BootsnAll Travel Community

Hello,

I am heading to Argentina (and possibly Chile) for about a month in October/November 2008 (planning in advance, I know). I'd like to find a school where I can study Spanish in the mornings and have free time in the afternoons and on weekends. I'm traveling by myself (27 year old Canadian girl), so I'd like to find a school where there are lots of opportunities to socialize and meet people, and one that offers shared accommodations with other students or locals.

Does anyone have recommendations for schools in Buenos Aires or Santiago? Also, do you have any advice on whether to study in Buenos Aires, Santiago, or both? I am thinking that I will take classes for about 3 weeks and leave the last week free for traveling and am trying to decide whether to stick to Argentina, since my time is limited, or also study for a week in Santiago.

Has anyone ever tried a school called Latin Immersion?

Thanks!

Hi Lesley:

As I receive many foreigners in my house (I run an small guesthouse) i strongly recommend, in cases like yours, not an institute, because the high prices and a rigid schedule of classes, but a private teacher. If you don't need a "certificate" is a very good option.

I know a very good private teacher (ex institute teacher) and she charge one-to-one 2 hour clases about 20 dollars.
you can ahgree to take early hours in the morning (evening is also a good option... between touristic visits in the city and the bars time...he...he...).

If you need extra info about her or about my house, email me.

http://www.minihostels.com/buenos-aires/language-schools.html has a variety of quality certified Spanish schools in Buenos Aires, both group and private, offering different types of structure tfor every budget. You should be able to find something that works for you. Happy searching!

Also, as far as taveling goes, I would stay in Argentina - there is so much to see here and it is a huge country so it takes some time to get around - good luck!

ECELA has schools in Buenos Aires and Santiago (Lima, too). Their Buenos Aires group classes are either from 9-1 or 2-6, depending on which level and class you get placed into. I am not sure if students have any say if they get placed in a morning or afternoon class. I just finished a two-week course (the levels are broken into 2-week courses) at the Buenos Aires school and thought it was well worth it. I had afternoon classes and would´ve preferred morning classes. I also stayed with a host family that the school set up and that has been really good. You can do that, have the school set up a shared apartment with other students, or set up your own accomodation. The Buenos Aires school sets up activities all throughout the week that are great for meeting other students and seeing the city.

I don´t know how comparable the Santiago location is but since it´s the same language school I´d put my money on it being a good place as well.