Compare Programs in Latin America
CU 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.
Buenos Aires, Argentina Feels like NYC+ Paris
São Paulo, BrazilFeels like LA + Tokyo
Santiago, ChileFeels like Denver + Madrid
All locations best for: Business, 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
Valparaíso, Chile Feels like San Francisco + New Orleans
Barranquilla, Colombia Feels like Miami + Houston
Cali, Colombia Feels like Austin + Medellín + parts of Miami
Havana, CubaFeels like New Orleans + Old San Juan + time capsule NYC
Santo Domingo, Dominican RepublicFeels like San Juan + Washington, DC (historic core)
Quito, EcuadorFeels like Denver + historic Mexico City
Oaxaca, Mexico and Merida, MexicoFeels like Santa Fe + Tucson
Panama City, PanamaFeels like Miami + Houston
All locations best for: Arts, Anthropology, Communications, Latin American Studies, History, Public Health, Education, Political Science
Why students go: Walkable, community-oriented, rich cultural identity, ocean views, coastal city life, meaningful access to history and social issues
Monteverde, Costa Rica Feels like Rural Boulder (small mountain town)
San José, Costa RicaFeels like Portland + San Diego
Cusco, Peru Feels like Santa Fe + Rome
Puerto Natales, Chile Feels like Telluride + Patagonia frontier (very remote)
Tarapoto, PeruFeels like Rural Costa Rica
Teotitlan del Valle, Mexico Feels like Rural New Mexico
Ushuaia, Argentina Feels like Alaska + Patagonia frontier (very remote)
All locations best for: Arts, Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Sustainability, Public Health, History, Climate & Earth systems
Why students go: deep 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
Galápagos IslandsFeels like National Geographic documentary + Hawaii
Roatán, HondurasFeels like Key West Florida + rural Caribbean
Nayarit, Mexico Feels like quieter Tulum, coastal town
Turks & Caicos Islands Feels like Bahamas
Willemstad, Curaçao Feels like Dutch Caribbean + San Diego
All locations best for: marine science, hospitality, sustainability, environmental science
Why students go: direct 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.
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
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!
If you have questions or want to discuss more about Latin America, connect with the Program Manager, Adilene.
