The information in this post is accurate as of 31st March 2021.
If your college classes are still being delivered online due to COVID, maybe you’ve already put 2 and 2 together and figured that you could just as easily be taking these classes from a beach in Latin America rather than your childhood bedroom.
If only you were allowed to travel!
Well actually, there’s several countries in the world that are already accepting tourists, and many of them are well suited for online students to take their classes from using the Edumadic approach to studying abroad. We’ve listed them below!
As well as being awesome places for you to study online from, all the countries in the list below meet these criteria:
- Borders are open to US citizens
- No quarantine required on arrival
- Entry requirements that are not overly demanding
- Living costs of less than $1,500 per month using the Edumadic approach to studying abroad
- The country is open enough once you've arrived for you to enjoy spending time there
The entry requirements we list here are specific to COVID. There may be other entry requirements for travelers that are always in place that you will need to look into.
And before we jump in, a quick note on the budget estimates for each place. These are our estimates of how much it will cost you to live a full and exciting life in each locations while completing your classes online. The number includes estimated cost of accommodation, food and drink, and all entertainment, activities for a month.
If you're curious about how we came to these numbers, and want to make your own calculations, check out the Edumadic Academy, where we teach you how to do exactly that.
Costa Rica
Entry requirements for Costa Rica:
- Must complete a Health Pass form within 48 hours of departure
- Must have insurance that covers for COVID related illness
More information on exact requirements to enter:
Monthly Budget Required:
Tamarindo - $1,492
Puerto Viejo - $1,282
Santa Teresa - $1,727 Out of our budget but an awesome place to live!
Why Study Online in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has always been popular with nomads looking to escape the US in search of a simpler life. Now with COVID, that's never been more true, since it was one of the first to re-open to US citizens!
The country is proud to be leading the charge in the fight against climate change, being the world's first carbon neutral country. It has beautiful climate to protect, full of diverse wildlife, jungles, volcanoes and coastlines on the Pacific and Caribbean.
There's many spots scattered throughout Costa Rica that fit an online students dream of taking classes while living in a tropical paradise. Santa Teresa might be the most popular nomad hangout. It's the picture perfect beach town, with surf, yoga, and sensational sunsets on the daily.
Mexico
Entry requirements for Mexico:
- None! Mexico never closed it's borders and doesn't impose any requirements beyond what was asked pre-COVID
More information on exact requirements to enter:
Monthly Budget Required:
Playa Del Carmen - $931
Mexico City - $859
Tulum - $2,044 Out of our budget but we know you want to go! (psst, only a 1 hour drive from Playa Del Carmen!)
Why Study Online in Mexico?
The southern neighbor of the US, Mexico is an easy first step into the world of nomadic living. Flights from many major US cities to nomad hotspots like Mexico City and Cancun can be had for less than $200 each way if you know where to look.
Beyond it's proximity to the US, Mexico has tons to offer an online student that is looking for a new backdrop to their studies. Playa del Carmen is one of two major hubs for nomads in the country. An hour north and you’ll find yourself amongst the debauchery of Cancun. An hour south you have the hippie hang out of Tulum. Playa Del Carmen is a perfect mix of the two, providing modern-day comforts alongside laid back beach vibes, with some quintessential Mexican culture sprinkled in for good measure!
The other major destination in Mexico is the capital. Mexico city is a vibrant metropolis, full of both local and international restaurants that will leave your taste buds tingling. For those of you looking for the amenities of modern city life alongside an enriching cultural experience, and you want to perfect your Spanish, Mexico City is a great option.
Colombia
Entry requirements for Colombia:
- A negative PCR test within 96 hours of departure
More information on exact requirements to enter:
Monthly Budget Required:
Medellin - $1,002
Cartagena - $1,243
Why Study Online in Colombia?
Medellin has for a while now been widely regarded as the Digital Nomad capital of South America. The "city of eternal spring" has perfect weather year round, plenty of cute hipster cafes to study from, and is on the doorstep of thick jungles and endless rolling hills that are worthy of exploration. The city has shaken of it's shady past and now boasts a safe environment to sample it's delicious coffee and rich culture.
If you enjoy wearing less clothes, Cartagena might be more your style. In the north of Colombia this colonial era city neighbors the caribbean sea. Step off the beaches after sunset and into the old town you'll find salsa pulsing through the streets.
If you're looking for the perfect balance between affordability, a rich cultural experience, and modern amenities in South America, Colombia is for you.
Guatemala
Entry requirements for Guatemala:
You must have at least one of these three to be granted entry:
- A negative PCR or Antigen test taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival
- Proof that you've had the vaccine at least two weeks before arrival
- Evidence that you've had COVID and have recovered within the past three months
You must also complete a Health Pass on arrival.
More information on exact requirements to enter:
Monthly Budget Required:
Antigua - $789
Why Study Online in Guatemala?
Guatemala is home to 20 active volcanoes which provide the county not online with rich soil and natural life, but also an energy that underlies everything about the country, from it's culture to it's coffee!
Guatemala has all the hallmarks of a Central American country. Crystal clear coastlines? Check. Thick jungle brimming with wildlife? Check. Serene lakes? check. Delicious coffee? Check!
Antigua, the nations capital is a beautiful colonial era relic that sits afoot one of the countries many volcanoes, perfect for a sunrise hike! A day trip from the city will take you to the Tikal Mayan ruins, a UNESCO world heritage site that will take you back in time to the 1st century AD.
Turkey
Entry requirements for Turkey:
- Negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours before your flight
More information on exact requirements to enter:
Monthly Budget Required:
Istanbul - $632
Why Study Online in Turkey?
Turkey is a cultural melting pot, and Istanbul is it's crowning glory. It's a vibrant metropolis with people full of life and a bustling atmosphere. It offers an affordable lifestyle with modern conditions in a historical setting. Sat on the border of Europe and Asia, there are not many cities in the world with as colorful a story as Istanbul.
Turkey is as of now and extremely cheap country to visit due to economic troubles, which makes it a great place to take your online classes from. You can rent a big apartment in the center of the city for less than $300 per month. As well as Istanbul, there's the desert town of Cappadocia, and the seaside city of Antalya to visit. Both a worthy weekend trip from the capital.
Brazil
Entry requirements for Brazil:
- Negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding your flight
- Complete a Health Declaration form
More information on exact requirements to enter:
Monthly budget estimate:
Rio de Janeiro - $1,099
Florianopolis - $633
Why study online in Brazil?
Brazil is a huge country with some many different experiences to offer within its borders. However, for our purposes of studying online while living abroad, much of it won't be suitable for long term living. A couple of spots fit the bill though.
Florianopolis is paradise on earth. At least that's what it's residents will tell you. It's the type of idyllic tropical island that people dream of. Tropical climate, pumping surf, white sand beaches, and plenty of nature to get lost in. It's safe, affordable, and has sufficient wifi to keep you on track with your studies.
Ecuador
Entry requirements for Ecuador:
One of these three options:
- Negative COVID PCR or Rapid Antigen test within three days of arrival
- Completed Vaccination Card
- Test on arrival and quarantine at an approved facility while you wait for your result
More information on exact requirements to enter:
Monthly budget estimate:
Quito - $741
Montanita - $917
Cuenca - $942
Why study online in Ecuador?
Ecuador is one of the continents smaller countries, but it packs a serious punch. From the Quito in the Andean mountains, to Montanita on the pacific coast, or the Amazon jungle to the world-famous Galapagos Islands; no other Latin country packs so much natural diversity such a small area.
As well as the wealth of experience available in Ecuador, it's a great place to final nail Spanish. The Spanish spoken here is slow and easy to understand, and the people are incredibly welcoming to foreigners, particularly those that make the effort to speak their language. A few months in Ecuador, jumping around the country experiencing everything it has to offer, while immersed in the Spanish language would be a few months well lived.
Need help planning a trip to any of these locations? Email us at Academy@edumadic.com we'd be happy to help!
