Central and South America
Brethren Colleges Abroad: Quito, Ecuador (Open to Spanish majors/minors only)
The BCA program in Quito is designed to serve the needs and goals of participating students and colleges. It takes into account the necessity of providing a solid academic experience which will be accepted by a large variety of U.S. colleges and universities, thereby allowing students to attain the international experience without falling behind in their academic programs in the United States, while also providing students with freedom to pursue individual goals, whether they be academic or strictly personal in nature. We assume that the students have various goals in common: language learning, academic progress towards college degrees in the United States, a profound cross-cultural experience based on cultural immersion plus individual, perhaps eclectic, goals which require both freedom and support from the program. Homepage
Creation Care Studies Program, Belize (Open to all majors)
This semester-long program explores biblical stewardship, first hand, as students study environmental issues in Belize. Designed for non-science majors, the program includes opportunities for study, reflection, research, and travel. During the program you will experience community in motion as you travel with a group of students for four months throughout the country of Belize. Rigorous classes will give you direct field experiences and confront you with current world issues. CCSP readily awaits adventure seeking, biblically minded students, who want to take on the challenge of learning how to care for God’s earth and all its creatures—both human and non-human. This program is open to students with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Homepage
Development Studies Program, Tegucigalpa, Honduras (Calvin College) (Open to Sociology and Anthropology majors only) (Spring only)
The Development Studies Program is a program of Calvin College based in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Students study development by living with Honduran families, traveling to urban squatter’s camps, remote rural villages, and tropical rain forests, and talking with national leaders about Honduras’ problems and its future. It is an opportunity to experience hands-on the issues surrounding poverty, development, and living in the Third World. COURSES: Exploring a Third World Society (3), The Problem of Poverty (3), Development Theory in Practice (3), Spanish Language Study (3). This program is open to students with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Homepage
Kansas University: San Jose, Costa Rica (Open to Spanish majors/minors only)
The “Grupo de Kansas” program is a unique program that allows students to directly enroll in classes at the University of Costa Rica, while providing a well-structured introduction to the country, its culture and history. You will get to know Costa Rica by living with local families and participating in numerous orientation activities and field trips. All courses are taught in Spanish, so you will not only earn academic credit, you also will gain the ability to confidently use your Spanish language skills in both the classroom, and in everyday life. Homepage
Latin American Studies Program, Santiago, Costa Rica (CCCU bestsemester.com) (Open to all majors)
This program gives students the opportunity to study the language, culture, politics, history, economics, ecology, and religion of the region while living with a Costa Rican family and participating in the day-to-day life of Costa Rica. Students also participate in a service opportunity and travel for three weeks to nearby Latin American nations. Four concentrations are available: Latin American Studies (offered in both the fall and spring terms), Advanced Language and Literature (limited to Spanish majors and offered in both terms), International Business and Management (offered only in the fall term), and Tropical Sciences (offered only in the spring term). The program is open to juniors and seniors with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and a minimum of one year of college Spanish or the equivalent. Homepage
South American Studies Program, Bolivia (George Fox University) (Open to all majors) (Spring only)
Experience the only study-abroad program in South America available specifically for students attending Christian universities. This program emphasizes Christian ministry, missions, and the value of human life over economic or educational accomplishments. Students will live with a Christian host family in Santa Cruz and will have the chance to practice their Spanish, build relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of the South American culture. Classes include: Spanish language, Religions of South America, History of Latin America, Cultures and customs of South America, as well as a practicum in ministry services. The program will also include travel throughout Bolivia and Argentina. Homepage
University Studies Abroad Consortium: Heredia, Costa Rica (Open to Spanish majors/minors only)
The Heredia program is ideal for students who are committed to learning the Spanish language while studying the diverse cultures of Latin America and the complexities of its societies through formal coursework as well as through personal interaction with the host culture. Previous USAC students have reported that a yearlong program was especially helpful in terms of language study and in becoming integrated into Costa Rican society. However, you may apply to attend a fall or spring semester only. Homepage
University Studies Aboard Consortium: Puntarenas, Costa Rica (Open to Spanish majors/minors only)
The Puntarenas program is ideal for students who are interested in learning the Spanish language while studying the diverse cultures of Latin America and the complexities of its societies through coursework as well as personal interaction with the host culture. Previous USAC students have reported that a yearlong program was especially helpful in terms of language study and in becoming integrated into Costa Rican society. However, you may apply to attend a fall or spring semester only. Homepage
University Studies Abroad Consortium: Santiago, Chile (Open to Spanish majors/minors only) (Fall only)
This program is ideal for American students who wish to experience the charm and physical beauty of Chile. Students will study the Spanish language and the complexities of Chilean and contemporary Latin American societies through a wide selection of academic courses, as well as through personal interaction with the host culture. You are encouraged to opt for the appropriate language track which will fulfill foreign language requirements and enhance your ability to communicate during your stay in Chile. Homepage