Gap Years in Latin America

A very popular part of a Latin American itinerary includes some time spent in a language school. After all, what better place to learn Spanish or Portuguese then in Central or South America, and knowing a little of the language can go a long way. Language courses can last from a few days to several months, depending on how many hours per day and how many days per week you wish to study. They can be much cheaper than their European counterparts and are often combined with a family home stay that offers total immersion in both the language and the culture of the area.

Most holiday visas can be obtained upon arrival in the country (at the point of entry) and on average are granted for around three months. There are often official (and unofficial) entry and exit charges between countries but these are only a few US dollars. However, this can vary greatly between countries and it is best to check with the foreign embassy and other travellers, as well as consulting your guide book, with their experiences of border crossings.

Central and South America are not the places to go to if you are looking to earn and save lots of money on your gap year. The majority of the countries in this region are developing countries and wages tend to be much lower than you would receive in more economically developed nations. Whilst there are few well-paid jobs available to "gappers", there are numerous voluntary or charity-based projects available that can prove both culturally enriching and very rewarding experiences. For example building schools or hospitals, helping teach English in local schools, working in an orphanage or on a conservation project are popular options. There are many organizations that can help you organize your charity or volunteering projects. Get more ideas for your gap year here >