Find out how to choose a language course for learning Spanish abroad

When it comes to learning languages, Spanish is one of the most popular. And with all the cultural and gastronomic richness offered by the countries where this language is spoken, it is not surprising that more and more people feel interested in learning it. 

Whether you are motivated by work or personal reasons, taking a Spanish course represents an excellent opportunity to expand your mind and adopt a new perspective of another culture. 

There are almost 500 million people in the world who speak Spanish. Do you want to be one more? Then join us to discover how to choose a Spanish course among the thousands of options that exist. 

Choosing a country

This is the first step on your path to learning to speak Spanish. You probably already have one in mind. There are 21 countries that have Spanish as an official language. You can go to Spain and take an intensive Spanish course in Barcelona or Mexico. 

However, just like English, the variety of accents and dialects that Spanish has is diverse. Even within the same country, there are differences in vocabulary. 

Will you be working with Spanish speakers from a specific country or moving to a Spanish-speaking country? Then you might find it favorable to learn Spanish in your destination country. But if you don't have a specific purpose then choose the country whose Spanish you are most comfortable listening to. 

On YouTube, you will find hundreds of videos of Spanish speakers from different countries to compare. 

Choosing a program that fits your goals

After choosing your destination, the next step is to find a program that suits your needs. In this regard, language courses come in different shapes and sizes. They also vary in price, duration and learning modality. 

Online vs. face-to-face

The opportunities for online language learning have multiplied since the appearance of COVID-19. While this is not a new concept, studying a foreign language online has become a more interactive and immersive process. 

Long or short-term course?

The length of the course is largely dependent on your individual goals. However, many people embark on this mission-driven by cost and time commitment. If you take a course that lasts days or weeks it will be much more affordable than taking one that lasts months. 

On the other hand, if you are someone with work, school, or family commitments it is probably not feasible for you to stay abroad for an extended time. 

Besides, between the length of study and the learning curve, there is a correlation that may seem obvious. 

In the case of students who take a short-term language program, they may be more focused knowing that they have a limited amount of time to learn. In the end, the experience of learning Spanish - whether long or short - will depend entirely on your effort. 

Cultural immersion vs. face-to-face classes

Did you know that many language programs include cultural immersion opportunities? 

That's right. Those who organize these types of learning programs are aware of how important it is for students to not only learn Spanish but also to create intercultural bonds, as well as learn about the customs and norms associated with the language. 

So, by taking this type of program for an additional fee you will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as cooking classes, as well as art and dance. You will also be able to go on tours to museums and other places of interest. 

And if you are thinking of taking a program that has only a classroom component then you should know that at the end of the class, you will be encouraged to explore the town or city where you reside. 

This option may be preferable if you are a traveler who wishes to chart your itinerary.