Summer school in South America gives students the opportunity to learn Spanish or Portuguese while discovering the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, the traces of ancient civilizations and colorful Latin culture first-hand. Programs in South America stand out for their experience-focused approach, combining language lessons with dance, cooking, nature trips and volunteering projects.
South America is not as common a summer school choice for young people as European countries. Programs at language schools in the region are mostly for participants over 16 or 18; summer programs for older teenagers are run by a limited number of language schools and organizations. Because of the long distance and different culture, South American programs are especially suitable for adventurous, independent older teenagers and university students.
Attending summer school in South America offers students many benefits beyond language learning.
South America is a large continent made up of twelve independent countries. Portuguese is spoken in Brazil, and Spanish is spoken in most other countries, such as Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Uruguay.
Because most of South America lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the summer holidays in Turkey fall during winter in countries such as Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. In countries close to the equator, such as Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, the climate depends more on altitude than on the season, and nights are cool in cities in the Andes. Flights from Turkey to South America are long and mostly involve connections.
There are different types of programs in South America depending on the student's age and goals:
Programs in South America offer different options depending on students' interests:
In programs in South America, the daily schedule usually starts with morning language lessons. Students study in small classes grouped by level or in one-to-one lessons. In the afternoon, there are city tours, salsa or tango lessons, cooking workshops and volunteering projects.
At weekends, students go on trips to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Iguazú Falls, the Andes or the Amazon rainforest. Host family accommodation allows students to practice the language and get to know local life closely.
Application requirements for programs in South America vary depending on the type of program. Programs at language schools usually accept participants of all levels, and the participant's level is determined by a placement test on the first day of the program.
Programs for young people usually have a minimum age of 15 or 16. Volunteering programs may require basic Spanish and a minimum age of 18. The application usually requires a student information form, a copy of the passport, health information and, for students under 18, a notarized parental consent form.
Programs at language schools in South America usually start every Monday throughout the year. Junior programs are usually held in July and August, which coincides with the summer holidays in Turkey, or in December and January, during the Southern Hemisphere summer. Programs usually last two to eight weeks.
Since planning long connecting flights, preparing vaccinations and health arrangements, and arranging host family placement take time, it is advisable to apply at least three to six months before the program.
The country and city to choose for summer school in South America depend on the language you want to learn, your interests and your climate preferences.
Summer programs for international students in South America are usually fee-paying, and there is no free summer school option. In volunteering programs, participants also usually pay a program fee that covers accommodation, meals and organization costs.
Some language schools may offer discounts to students who book long courses, book early or attend as a group. Since discount conditions may change every year, it is important to follow the latest information.
Summer program fees in South America vary depending on the country, the length and type of program and the accommodation option. Course fees at language schools are usually set per week and are lower than for similar programs in Europe.
When planning your budget, you should account for long-haul flights, domestic flights, airport transfers, travel health insurance, vaccinations, excursion fees and pocket money in addition to the program fee. You should keep in mind that flight costs may make up a significant share of the total budget.
At NGGlobal, we share the current prices of our partner institutions with you and work with you to choose the program that best fits your budget and expectations.
The main accommodation options for students in programs in South America are:
In host family accommodation, students usually have breakfast and dinner with the family. It is important to notify special dietary needs, such as vegetarian or pork-free meals, in advance.
Many South American countries grant Turkish citizens visa exemption for short visits. However, visa requirements and permitted lengths of stay differ from country to country, so you need to check the current rules according to the length of your program and the country you are going to.
Many South American countries apply special rules for minor travelers. Students under 18 traveling without their parents may be asked to carry a notarized and apostilled parental consent form and a birth certificate. Vaccinations such as yellow fever may also be recommended or required for travel to some regions.
At NGGlobal, we support our students and their families at every step of preparing entry documents and travel.
Choosing the program and city carefully is very important for a safe experience in South America. In programs for young people, students are looked after by staff throughout the program, and excursions are made in groups, accompanied by guides. Host families are selected by language schools from safe areas.
It is important for students not to walk around alone in the evening, to keep valuables out of sight and to follow the program's safety rules. In high-altitude cities such as Cusco and Quito, resting during the first few days helps reduce the effects of altitude. During the program, families can contact the program at any time through its emergency line.
At NGGlobal, we offer free consultation to students who want to attend a summer program in South America and to their families. By assessing the student's age, language goals, interests and the family's budget, we identify the most suitable country and program. Where needed, we also share alternative options such as Spain for younger students.
Contact us to build your summer school plan in South America together.
Programs for young people usually accept students over 15 or 16. General programs at language schools and volunteering programs are mostly for participants over 18.
You can learn Spanish in countries such as Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Colombia, and Portuguese in Brazil.
The summer holidays in Turkey fall during winter in southern countries such as Argentina and Chile. In countries close to the equator, such as Peru and Ecuador, the weather depends more on altitude than on the season, and nights are cool in mountain cities.
Many South American countries grant Turkish citizens visa exemption for short visits. However, since requirements vary by country, you need to check the current rules. Additional documents may be required for minor students.
Yes. At the end of the program, language schools give students a certificate of attendance showing the program they attended and the language level they reached.
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