Traveling to Latin America: Things to Do and What to Look Out For

By Sounds and Colours 14 October, 2020

From the diverse and gorgeous landscapes to the honest, passionate people, Latin America is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a vibrant culture and education along the way. There is much to see and do in this lush land, from eating the fantastic cuisine to trying the many adventure sports offered.

As a student studying or volunteering abroad in Latin America, it can all seem super exciting and more than a little overwhelming at the same time. While there are many things to do and sights to see, it’s essential to look out for your safety as well, by being extra-vigilant and not forgetting why you’re there, to begin with.

Places to See: Bayahibe, Dominican Republic

One of the best places to visit as a student in Latin America is Bayahibe in the Dominican Republic. Scuba diving off the coast to see one of the three shipwrecks that happened there is just one of the fun things you can do on the weekends. Don’t forget to head to the national park if you’re a bird and wildlife lover, as there are many animals to see around the beautiful lagoons in the area. If you’re tired from a long, hectic week of classes, take the time to just laze away the day on the gorgeous beach instead.

Places to See: Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island is best known as an island that houses nearly 1,000 moai statues that have been there for centuries. It’s a great place to visit and educational as well if you are a history buff.

Things to Look Out For: Partying Too Much

Something you have to watch out for wherever you go to school, but especially in Latin America as a stranger to the culture, is going out and drinking too much or participating in local parties. It’s also easy to start drinking more than studying and end up doing recreational drugs. It’s best to party responsibly and go home early in these areas.

Things to Look Out For: Going Too Local

While you want to spread your wings and fly when you’re studying abroad, it’s also important not to go to local and abandoning your American friends. It’s great to want to learn everything you can about Latin America, as you are studying there, but you need to remember the people who will be going home with you, and bond with them as well.

Things to Look Out For: Being Overly Cautious

Above all else in another country, you do need to be safe, but there is such thing as being overly cautious and never leaving the dorms. Take the standard precautions, such as not walking alone at night, watching your drinks at parties, and not wearing too much antique jewelry in public, but take the time to get to know the culture and have fun at the same time.

As a student studying abroad in Latin America you want to be safe but have fun at the same time. These tips will help you achieve that goal.

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