you comfortable during your year abroad. It can be a good idea to take a journal to document what happens during studying abroad to look back on in years to come.

You can also consider taking things like travel games, books to read on long bus rides, and any other personal item you want to keep close by.

That said, don't overfill your bag - leave some space to bring back a few souvenirs!

Ready to Travel Abroad?

With this ultimate packing checklist, you can pack for study abroad with ease. Now, it's time to get excited about your upcoming adventures and the new friends you will meet along the way.

Are you interested in culturally immersive travel but don't know where to start? Contact us to find out more about our short-term study programs.

















12 Essential Travel Safety Tips for Your Next Trip Abroad

Traveling is great fun, but the joys of an adventure abroad can quickly turn sour if a passport goes missing or your health takes a turn for the worse.

99% of the time, you won’t have to worry about such occurrences—but it never hurts to be prepared. That’s why we’ve put together 12 top travel safety tips for you to bear in mind before your next trip abroad!

If you feel safe and secure, you’ll naturally find yourself loosening up and will be able to enjoy your travels free from any anxieties.

 

12 Key Safety Tips for International Travel

By sticking to these 12 simple safety tips, you’ll get the most out of your travel experience. Let’s jump right in!

travel insurance

1. Buy Travel Insurance

Don’t make the mistake of skimping on travel insurance. If you want full peace of mind on your travels, you’ll need to purchase an insurance program with full coverage. That includes the normal stuff like theft and healthcare to less common occurrences like natural disasters.

There’s a wealth of options available for travel insurance. We suggest using a comparison website like travelinsurance.com so that you can find a well-priced package that fits your travel needs.

 

2. Make Copies of Important Documents

Losing your passport is every traveler’s biggest fear. Without it, you’ll likely be left unable to book accommodation or travel to another country. But there are other important documents you’ll be counting on too, including visas, driver’s license, travel insurance, and various tickets.

We strongly urge you to make copies of each of these documents before traveling and store them in different locations. Consider saving essential documents to a small, portable USB stick, or even uploading them to the online storage on the cloud if you have internet access. 

 
research before travel

Kids can help with research on family trips

3. Do Your Research

Research is the foundation of any successful trip. But it’s not just accommodation and attractions you should be pouring over; take time to investigate issues faced by other travelers in the past.

Use travel guides and discussion boards to research these potential risks so that you travel safely. They might include dangerous areas that are better left alone, local scams that are easy to fall into, or simply whether the tap water is safe to drink.

 
update your friends

4. Keep Friends Updated

This is one of the most important travel safety tips for solo travelers: keep friends and family members in the loop and let them know immediately if you encounter any problems. Even if they’re on the other side of the world, they still might be able to get you help.

Before you embark on your trip, we suggest making arrangements with a close friend to exchange messages at regular intervals, just to check in on personal safety. If you’re traveling in a group and fancy a solo adventure, be sure to let your companions know before you go.

 

5. Secure Your Valuables

One of the threats that tourists are most exposed to is theft. Fortunately, if you take the right precautions, you’re pretty unlikely to fall victim to this crime. That’s because thefts tend to be opportunistic; most thieves will only target you if your possessions are there for the taking.

When you’re out and about, keep items on your person securely—that means avoiding your back pocket at all times. Store any valuable personal belongings in the hotel room safe and always hide emergency cash. 

 

6. Don’t Overshare with Strangers

We’d never discourage you from connecting with locals on your travels. Unfortunately, though, you may occasionally run into individuals that don’t share your best interests. Be mindful of the people you interact with, particularly those who begin to act suspiciously.

Generally, it’s best to avoid sharing information about your itinerary and accommodation with strangers. That includes taxi drivers or locals that strike up a conversation with you at a bar. If you’re seeking travel advice, there are guides and hotel staff for that.

 
keep your bag in sight

7. Never Part with Your Bag

Always keep your bag in sight. 10 seconds spent idly chatting with a fellow traveler at the bus stop is all the time a thief needs to grab and run. Ideally, you should keep your bag on you; packing lightly will make this a lot more tolerable.

Another deterrent is to tether your bag to a separate object when it’s on the ground. For example, you could use a travel lock to attach your bag to the table stand while seated at a restaurant. It could even be a simple strap; just use something to ward off prospective poachers.

 
register with the State Department STEP

8. Register with the State Department STEP

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a handy service worth signing up to if you’re a U.S. citizen visiting a foreign country. It informs the U.S. embassy in the country you’re visiting of your arrival. The embassy will then keep you up to date with the latest local safety information.

For example, if something like a natural disaster or a terrorist attack occurred, the country’s embassy would reach out and assist with your evacuation. Many other countries have their own equivalent of STEP, so be sure to look this up online if you’re of a different nationality. 

 

9. Hire a Local Guide

Hiring a local guide will make your experience more immersive and help you to travel safely. Backed by local knowledge, you’ll be made aware of the no-go areas and specific risks that often befall tourists.

For particular activities, such as hiking or watersports, it may be mandatory to consult the services of a local guide. Solicit recommendations from other travelers and hotel staff, as some guides will be better value for money than others.

 
keep emergency contact information available

10. Have Emergency Contact Information Available

On the small chance that an accident occurs, you need to have an action plan. Generally, the first step will be to contact someone for help, whether that’s your local embassy or the emergency services.

As such, jot down the contact details of the local police station and ambulance service, as well as the address to your local embassy. Store emergency info on your phone for safekeeping too.

 
keep your expensive items

11. Don’t Parade Expensive Items

If you’re bringing expensive items such as flashy jewelry or expensive camera gear on your travels, you’ll need to be extra vigilant as you’ll be an easy target for thieves.

Especially in deprived neighborhoods, avoid overtly displaying your wealth; doing so is an invitation to opportunistic criminals. The best practice here is, simply, to leave your valuables at home—consider swapping that Canon for a disposable camera.

 
drink responsibly

12. Go Easy on Alcohol

This is another golden travel safety tip: drink responsibly. Drunk people are inattentive to their surroundings, and criminals know this. Shady characters will often frequent pubs and clubs in known tourist areas, looking for an opportunity to exploit a traveler that’s had too much to drink.

Enjoy the occasional drink, by all means, but never lose control. As long as you keep your wits about you and stay alert—or at least have a friend looking out for you—then chances are you’ll be fine. 

 
follow essential travel safety tips

The Importance of Safety While Traveling

Travel always entails some element of risk—it’s unavoidable. That said, risk can be minimized significantly by preparing well before you travel and staying alert during the duration of your trip. 

Our 12 top travel safety tips will keep you out of harm’s way during your vacation. With your safety secured, you can focus on what really matters: seeing the world and experiencing new cultures!

If you’re interested in arranging a fully-customizable, culturally-immersive travel experience, don’t hesitate to contact us at Learn from Travel.

15 Interesting Facts About Argentina That Every Traveler Should Know

In 2019, Argentina attracted the most international tourists of any country in South America—and there’s a good reason for that. With its unique cultural flair, dazzling landscapes, and, above all, such passionate people, few visitors are able to resist the many charms of Argentina.

The very name of the country conjures up images of sizzling steaks and twirling tangos, but what about Argentina beyond the postcard? Diving deeper into the Argentine culture reveals hidden treasures that will develop your appreciation of this amazing country.

That’s why we’ve put together 15 of the most surprising facts about Argentina. If you’re planning on traveling to the country, then you need to read below; if you’re not, maybe these facts will change your mind!

 
Argentina landscape

Did you know that Argentina has one of the most fascinating presidential histories of any country in the world, or that its prolific film industry has been in the business for more than 100 years?

Venture beyond the typical tourist’s knowledge with these 15 interesting facts about Argentina!

 
Yerba mate

Yerba mate is the national drink of argentina

1. Yerba mate is the national drink

No, Argentina’s national drink isn’t red wine, but the widely-popular caffeine-packed hot beverage, mate. It’s made from yerba mate—green leaves which are chopped and dried before being added to tea water to create an earthy, slightly bitter flavor. 

Mate predates Spanish colonization and is considered a trusty source of energy and focus. Today, you’ll find mate drinkers wherever you go in Argentina; it’s an important part of the country’s culture—there’s even a national day in its honor on November 30th!

 
memorabilia of Diego Maradona

2. National hero Maradona has his own religion

You probably know that Argentines are some of the most obsessive soccer fans on the planet, but were you aware that they have a religion dedicated to the late great sporting legend, Diego Maradona?

‘La Iglesia Maradoniana’ (literally the ‘Maradonian Church’) was born in Rosario in 1998. The religion has its own church and satirical take on the 10 Commandments (our favorite: “The ball is never soiled”). Today, it boasts some 120,000 global followers!

 

3. Virtually all Argentines hail from Europe

Argentina (and especially Buenos Aires) is often described as a fusion of European and indigenous influences, but you may be surprised to hear that as many as 97% of Argentinians descend from Europe.

The most prominent ethnic group is Italian, followed closely by Spanish, though many others abound including Afro-Argentinians and small pockets of Native Americans. All of these groups make up Argentina’s vivid cultural tapestry.

 
swimming in Laguna del Carbon salt lake

4. Argentina boasts the highest and lowest points in the Southern Hemisphere 

Here’s one for the geographers: Argentina is home to both the highest and lowest points in the Southern Hemisphere. The deadly Andean peaks of Mount Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the world outside of Asia) reach 6,692 meters, while the lowly Laguna del Carbon salt lake sits 105 meters below sea level.

This curious fact underlines Argentina’s remarkable variety of ecosystems. From icy Patagonian glaciers and jaw-dropping waterfalls to sprawling deserts and unearthly sandstone valleys, the vast country’s rich landscapes are a major pull for many tourists.

 
Gaucho culture in Argentina

5. Gaucho culture is still alive and kicking

Gauchos, the nomadic horsemen deeply embedded in Argentina’s folklore tradition, thrived in the mid-18th and 19th centuries as they moved from place to place, capturing the eye wherever they went.

Few figures are more romanticized in the national culture, and there are real Argentine cowboys keeping the gaucho tradition alive today. They can be still be found roaming the rural regions, tending to their cattle and working the land in Pampas—Argentina’s agricultural heartland.

 
Argentina's famous empanada

6. Argentines eat very late

What sounds to you like a reasonable time to eat dinner? 6pm? 7pm, perhaps? For most Argentines, the answer is no earlier than 10pm. In some cases, dinner continues until the early hours of the next day! 

This is important information for traveling tourists, as most restaurants won’t open for dinner until 9pm. To sustain their stomachs, locals have merienda between lunch and dinner, at around 5pm—this is a light meal involving a coffee or mate and a tasty pastry from the local panadería.

 
silent black-and-white film El Apóstol

7. The world’s first animated feature film was made in Argentina

You’d be forgiven for assuming this accolade belonged to Walt Disney, but the person responsible for the world’s first full-length cartoon was actually an Argentine by the name of Quirino Cristiani. His silent black-and-white film El Apóstol was released more than 100 years ago, in 1917!

El Apóstol was sadly lost in apartment film in 1928, but Cristiani’s legacy continues to be felt today in Argentina’s thriving film industry. With the fourth-highest box office revenue in Latin America, Argentina’s eclectic cinema scene is a great reason for film buffs to visit.

 

8. Argentina’s national sport isn’t soccer...

For a country with an entire religion dedicated to a soccer player, you may be surprised to hear that Argentina’s official national sport is actually pato. Pato is a kind of mix between polo and basketball, where two teams on horseback attempt to throw a ball into the opponent’s net.

Literally meaning ‘duck’, pato has its roots in gaucho culture and dates back more than 400 years. In those days, a dead duck wrapped in a leather bag was used instead of a ball, hence the sport’s name. 

 
same-sex marriage are legal in Argentina

9. Argentina was the first South American country to legalize same-sex marriage

When Argentina legalized same-sex marriage in 2010, it became the first country in South America, the second in the Americas (after Canada), and the tenth worldwide to do. At the time of writing, four other nations in Latin America have since followed suit.

Despite Argentina’s strong ties to Catholicism, locals are generally very tolerant of LGBTQ+ communities, especially in the bigger cities. Buenos Aires in particular has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with plenty of gay-friendly venues based in the Palermo district.

 
mental health is destigmatized in Argentina

10. Argentina is big on therapy

Argentina is said to have the most psychologists per capita of any country globally. As of 2015, there were around 198 psychologists per 100,000 inhabitants, the large majority of whom are based in Argentina’s capital city. 

Unlike in many other countries, mental health is destigmatized in Argentina. Most porteños (Buenos Aires population) see therapy—in particular, psychoanalysis—as an important part of everyday life that supports their self-development. 

 
Argentina had two female presidents

The pink house in argentina is the residence of the president in buenos aires

11. Argentina has had two female presidents

Argentina is one of a small number of countries to have had two women in the highest position of power. Isabel Martínez de Perón, Argentina’s first female president, technically wasn’t elected: she filled the position when her husband died in office in 1974, though she was later placed under house arrest and exiled to Spain.

Fernández de Kirchner had a more successful term. Elected in 2007, she served as Argentina’s president for eight years until 2015.

 
enjoy summer in Argentina

12. Argentina’s summer months are from December to February

Sitting deep below the equator, Argentina’s seasonal cycles are the reverse of those found in North America and Europe. Scorching summer heat arrives between December and February, while temperatures drop to an average of about 54°F in June and July.

Argentina’s sun-kissed summer months are undoubtedly the most popular time of year to visit for tourists, but they’re also the wettest; if you’re visiting at this time, remember to pack a light waterproof!

 
titanosaur was discovered in Patagonian deserts

13. Earth’s largest-ever land animal once roamed Argentina

In 2012, a new species of titanosaur believed to be the largest land animal to ever exist was discovered in the Patagonian deserts. Recent research suggests the creature’s size could surpass the previous largest-known dinosaur, the Argentinosaurus, also found in Argentina. 

The gigantic beast wandered modern-day Patagonia 98 million years ago, and paleontologists believe it may have exceeded 120 feet in length—that’s comfortably bigger than a fully-grown blue whale!

 
Casa Rosada

Pink house is casa rosada in spanish - its at the center of buenos aires

14. Argentina once had 5 different presidents in a 10-day period

Argentina has come a long way over the last couple of decades. At the turn of the century, however, things weren’t so pretty. Financial crashes in Russia and Brazil had a crippling impact on the country as the value of the Argentine peso plummeted.

Argentina’s own economic crash culminated in a governmental collapse in 2001. Following violent protests, President Fernando de la Rua resigned, with four presidents taking up the post in the following ten days.

 
red meat in Argentina

15. Argentina has the highest consumption of red meat in the world

Once you attend your first asado, this fact will begin to make perfect sense. From fire-grilled ribs to tender chorizo, Argentina is a meat lovers’ paradise—you can hardly blame locals for indulging in red meat a little more than they probably should!

If you’re a vegetarian, don’t let Argentina’s carnivorous streak put you off from visiting; a culinary revolution is happening, with more vegan dining options cropping up across the major cities. 

 
landscape in Argentina

Planning a Trip to Argentina?

We hope these interesting facts about Argentina have deepened your insight into the country and introduced you to some of its most endearing quirks, such as its fútbol fanaticism or unique dining culture. 

But we’ve barely scratched the surface: there’s so much more to discover by visiting the country first-hand!

Are considering a trip to Argentina? Contact us at Learn From Travel to arrange a fully-customizable travel experience with our on-the-ground experts.