Discover the Best Place to Learn Spanish
Nothing is more exciting than planning a trip to the best place to learn Spanish!
Although there are more than 20 Spanish-speaking countries, today we’ll go over everything you must consider to study Spanish abroad.
Before getting fully into the subject, let’s remember that Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with nearly 500 million speakers.
It will give you tremendous professional, academic, and cultural advantages! If you learn Spanish, you will also learn about other cultures and iconic stories you can share with friends and family.
So, let’s start exploring!
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Choose the Right Environment for Spanish Language Acquisition
We know the importance of where we will receive an education to process information more easily.
When studying a second language, it is also essential to be in the right environment to learn to speak it fluently, understand the grammar rules, etc.
According to language acquisition theories, the quality and quantity of student exposure greatly impact their learning outcome.
That is why surrounding yourself with the language is essential for learning. So, we recommend watching movies, reading articles, and listening to music, all in Spanish.
With the rapid growth of societies, the economy, mobility, and globalization, language learning techniques have diversified.
It is common to recommend students to combine traditional Spanish classes with an immersive experience in a more natural and everyday environment.
According to Christina Isabelli-García, in this environment, students have many opportunities to interact with native speakers in all contexts and thus improve their communication skills.
Choosing the right place to learn a second language positively impacts language proficiency.
It’s a no-brainer, really.
Read also: How Many People in the World Speak Spanish?
Studying Abroad as an Immersive Experience
You can learn Spanish anywhere in the world, even in Japan, Madagascar, or New Zealand.
But studying in a Spanish-speaking country would be an excellent experience for you. It can help you become more independent, make new friends, and get to know the culture of a new place.
Plus, imagine being immersed in the language 24/7!
It is one of the most natural and intense ways to expose yourself to any language since all your senses will be ready to learn, and soon you’ll be used to being exposed to Spanish.
You can go to Europe or Latin America. How exciting!
Of course, people often choose Madrid. After all, Madrid is the capital of Spain and where Spanish was born and expanded to the rest of the countries in Latin America.
And if you’re a fan of languages, you will find the headquarters of the Royal Spanish Academy (Real Academia Española – RAE) in Madrid. The RAE is in charge of the general guidelines of the Spanish language.
Madrid is a safe city, and in its streets, you can enjoy lots of cultural events. Also, you can easily travel to other famous cities in Spain like Zaragoza, Valencia, La Rioja, etc.
However, Spain has one of the strongest Spanish accents compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.
Another of the famous places to learn Spanish is in the city of Antigua Guatemala, located in Guatemala, south of Mexico.
Many think that the Guatemalan accent is one of the clearest and most neutral accents in Latin America, along with Colombia. So, it makes it a safe destination to learn Spanish abroad.
In Antigua Guatemala, you will find a variety of academies, schools, and organizations for you to learn Spanish.
You will also enjoy the hundreds of cultural activities throughout the year to continue practicing what you learn in your lessons.
Learn about the history of this colonial city through its streets, architecture, and traditions that people have kept alive over hundreds of years.
You will always see tourists from all over the world exploring its streets and learning about its traditions, especially during Easter.
North to Guatemala, you will find Mexico, another place you’ll find thousands of educational offers that will help you improve your Spanish.
If you like big cities, then Mexico City is for you! It is the second largest city in Latin America and more than 8 million people there.
In Mexico City, you can enjoy lots of Mexico’s famous traditions. You can go to art shots, visit iconic places such as the Chapultepec Castle, the Frida Kahlo Museum, the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe, and even Arena Mexico, to watch a wrestling match.
Surely, you’re more familiar with the Mexican accent because of soap operas. Maybe you have a friend from Mexico. But you must really live there to learn Mexican slang and learn to differentiate between the Norteño accent, Chilango, Costeño, etc.
Spoiler alert: you’ll need a lifetime to see all of Mexico.
Here’s an alternative: go to South America.
Colombia is a great option! You can learn Spanish easily there since people and experts consider Colombian Spanish as the most neutral type of Spanish in the world.
Although the accent may be more pronounced in certain regions, Colombian’s relaxed accent will train your ear. If you visit Colombia, you’ll be able to speak Spanish in no time.
Medellín is one of the cities where you can venture into your experience of bilingualism and learning Spanish.
You can find many museums, restaurants, and language academies in this city. Also, if you like dancing, in Medellín, you can learn salsa from some of the best salsa dancers in the world!
Remember to try the delicious Colombian coffee!
Other big Latin American cities you can go to learn Spanish include San José, Costa Rica; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Santiago, Chile; and Lima, Perú.
We recommend: 8 Places to Learn Spanish in Costa Rica
How to Choose the Best Place to Learn Spanish?
Now you know some destinations and the best way to learn Spanish abroad. But we know it might be hard to choose only one!
Ask yourself some questions first.
Do you wish to study in one with a strong accent, like in Spain?
Or do you prefer a more relaxed and neutral language like Colombian? Perhaps you would like to master Mexican Spanish because you like how it sounds.
You should also make a budget. Consider how long you want to be in the city, the cost of food and accommodation. If you’re traveling with your family, then you might need to rent a house.
Then it’s time to look for schools!
Search online for Spanish schools plus the city you want to visit. You then can ask them about their curriculum and the methods they use.
We recommend you check if they offer additional activities such as language exchange meetups, conversation groups, volunteer opportunities, etc.
Remember that not all schools offer an immersive experience, so look for extracurricular activities.
Additionally, check if the school can help you if you need sponsorship to get a student visa. Some even offer to pick you up at the airport. It’s always a good idea to ask.
Some schools and academies offer financial aid.
And finally, think about whether the type of program you will study will positively impact your career when you return home.
Many of the programs offer to help you get internships. Or, you can take exams that will assess your Spanish level. Some schools are certified internationally. Others are not. This will all impact your learning experience.
See also: Spanish Dialects: Which One is the Easiest to Master?
Ready to Choose Your Best Place to Learn Spanish?
All programs are different. So, take your time, choose at least five options, and analyze the pros and cons to decide what’s best for you.
While you’re doing research, you can start learning Spanish on the side, using apps. This will help you so by the time you arrive at your destination, you can already speak some Spanish to get around.
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