Spanish is the world’s second-most spoken language and the official language across a whopping 21 countries. Learning Spanish gives students the chance to explore Hispanic culture, communicate with people living in Spanish-speaking countries, and get employed. In today’s times, Spanish is a widely taught language, and even non-Spanish speaking countries have institutes that offer basic and advanced courses.
One of the greatest dilemmas for prospective Spanish learners is whether to pursue Spanish studies in their native countries or a pre-university course abroad. While learning Spanish in your native country would undoubtedly be the more economical option, going abroad to learn and master the language is an option that’s being explored by more and more people in recent times. After all, the latter option involves traveling, meeting new people, and having countless new experiences.
In this post, we’ll be taking you through the best countries and cities around the world for learning Spanish. So if you’re interested in learning Spanish and traveling at the same time, why not do both through Ynsitu? We are a platform that connects students with the best courses from around the globe.
Spain
Spain is the destination of choice for people from Asia and Europe when it comes to learning Spanish. Apart from being the birthplace of the language, it also has a rich cultural heritage and numerous exotic places that make it a traveler’s paradise.
Some of the best cities for learning Spanish in Spain include:
Madrid
The Spanish capital is the dream destination for prospective Spanish learners, as the city’s people are known for their crystal-clear accent. Madrid is also one of Europe’s most developed cities, and with an abundance of schools offering Spanish courses, it offers countless options for students to choose from. However, Madrid has a high standard of living, which makes it an expensive destination.
Salamanca
The people of Salamanca in western Spain are known for their clarity in terms of speaking Castilian Spanish. It’s also a major university city, which makes it a place that’s always brimming with students from all over the world. Even though Salamanca doesn’t have as many activities to offer as Madrid, it’s a destination that’s cherished for its safety, tolerance, and affordability.
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Spain’s most glamorous destinations, and it boasts of a unique culture, pleasant weather, and an abundance of activities. Like Madrid, it’s one of Spain’s most expensive cities. Even though Castilian Spanish is spoken and understood by the native population, most people prefer to use Catalan, a language unique to Barcelona and its surrounding areas.
Granada
A city in the Andalusian region bordering the southern coast of Spain, Granada is the ideal destination for prospective Spanish learners who’re up for a challenge. In Granada, the majority of the inhabitants speak Andalusian Spanish, which has several differences from Castilian Spanish but is remarkably similar to the dialects spoken in South America. Even though Andalusian Spanish can be difficult to learn for beginners, it’s the best dialect for communicating with speakers of the Spanish language around the world.
South America
With the exception of Brazil, almost all other South American nations use Spanish as their official language. Countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, and Chile, are frequented by Spanish learners for their excellent language courses. If you’re a resident of the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, South America would be a better place to learn Spanish than Spain.
Let’s take a look at some South American cities that you could consider for an abroad program for learning Spanish:
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Many regard Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, as South America’s finest city. It’s also one of the best places to learn Spanish on the continent as it is home to several well-known Spanish schools. Combined with the grand architecture and the exciting nightlife, Buenos Aires makes for an excellent Spanish learning destination for students who want to mix studying, exploring, and partying.
Oaxaca City, Mexico
Oaxaca City in Mexico’s Centro District may not be as celebrated as popular Mexican cities like the capital, Mexico City, and Guadalajara, but as a center of Spanish learning, very few in the country can compare to it. Oaxaca City is home to an amazing array of Spanish schools, and the fact that it’s less frequented by tourists compared to other cities makes it ideal for the dedicated Spanish learner.
Santiago, Chile
Santiago is the capital of Chile, and in recent times, it has established itself as a Spanish learning hub. The city boasts some of the most highly-rated Spanish schools in the continent that have devised innovative methods to make Spanish learning as effective as possible. Santiago also offers a plethora of activities, such as exploring the city’s museums and fine dining scene, along with the vineyards in nearby Valparaiso.
Havana, Cuba
The Cuban capital of Havana is one of South America’s tourist havens, and its exotic culture, rich history, and stunning beaches make it a must-visit city in the Caribbean. It’s also a great place to learn Spanish for foreign students who want to experience the laid-back vibe that Cuba is famed for globally. It’s also the perfect place for students to unwind and party when they get the time, as it is home to some of the most trendy bars on the continent.
So, we’ve covered eight potential destinations for you to pick from in this post and which one you choose depends on certain factors. For example, if you want to learn Spanish in a city that’s full of things to do and places to explore, you should pick from options such as Madrid, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, and Santiago. You must also consider the expenses involved, as these cities aren’t the most pocket-friendly.
However, if your sole purpose of going abroad is to learn Spanish in a peaceful environment that isn’t as expensive as Barcelona or Madrid, you’d be better off in a place like Oaxaca City, Granada, or Salamanca.
Discover 6 great reasons to start learning spanish now and take your pick from the wide variety of Spanish courses abroad available on Ynsitu and live the inspirational life of a traveling learner.