gap year in south america

January 18, 2009 2:57 PM

help me decide on a country for my gap year!

In germany we have to complete a year of social service after we graduate (or military service, which im not keen on doing) and im contemplating doing mine in south america.

One reason im choosing south america is because i want to learn spanish (so that rules out brazil and the like), but i really don't know which country i should choose.
I'd like to hear some personal opinions on which country would teach me the most lessons in life and help me grow as a person.
I want to live in relative frugality and really experience the place.


Althought im set on south america, im also contemplating french speaking countries (besides france and canada), as my french is much better than my spanish. Any advice on those would be much appreciated too! (:

Im probably forgetting something, if theres anything you need to know, just ask!

posted by freddymetz to travel & transportation (6 answers total)

I was just in Argentina for a bit. Great times. It's very 'European' whatever that means - so not sure if you're looking for a break from that.

Another advantage is that the Euro is pretty much at an all time high against the peso (in addition to the fact that everything is comparatively cheap (at least compared to the US).

My 2c.
posted by jourman2 at 3:07 PM on January 18, 2009

Have you considered any of the French-speaking countries in Africa, Mali for instance?
posted by gudrun at 3:11 PM on January 18, 2009

I want to live in relative frugality and really experience the place.

I recommend Bolivia. Conditions may be harsh at times, but you will meet welcoming people and you'll definitely practice your Spanish. Plus you have access to amazing jungle, salt desert and huge moutains. And it is cheap.
posted by ddaavviidd at 3:41 PM on January 18, 2009

I really enjoyed Ecuador when I went there. It has mountains, a rainforest, and a beach--not to mention being on the equator and right next to the Galapagos Islands. If you like cities, Quito has around 1.5 million inhabitants and Guayaquil has over 2 million. If you don't, there are plenty of smaller places to explore.

I have also heard excellent things about Argentina.
posted by vas deference at 6:41 PM on January 18, 2009

What kind of money restrictions do you have, also? Are you set for the year and do you have any restrictions or goals on what you'll need to spend?

Are you needing to find your own program or work, could it be anything/anywhere?

What other things do you enjoy along the lines of weather/activities/hobbies?

(not that you have to answer in depth to us about all of these things, but something you may want to keep in mind) Also, there will be a huge difference between cities and rural in each country, and the work youre doing there might make a big difference in what types of things you experience.

I've been to most of the countries you're considering and they all have heaps of good things I could mention. Maybe mefi mail me or I'll check back when you've narrowed things down a bit.

Bottom line:
You can live in relative frugality and really experience any place you decide to. And
every country will teach you more lessons on life than you'll have time to take in during your year there.
posted by nzydarkxj at 9:25 PM on January 18, 2009

I'd like to hear some personal opinions on which country would teach me the most lessons in life and help me grow as a person.

Come to Asia :D

Any part of Asia (China, India, ...) where you can see real poverty will help you grow as a person.

Of course I might be pretty biased since I myself am located in South East Asia right now
posted by joewandy at 4:24 AM on February 17, 2009