<p>Hello all!</p>
<p>I'm in the process of narrowing down study abroad programs, and am having a rather hard time deciding between several countries. I am a Spanish and English major, and am very interested in experiencing life in either Central or South America...but there are just too many countries to choose from, which is especially made more difficult by the fact that I know very few people who have been to any of these countries!</p>
<p>I have recently narrowed it down to Chile, Peru, and Costa Rica, with the most serious consideration going towards Chile at the moment. I was wondering if anyone has been to or studied in any of these countries? Any specific programs/advice? I am looking to study with actual native students, and not just through an English group. Anything that might help me narrow my decision would be greatly appreciated!! </p>
<p>Muchas gracias. :)</p>
<p>As far as culture, I'm not certain. I've visited Peru in Cusco and the surrounding area and it was beautiful to visit but could not see myself living there. I did not like Lima at all and I would be upset to stay there. I have never been to Chile or Costa Rica but I only hear good things about the people of Costa Rica. As an exchange student, keep in mind you're not only there for the culture but you'll also want to travel around. Costa Rica strikes me as a far more accessible country than Chile, for example. Just my two cents...</p>
<p>DD had a great 5 months in Santiago, Chile through IES and studied at the Catholica University. In retrospect, (and if she hadn't had financial aid that made it cost the same anyway) it would have been cheaper to direct enroll in the catolica's international student program. In spite of the pollution, she really liked chile and the transportation system, etc</p>
<p>D did study abroad in Ecuador (know it is not one of your listed countries but thought you might consider it). I can PM you about her blog if you are interested.</p>
<p>Country and study wise I think Chile is the best option. I believe Chileans are more into knowledge than any other countries in South America. A lot of good South American universities are all operated by Chileans. It used to be Argentina but I think in the last 10 years it shift to Chile.</p>
<p>I've spent time in Chile and Peru, and I'd have to echo what an earlier poster said about Peru. Now let me begin by saying I had a great time in Peru, and it is a beautiful country with lots of history and interesting and diverse culture. The people there are warm and amazing. I had a great time visiting there and would highly recommend going to Cuzco and Machu Picchu. The capital city of Lima, however, did not particularly impress me. I'm not sure I would choose to live in Peru for a year if I had other options. But if I did live there, I'd probably try and live somewhere other than Lima. </p>
<p>Chile is also a great country, and I'd have to say it is, by most measures, a better option for studying abroad. Santiago is a beautiful and modern city, with a thriving financial district and the "feel" of a large urban center. I'd highly recommend studying in Santiago.</p>
<p>I've never been to Costa Rica, but I've heard nothing but good stuff about it. The people I know who have travelled or studied there loved it.</p>
<p>My #1 favorite city in Latin America, however, is Buenos Aires. I enjoyed living and studying there so much that I have been back several times since then. The Spanish they speak is very different from the rest of Latin America, but the culture, the food, and the people make the city a wonderfully unique place.</p>