Spanish courses

[bwlamas]

I am in need of Spanish lessons and as I will be in South America in April I need some tips about where to study the language. Any suggestions will be more than welcomed.
Thank you.

[albertnanni]

Look on the internet about lessons at hostels or something like that. Try at the hostel inn site that offered free lessons some time ago. A friend of mine has learnt some funny Spanish expressions being there. I dont have the hostel´s web page address but find it at www.yahoo.com

[Dan]

Hello and welcome to the forums.

If you have a moment, please complete your profile and sign in here.
Remember to use “Post Reply” to add your message to the thread. Using “New Topic” will result in confusion.

Are you wanting suggestions of where in SA to study Spanish, or are you hoping for something closer to home (wherever that may be!)?

If you already have plans for your trip, then some clues as to what part of that huge continent you are heading for would be useful to those wanting to help you out.

Dan.
_________________
The Avatar? Not really a tropical paradise... it is South Shropshire, UK.

[aquatrek]

Hi all
i am also planning a trip through latino americas and am trying to find the best centrally located cheapest immersion type school where i can arm myself with enough lingo in say 3 weeks so that i can "survive" - cheers

[Dan]

Hi Aquatrek -

Welcome to the forums.

If you have a moment, please complete your profile and sign in here.

Guatemala had plenty of immersion type language schools at reasonable costs. Antigua, Guatemala seemed particularly popular with budget travellers.

Quito also had some good language schools for travellers, and Ecuador has to be one of SA's cheapest destinations.

Please fill in your profile and introduce yourself in the thread I've linked to above to let us know more about where you're from.

Dan.
_________________
The Avatar? Not really a tropical paradise... it is South Shropshire, UK.

[KSissi]

Hi,
I have studied Spanish in Buenos Aires. If I can help you with my experience, write me to masinasisi@hotmail.com

[paul]

Welcome to the board... why not post details of your experiences here, and then it can be shared with all?

Paul
_________________
UK Hotels - UK Selfcatering - UK B&Bs - UK Attractions
Luxury Travel - Lake District Apartment

[KSissi]

I have studied Spanish at Verbum school, www.verbum.biz
I had a very good experience there, prices were affordable, my teacher was very good and the director very helpful.

[andando]

I designed a fun and budget conversational spanish course that takes place all around the city of Buenos Aires!
It's an alternative option to languge schools (Specially 'cus is three times cheaper!!)trough a week of visiting places and learning about the people, culture and of course, language!
If you are looking for more "formal" education, the "Laboratorio de idiomas" of the University of Buenos Aires has very good courses as well!
Good luck with your search!
_________________
Pau
Ask me about a fun and budget way to learn Spanish in Buenos Aires!
andando@argentina.com

[mendocinateacher]

Well, I am not a Spanish teacher here in Mendoza, but have been teaching English for several years, and I am familiar with many of the Spanish schools and teachers here, and have talked to a lot of foreign students who have studied Spanish over the years.

Yes, it is true that most Spanish teachers do not have qualifications or training to teach Spanish in Argentina. In fact, many do not have teaching qualifications at all. There are few places to get training as a Spanish language teacher in Argentina, and most that have teaching credentials have English or Spanish Literature credentials. The best ones have DELE certification from the Cervantes Institute of Spain.

Also, there is no such thing as a "certified" language institute in Argentina. There are advertising groups for "partner schools" that call themselves associations, but they are just a loose net of different schools that join together to give "recommendations" in different cities. For example, the " SEA - Asociación de Centros de Idiomas " which has many "member schools", has no real educational development function at all, it is just a way for "member schools" to advertise, and many of their schools are terrible (I know, because I have taught English at many of these schools, in BA and In Mendoza, at one time or another). Be carfeul. The best way to be sure is to get personal recommendations or references from former students. Some of these schools have some good Spanish teachers, but most are only mediocre, it is often a question of luck.

Also, be careful of websites from places like New York, Madrid and London who say they have "schools" in places like Mendoza or BA. They are nothing more than agents that charge large sums to Spanish schools in Argentina as a way of attracting students, which is the big battle here. If the sites (and probaly they are the majority of the sites that you get after a search) do not give the address and/or telephone number of the school (because they do not want you to contact them directly so they lose their big commission), do not deal with them. Be satisfied only after direct contact and after you feel confident in the school administrator or teacher.

There are some excellent Spanish teachers in small schools or who offer private lessons to small groups and individuals. For example, I have had excellent comments form foreign tourists and expats I have met in the cafes about Spanish instruction from:

Ana María Troncoso

Also, be carfelul about the accomodation arrangements of many of the institutes or other places, either they are overpriced or they are homestays wghere you are not really welcome. Again, personal recommendations from many students are always the best measue.

Enjoy your visit and studies here in Argentina, it is always a pleasure to run into people like you!

Buen viaje!