Compare Programs in Latin America

¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder Education Abroad has great program options in Latin America, depending on your interests and goals. Latin America offers affordable, immersive and well-supported experiences. All of our programs have some similarities:

  • Some courses include field trips and tours
  • Overnight & day-trips included
  • Onsite & 24/7 health & safety support

If you're having trouble deciding between locations, below are a few key differences. Please find housing info, GPA, and class pre-requisites by clicking into the main location you're interested in.

ÌýFeels likeÌýNYC+ Paris

Feels like LA + Tokyo

Feels like Denver + Madrid

All locations best for:ÌýBusiness, Psychology, Public Health, Engineering, Social Sciences, Marketing, Global and Environmental Studies

Why students go: Modern infrastructure, strong universities, internships, vibrant culture & music scene, cafés, museums, walkable neighborhoods

Feels likeÌýSan Francisco + New Orleans

Feels likeÌýMiami + Houston

Feels likeÌýAustin + Medellín + parts of Miami

Feels likeÌýNew Orleans + Old San Juan + time capsule NYC

Feels like San Juan + Washington, DC (historic core)

Feels likeÌýDenver + historicÌýMexico City

andÌýFeels likeÌýSanta Fe + Tucson

Feels like Miami + Houston

All locations best for: Arts, Anthropology, Communications, Latin American Studies, History, Public Health, Education, Political Science

Why students go:ÌýWalkable, community-oriented, rich cultural identity, ocean views, coastal city life, meaningful access to history and social issues

Feels likeÌýRural Boulder (small mountain town)

Feels likeÌýPortland + San Diego

Feels likeÌýSanta Fe + Rome

ÌýFeels like Telluride + Patagonia frontier (very remote)

Feels like Rural Costa Rica

Feels likeÌýRural New Mexico

Feels like Alaska + Patagonia frontier (very remote)

All locations best for:ÌýArts, Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Sustainability, Public Health, History, Climate & Earth systems

Why students go:Ìýdeep community immersions, hands-on learning, slower pace, indigenous studies, field-based experiences (research, conservation, community projects), extremely close access to nature, and transformational, once-in-a-lifetime settings

Feels like National Geographic documentary + Hawaii

Feels like Key West Florida + ruralÌýCaribbean

Feels like quieter Tulum, coastal town

ÌýFeels likeÌýBahamas

Feels likeÌýDutch Caribbean + San Diego

All locations best for:Ìýmarine science, hospitality, sustainability, environmental science

Why students go:Ìýdirect access to ecosystems, deep community immersions, hands-on learning, small cohorts, calm, research & nature-centered, highly structured programs

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Most of our study abroad programs in Latin America are taught in English, and Spanish is not required to participate (with the exception of some direct-enroll or research intensive programs). Many students arrive with little or no Spanish and do very well.Ìý

Programs are designed to:

  • Offer English or Spanish-taught courses with the option to take host-country language classes if you choose
  • Provide on-site staff, orientations, and local support in English
  • Help you build confidence through daily practice, not perfection

Keep in mind each country has a different Spanish dialect. Learning a few key phrases goes a long way - and students often leave surprised by how much of the language they pick up just by living day-to-day!

Deadlines

Specific deadlines vary by program, but generally fall into these ranges:

  • Spring: September 1 - October 1
  • Fall: February 1 - March 1
  • Summer: December 1 - March 1

Deadlines & How to Apply

A Note on Safety

Every location listed has years of experience hosting U.S. students, strong local staff, orientations, and emergency support. Safety abroad looks a lot like safety at home: awareness, guidance, and community.

Many students say they feel more supported abroad than they expected. If you or your parents have concerns about this in any region of the world, please contact us!

ÌýÌýIf you have questions or want to discuss more about Latin America, connect with the Program Manager, Adilene.