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Study Abroad at the Beach! 10 Programs to Get You There

Published on October 3, 2020

Gettin’ a little stir crazy? Take a break from online classes and study abroad at the beach! Surround yourself with lush palm trees, glorious dolphins, and serene ocean sunsets. Plus, experience a hands-on education while earning credits. While the European Union has banned Americans from its countries (which may continue until 2022!), many tropical places to study abroad are open. Enjoy study abroad with a side of sun!

tropical places to study abroad

Study abroad near the beach? Sign us up!

Luckily, countries in the Caribbean, Africa, Central America, and South America have opened their borders to Americans. (However, before making the decision to travel, it’s important to keep in mind the lack of any foreseeable vaccine and the possibility of future shutdowns and local quarantines.) So, whether you’re looking to study marine sciences or learn a new language, one of these tropical places to study abroad will be a great alternative to Europe!

What kind of arrival process can I expect?

Just about every tropical country has its own specific entry requirements while the COVID-19 pandemic persists. You may need to have special documents or proof of lodging. Many countries require a negative test ahead of time that is no older than 48-72 hours prior to departure. And, you may need a negative test at the airport at an additional cost.

You may also need to fill out a form or questionnaire. In many cases, you’ll need to commit to a 14-day quarantine. Almost all programs will help you through the process, and your health and safety should always be your #1 priority. 

28 tropical countries open for tourism

Let’s cut to chase: Here are all the tropical countries (AKA potential study abroad destinations) that are open for tourism as of this article’s publication.

  • Anguilla (series of 3 COVID-19 tests and 10-day quarantine required) 
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Aruba
  • Bahamas
  • Bermuda
  • Brazil
  • Costa Rica
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador (14-day quarantine required)
  • French Polynesia - Tahiti & Bora Bora
  • Grenada
  • Honduras
  • Haiti (14-day quarantine required)
  • Jamaica
  • Mexico
  • Maldives
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rwanda
  • St. Barths
  • St. Kitts and Nevis (14-day quarantine required) 
  • St. Lucia
  • St. Maarten
  • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Tanzania
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • US Virgin Islands
  • Zambia

10 study abroad programs by the beach

Editor’s note: Please reach out individually to providers to learn more about program safety and departure dates.

seamester study abroad at sea logo

1. Seamester Study Abroad at Sea: Transpacific, Caribbean to Tahiti – 90 days

Aye, you’ll be traveling over 6,500 nautical miles for three months with this sea voyage! You’ll begin in Antigua and visit other Caribbean islands, sail through the Panama Canal, visit the Galapagos Islands, and end in Tahiti. You can earn up to 12 credits, earn scuba diving certifications, and plenty of sailing skills. 

  • Where? Ecuador: Galapagos Islands, Martinique, Panama, French Polynesia, Antigua & Barbuda: St. Johns, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Tahiti: Mataiea, Aruba, Curacao
  • What? Communications, Environmental Studies, Leadership, Marine Biology 
  • Read Seamester Study Abroad at Sea reviews
ISA (International Studies Abroad) logo

2. ISA: Study Abroad in Santiago, Dominican Republic

From rainforests to coral reefs to white-sand beaches, you’ll rejoice in this country with lots of amazing landscapes to explore. This program offers students the opportunity to look at ancient paintings in caves, marvel at various architectural structures, and walk through 500-year-old ruins! The program requires students to have an intermediate to advanced level of Spanish. 

  • Where? Santiago
  • What? Culture, Environmental Studies, History, International Relations, Latin American Studies, Literature, Spanish, Women's Studies
  • Read ISA reviews
cis abroad logo

3. CIS Abroad: January in Costa Rica

Ditch the snow and study abroad at the beach in Costa Rica in January! Enjoy la pura vida as you learn Spanish, live with a host family, and earn ecology credits with lots of class trips. You can choose to stay for three weeks or four weeks and visit beaches and rainforests that will fill your heart with delight!  

  • Where? San Jose 
  • What? Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, International Business, Latin American Studies, Marine Biology, Photography, Spanish
  • Read CIS Abroad reviews
international medical aid logo

4. International Medical Aid: Pre-Med/Health Fellowships

Johns Hopkins developed these programs where students can gain clinical experience and contribute to the local community. Shadow physicians and healthcare professionals as they mentor you and teach you hands-on techniques. Plus, the programs focus on taking a holistic approach. Study abroad near the beach and make a difference at the same time! 

language vacation logo

5. Language Vacation: Spanish Language Course & Immersion in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Walk along cobbled streets, immerse yourself in old forts and colonial buildings, and learn Spanish along the way in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The best part? You’ll get to live with a host family while you study abroad near the beach on this tropical island! 

gvi logo

6. GVI: Mexico Marine Awareness Service Learning for Groups

Calling all marine lovers — earn your PADI Open Water diving qualification while learning more about the Mesoamerican coral reef! The program emphasizes learning the UN’s Sustainable Development goals while fostering your service-learning education. Bonus: You may even get to work with newly-hatched baby turtles. Awww-mazing!

  • Where? Rural Areas in Mexico
  • What? Conservation & Preservation, Earth Sciences, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, Service Learning
  • Read GVI reviews
isa logo

7. ISA: Study Abroad in Florianópolis, Brazil

The “Island of Magic” boasts over 42 beaches, white sand dunes, rolling mountains, and more! Enjoy tasty seafood among charming fishing villages and lots of activities in the lake and ocean. This program is available year round and offers homestay programs. Why not learn some Portuguese along the way while you study abroad at the beach?! 

  • Where? Florianopolis
  • What? Accounting, Anthropology, Business, Computer Science & IT, Culture, Economics, International Business, International Relations, Political Science, and more!
  • Read ISA reviews
jamaica volunteer programs logo

8. Jamaica Volunteer Programs: Study Abroad in Jamaica

Jamaica lures students in with its white sandy beaches, tropical waters, and sky-high mountains. You can choose from a variety of programs that align with your educational or professional goals. The expenses are nearly all-inclusive with guided tours, flights, meals, cultural immersion activities, and accommodations! 

  • Where? Kingston
  • What? Communications, Conservation & Preservation, Development Studies, Education, Psychology, Public Health, Social Work, Women's Studies, and more!
  • Read Jamaica Volunteer Programs reviews
bermuda institute of ocean sciences logo

9. BIOS: Coral Reef Ecology Summer Course

This program offers a “living laboratory” for you to study coral reef ecology and participate in scuba surveys. You’ll quickly fall in love with the turquoise waters, colonial buildings, and citrus juices! The program is geared toward upper-level undergraduate students and grad students, and provides daily boat and field excursions for maximum hands-on learning.

  • Where? Bermuda
  • What? Animal Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Conservation & Preservation, Earth Sciences, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, and more!
  • Read BIOS reviews
seamester study abroad at sea logo

10. Seamester Study Abroad at Sea: Antigua to Grenada – 80 days

Can’t decide on one of these tropical places to study abroad? How about dozens of islands! Tag turtles at Mountain Point, climb the Seven Sisters waterfall, dive off Great Dog Island, and more on this 80-day nautical trip of a lifetime! You’ll also learn to scuba dive and earn the PADI Open Water certification and gain plenty of leadership skills.

  • Where? Martinique, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Guadeloupe, British Virgin Islands, St. Eustatius, St. Barts, Saba
  • What? Communications, Environmental Studies, Leadership, Marine Biology
  • Read Seamster Study Abroad at Sea reviews

Can’t pick? Compare these programs side-by-side (for FREE!) with MyGoAbroad

Get yourself south of the equator this winter!

tropical places to study abroad

Dang. We’re jealous of your new classroom!

Do you hear that? Those are seashells calling your name! Any of these study abroad programs at the beach will scratch that travel itch while you earn academic credits. You can also make a real difference in the world after learning more about environmental conservation and sustainability. Pack your swimsuit and have the experience of a lifetime in one of these tropical places to study abroad!

Browse ALL Study Abroad Programs in the Caribbean and Central America on GoAbroad.com

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