Backpacking in El Salvador?

• The backpacking culture in El Salvador is growing rapidly and attracting adventurous travelers. Popular destinations: Ruta de Las Flores (quaint villages, coffee plantations and lively markets), surf spots like El Tunco and numerous budget-friendly hostels and small-scale eateries.
• Characteristics: compact (relatively short distances), culturally diverse, very hospitable inhabitants.

Traveling in El Salvador?

• Cities spotting:San Salvador (capital and largest city), Santa Ana (colonial architecture and vibrant culture), Suchitoto (historic cultural town on Lake Suchitlán), La Libertad (coastal town).
• Activity spotting: surfing at La Libertad/El Tunco, Ruta de Las Flores (route connecting several small towns, including Juayúa, Apaneca and Ataco: markets, coffee plantations, waterfalls), climbing the (active) Santa Ana Volcano, visiting the Mayan ruins of Tazumal, kayaking on Lake Suchitlán.
• Nature spotting: boat trips on Lake Suchitlán, largest national park in El Salvador 'El Imposible' National Park, Cerro Verde National Park (with the three volcanoes Izalco, Santa Ana and Cerro Verde), Montecristo Cloud Forest on the border with Guatemala and Honduras, Baharona Ecological Park with a mix of forests, rivers and waterfalls.
• Animal watching: bird watching at Lake Suchitlán; spotting birds (toucans and arassaris), deer and rare plants in 'El Imposible' National Park, spotting exotic birds and butterflies in Cerro Verde, art area Barra de Santiag with marine animals like dolphins and -with luck- sea turtles.

Studying in El Salvador?

• Language: Most academic programs are taught in Spanish. Some universities offer programs taught partly in English, especially in fields such as economics and international relations. Again, a basic knowledge of Spanish is often helpful.
• Studies: broad study options, but additional focus on science, engineering, health care, arts, social sciences, economics, business administration and international relations.
• Study cities: San Salvador (academic center and rich student life), Santa Ana and San Miguel (to the east).
• Learning Spanish: San Salvador (most on offer), El Zonte (on the coast, surfing/beach), Suchitoto (rich cultural heritage).

Internship in El Salvador?

• Internships: many directions possible; above all in international relations and development studies, business and economics, environmental and sustainability studies, health and medicine, engineering, human rights, ICT and tourism/hospitality.
• Internship cities: San Salvador (business, economics, law, health and NGOs), Santa Ana (business management, tourism, education and health), San Miguel (construction, economics/business), Suchitito (tourism/hospitality), La Libertad (tourism/hospitality)
• Characteristics: hierarchical relationships are still very important within companies, respect for authority, as an intern you may find that family members and colleagues consider you part of their extended family, keep in mind warm greetings: handshakes, hugs or kisses on the cheek.

Volunteer in El Salvador?

• Volunteer projects: plenty of opportunities in education/educational programs, health care, community development, youth & sports, human rights/awareness, tourism and culture, among others
• Animals/nature projects: animal welfare and wildlife rehabilitation, environmental and nature conservation, sustainable agriculture, marine conservation, ecotourism
• Characteristics: volunteer work possible from 1 or 2 weeks to several months. Much is possible in El Salvador, but take time to understand the culture. Good opportunities to make your contribution sustainable, working with communities and sustainable projects.

Working in El Salvador?

• Jobs:temporary and permanent work especially in the areas of tourism/hospitality, education, environmental and sustainability, health care, business services, agriculture and sustainable development, construction, IT and telecommunications, international relations
• Characteristics:strong emphasis on personal relationships, respect, community and cooperation. Spanish is of course the language of instruction. Multiculturalism plays a major role in daily work dynamics. Avoid direct confrontation or criticism in public situations. Despite an informal work atmosphere, it is important to arrive on time for appointments and meetings.

Working as a digital nomad in El Salvador?

• Favorite locations: El Tunco (surfer village), San Salvador (co-working spaces, vibrant and modern), Suchitito (quiet and inspiring), La Libertad (coastal environment, beaches) and Juayúa (cooler climate, nature).
• Characteristics: Relaxed lifestyle, good work facilities. El Salvador attracts digital nomads who enjoy activities such as surfing, hiking and other outdoor activities. Many nomads combine their work with relaxation in the country's natural environment. The digital nomad community in El Salvador is supportive and welcoming, even in conjunction with the local culture.

Living in El Salvador?

• Language: Spanish is the official language, throughout the country.
• Quality of life: for foreigners, El Salvador offers a mix of good living conditions, relatively low cost of maintenance, beautiful nature, friendly and hospitable population.
• Characteristics: attractive residential destination thanks to its tropical climate, on the coast, beautiful and cooler nature in the interior and relaxed lifestyle. Cost of living is relatively low. Fairly safe destination as there are security issues and economic inequality in El Salvador as well.
• Health care: Large cities like San Salvador are well equipped, with modern medical facilities and specialized doctors. For foreigners, private hospitals are often the better choice, because of better facilities and English-speaking staff. Costs can be lower than in Western countries, but quality care varies. Seek advice on insurance policies that provide adequate coverage for proper care and also repatriation in case of emergency.

Stories, tips and experiences from El Salvador