South America

Learn Spanish while you Travel

ARGENTINA

It is becoming more and more popular for people to Travel to South America and visit the City of Argentina for a Vacation and now it is a lot easier to learn Spanish at the same time. A lot of the Schools even offer Spanish courses with Tango lessons and this can be a great way to break up your studying.

Obviously Buenos Aires is the most popular travel destination, but other Cities including Cordoba, Mendoza and even Ushuaia are gaining popularity. The vibrancy of these almost European cities is a huge draw and there is plenty to do outside of the school, with side trips to the stunning Iguazu falls available alongside boat trips out to view the Antarctic Whales in the south in Tierra del Fuego.

Each City has its own feel and optional excursions with the chance to Ski the Andes if you stay in Mendoza, view the wonderful colonial buildings if you are in Cordoba.

Another way to enjoy the culture and excitement of the Argentinean people is to go and watch a soccer match, it does not matter if you are in to the sport or not as the atmosphere is electric and well worth the trip anyway.

Like all of the countries in this article Argentina has Voluntary organisations that can set you up with placements to help preserve trails in the Andes, teach in schools to kindergarten age children and in Buenos Aires there is even an opportunity to volunteer to work in community art centres.

Argentina is considered the most European of the Latin American nations and it is a completely different experience from the likes of Ecuador and Brazil.

Argentina is recommended for those who would like a City break style vacation for their learning experience. This though does not mean you miss out any activities, as the great outdoors is never too far away.

PERU

Peru is another of the Backpacking hotspots of South America, mainly due to the mark left by the Incan empire and its people over the years. Most schools in Peru are in the ancient Incan capital of Cusco and this makes an interesting stay in itself, as well as being close to many of the major sites like the famous Machu Picchu.

Cusco is very much like Antigua in Guatemala in the sense of the locals being mainly of local Indian ancestry, with the colourful market very similar to that of Antigua. Many schools here also offer lessons in Quechan the local Indian language spoken by the local Indians, though you will need to have an advanced knowledge of Spanish for these courses.

There is plenty to see and do in the area surrounding the city and it is this which makes Cusco such a Backpacking favourite. Students at the schools here can go on organised trips to the lost City of Machu Picchu, the lake villages at Titicaca and for hikes around the Andes. Further afield there is even more to see and the capital Lima is a vibrant if a little confusing City and which is also close to various other attractions.

The language schools in Cusco have been going strong for a while and are very popular, as well as being considered some of the best to join in the Andes region. Like most of the Towns and Cities mentioned in this article, Cusco is full of schools and it is important that you choose the best for you.

There is plenty of opportunity to volunteer your services to different organisations, including helping homeless children, working in an orphanage and helping to keep the various Incan ruins in the region protected. There is something for everyone.

While Cusco is a Tourist hotspot with its major hotels and guided tours, it is not up there with Argentina and Mexico and the likelihood of the locals speaking English are lower, so your Spanish will be needed.

Courses for Young Students and Students over 50

Some schools will have special courses set aside for those youngsters who are enrolled and are under 18 years of age. This will include 24 hour supervision and activities to make up the rest of the day. Many young students are sent during the school breaks at home which will help improve their language skills.

Another special consideration by some schools is special course for those people who are over 50 years old. Whilst most students of a more mature age will not mind mixing with students of all ages, some might prefer to socialize with people of their own age group. The course will usually include sight seeing and more relaxed activities.

Programmes for under 18 year olds and for mature students are very popular in language schools in Europe, but it has not really taken off just yet in Latin America. There are some schools that offer these courses, but these seem to be mainly in Mexico and Argentina.