It’s not too late to make a New Year’s resolution. For people looking to take their travel experiences to the very next level, learning a language is a great goal to set. With an eye on post-Brexit Britain, the learning of European languages is becoming popular once again. Spanish, French and German have all been deemed ‘languages of the future’ by the British Council.
Spanish actually topped the chart as the most popular language to learn last year. People are learning the Hispanic tongue to discover a sense of fun as well as gain a versatile skill. Spanish is invaluable for keeping up with popular culture, transforming travel experiences and expanding horizons on the international business scene.
As with learning any language, learning Spanish the immersive way is particularly rewarding. Our language exchange holidays provide an exciting route to connecting with Hispanic communities and learning the Spanish language. But with experiences on offer all around the world, which countries are the best places for Spanish language immersion?
Spain
We’ll start our top four with the most obvious place to learn. Spain is a huge country packed with authentic travel experiences. As well as being home to a number of incredible towns and cities, each with its own distinct culture and heritage, Spain is an excellent place to absorb the Spanish language.
With experiences available in some 17 regions, however, selecting just one place to study isn’t easy. Some regions in Spain don’t actually speak Spanish as a first language. Many people in Catalonia prefer to use Catalan, for instance; a version of Spanish with significant differences to the Castilian spoken in Madrid.
Choosing a place where you can understand the accent is another must as TripSavvy details:
‘Once you've checked Spanish is the first language in your chosen region, it's time to think about what the accent is like. Accents in Spain vary wildly and some are more easily understood than others. What's the point in learning Spanish in Spain if you can't eavesdrop on conversations in the street to improve your listening skills?’
Guatemala
This Central American country features on many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. In addition to being one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, it is extremely diverse with a range of landscapes to explore and a long history to dig deeper into.
Those looking to learn Spanish will find Guatemala the perfect place to study, thanks to its basic and easy to understand dialect. It’s also very affordable to enjoy the best Guatemala has to offer. The convenience and cost of a homestay makes a trip to Guatemala even better value for money. Guatemala is the stomping ground of ‘old school’ Spanish enthusiasts too, with visitors able to pick up a few ancient Mayan phrases for good measure.
Colombia
For the very same reasons, Colombia makes our top places list for Spanish language immersion. For beginners in particular, Colombian locals’ clear accents and laid-back attitudes provide a perfect mix for easy language learning. The slow and clear drawl of the central Colombian is easy to understand, making speaking, listening and conversing in Spanish a less daunting and difficult task.
Once considered a dangerous place to travel, Colombia has since shed that reputation and is now well on its way to becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Argentina
Looking for the perfect escape as well as a truly immersive Spanish language learning journey? Then perhaps you should choose to visit Argentina. Great for more experienced Spanish learners, our Argentinean homestays are about more than just language learning.
In addition to having the support and surroundings to enhance your Spanish language skills, you have tons of things to do in your free time. Beautiful nature, great food and drink, amazing culture, an extensive history and heritage, and a thriving art scene are all ready and waiting to be explored.
The distinctive accent of Argentinean locals might pose a problem for beginners though, with the unique porteño accent proving fairly hard to understand. The heavy use of slang throughout many communities in Argentina also makes it an exciting challenge for those looking to learn Spanish in a truly authentic environment.
Find the right place for you by exploring our Spanish language exchange holidays and homestays. Join the Lingoo network now to get started.
