Where Can I Learn Spanish?

Students take language classes in Bolivia (divided into small groups based on language level)

After years of whizzing through Spanish classes in school, acing quizzes and feeling confident in your skills, have you ever had the experience where you freeze while trying to actually converse in Spanish? All of those vocab words seem useless because you’ve forgotten how to string together a sentence or conjugate the correct tense of the verb. When you get home, you might open your laptop and google “where is the best place to learn Spanish?”

What’s the Best Way to Learn Spanish? 

There are many effective ways to learn Spanish, or any foreign language, and the best approach will depend on your learning style, goals, and personal preferences. Being able to interact with native speakers and constantly develop proficiency by adding new vocabulary and context to your understanding is a big part of the learning process. Immersion is a great way to learn because it allows you to experience almost all aspects of life in the language you’re learning. 

• Immersion: Immersing yourself in a Spanish-speaking environment, such as traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or living with a Spanish-speaking family.
• Language Classes: Taking formal Spanish classes at a language school or university can provide a structured learning environment and opportunities for practice and feedback from a teacher.
• Language Exchange: Participating in a language exchange program, where you practice Spanish with a native speaker who is learning your native language, can be a fun and effective way to improve your Spanish skills while making new friends.
• Online Resources: There are many online resources available for learning languages.
• Self-study: Learning Spanish on your own through books, online resources, and practice exercises can be a flexible and cost-effective way to improve your language skills.

One of the best ways to gain proficiency is to study the language abroad. Immersion-based learning means learning a language in the most authentic and natural way possible, ideally living in the country where it is spoken. When you’re learning, gestures, body language and context are important; we rely heavily on body language to connect and understand others better, another reason why being immersed in native culture and communities is such a beneficial way to learn.

Whichever method you choose, it’s important to practice regularly, seek out opportunities for conversation and feedback, and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Consistency and persistence are key to achieving fluency in Spanish or any other language. The best place to learn a language is not necessarily a place, rather an environment.

Students celebrate with host families in Peru.

What’s the Best Environment to Learn Spanish?

Ultimately the best environment for learning Spanish is one that is enjoyable, engaging, and tailored to your individual learning style and preferences. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in a Spanish-speaking culture, take formal classes, participate in a language exchange program, or use online resources, consistent practice and dedication are key to achieving fluency in Spanish or any language. The most effective learning environment is one that gives you an opportunity to practice what you’ve learned thus far with local people or native speakers.

Sometimes people spending time in a foreign country will avoid situations that force them out of their comfort zone due to the language barrier. Immersion is about being engaged, it’s doing all the things you would normally do, grocery shopping, taking public transportation, going out to eat in a restaurant, etc., only in another language. It’s through these experiences that you’ll develop a better understanding of how to respond to and engage with your environment. It will deepen your comprehension of why people use the words they use, or why they chose to say things the way they do.

Where There Be Dragons carefully curates language immersion and summer programs that combine personalized Spanish instruction with extended homestay and community engagement. This is not a trip to learn Spanish in Peru, Guatemala or Bolivia, but a journey through which you will learn through profound and meaningful relationships with Peruvians, Guatemalans, and Bolivians, and the breathtaking landscapes they inhabit. Contact us to learn more.