What to Know Before Learning Spanish Abroad

Learning Spanish abroad will open doors for you around the world. There are over 500 million Spanish speakers globally, including 42 million in the US alone. While you can study Spanish using an app in the comfort of your own home, why don’t you go on an overseas adventure instead?

Whether language learning is a hobby or you want to learn to speak Spanish fluently, we’ve got you covered. Read on to get the inside info on what you need to know before studying Spanish abroad.

With all of the free resources online you can use to study the language at home, why should you go abroad to learn Spanish? There are actually a ton of good reasons! Here are some of our favorites:

• Immersion is key: Many language enthusiasts and polyglots believe that the fastest way to learn Spanish is through total immersion. By surrounding yourself completely with the language, you’ll absorb more of it. Simply listening to the language as it's spoken will help you understand the rhythm and cadence which will enable you to hone your pronunciation. Using Spanish outside of the classroom makes you a more active learner, applying what you’ve learned to real-world situations.
• Culture provides context: Speaking another language is more than just words. Culture shapes the language and vice versa. To understand interpersonal interactions (levels of formality, directness, politeness, etc.), humor, and discussions around current events, you’ll need to understand a bit about the country’s history and culture. If you study Spanish abroad, you’ll experience culture in context.
• You’ll build confidence: Nothing will boost your confidence more than going to a local bakery and ordering your favorite coffee or giving directions to a stranger. Being understood is a beautiful thing. Although it’s scary at first to dive into using Spanish, it gets easier the more you engage in conversation. The best part is, the majority of native Spanish speakers across the world will be supportive of you, even if you make mistakes!
• You can make new friends: Being friends with native speakers has many benefits. It’s a great way to mutually share culture and gives you a window into local activities. You’ll also learn conversational Spanish in a natural setting by picking up slang and colloquialisms.
• University students can earn credits: Certain programs like SSA Education Abroad in Panama arrange for students to earn university credits during their time abroad. Travel, language learning, and credit hours: the perfect combination!

💸 Cost: $500-$1,000 USD a week (incl. housing)
📍 Popular cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia

The birthplace of the Spanish language, Spain is one of the most popular destinations for language students. Spain is an affordable European destination where you’ll enjoy fresh, healthy food and sunny weather (though Galicians would disagree!).

Many programs, like those offered by Spain Abroad, arrange an immersive homestay for students to enjoy life with a Spanish family – and that includes home-cooked Spanish cuisine! Spain has a very family-centric culture so this is the best way to experience life as a local.

💸 Cost: $250-$750 USD a week (incl. housing)
📍 Popular cities: Mexico City, Merida, Guanajuato

Did you know Mexico has 32 states? Technically one is a Federal District, like Washington D.C., but even so, that’s almost as many as the US, and we all know that no two states are alike. When you’re looking for a language program in Mexico, it’s important to consider the type of place you want to live. Do you want to spend your free time at the beach, or restaurant hopping in a big city? What you do outside of the classroom is just as important as the classes themselves.

Just like English, Spanish is diverse with its dialects, and Mexican Spanish is known for being one of the most quickly spoken. This may seem daunting at first, but bear in mind this is the predominant dialect taught in schools in the US. If you’ve had any Spanish education before, it might be more familiar.

💸 Cost: $350-$600 USD a week (incl. housing)
📍 Popular cities: Santiago, Valparaíso

Chilean Spanish is not for the faint of heart. It’s considered one of the fastest-spoken Spanish dialects with a large repertoire of slang. If you’re a beginner and you’re up for a challenge, give Chile a try! It’s said that if you can understand Chilean Spanish, you’ll understand Spanish from every other country.

Studying Spanish in Chile is well worth the work though. This gorgeous country is a nature-lover’s paradise with everything from beaches, and mountains to hot springs and red rock canyons. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to experience everything Chile has to offer. An added bonus, Chile also ranks consistently as one of the safest countries in South America.

💸 Cost: $350-$700 USD a week (incl. housing)
📍 Popular cities: Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Córdoba

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is known by many as the “Paris of South America''. This is due to the European influences seen in the city’s architecture and art. Outside of the capital, Argentina is beautifully mountainous with 7 different wine regions and over 3,000 miles of shoreline along the South Atlantic Ocean.

Argentinians and Uruguayans speak a dialect of Spanish called Rioplatense that is characterized by its unique pronunciation. If you’re used to Mexican Spanish, for example, the Spanish in Argentina can be challenging to understand at first. However, it sounds beautiful and can be a great way to better train your ear!

💸 Cost: $350-$550 USD a week (incl. housing)
📍 Popular cities: San José, Heredia, Sámara

Costa Rica’s unofficial slogan “Pura Vida” truly encompasses the culture and overall vibe of the country. Meaning “pure life”, the saying is often accompanied with the shaka sign. Also known in the US as the “hang loose” sign (fist with pinky and thumb extended), the gesture has roots in Hawaiian surf culture. Costa Ricans, or Ticos, embrace a laid-back approach with a focus on respecting the environment and embracing the simple things in life.

If you want to study Spanish by the beach, Costa Rica is a great place to do it. Some language schools even offer packages that include surf lessons!

💸 Cost: $400-$700 USD a week (incl. housing)
📍 Popular cities: Medellín, Bogotá, Cartagena

Colombia is a top destination for beginners to learn to speak Spanish. It is said that Colombians have one of the easiest to understand accents in Latin America. If you’re intimidated by the rapid-fire Spanish of Chile or the lilting tones of Argentina, Colombia is your best bet. This will make it easier for you to practice your Spanish with native speakers!

Despite the outdated stereotypes that persist, the truth is that Colombia is a safe and welcoming destination. Colombians are warm, friendly, and willing to help strangers if they need it. They also like to have fun – dancing and music are central to the culture. Pair your Spanish lessons with dance classes and learn cumbia, the country’s national dance.

When learning Spanish abroad, you’ll want to make the most of your experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Research programs thoroughly: Aside from the cost, you’ll want to compare what programs include. You may want add-ons like cultural events, cooking or dance classes, or a language exchange with community members. There are tons of great providers out there offering all sorts of programs and activities.
• Take your time: Spanish grammar and pronunciation can take some practice so go easy on yourself. Enjoy the process and don’t beat yourself up if you feel you aren’t progressing as quickly as you’d like to.
• Distance yourself from English: Being around other English speakers all the time won’t help you practice speaking Spanish. You’re more likely to lapse back into your native language because it’s comfortable. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is going to drastically improve your Spanish!
• Consider a homestay: Staying with a Spanish-speaking family will give you an insight into the culture (and food!). It will also give you a home away from home and potential lifelong friends.
• Be fearless! Even if you don’t speak perfectly, use every opportunity to talk to strangers. Chances are, they’ll be impressed with your skills and effort even if you don’t conjugate that verb just right.

Whichever country you choose to study Spanish abroad, you’re guaranteed to see improvements in your conversational Spanish and overall confidence. Embarking on your language journey in a Spanish-speaking country is one of the best ways to learn. Study Spanish overseas and take your skills to new heights!