Popular Destinations to Study Spanish
- Spain
- Argentina
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Online
Top Reasons to Study Spanish
Spanish is the second most studied language in the world with around 20 million students.
Spanish is spoken throughout the world and you can have a more enjoyable travel experience if you can master a few conversational words and phrases. If you are planning a trip overseas it is recommended you learn basic phrases which will help make your trip easier and more fun. Some things will be easier to do too, for example booking accommodation, transport or even little things like buying goods in the local supermarket.
A lot of people often say they are going to learn a new language as part of a new year resolution but so many don't follow though with this. Being immersed in a Spanish speak countries culture makes it easier to pick up the language than for example learning in an English speaking country, this is because you will be talking to and surrounded by Spanish speaking people so you will get more chance to practice. There are various different types of Spanish courses available both online and in a real classroom. Below we provide a run down of the most popular options.
You will get to immerse yourself in a new culture, interact with local people, learn in a structure way and be more than just a tourist. Our strongest belief is that learning Spanish while living in a native speaking country is the best way to learn and gain a real understanding of the language.
Top Things to Consider Before Booking a Course
- What is your motivation for studying Spanish abroad?
- When are you thinking of taking your course?
- What countries or locations are you interested in?
- What level of Spanish do you think you are right now?
- What is your budget?
Top 10 Tips for Studying Spanish
- Use every free moment to study
- Be patient and don't give up - you won't become flent overnight
- Practise practise practise
- Make friends with a native speaker
- Book a language course
- Visit the country to interact with locals
- Listen to music, podcast or watch television/films with subtitles
- Try to learn a new word or phrase every day
How to Choose a Spanish Language School
There are lots of Spanish language schools all around the world so it can be difficult to choose one to study at. All schools are different and first you need to decide get an idea of what countries you would be open to studying in. Then you need to find out what level of course you will need to do, some school specalize in certain courses whilst others offer a full range from beginner up to experienced level.
Prices of courses can differ dramatically from school to school, sometimes this includes accommodation, meals, transport and extras like trips and excursions. Some schools might be cheaper than others but sometimes this means the level of tuition isn't as good so it can be better to pay a little more and get the best expertise as possible. We highly recommend viewing feedback and reviews on websites like facebook where you can see past peoples experiences.
Top Rated Spanish Language Schools
If you are looking to learn Spanish the language schools we have listed are some of the best in the world. They offer a range of courses in a wide range of countries. Thousands of people study Spanish every year with these schools and you can too. Search courses above.
Types of Courses
Beginners Spanish Classes
You can find beginners Spanish classes all around the world, these are usually a lot of fun where you will meet people from all over the world and learn at the same pace.
Intensive Spanish Couses
Language schools around the globe offer intensive courses for new learners, these are usually in classroom with around 8 students and one teacher. These lessons can be a great way to learn Spanish!
Private / One on One Courses
These types of courses can often be the quickest way to learn where you will get one on one help and guidance from an experienced teacher. Please note you will likely pay more for these classes.
Combination Courses
Some language schools offer package which can include dance, music or cooking classes to go alongside a Spanish course. This can be a fun way to try something new like a dance and language sombo course.
Business Courses & DELE Preparation
Small group classes will help students develop language skills to help them in the business environment. These courses will prepare you with the necessary Spanish language skills for business. Course consist of group classes alongside other professionals or business students seeking to advance their careers in the business sphere where Spanish language is an important element. Everything is based on learning Spanish in a professional setting. Language schools aim to put our students in real life situations by offering a series of tasks and projects that they can complete alone or in groups. DELE preperation courses consist of one to one lessons to prepare students for the Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera exam (DELE).
Online Spanish Couses
Perfect if you are looking to learn at your own pace, you can purchase an online Spanish course and learn from anywhere in the world. We recommend spending a little more and getting video guidance which will come in really helpful.
Accommodation
There are lots of different options when it comes to living abroad and studying Spanish. Some language schools provide accommodation where you will live with other students, this is usually at a shared house or hostel. You can also find accommodation for yourself or even participate in a homestay. Living with a local family is a great way to experience life in the country you are studying whilst also practising your Spanish every day.
Cost, Eligibility & How to Book
The price you pay really depends on which country you choose and how long you want to join for. No previous experience is needed to study Spanish abroad are there is usually no eligibility criteria. All nationalities can enroll, you will need to pay a fee to join classes and this usually varies depending on the country you study in. Sometimes accommodation is included in the price you pay but you will need to pay for flights.
What to Expect
There are language schools all around the world who offer courses to all levels and abilities so if you have never learnt any words, phrases or sentences before you can join beginners language courses. Beginners courses are usually the most popular, during these classes you will pick up the basics of the Spanish language and really see an improvement in your skill level. You could then progress and take the next level up. Beginners classes are a great introduction to the language where you will learn with other people who are the same level as you.
The length of Spanish courses really depends what class you choose and how much you want to learn. Some short classes last from one to two weeks which are perfect for a holiday or short break you might be planning. Whilst if you really want to learn a lot there are courses where you can study for over a year! Some classes are more intense than others and you can choose what option is best for you. On some classes you might be studying during the morning and then have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the country you are visiting - this is great if you are located close to a beach.
Some others have classes during the afternoon, evening and there are also all day classes where you will really learn a lot. There are flexible and more structured classes with start dates throughout the year, you can register early to avoid spaces in advance and also book for next year.
Cheapest Places to Study Spanish Abroad
Are you researching language schools and destinations on a limited budget? If you are looking to book a cheap Spanish course some countries offer better value than other and if you want to not break the bank it is important to make the right decision. There are towns and cities in Spain and Latin America which have lots of excellent Spanish schools for international students and choose the right one can be a tough decision.
Whilst most people might consider big cities like Madrid and Barcelona or countries like Mexico and Argentina as the most iconic and best places to study Spanish, it is important to take into consideration other factors like living and course costs, entertainment, lifestyle and experiences available.
Don't be afraid to venture to towns and cities you might not have even heard of before. Usually the lesser known smaller destinations usually have cheaper tuition costs and also more affordable living standards. Also something to consider is that people in each location has a different Spanish accent. This is especially the case in South America where dialects and accents can vary dramatically from country to country.
Best Places to Learn Spanish Abroad
With the growth of the Spanish-speaking population, particularly in the United States, many more students are seeking to study abroad and find the best locations for learning Spanish. Britanny VanderBeek has enjoyed studying Spanish in Spain and Latin America, utilizing her Spanish in Costa Rica, Argentina, Mexico and in some of the Caribbean islands. Through her travels and study experiences, she has lots of advice and recommendations for the top countries to consider where you will find cheap affordable courses, low living costs and fantastic tuition.
Each Spanish-speaking country is different and each will provide you with a unique language and cultural experience. There isn't one definitive perfect location to learn Spanish, you will need to weigh up your interests, budget, type of course you are seeking and also which area of the world you would like to go. I hope my insights and guide to the best and cheapest cities/countries for studying at a Spanish language school are a helpful start as you make the decision about where to choose...
Salamanca, Spain
Salamancan inhabitants are known to speak "pure" Spanish. This will give you the opportunity to learn traditional Spanish, less influenced by tourism and general European culture than other cities in Spain, such as Madrid and Barcelona. Salamanca is the home of the University of Salamanca, which is the oldest university in Europe. It was declared the World Heritage City by UNESCO in 2002 as a European City of Culture. Everywhere you walk, you will find music, art, and dance performances. It is also known to be a City of Festivals, including Dia de los Reyes Magos, Semana Santa, Corpus Christi, and Feria de Salamanca. Check out my post, Top Reasons to Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain, to learn more!
Costa Rica
If you would like to study Spanish in South America you will struggle to find a more beautiful destination than Costa Rica. Throughout Costa Rica, you will find some of the best natural scenery in Latin America, including La Fortuna, Arenal, and the Monteverde cloud forest. The hospitable culture of Costa Rica will make it easy for you to practice Spanish with the locals who are there to welcome you.
Santiago, Chile
Santiago places you in the middle of some of the longest stretches of pristine wilderness in the world, including Patagonia, the Atacama desert, and the glaciers of Tierra del Fuego. You will be able to learn Spanish in Chile while experiencing some of the most exciting outdoor adventures in the world. For those of you hoping to conduct business in Spanish, Santiago is the perfect place to be. Santiago is one of the fastest growing business capitals in South America, encouraging business people throughout the world to work and live there. In addition, Chileans are very friendly and interested to help others learn Spanish. They also are proud of their indigenous heritage, as reflected by some of the indigenous words used in their Spanish vocabulary.
Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the cheapest places in the world to book a Spanish language courses in Central America and is also one of the most popular. You can find courses as low as $150 USD for a week of intensive Spanish classes including a full home stay. Guatemala is also very safe despite what you might think and there are some great places to book a course including Antigua and the villages surrounding the incredible Lake Atitlan.
Nicaragua
Still relatively undiscovered, Nicaragua is a fantastic country to study Spanish if you are looking for an authentic experience which is a far less touristy than other countries in the region. Nicaragua is also one of the best value destinations in terms of course and living costs whilst there are also some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the continent here - all free to visit.
Tenerife
Would you like to learn Spanish in Spain whilst experience spectacular surroundings? Consider choosing Tenerife which has a warm climate all year round and is one of the cheapest Spanish islands to visit in terms of the whole package - flights, accommodation and courses. There are lots of Spanish schools on the island offering a range of different courses which are generally a lot cheaper than on the mainland. A 2 week beginners course with 10-20 classes per week and housing will cost around €280. All the main activities in Tenerife are free too like visiting the beach whilst public transport is also very affordable and you will get lots of free time to explore this spectacular island in the your spare.
Alicante
Studying Spanish in Spain doesn’t have to be expensive, you just need to choose the right location. Alicante is another one of our top choices, this is a popular tourist hotspot with both international tourists and also students seeking to study languages abroad. This city is very small, you can literally walk to all the major places which means you will get to keep transport costs down. There is also a huge local market where you can buy groceries and food at a fraction of the price of large supermarkets. Spanish courses in Alicante usually start from around €180 for a standard two week course which makes it one of the cheapest places to study Spanish in the whole of Spain.
Other Places to Consider:
Below we feature some the most popular cities abroad to learn Spanish:
Each Spanish-speaking country is different and each will provide you with a unique language and cultural experience. There isn't one definitive perfect location to learn Spanish, you will need to weigh up your interests, budget, type of course you are seeking and also which area of the world you would like to go. I hope my insights and guide to the best and cheapest cities/countries for studying at a Spanish language school are a helpful start as you make the decision about where to study Spanish abroad.