Learn Spanish in Central America
Throughout the United States there are people just like you, who want to learn Spanish quickly and affordably. They may find the language useful in their business or community, or they may just want to be able to travel more easily and enjoyably throughout Latin America. If you have an open mind and a sense of adventure, you just might want to try a Spanish immersion school in Central America.
Spanish language schools can now be found in almost every Central American country. In addition to teaching students to speak the local language, the schools often offer cultural field trips in the area, cooking classes, dance classes, and other activities. Accommodation is usually arranged with a local family, which provides meals and a private bedroom. (The bathroom is usually shared with the family.) This adds another positive aspect to the trip – spending time with your host family can be one of the most rewarding parts of the school experience. You will become a true part of the family during your time there, and you’ll get an inside view of another culture and lifestyle. (In addition, conversations with the family can really strengthen your Spanish skills.)
Your daily classes will usually be one-on-one – and you will have the same teacher for the duration of your stay. You will likely be given a short test before you start, to determine your level of proficiency in Spanish. Classes can be as comprehensive and detailed as you like, but they will generally focus mainly on conversational skills. Your lessons will not necessarily take place in the classroom each day; you and your teacher may find it more enjoyable to practice Spanish outdoors, or even while taking walks around the neighborhood. Oftentimes games will be incorporated into the lesson – adding a bit of relaxed learning to the more structured lessons.
Another enjoyable part of the Spanish school experience is getting to know the other students. Far from being limited to a “young backpacker” crowd, your fellow students may also include businessmen, retirees, and families with small children. You will encounter people of all ages, all backgrounds, and all nationalities – some of whom may become your lifelong friends. A shared experience in another country can draw people together in a very special way.
If you are part of a group of people who are all interested in learning Spanish (coworkers, family members, students, a club), most schools will make special arrangements for you. In some cases they may be able to arrange special classes tailored to your needs (i.e., medical or business terminology), and they may coordinate host families which are located in the same area. (If you are traveling as a couple, it is usually very easy to find a family who will accommodate you together.)
Many schools are quite inexpensive – as an example, classes at the MontaÃ?±a Linda school in Orosi, Costa Rica, start at $185 per week, and a week at the Eco Escuela in San AndrÃ?¨s, Guatemala starts at $150. These prices include four hours per day of one-on-one Spanish instruction (Monday through Friday), accommodation with a family, and meals. $21 to $27 per day for an all-inclusive week at school – that is a bargain by any standard. And if you have an extended period of time to study, almost all schools will offer discounted rates for additional weeks of study (Eco Escuela’s rate for additional weeks is $135).
In certain cities (Antigua, Guatemala is the best example), there are so many schools competing for business that it is possible to find rates even lower than those mentioned above. The main drawback of studying in a town with so many tourists is that it is very easy to encounter other English speakers, and it’s easy to end up chatting exclusively in your native tongue. Schools in smaller, more remote areas tend to be a more true immersion experience – even the staff and instructors may not speak a word of English. This makes for some challenging conversations if you’re a beginner, but it does accelerate the learning process!
A budget travel guidebook can be a good resource for locating schools (try Lonely Planet or Rough Guides). In addition to pricing and location information, reviews and comments by past students are often included. An internet search can also be very helpful, especially in determining up-to-date rates. Email contact information will help you set up everything in advance – some schools will even arrange airport pickup.
Air fare will most certainly end up being the most costly part of your trip. It is smart to shop around for the best deal – there are consolidators who specialize in air tickets to Central America (Exito Travel is one), and these can be your best option. You will still want to check with the airlines directly, and try internet sites such as Expedia and Cheap Tickets as well – you never know where you might find the best discounted fare.
Your time at a language school in Central America may well end up being one of the most memorable experiences of your life. In addition to becoming skilled in the Spanish language, you will gather new friends and contacts, experience a culture vastly different from your own, and open your mind in unexpected ways. One thing is certain – a Spanish School in Central America will likely offer a much more rewarding learning experience than your average college classroom.
