For many young people, travel restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have only strengthened the desire to study abroad. And with vaccine rollouts and border reopenings gathering pace around the world, this is finally looking like a possibility ahead of 2022.

If you’ve been waiting all this time to travel to another country for study, you want to make sure that it’s the right one for you. In this article, you’ll find five of the current best places to study abroad in Latin America.

Latin America makes for a great region to study in because of its proximity to the US. The flights are cheaper, there is little or no time difference, and, therefore, no jet lag. The countries themselves are usually affordable compared to Europe, for example. 

Each destination on the list possesses unique qualities, but they’re all connected by having rich cultures to learn from, excellent 1-year study abroad programs, and, above all, a genuinely life-changing travel experience. 

Consider this article your student guide to study abroad in Latin America as it takes you through five of the best places to study in.

Factors used to Select the Best Places to Study Abroad

From cultural experiences to career development opportunities, there are many different factors to consider when selecting an abroad study center. Here are the eight criteria that were used to shortlist the five best places to study abroad in this article:

1. Access to high-quality learning,

2. Range and quality of cultural experiences,

3. Ecological impact of the study experience,

4. Economic impact of the study experience on local communities,

5. Opportunity for professional development,

6. Opportunity for personal development,

7. Opportunity for adventure,

8. Affordability of the travel experience.

For each destination listed below, you’ll learn about its best features, example courses, estimated total costs per semester including accommodation and transport, and the overall benefits of study abroad.

Colombia

With a unique blend of modern cities, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant culture, Colombia has become an increasingly popular country for young people studying abroad. It’s hard to pick between the two major study centers of Bogota and Medellin, which both offer excellent educational facilities and fascinating cultural experiences. 

Wary of preconceptions about their country, Colombians have built a reputation for welcoming travelers with open arms in recent years. This is one more incentive to study in Colombia on top of its relatively cheap cost of living and nominal tuition fees for international students.

Home to around 10% of all animal species and ecosystems including dense rainforests, rugged mountains, and coastal environments, Colombia is now at the forefront of global conservation efforts. Many study abroad programs incorporate sustainable eco-tourism initiatives that enable students to broaden their ecological consciousness whilst helping local communities.

Top Universities: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad de los Andes, Universidad de Antioquia

Main Benefits: Easy to understand Spanish dialect, Authenticity of experience due to low tourism, Affordable flights on Spirit Airlines and Avianca. 

Recommended Majors: Biology, Peace and Conflict, Spanish

Total Estimated Cost of Semester Program: US $12,000

Brazil

Many people will be drawn to the idea of studying in Brazil because of its postcard tropical beaches and party atmosphere, but the country has so much more to offer. Firstly, Brazil has some of the best universities not only in Latin America but also in the world. The top institutions have world-class staff, resources, and connections that allow students to thrive.

Outside of education, Brazil isn’t short of adventure. Bustling cities, unparalleled landscapes, and charming locals explain why the country is one of the most coveted travel destinations worldwide. The warmth of the people also makes social encounters easy, even if you can’t speak much Portuguese. 

Like the country itself, the range of programs available in Brazil is diverse. With one of the biggest economies in the world, there are plenty of opportunities for business students. Many programs involve environmental initiatives such as conservation in the Amazon rainforest. Brazil’s melting pot culture also makes for fascinating cultural studies and social sciences courses. 

Top Universities: Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Main Benefits: World-class academics, Portuguese in Latin America, Access to the Amazon  

Recommended Majors: Portuguese, Business, Tropical Ecology, Africana Studies

Total Estimated Cost of Semester Program: US $7,200

Panama

The meeting point of Central and South America as well as the Pacific and the Caribbean, Panama is a diverse country that serves up memorable experiences for every type of student. Panama City, home to most of the country’s top universities, is a cosmopolitan metropolis lined with skyscrapers that will feel familiar to many students hailing from other major cities from around the world.

The urban comforts of the capital are contrasted by former colonial settlements and indigenous village communities dotted across the rest of Panama, which provide a deeper insight into the country’s hybrid cultural influences.

Stunning landscapes and striking biodiversity are also key to the Panamanian identity. Visiting students can play an active role in preserving these by participating in the many sustainable initiatives established across the country. One further benefit of studying abroad in Panama is that its public university institutions are completely free—even for international students.

Top Universities: Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Universidad de Panamá, Universidad Metropolitana de Educación, Ciencia y Tecnología

Main Benefits: Short flight from the US, Unique geography, Access to Indigenous Groups

Recommended Majors: Tropical Ecology, Ornithology, Engineering, Marine Biology

Total Estimated Cost of Semester Program: US$ 6,000

Argentina

Argentina has long enjoyed a reputation as being a great place to study abroad. Its trademark blend of South American style and European influences makes for an experience that is unique but also vaguely familiar for many travelers. 

This is nowhere more evident than in beguiling Buenos Aires, which boasts world-class architecture, cuisine, nightlife, as well as a large chunk of the country’s top educational institutions. After a few weeks in the capital, placement students are sure to have picked up some Spanish, made new friends, and perhaps learned to dance the tango. 

The best universities in Argentina are well-equipped with first-rate resources and global connections that visiting students can draw on to further their academic and professional development. In addition, there are no tuition fees for international students entering into public institutions. 

Top Universities: Universidad de Buenos Aires, Universidad Católica Argentina, Universidad de Belgrano

Main Benefits: Excellent education in a global city, Amazing food, Extensive entertainment, art and cultural opportunities 

Recommended Majors: Performing arts, Visual arts, Literature, Political Science 

Total Estimated Cost of Semester Program: $15,000

Ecuador

Ecuador is often overlooked as a place to study abroad, but many travelers who have spent time in the country fall in love with its immense natural beauty and feel-at-home hospitality. The capital, Quito, has all the conveniences of a modern metropolis, but it is also brimming with history at every turn—the Old Town being one of the most iconic settings in Latin America. 

Guayaquil, Ecuador’s most popular city, is a coastal paradise and also acts as the gateway to the renowned Galápagos Islands. The Islands are the foremost symbol of Ecuador’s biodiversity, but in truth, it is found all over the country. This is why Ecuador offers some of the most exciting learning opportunities in biology and environmentalism around the world. Conservation and sustainable initiatives are likely to be a key part of any student’s time here. 

Ecuador boasts many first-rate universities where students can advance their academic and professional development. It’s also considered to be one of the best places to learn Spanish, owing to the palatable accent of its native speakers. Tuition-free public universities and very low living costs make Ecuador one of the best value-for-money places to study in.

Top Universities:  Universidad de las Américas, Universidad de San Francisco de Quito, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador

Main Benefits: Perpetual Spring-like weather, Incredible biological and cultural diversity, Access to the Andes Mountains, the Amazon basin, and the beaches of the Pacific 

Total Estimated Cost of Semester Program: US$ 12.300

Short-term and Virtual Study Abroad Programs

Of course, not everyone has the time and money for a semester-long program in one of these amazing destinations. If that is the case, consider a short-term study abroad program or a faculty-led program that will cost a fraction of a semester-long program, take one to two weeks, and still offer academic credit and a rich and meaningful experience. 

For students wishing to save even more time and money, a virtual faculty-led program might be even better.  Below are sample faculty-led and virtual programs from the five countries listed above: 

Sample Faculty-led Program in Colombia: The Business of Flowers

Sample Virtual Faculty-led Program in Brazil: Business in Brazil and Latin America

Sample Faculty-led Program in Panama: Sustainable Construction

Sample Faculty-led Program in Argentina: A Taste of Buenos Aires

Sample Faculty-led Program in Ecuador: Development and Conservation

Summary

Few areas of the world provide such rich and varied study experiences as Latin America. The countries in this list offer excellent learning opportunities and memorable cultural experiences, regardless of the length of the study abroad program. 

Crucially, though, many of the programs available in these countries have a positive impact on the natural environment and bring economic benefit to local communities. Participation in sustainable initiatives helps to boost students’ sense of social responsibility and plays a formative role in their personal and professional development. 

With that in mind, Colombia, Brazil, Panama, Argentina, and Ecuador were chosen as the best places to study abroad because they offer experiences that will change students’ lives for the better.

While all of these programs offer amazing opportunities for students, not everyone is able to take advantage because of the high costs. This is why Learn from Travel offers shorter, more intensive faculty-led programs that offer a great alternative to semester-long programs in Latin America. If you are a student or university professor interested in organizing a fully customizable faculty-led study abroad package, contact us here.