Learning Spanish Abroad: What is it, why should you do it and where should you go?

What is a Spanish language course?

• A Spanish language course is a series of lessons that teach you the basics of the Spanish language in a short period of time.
• There are several international standardized certificates: DELE, SIELE, CELU, TELC, DIE and ECL. DELE and SIELE certificates are most common when a proof of Spanish proficiency is requested
• A Spanish language course lasts an average of 50 to 100 hours spread over several weeks or months.
• A Spanish language course usually costs an amount comparable to other courses.

Why should you learn Spanish and take a Spanish language course abroad?

• Networking: Spanish is the second most important language in the world after English. 350 million people speak Spanish as their native language and almost 150 million people speak it as a second language. Spanish is the official language in 21 countries. In Latin America, which is becoming an increasingly important trading partner, Spanish is largely spoken (and hardly any English). It is estimated that within 50 years, half of all US residents will have Spanish as their native language.
• Helpfulness: once you speak a local language to some extent, you are immediately better able to communicate with the person you would like to help, and you can also let yourself be helped better
• Involvement: once you speak the language of someone else, you become closer to that person. It strengthens your sense of involvement and being part of the local culture
• Experience: going abroad to learn a language is one of the opportunities to step out of your comfort zone
• Creativity: learning a language is a way to learn to use your creativity better. For example, when searching for descriptions or using hands and feet
• Empathy: you train yourself to immerse yourself in a different way of speaking and often a different way of thinking

What do you need or can you do to learn a language and take a language course abroad?

• Being aware of your surroundings: wherever you are taught, you will always have to take your surroundings into account. Every country has its own rules and customs that you will have to adhere to to a certain extent.
• Be aware of the organization: every school or educational institution also has its own teaching method or vision on education. Also consider the limitations/challenges some schools face due to lack of funding or facilities.
• Communication skills: some prior knowledge of the local language is not a must, but it is a great advantage.

What are the risks of a language course or a language year abroad?

• The coverage of your health insurance may be cancelled if, for example, you go to work abroad
• You may suffer from homesickness and want to go home earlier (but there is a lot you can do about it, and prepare for it!)
• You may have problems with the organization with which you are going abroad (read more about solving problems abroad)
• What are the consequences if, for example, you end up in hospital?
• If you end up in hospital, you may have to pay the costs yourself if you have not taken out insurance that covers your activities

Are you insured for a language course abroad?

• A language course abroad will be covered by your current travel and health insurance if you are not going abroad for too long, are not going to do paid work or undertake special activities. In other cases, special insurance is often recommended or sometimes necessary.
• Read more: Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
• Read more: Verzekeren van een taalcursus of schooljaar het buitenland (NL)

What is the best place to go to learn Spanish abroad?

• Spain: Fiestas, Flamenco, tapas, life on the street, visits to beaches or beautiful cities, from Andalusia to Catalonia: you can learn Spanish in Spain how and where you want. By combining the course with dance, sports or culture, you can choose your ideal experience of Spain. Courses can be taken throughout Spain, including Madrid, Malaga, Valencia, Barcelona and Salamanca.
• Cuba: Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Cuban people. You can combine the language course with learning traditional Cuban dance and music or with a diving course. During a course you can also stay with a host family to really get to know the people and their culture. Courses are given in Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Trinidad, among others.
• Argentina: Learn Spanish in vibrant Buenos Aires, at the foot of the Andes or in beautiful Patagonia. After the language course you can participate in volunteer projects to put your Spanish knowledge into practice and really get to know the Argentine people. You can also participate in all kinds of active tours, skiing, horse riding, etc. Courses are given in Bariloche, Buenos Aires and Córdoba, among others. The courses take place at international language schools and are available at all levels: from beginner to advanced, in a group or individually and from one week onwards until you are fed up.
• Bolivia: Bolivia is known as the Tibet of South America because it is the most isolated and highest of all Andean countries. A beautiful country to get to know better, especially in Sucre, which is located at an altitude of almost 3000 meters. During the course, activities are often organized to introduce you to Bolivian cuisine, dance and sights in and around Sucre. You can follow the course in a group or individually.
• Chile: You follow the course in a cozy neighborhood of Santiago de Chile at a small and cozy language school. Due to the ideal location between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, there are many opportunities to seek adventure. For example, you can combine the language course with a ski course on weekends. The language school also organizes many weekend excursions, such as rafting and salsa lessons.
• Costa Rica: Active volcanoes, beautiful beaches and the impressive tropical rainforest. More than a quarter of Costa Rica is a protected nature reserve, which makes it a beautiful country to study Spanish. There are also ideal opportunities for rafting, kayaking and diving and you can combine your language course with a surfing course or with volunteer work. Courses are given in Playa Tamarindo, San Jose and Jaco Beach, among others.
• Dominican Republic: With its clear water, white beaches with palm trees and hospitable people, the Dominican Republic is a true tropical paradise. You will follow the course in the beautiful colonial district of the capital Santo Domingo. Here you can combine Spanish with a cooking course or a culture course, where you will learn more about the background and history of the country. Courses are given in Santo Domingo, among others.
• Ecuador: For nature lovers, learning Spanish in Ecuador is a dream; there are countless species of birds, insects and rare plants to be found. A visit to the Galapagos Islands should not be missed. If you also want to get to know the culture, you can combine the course with a cultural program with visits to museums and other sights or with doing volunteer work. Courses are given in Quito, Montanita and Banos.
• Guatemala: Guatemala is Latin America in extreme form. Here the volcanoes are the highest and most active and the Mayan ruins the most impressive. During or after the course in the center of Antigua you can visit the ruins in the jungle of the Mayan city of Tikal, volcanoes and coffee plantations at Lake Atitlán and the market of Chichicastenango where thousands of Indians from all over the region come together.
• Mexico: Sun, siesta, tacos, tequila, hammocks and sombreros. During your Spanish language course in Mexico you will notice that this country has even more to offer, such as the impressive Mayan culture, ruins, museums and a beautiful landscape. You can follow the Spanish lessons in small huts in Playa del Carmen, a characteristic colonial building in Oaxaca or next to the swimming pool in Cuernavaca. After the lessons you can enjoy the white beaches or try to master one of the Mexican folk dances. You can also combine your language course with volunteer work. Courses are given in Cuernavaca, Oaxaca and Playa del Carmen.
• Peru: The riches of the Incas, the beauty of the landscape, the exuberant fauna and the strong, colorful character of its people make Peru a beautiful country to visit. During a language course in Cusco you are in the heart of the former Inca empire surrounded by travel agencies that organizes excursions every weekend, so you can go rafting, horseback riding and visit Inca ruins in the area.