Should You Study In Latin America? The Pros & Cons

If you've seen photos and videos of international students having fun on your favorite social platform, you'll know that studying abroad can be a wonderful adventure. Maybe you've read stories about people earning their degrees in far-flung countries and wondered whether to join them.

If you're thinking about going abroad for your college education, you first need to consider which country or continent appeals to you the most. Latin America is a popular choice for US and European students looking to study outside their own countries. But is it right for you? Let's look at the pros and cons.

Pros:

1. You'll get to experience a new way of life

Latin American culture is diverse and fascinating, and the memories of your time there will stay with you forever. Each Latin American country has its own customs, foods, and dialects. You'll never run out of new things to see and do.

2. Studying and living in Latin America is more affordable than most other places

Tuition fees in the US can run into six figures. Even in countries that offer free university education, students have to take into account living costs, which can be very high. Your money will go much further in Latin American countries, so you'll be able to graduate with less debt or even none at all.

3. Latin American countries have some outstanding academic institutions

Columbia, Mexico, Chile, and Brazil all boast good universities, according to the Times World University Rankings. They offer a wide range of subjects, including medicine, law, philosophy, biological sciences, and commerce.

4. Latin America has some beautiful scenery

Depending on which country you pick, you could be within easy reach of beautiful beaches, rainforests, or mountains. Because the cost of living and transportation is low, you'll be able to take frequent mini-vacations during school breaks.

5. You can make international contacts

When it comes to getting a great job, personal connections are essential. By studying abroad, you can make friends from other nations, thereby increasing your chances of landing awesome job offers in several countries.

Cons:

1. You might get homesick

Studying abroad is exciting, but being so far away from your friends and family can be tough. You will have to adjust to a new set of norms and customs, which can take a few months.

2. You will need to be extra careful when it comes to safety

Latin America is the most violent world region. Only 8% of the global population live in Latin American countries, but 33% of all annual homicides are recorded in this area. Murders are often unsolved, and the public has little faith in the police. Rio de Janeiro and Caracas received low rankings in The Economist's Safe Cities Index 2019.

However, this doesn't mean every part of Latin America is unsafe. Crime tends to occur in rapidly-growing towns and cities that are struggling with inequality, unemployment, and unregulated access to firearms. If you are concerned about crime, do your research and pick a relatively safe Latin American country such as Argentina or Uruguay.

3. You may have to learn another language before you can begin your studies

Latin American universities don't typically offer courses in English. You may need to know intermediate or advanced-level Spanish or Portuguese to understand the material. This is a major disadvantage if you want to begin your studies soon, but it's also a great incentive to learn a new language if you are happy to put in the work required to become fluent.

4. Latin American universities don't have a strong research presence

Although they are home to some great professors, Latin American universities are often short of government funding. This means many of them lack the facilities necessary to carry out world-leading research. If you want to study at a cutting-edge institution, studying at a Latin American university might not be the best option for you. However, you could later attend a more research-lead institution for your postgraduate studies.

In summary, going to college in a Latin American country could be the best decision you'll ever make. On the other hand, there are potential drawbacks. Allow yourself plenty of time to research the best colleges and courses before making a commitment.