What to Know About Earning a Degree in Latin America

When Mason Taylor spent a semester abroad in Chile – while an undergrad at the University of Oklahoma – he says he fell in love with the country. So much so that after he graduated he returned to Chile to work as an English teacher and pursue graduate school there."The challenge of learning Spanish, of the deep immersion, brought me back, which is why after I graduated I came back to work and study," says Taylor, who graduated in 2016 with a master's in international relations and foreign affairs from the Pontificia Universidad Catòlica de Valparaìso.Latin America is made up of the continent of South America as well as Central America, Mexico and islands of the Caribbean. For international students looking to go abroad, Latin America's growing economy and education sector may provide favorable conditions for an affordable and culturally enriching experience.Prospective international students should be aware that universities in Latin America typically use Spanish as the language of instruction, or Portuguese in the case of Brazil. Here are three factors prospective international students should keep in mind when considering this region.Experts say students considering full degree programs should look into government scholarships. For example, the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation, part of Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has scholarships for international students interested in pursuing a master's degree or doctorate.