Overview
From the weak US dollar to the outrageous extra fees being charged by the airlines, it seems we're being 'nickle-and-dimed' to death. But don't despair! Whether you're trying to stretch your dollar or stretch your euro, there are plenty of ways to spend your travel penny wisely and get to where you want to go! We've prepared a great set of "
Tips for Traveling Inexpensively" to get you started. And here's our list of our Top 15 "Best Bang for Your Buck" Locations.
We're sure you'll enjoy these locations and programs, but we have added some financial incentive to try them: SAVE 10% + another $15 if you register before September 15, 2008 and use discount code "Bang for Your Buck Discount" on your application.
About AmeriSpan Discounts & Promotions
All discounts not combinable with any other discounts or promotions.
Maximum discount is $200 unless stated otherwise.
Discounts are not valid for
one week programs, special
prices for groups traveling
together or certain other
programs. You
must include "Bang for Your Buck Discount"
discount code on your
application at the time of
booking. If you have already booked a program, you are not eligible
for the discount on your existing program. However, if you add more
weeks or another program, you can use the discount on the additional weeks or program(s).
1. Antigua, Guatemala
As one of our most popular and least expensive locations, Antigua also happens to be a favorite of several AmeriSpanistas. We offer many programs here that offer you the opportunity to experience more of the culture for less. Those with limited time and money will appreciate the opportunity presented by the "Un Poco de Todo" program, which incorporates classes, volunteering and excursions to some of the best spots in Guatemala. We also offer a SALUD Medical Spanish program that inexpensively offers medical students the opportunity to gain some professional experience and will prepare them to better serve the Hispanic community in the US.
Learn Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala
2. Quebec, Canada
For many in the US and Canada, Quebec is just a car-drive away! That's a great option for some; for others, the airfare can be a good bit more workable than a flight to France for right now. And Quebec is a great location because the cost-of-living is lower than in the larger city of Montreal. But even better, you'll have a true immersion experience in Quebec City. Also, there are many special events and activities going on to celebrate Quebec's 400th Anniversary, so your entertainment dollar will go farther as well!
Learn French in Quebec, Canada
3. Montevideo, Uruguay
Looking for a South American experience but want to avoid some of the big-city costs of Buenos Aires and Santiago? Montevideo is an excellent choice for Spanish students! You'll have a genuine immersion experience and be warmly welcomed by the locals who will love to speak with you! This small city is easy to navigate on foot and by local bus, and the lovely beach of Pocitos and the pedestrian Rambla all along the Rio de la Plata make for great out-of-doors time. In fact, you can get even more out of your trip by taking "Spanish and Sailing" or "Spanish and Windsurfing." Each program offers 5 one-on-one lessons per week. Remember…wintertime up north is summer in the southern hemisphere!!
Learn Spanish in Montevideo, Uruguay
4. Salamanca, Spain
The reasons for studying at our "Budget-Friendly" school in Salamanca are endless. Home to the world's second oldest university, this college town is an excellent option for those who want to experience the culture and active nightlife without the high cost of living or overwhelming hustle-and-bustle associated with Madrid and Barcelona. It's said that the people of Salamanca speak the purest Spanish, which makes the city very popular for language learning. A very walkable city, students save on the costs of taxis and public transportation. Getting to Salamanca is also easy and affordable; students can fly right into the capital and take a short bus ride into Salamanca's main bus station. Salamanca is also located conveniently one hour by train to Portugal. Great for anyone who wants to experience as much of Europe as possible without breaking the bank!
Learn Spanish in Salamanca, Spain
5. Salvador, Brazil
Salvador da Bahia boasts impressive colonial architecture, art galleries, baroque churches and beautiful beaches. The reason why we've picked this location is because the cost-of-living (food, transportation, hotels, entertainment) is lower than not only here in the States, but also than that of Rio or Sao Paulo. Salvador is Brazil's third-largest city and contains a wonderful mix of traditional African, Portuguese, and Amerindian cultures. Our language program offers impressive teaching methods, course curricula, and a variety of activities throughout the week such as samba lessons, cooking classes and capoiera.
Learn Portuguese in Salvador, Brazil
6. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Discover the capital of the Dominican Republic, just a short, inexpensive flight from the US where colonial charm and historic ruins keep company with a bustling, modern city. This country's low cost-of-living makes it easy to travel inexpensively to various destinations. Remember, the best things in life are free: This island nation provides ample choices for enjoying nature…mountains, jungle, beautiful beaches and the sea all accessible from Santo Domingo.
Learn Spanish in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
7. Morocco (All locations)
Out of all of AmeriSpan's Arabic-speaking locations, Morocco definitely offers the best "bang for your buck." With group classes and homestays available instead of private classes and hotel stays, you are sure to save in any of our 3 Morocco locations. Tetouan is known for its Spanish presence with cities like Cordoba, Granada and Sevilla just a boat-ride away. With excellent beaches, many flock here during the summer months. Rabat is Morocco's bustling, French-influenced capital which lies only 20 minutes from the coast. Fez, which is the countries "intellectual capital," offers great insight into Morocco's fascinating Islamic traditions as well as an inexpensive residence option to save even more!
Learn Arabic in Morocco
8. Barcelona, Spain (Budget-Friendly)
Even though Barcelona is one of the more expensive cities in Spain (second only to Madrid), it is still an extremely popular location for students. If you have your heart set on Barcelona, our Budget-Friendly option is the way to go! Experience Northern Spain at its finest—on the Mediterranean. Visit ancient castles, museums, Olympic buildings and more, all at the lowest prices around. With AmeriSpan's Price Match guarantee, you can be confident that you aren't overpaying for your program.
Learn Spanish in Barcelona, Spain
9. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand certainly fits the bill as an inexpensive, yet fascinating, destination. While the flight may not be the most cost-friendly, visitors can make up for that by experiencing Chiang Mai's food, accommodation, shopping, and entertainment. As soon as you step off the plane, the wonders that await you are all top-quality and yet dirt-cheap. It is possible for travelers to experience many things this country has to offer on a tight budget. In addition, Thailand's natural beauty and hospitable people make it one of the most popular South Asian destinations for tourists. Students enrolling in our language program will be pleased with the diverse mix of international students, the area's pleasant weather year-round and ease by which you can explore Chiang Mai on foot!
Learn Chinese in Chiang Mai, Thailand
10. La Ceiba, Honduras
La Ceiba is a frugal way to take a Caribbean vacation. The school is located minutes from the beach with easy access to a large national park and the Bay Islands. A very inexpensive way to travel is to volunteer, as during your placement you pay only for room and board. La Ceiba offers several volunteer opportunities including helping at an orphanage and a hospital. These programs can be rewarding experiences that also give a unique boost to your resume. Remember, Latin America is one of the few places where the US dollar is still at a strong advantage! An experience like this is worth every penny!
Learn Spanish in La Ceiba, Honduras
11. Rome, Italy (Budget-Friendly)
Nowadays, the expression "All roads lead to Rome" implies there can be many ways of doing something. However, for any budget traveler with their heart set on visiting Rome, our Budget-Friendly program is the only way to go. There are endless ways to spend your time in this beautiful and ancient city and luckily most of the tourist sites can be seen on foot. Entrance to each site may cost a few Euro, but there's no way they can stop you from exploring the outside for free! Our Budget- Friendly school is only fifteen minutes from the Colosseum. Rome's central location in Italy makes it a convenient base for travel throughout the country as well!
Learn Italian in Rome, Italy
12. Samara Beach, Costa Rica
Samara Beach in Costa Rica, offers it all: Daily Latin dance classes, swimming, diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, you name it! This small beach town provides any traveler with a true immersion into one of Costa Rica's least -crowded and touristy towns on the Nicoya Peninsula. Samara's small class size offers an intimate atmosphere and personal attention to students, without sacrificing the sun, surf and sand you seek in a beach get-a-way.
Learn Spanish in Samara Beach, Costa Rica
13. Krakow, Poland
The cosmopolitan city of Krakow has much to offer and is conveniently located near other fascinating cities like Wroclaw and Czestochowa. Now is the perfect time to indulge in some pierogies and other
kuchnia polska because Poland has yet to be affected by the Euro. The currency of Poland is the zloty and students will find traveling throughout the country or exploring Krakow's vibrant city life to be quite reasonable. Students will also discover the amazing hospitality of locals, which will undoubtedly lead to more adventures and excursions. With the weak Dollar/Euro exchange rate, this is an inexpensive option for exploring European culture, language and architecture. The more reasonable the price is for attractions or night life, the more opportunity one has to have a fabulous, exciting time!
Learn Polish in Krakow, Poland
14. Alicante, Spain
One of the least expensive cities to visit in Spain, with a much lower cost-of-living than Madrid or Barcelona, Alicante offers gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, an easily walkable geography, great shopping and nightlife and the lovely marina promenade where you can do as the locals do and ‘see and be seen.' A pleasant climate, local festivals and lots of nearby villages and Roman ruins to explore make this a great destination for an authentic Spanish experience that's easy on the pocketbook!
Learn Spanish in Alicante, Spain
15. Morelia, Mexico
For those who wish to travel to Europe but lack the funds, go to Morelia! This gorgeous location in central Mexico offers magnificent architecture and has a European vibe. On any given day of the week you will find many people sitting near the city center sipping coffee at an outdoor cafe, or playing instruments in the park. Morelia also offers a vibrant nightlife with lavish (but inexpensive) bars, clubs and restaurants. Most importantly, Morelia's Spanish school and language program is one of the finest! They provide students with beautiful facilities and excellent teaching methods. If opting to stay with a local family, all students receive a private room for no additional charge. Once you visit, you will never want to go home!
Learn Spanish in Morelia, Mexico
