Although South America technically encompasses 12 distinct nations, the following five offer the majority of study abroad program opportunities:

Argentina is the largest of the South American countries, and its diverse landscape boasts both the highest peak and lowest point on the continent. Buenos Aires is Argentina’s capital city and ranks as one of the top ten cities for study abroad worldwide, most notably charming students interested in studying art, health sciences, language, math, and Spanish. Córdoba is the second largest city in Argentina and home to the country’s oldest university, earning itself a UNESCO World Heritage site title.

Brazil. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, setting it apart from the rest of the dominantly Spanish-speaking countries of South America. The universities in Brazil are more up-and-coming than other long-established systems in South America, and public schools are more reputable than private. São Paulo is home to the most prestigious universities in the country; although, Rio de Janeiro remains the most popular location for study abroad in Brazil, and is the most visited city in the entire Southern Hemisphere. A country whose lifeblood is music and where the Amazon provides the richest source of tropical rainforest species in the world, Brazil is ideal for students interested in music, Portuguese, and science.

Chile. The thin strip of land that makes up Chile boasts more than 2,500 miles of Pacific coastline for students to enjoy. Chile holds the title as the most economically stable, and arguably most safe and most hospitable South American country. Not to mention, the education system in Chile is top-notch! The capital city of Santiago serves as the country’s administrative, cultural, commercial, and educational center, making it an easy choice for students looking to study abroad in Chile, especially those with interests in Latin American Studies, Spanish language, and literature. In contrast to the big city of Santiago, Viña del Mar features some of the best gardens and beaches on the continent, and provides an alternative hub for students seeking a slightly smaller scale study abroad experience in South America.

Ecuador. The alluring Andes and a volcanic landscape are perfect backdrop for adventurers who choose to study abroad Ecuador. Quito, the bustling capital, is where the majority of study abroad programs in Ecuador are based. The international relations scene within the city and the surrounding Inca ruins that contribute to its UNESCO World Heritage site status will especially delight students interested in archaeology, history, politics, and social sciences. The Galapagos Islands claim to fame is its isolated ecosystem and range of species that has been credited for inspiring Charles Darwin to develope the theory of evolution. Not surprisingly, the most common areas of emphasis for study abroad programs in the Galapagos are environmental studies, social sciences, and Spanish.

Peru. With the chance to immerse in what is known to be the clearest Spanish in the world, there is no better place to study Spanish abroad than Peru. Warm agreeable weather, some of the best cuisine in the world, and friendly locals to top it off make the international metropolis of Lima a great pick for students in a variety of emphases. Cusco, on the other hand, may provoke what seems like entirely different seasons within a single day, but its UNESCO World Heritage site title and the fact that it used to function as the old Inca Empire capital makes it tough to beat.