CHOOSING A LOCATION
Where to do your program is probably the most important decision you have to make before you think of anything else. Here are some tips that will help you decide according to your likes.
Argentina: Argentina is one of the most developed countries in South America together with Chile and Uruguay. Many international companies have branches in Argentina because of the low cost of qualified work found here; mainly in Cordoba and Buenos Aires. Start up and small businesses have also developed after the big crisis of Argentina during 2001.
Among this development, and with the crisis, the social middle class is practically nonexistent making the lower social class more populous. Non profit organizations, human rights organizations and others have grown greatly to help the lower class during these years.
This lower class often lacks education even though there are many good quality universities within Argentina located in Rosario, Mendoza, Cordoba and Buenos Aires. These are main university cities with private and public universities and the academic study abroad option in Argentina is becoming more popular every semester!
Chile: Nowadays Chile is experiencing a constant growth in its inner economy, becoming one of the leading countries in Latin America in all aspects. Its political organization is now stable, after Pinochet dictatorship ended; and there is a general social commitment with the country. Many modern companies and industries have settled in Chile, giving the region a flourishing time.
On the other hand, this capitalist approach has widened the gap between the rich and poor; and while some regions are blooming, some others stay in the shadows. To support them, humanitarian groups got involved in ambitious projects to bring awareness to the whole of the society about the increasing poverty.
Education has become a main issue in the government’s concerns. This is why in the last years there have been great investments in the public and private educational sectors. The country is loaded with young professional and career developers.
Guatemala: Guatemala is a country that shines for its diverse cultures that have their roots in ancient times. Mayan population still survives and is made up of 22 different ethnicities that keep its traditions untouched. The Latino, the Mestizo, the Spanish and many more influences make of Guatemala a breathtaking melting pot of the most impressive cultures from past times.
The country has become a common choice among international students. Besides, locals are very friendly and fond of visitors who wish to know about their history. The general work culture has a different pace in Guatemala and it is a great culture shock if you have never travelled to central America before.
Costa Rica: Costa Rica is known for its endless array of beaches, wildlife, nature, and magnificent scenery still untouched by the hand of careless modern industries. Many non-profit organizations and groups have started a non-stop series of projects to help the ecosystem stay intact. Costa Rica is one of the only countries that doesn’t have an army; it is a general joke that the “Tica” army are the animals.
Besides its gorgeous settings, the country has an increasing young population and hosts prestigious universities, especially those form Heredia and San Jose.
Spain: Spain can be considered the most developed Spanish speaking country in terms of its work ethics and business opportunities. All work areas are very well developed and international business is common even among small businesses. The art, design and creative industry is also prestigious and popular.
With the beginning of industrialization a new working class appeared. With the latest influx of modern and high tech companies, iron and steel industries, the Spanish working sector has become undermined and left aside. This brought harsh times to many middle class families and shows that poverty and social issues still exist in Spain, though not as appalling as in Latin America for example.
|
