Situated on the Pacific coast of Central America, El Salvador is between Guatemala and Honduras. The smallest of the Central American countries, El Salvador’s area is equal to that of Massachusetts. Most of the country is on a fertile volcanic plateau.

Founded in 1525, San Salvador was the second city in Central America. Today, it is the capital and largest city of the country. San Salvador is the center of El Salvador’s trade and communications. Beer, tobacco products, clothing, textiles, pottery, ceramics and soap are produced there. The population of the metropolitan area is nearly 2 million.

San Salvador is also home to Estadio Custatlán, the largest soccer venue in Central America and the Caribbea, with a capacity of more than 45,000 and an LED screen more than 40 meters in height.

TOUR THE SAN SALVADOR VOLCANO

The most iconic part of the city of San Salvador is its San Salvador Volcano. It provides striking views of the city, with El Picacho (its highest peak) reaching nearly 2000 meters above sea level. The volcano last erupted in 1917.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

This program is offered through Santa Clara University at the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA), one of the most prestigious institutions in El Salvador. Volunteer opportunities and immersion are a cornerstone of this program. Students are paired with fellow classmates and assigned field placements in a local Salvadoran marginal/poor community. They work two full days each week with that community for the entire semester. Students live together in a learning community near the University of Central America. Students live in one of three houses, Casa Romero, Casa Silvia or Casa Ita, which are located just a minute walk from one another.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about our study abroad program in San Salvador, El Salvador, visit our website.