With a growing Hispanic population, it is becoming more important to know the Spanish language if you want to have the edge socially as well as in business. It should come as no surprise that South America is a frequent destination to learn the language. There are a wide variety of schools set up to teach Spanish to people from around the globe.

First, let’s take a look at some of the countries that are likely to be your last picks when you are looking to learn Spanish in South America.

Venezuela is a fascinating country, but it’s probably off the table as a location for your studies. Although this used to be a good tourist destination, it is now dangerous and quite unstable. In fact, the government tends to be hostile towards Americans.

Because of some of Hollywood’s unflattering depictions of Colombia, this country has a bad reputation, one that does not accurately represent its charming people, modern cities, and exotic beaches. Although there are currently no established Spanish schools in this country, it likely will not be long before they exist and flourish as more and more people are waking up to the wonderful travel opportunities of this hidden gem.

Ecuador hosts many Spanish schools and is a cheap place to live and study. If you are on a very tight budget, you may want to consider this country. However, on the other hand, when it comes to educational standards, Ecuador is not very regulated.

On the other hand, a country that is a great choice when you are comparing Spanish schools in Latin America is Argentina. This part of Latin Ameiica’s “southern cone” is very popular with global students. There are some key reasons why this is true. Argentina used to be expensive, but since the currency was devalued in 2002, it has been a very inexpensive place to visit. In fact, thanks to the weak peso, this country is likely one of the best travel bargains in the world.

Students in Argentina can enjoy many world-renowned activities, such as attending a soccer game or learning the tango. Because this country is packed with nightlife and culture, it is a top destination for Spanish schools in Latin America.

Bolivia is another potential travel destination that offers very cheap language classes. The country has gorgeous natural parks as well as local festivals full of culture. However, if you choose to study in this country, it is important to note that safety can be a concern. There have been reports of assaults on tourists, and this country is considered to be politically unstable. You will probably want to wait for the security to improve.

Although Chile is the furthest travel destination, it is one that can be ideal for students. This country boasts a unique geography with serene lakes in the south, deserts in the north and a long coastline. With the Andes a prominent feature, you can even go snowboarding. Modern Santiago is a comfortable city to spend a few weeks or months of study. Although Chile tends to be slightly more expensive than Peru or Ecuador, the quality of life is also much higher and you will be comfortable most anywhere.

Peru, Chile’s neighbor to the north, is quickly gaining in popularity. This country has something for everyone with great food, famous archaeological sites, surfing and jungles to explore. With a clear and easy to understand Spanish dialect, Peru is good for beginners. In Peru, you can consider studying in the cosmopolitan, ocean side city of Lima. You can also head to Cusco for an experience in the mountains. In fact, you can study in both cities if you desire. Barbara Misland, a recent student in Peru stated, “Cusco is a perfect sized city which is very touristy, but still retains a lot of its cultural heritage and charm.”

Many students find success in visiting a combination of countries while they learn Spanish in South America. After all, there is an entire continent to explore with a wide range of activities and cultural events. Why limit yourself to one location? If you want to have an experience that will provide you with amazing memories for years and years, be flexible combine multiple desinations.ECELA helps you learn Spanish in South America at its schools in Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Beyond the classroom, cultural activities and family homestays add to your Spanish language experience. For course details => http://www.ecela.com/services_classes.php



After a week full of classes, you may be ready to hit the road! By taking day-trips and overnight voyages on the weekends when you attend a Spanish language school in Argentina, you can make your trip even more memorable

Of course, there is plenty to do right in your backyard. Your classes will be about 20 hours a week, so there is considerable downtime to enjoy the city. Buenos Aires has famously active nightlife, with tango dancing the obvious example.

Another popular activity is to attend a soccer match. Many people don’t realize that Buenos Aires has more professional teams than any city in the world. This world-class location also has some of Latin America’s best art museums. You don’t want to miss MALBA, which is visited by more than one million people each year.

Here are four ideas for some of the best trips to take on weekends while you learn Spanish in Buenos Aires:

1. Visit Colonia, Uruguay

Why not add another stamp to your passport? Take the ferry to the neighboring country of Uruguay. This trip only takes about an hour each way. A ferry trip across Rio de la Plata will cost about $50.

Colonia is a UNESCO heritage city. It is refreshingly uncrowded and has excellent beaches. Uruguayans speak a similar kind of Spanish as Argentines. and are typically more relaxed and welcoming.

2. Check out Tigre Delta

You can also take a day trip to Tigre delta. It is easy to get to this part of Argentina, which will amaze you with its many islands, water channels, and inlets. Just take a 70-minute train from Buenos Aires and the cost will be less than $1.

Once you are in the area, select an island to visit and a boat will drop you off. You can enjoy a variety of recreational activities including kayaking, swimming and volleyball. Also don’t forget to take a time-out to eat some world-renowned Argentine steak!

3. Experience Gaucho life at an Estancia

If you want to feel as though you have entered a completely different world, check out an estancia. This word is Spanish for “ranch.” You can experience the gaucho culture that rural Argentina is so famous for.

We recommend going to San Antonio de Areco, which is about 90 minutes from Buenos Aires. You can easily find tours from the city that take you on an excursion to and from an authentic estancia.

4. Take a weekend trip to Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is one of South America’s oceanside resorts. This area is about a 6-hour $50 bus ride from Buenos Aires. Or you can opt for a 1-hour flight for approximately $150 roundtrip.

Be sure to enjoy the water at Mar del Plata during the day. At night you can stay out late at an endless array of clubs. If you want to stay out until 5am, this is the place to do so!

The four trips listed above give you an escape every other week. This way an 8-week program of school would be accompanied by active sightseeing.

One of the great things about taking trips on the weekends when you attend Spanish school in Argentina is that is a great way to spend time with the new friends you will be making. You will meet many solo traveler looking for partners. Almost all students who learn Spanish in Buenos Aires find that they easily make new friends.

These weekend trips will make your trip to Argentina even more memorable. Just because you are studying during the week, doesn’t mean that you can’t relax and have fun on the weekends. You will also have great photos to share when you return home.To learn Spanish in Buenos Aires, book a course through Latin Immersion. It’s Spanish school in Argentina is located in Recoleta and provides a full calendar of cultural activities. Find out more => http://www.latinimmersion.com/learn-spanish-argentina.html