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!
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.
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
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
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
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!
- Where? Port-au-Prince, Haiti
- What? Biology, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Health Administration, Health Sciences, Medicine, Psychology
- Read International Medical Aid reviews
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!
- Where? San Juan
- What? Spanish
- Learn more about Language Vacation
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
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
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
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
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!
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!