Central America is an ideal place for students who seek adventure and have a passion for humanitarian work. It’s also the location where you can have one of the best Spanish language practices, make friends from across the world, and explore unique and unbelievable wild nature.
For decades, tourists and adventurers have been choosing Central American countries as their destination for secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and amazing tracking routes permeated with history and wildlife.
Since recently, it has become a much-loved place for international students too. Many are attracted by comparatively low tuition fees and general affordability of living, others seek adventures and cultural immersion. While some see their goal in protecting and preservation of the unique nature in the region.
Make sure you check these 5 best places to have an educational trip to Central America.
Costa Rica
If you are looking for a vibrant studying and cultural experience, then Costa Rica is the place. The country has a lot to offer: from bustling nature with its tropical rainforests and volcanoes to over 60 high-quality schools students can choose from. The cost of living is relatively low; for around $500 a month, students can expect a decent place to stay, with other expenses being also budget-friendly. Due to its rich and diverse flora and fauna, thousands of young researchers visit the country each year, especially those who see their future in biology studies or environment protection.
Like most Central American countries, Costa Rica doesn’t speak English, and this is a perfect opportunity for Spanish learners to dive into the unique local culture and way of living. If you are deciding on the city, make sure you visit San Jose. Not only is this the safest city in Latin America, but the capital is also an economic, cultural, and commercial center, where young language learners will have a chance to try their skills in a variety of situations, as well as make friends both among locals and other foreign travelers.
Guatemala
With thousands of students visiting Guatemala each year, it is one of the most popular destinations for those seeking to upgrade their Spanish skills. The country features some of the best language schools, let alone that the area is one of the cheapest for living. As low as $200 for one week of classes, the students will have up to two months of immersive language experience, living in a local family, learning about Guatemalan customs, and enjoying traditional cuisine. But even if you choose to rent a place, you can expect the price to be as low as $500 a month.
If you want to boost your Spanish speaking skills, there’s no better place than this. Unlike other Spanish speakers, Guatemalans don’t tend to use many slang words; they have clear accents and speak slow enough so that even a complete beginner could conceive and digest what they say. Many students admit rapid improvement; take Jack Gilson, a second-year business student for one: “In my Spanish classes, I used to ask my roommate to write my essay for me. I couldn’t express the simplest ideas – that bad was I! After three months volunteering in Guatemala, I was the best in the class. Will I recommend this place? Of course! Especially when the language classes are so cheap here.”
Belize
Belize is one of the most cost-friendly studying destinations, let alone the only English-speaking country in Central America – a heritage left by British colonists. And this may be especially handy if you see your future in medicine.
A year at the best medical university of Belize, the Central America Health Sciences University, costs as little as $8000, which is 5 times lower than the cheapest medical school in the US. As for the quality of education, it made its way to the WHO’s World Directory of Medical Schools and is recognized by the General Medical Council of the UK and the Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates.
However, if working in healthcare isn’t your dream, the university offers a handful of under- and postgraduate programs in Education, Arts, Science, Technology, Social Sciences, and Management.
Panama
If you are going to pursue a career in engineering, business, or finance, Panama has a few top-notch schools to choose from. The country is also the most promising spot for those who see themselves in environmental protection or sustainability.
Currently, Panama’s university researchers along with guest professors are working on a few initiatives that include rainforest protection from global warming effect, endangered species preservation, and building hydroelectric energy infrastructure.
Both local and international students can expect free education in Panama’s public universities. But you will have to upscale and polish your Spanish skills, as there are few programs that go in English. Getting a student visa should be pretty easy, but you might be asked to wait for a couple of months. So it’s better to take the issue off the table well ahead of time.
El Salvador
El Salvador is another popular destination for students passionate about helping people and saving nature and the environment.
Although the country abounds water resources, access to clean drinking water is currently a problem for over half a million people. This largely happens because of immense industrial pollution and unreasonable use of natural resources. According to the preliminary estimates, the country will deplete all drinking water resources in the next eight decades, unless things change really soon. Deforestation and uncontrolled fishing practices are also major threats putting in danger the diverse ecosystem of El Salvador.
Students and professors from the top schools of the country are working side by side to address these pressing issues and save the day, as the students from El Salvador Project with Ksenia Protcenko in charge. In the past, she was managing projects on building infrastructure to connect isolated communities with the rest of the country and digging wells to supply people with clean fresh water.
Central America is an ideal place for students who seek adventure and have a passion for humanitarian work. It’s also the location where you can have one of the best Spanish language practices, make friends from across the world, and explore unique and unbelievable wild nature.
