We recently shared our top 4 Spanish-English language exchanges, but studying Spanish in Europe isn’t the only option.
Because whether you’re a parent of a young language learner or yourself learning Spanish, Latin America offers plenty of opportunities for language learning too.
Many Lingoo users provide homestays and language exchanges in Latin America’s best cities, towns, and villages. Team this with the countless language schools based in Latin America and there’s the recipe for success for every language learner.
There are many advantages to studying Spanish in Latin America, a group of countries that includes the whole of South America plus Mexico, Central America, and some islands within the Caribbean.
Here, we share the top reasons to study Spanish in Latin America.
It’s easier for beginners
Whilst like Spain, Latin America has its own range of accents and dialects. Generally speaking, the accents of native Latin American speakers are easier to understand.
Around the world, the pronunciation of Spanish is more consistent. This means that newfound language skills can be used all over the globe long after a homestay or language exchange.
In Latin America the conjugation ‘vosotros’ – which is the plural “you all” – is not used as it is in Spain. This ensures a more straightforward learning experience for students, particularly those just starting their language learning journey. The lispy “Z” that Spaniards in Spain are known for is also absent in Latin America, which can make language learning easier.
Explore diverse cultures
Latin America is so vast, that you’d expect an equally as wide ranging mix of ethnic and national backgrounds and cultures. You won’t be disappointed.
It’s the personification of a cultural melting pot, with the 21 main countries in Latin America providing their own unique mix of people. It could even mean discovering Latin American cultures never heard of before, a fact that makes it an exciting place to explore and study.
During a Latin American homestay or language exchange, the guest will learn that culture is particularly complex. It’s not just the differences on the surface (i.e. language, clothes, appearance, art, architecture, and celebrations) that should be uncovered during the stay.
Dig a little deeper and it’s possible to discover more about the differences in heritage, history, attitudes, values, and beliefs that make each Latin American culture utterly unique.
A lower cost of living
The initial cost of flights may be higher when travelling to Latin America to study Spanish, particularly when compared to mainland Spain. But the cost of living once there is much lower in many Latin American countries.
Learning a language on a budget is possible by studying in Latin America. With Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Argentina, Mexico and Ecuador the Latin American countries where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. Peru is another exciting and affordable place to study Spanish. As Culture Trip explains Peru’s capital city is a vibrant and inexpensive place to call home:
“Although Miraflores’ top bars and restaurants are notoriously upmarket, the rest of the city is a dead set bargain. Munch on fresh ceviche at a roadside stall, sip on pisco sour at a local watering hole, or meander through the colonial sights of this phenomenal city in the smug knowledge that your budget is well and truly in check.”
Accommodation can be affordable (or even free) with a homestay or language exchange. There are many plus-points to booking a homestay for a visit to Latin America. Homestays will see the student stay with native speakers, with Spanish lessons on tap whenever needed.
A homestay or language exchange also provides an excellent opportunity to learn a third language. With Portuguese and French both widely spoken across many Latin American countries too.
Much better weather
Winters in Spain provide milder weather that’s obviously a considerable improvement on the weather endured during the cooler months in the UK. But when looking to go a step further and enjoy a more tropical climate, then travelling to Latin America is a must.
In South America, their summer is the UK’s winter. However, the climate does vary, with rainy and dry seasons occurring from November to March in most countries. But most Latin American countries enjoy a subtropical or tropical climate - making it an excellent place to book a Spanish homestay.
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