Overview
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 "Best Bang for Your Buck" Locations. See below OR
click to see other Top
Study Abroad Lists
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.
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…wINSERTime up north is summer in the southern
hemisphere!
Learn Spanish in Montevideo, Uruguay
4. Salamanca & Alicante, Spain
Spain is clearly a top-notch tourist destination, with tons of activities, nightlife and culture. So the language traveler looking to immerse themselves in Spanish has to look a little bit off the beaten path! Home to the world's second oldest university, Salamanca 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 walk-able 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.
Alicante is also one of the least expensive cities in Spain, even though it offers gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, an easily walk-able geography and the lovely marina promenade where you can do as the locals do. 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! Either city is great for anyone who wants to experience as much of Europe as possible without breaking the bank.
Learn Spanish in Salamanca, Spain
OR
Alicante, 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
Rabat. As
Morocco's bustling, French-influenced capital, it lies only 20 minutes from the
coast. You will see first-hand how Moroccans live their life in the Political
center of the country! Rabat is a very typical Moroccan city, with more
conservative leanings than our other, more international option in Tetouan.
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. Jaipur, India
India 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 Jaipur'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, India's natural beauty and hospitable people make it one of the most popular Central Asian destinations for tourists. Students enrolling in our language program will be pleased with the diverse mix of international students, volunteer opportunities, and a truly singular cultural experience.
Learn Hindi in Jaipur, India
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. Heredia & Samara Beach, Costa Rica
The sister schools of Heredia and Samara are our top in Costa Rica because of the fun locations and excellent Spanish programs. Heredia is right next to San Jose, a short ride from the airport and a central base for traveling to other destinations. This University town offers fantastic nightlife, shopping and culture. The schools both offer daily activities, including a Latin Dance class every day! Samara Beach in Costa Rica, offers it all: culture, 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. Students who are torn will be happy to know that they can spend part of their trip in each location, as the schools offer the same curriculum!
Learn Spanish in Costa Rica
13. Guanajuato, Mexico
For those who wish to travel to Europe but lack the funds, go to Guanajuato! 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. Guanajuato also offers a vibrant nightlife with lavish (but inexpensive) bars, clubs and restaurants. Most importantly, Guanajuato'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, you’ll experience true Mexican culturally and more specifically, home-cooked Mexican food! Once you visit, you will never want to go home!
Learn
Spanish in Guanajuato, Mexico
14. Kiev, Ukraine
Students interested in improving their Russian level have a great alternative option in Kiev. The cost of living is much less here than in St. Petersburg or Moscow. Additionally, the program is offered for as short as a week, where our other Russian programs require a minimum of two weeks. It is a great option to experience both Russian language and learn more about the Ukrainian culture, the fall of the Soviet Union and more! A fascinating study in how far a people can come in only 20 short years, Kiev offers ancient through modern architecture, sporting events, skiing, hiking, swimming and more. You don’t have to travel far to find a quaint Eastern European village that this area is famous for. A great place to practice your language skills and learn about the culture as well!
Learn Russian in Kiev
15. Ecuador (All Cities)
The cosmopolitan city of Quito has much to offer and is convenient to get to. Quito offers pleasant weather for a year-round vacation destination, so you can schedule a trip whenever flights are at the lowest! It is a great base for travel throughout the country, while itself offering a very friendly and small-town feel within the big city! Cuenca is a quaint colonial city with lots of exciting contrasts. There are few English-speaking tourists here, so in order to maximize your immersion experience, Cuenca is a great place to be! Montanita is a great alternative beach vacation, where you can surf, scuba dive, relax on the sand and also improve your Spanish at the same time. It is a great way to combine two vacations into one and get the most for your trip money! Emerging as one of the premier beach locations in Ecuador, Montanita can’t be missed.
Learn Spanish in Ecuador
