Learning Spanish in Buenos Aires
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While there are a million reasons to come to Argentina, for many people it is simply to learn, or improve, their Spanish language skills. And for some, the decision to learn Spanish comes from necessity after choosing to move to Argentina. At any rate, Argentina, and Buenos Aires in particular, is brimming with different ways to learn and absorb its native tongue.
Learning Spanish as a second Language
One of the most obvious methods is to take Spanish classes, but even with formal education, the possibilities are endless. First, there are major universities, such as the Universidad de Buenos Aires, that offer Spanish classes for foreigners at their language centers. These classes can be intensive, one month crash courses, or more relaxed, semester-long courses. The classes can vary from just a few students to over a dozen, and they generally focus on teaching grammar and vocabulary, as there are often too many students to provide good conversation opportunities. At the end of these courses, however, you are usually presented with some sort of certificate, and you know that the curriculum will be well developed, as it is provided by a recognized higher-education institution.
In addition, there are various language institutes throughout the city, most of which offer a wide variety of classes for all levels. For a price, you can often receive private lessons, or otherwise be in a class with a small group of other learners. With institutes, it is often possible to find exactly what you’re looking for, be it conversation, grammar, business Spanish, or simply a review of the language skills you once had. These schools often provide resources for other ways to enjoy Buenos Aires, also.
Another popular option is hiring a personal Spanish teacher. Generally, the best way to find a personal tutor is by word of mouth, and there is no shortage of foreigners in Buenos Aires to provide recommendations. You can send us an email to this Buenos Aires travel guide an we’ll provide you with more information about learning spanish as a second language. While this option tends to be the most expensive, it can also be the most rewarding; good teachers will tailor their courses specifically to your needs, which means they also move at your own pace, and can be adjusted depending on your learning habits.
But more so than any of these traditional, scholarly methods, immersion is hands down the fastest and most lasting way to learn Spanish as a foreign language. Visiting or living in a Spanish speaking country means that you are literally surrounded by hundreds of opportunities, constantly, to practice and learn Spanish from native speakers. While it can often be scary to burst out of your shell and use the Spanish you’ve learned, it is undeniably rewarding, and the sense of triumph you’ll feel after a successful conversation is unparalleled.
There are many ways to immerse yourself. One popular method is to live with Spanish speakers. Many porteña families open their homes to foreigners through home stays, giving you unbeatable exposure not only to the language, but to the culture, as well. If you don’t feel like a family is quite right for you, how about some Spanish speaking roommates? It is quite possible to rent a room in an apartment with not only Argentines, but with Spanish speakers from other countries, such as Colombia, Peru, Chile, or even Spain. This can also give you an opportunity to diversify your vocabulary and manner of speaking, making you even better prepared to visit other Spanish speaking countries.
Besides your roommates, it is important to find other Spanish speakers as friends. When in Buenos Aires, be certain to get out there and network, and you will surely find Spanish speakers who will be more than happy to help you improve your Spanish. And they, too, may be interested in learning your native language, which brings us to the ever popular intercambio.
An intercambio is an arrangement you set up with a speaker of a foreign language. You meet periodically, be it twice a week or once every two weeks, and you spend a predetermined amount of time speaking in one language, and an equal amount of time speaking in the other language. It is a win-win situation, and is a great way to make friends. There are even certain companies, such as Spanglish, who provide group intercambios, so to speak, by hosting events with a mix of English and Spanish speakers in a fun, social atmosphere. These are wonderful places to meet new people and put those Spanish lessons to use! And if you feel you’re up to the challenge of an inter-cultural relationship, dating a Spanish speaker is a sure-fire way to really get those rrrr’s rolling.
Regardless of your own personal strengths and weaknesses, learning Spanish is a challenging, fun way to experience a new culture. It will surely be full of ups and downs, but hitting milestones — ordering food for the first time in Spanish, having your first dream in Spanish, communicating a difficult idea, resolving a conflict, completing paperwork, etc. — will make it all worth it. You’ll be able to learn so much more about the Argentine culture, and isn´t that what travel is all about?
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