The Adult Guide to Learning Spanish Abroad in 6 Cool Destinations
Thinking of taking the leap and going abroad to learn Spanish?
Living with Spanish speakers 24/7 is a guaranteed way to boost your language skills and may just be the life-changer you’re looking for.
In this post, we’ll check out what kinds of options are out there for adult Spanish language learners and debunk the myth that going abroad to learn a language as an adult isn’t ideal.
Contents
- Why Learning Spanish Abroad Is a Super Opportunity for Adults
- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Language Program
- Resources for Spanish Immersion Programs for Adults
- 6 Awesome Destinations for Adults Heading Abroad to Learn Spanish
- Use Every Opportunity to Deepen Fluency When Abroad
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Why Learning Spanish Abroad Is a Super Opportunity for Adults
Learning Spanish abroad just screams opportunity for any age group, and it’s obvious why. Immersive learning is the natural way to learn any language.
That’s exactly what we language learners seek—the most authentic method for acquiring language skills with a minimum of unnecessary or unnatural effort. We strive to be fluent, and quickly, and we hope to have some fun while getting there. The good news is that going to a Spanish-speaking country will not only ramp up your proficiency, it will be interesting and provide cultural insight that no textbook learning can offer.
Another plus? Many Central and Latin American countries have not only language learning programs but costs of living abroad that are very affordable. I don’t know about you, but any time I see a bargain, especially on travel and learning, I jump on it!
Having said that, it’s necessary to acknowledge that going abroad to study as an adult is a decidedly different adventure than doing so as a younger person.
Adult learners do bring a unique set of concerns to the equation. Traveling may not be practical for some when jobs, mortgages and families are factored in. Maybe now isn’t the time for a language trip abroad, and that’s fine. There’s no harm in dreaming and planning!
But there are also advantages for adult learners considering going abroad. You may have more disposable income or be newly-retired and have more time.
Even if you’re working, you may have greater freedom to be able to save up and then tap into vacation time at your job, which may give you more options—than if you were a student, for example—and a greater ability to plan for exactly the type of experience abroad you want.
Again, keep in mind that there are bargains to be had, so even adults on a fixed budget may be surprised to find something to fit their needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Language Program
What’s your current level of Spanish?
Before deciding how and where to study Spanish abroad as an adult, the first step is to evaluate your Spanish. Is it sufficient for whatever adventure you may want to plan? Are you a complete beginner? If you’re interested in a particular program, does it have minimum language requirements? If so, make sure your skills are up to snuff.
There are two internationally recognized proficiency tests for Spanish:
- The DELE, or Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language).
- The CELU, Certificado de Español: Lengua y Uso (Certificate of Use of Language in Spanish).
If you’re thinking of attending a university in a Spanish-speaking country, it may be necessary to take one of these exams.
Also, checking out the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages will give you an idea of where you fall on the scale. A1 is elementary knowledge of a language while C2 is considered proficient.
Do you want certification or credit?
You’ll want to check to see whether a program is accredited if certification or credit is a goal. Some learn for personal growth while others require proof that they’ve completed a course. If that’s part of your reason for learning, make sure to check out this important point.
What else do you require for your trip?
Decide specifically what your expectations and limitations are regarding accommodations, location, financing, exploration and even climate. Maybe you don’t want to head off to a place at the height of rainy season, or who knows, maybe you do—in either case, prepare to take note of the weather conditions in your research even if only to help you pack accordingly.
Speaking of packing and preparation, you may want to seek out a helpful guide or phrasebook from Lonely Planet for the country you’re heading to. Any extra amount of knowledge you can give yourself about your surroundings or linguistic quirks of the area will go a long way to making your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
As you begin looking into the concrete details of programs and dates, remember that it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning a trip abroad, but you don’t want to forget what I call the “ho-hums”—the stuff that doesn’t make my heart race but is absolutely necessary.
Make sure your international medical coverage and contact information for the US embassy are handy, for instance. No one wants to need these things, but if you do run into an issue, it makes sense to have them readily accessible.
Resources for Spanish Immersion Programs for Adults
- Go Overseas is a solid review resource. They have a ton of countries and programs listed, so if you don’t find what you’re looking for in one program, keep checking out more options. Also, they have in-depth information about scholarship programs as well as cultural insights.
- And just in case you’re still thinking studying Spanish abroad is limited to a certain age group, think again. There are exciting opportunities available for any age group, including this Spanish Study Holidays program for those 50+. The schools are all in Spain but there are five cities to choose from, and the learning extends from language study to after-hours cultural activities.
If you want to immerse yourself at home before you get there, there are plenty of different ways to do this. At-home immersion can help you grasp the language quicker and give you a taste of the culture, while also helping you prepare for life abroad.
Here are some easy ways to immerse yourself before taking the big leap:
- Change all of your electronics to Spanish. It doesn’t sound like this would make that big of a difference, but once you change your phone, laptop and other electronics, you’ll begin using Spanish daily. Eventually, it’ll become natural for you.
You can also change your phone’s region to that of a Spanish-speaking country. For example, having your phone’s region set to Spanish can also make it more likely that you see news articles or YouTube videos in Spanish.
- Use at-home immersion software. If you want to truly prepare yourself before going abroad, an immersive program is the way to go. This will give you deeper insight into the language and culture, before you even leave your house.
For example, eSpanishTeacher is an at-home immersion software that you can use online or purchase CDs to use offline. It focuses on learning without memorization. Another option is the FluentU immersion program, which is based on authentic Spanish videos with interactive subtitles. As you watch, you can create multimedia flashcards from any unknown words and practice them later with personalized quizzes.
- Make an hour or two of each day “Spanish only.” During this time period, you want to create a Spanish bubble, where you can only listen to, watch and read Spanish content. During this time, only speak Spanish, as well—even if you’re just speaking to yourself!
6 Awesome Destinations for Adults Heading Abroad to Learn Spanish
These highlighted destinations take into account criteria relevant to adult learners, including availability of programs, convenience and price. Nearly every school chosen has flexible start dates for coursework, options for accommodation and is near public transport. There are varying price points to accommodate budget concerns, so if one option is too pricey, check out the next one. Hopefully, this assortment will yield at least one perfect fit for your language adventure!
These suggestions are also designed to help with the immersion experience in that many cultural, geographical or historical points of interest in the countries mentioned below are within immediate or even day-tripping distance. So when class is over, you’ll be able to get out and explore all your surroundings have to offer.
Let’s take a peek at what’s out there.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a beautiful Central American country that’s politically stable and is considered a very safe destination for travelers. The Spanish spoken by locals tends to be easy for language learners to understand.
The Tamarindo Spanish School is also a good choice. It’s located right on a beach, so surf’s up all the time! It should come as no surprise that they actually cater to those who wish to combine surfing with Spanish lessons. Spanish & Surf Programs are wildly popular!
Guatemala
Guatemala is a hotspot for Spanish learners in general, not only those specifically seeking to ramp up their Spanish skills during their visit. And since it’s a Spanish-speaking country accustomed to hosting language learners from across the globe, it’s almost a given that you’ll enjoy an excellent immersive Spanish experience. Also, while Spanish is the official language, there are still 21 Mayan dialects spoken in this culturally rich nation.
The Antigua Spanish School is probably the most well-known, highly-respected center for Spanish language learning in the country. They offer several options for study, but if it’s possible, maximize your immersion journey by staying with a host family.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a US territory, so if you’re a US citizen you’re technically not even leaving the country to study but will still have a strong immersive experience. So if you don’t have a passport but live in the US, this is a viable option!
World Class Progams’ San Juan Spanish program specializes in giving students the language skills necessary to achieve professional success as well as teaching with an eye on upgrading communication abilities so you’re better able to enjoy global travel.
Spain
Spain is, of course, a great destination for studying Spanish abroad! Peninsular Spanish is slightly different from Latin American Spanish, so just be aware of the basics before you go.
Sampere Madrid is the place to go for a highly ranked program in a cosmopolitan center. An added bonus is its location in the country’s transportation hub. Experiencing cultural events and visiting national treasures—like the Museo Nacional del Prado—is just a matter of a hop-on, hop-off ride on public transport. And no one should visit Madrid without a day at the museum!
Salamanca University, west of Madrid, is very old, highly regarded and attracts global learners. Spanish students are likely to meet others from all over, so cultural exchange on a broad scale is almost guaranteed. Their classes are small, so student-teacher interaction is maximized.
With program locations in several destinations, the hard part of choosing Spain for study abroad may be deciding which school to attend!
Ecuador
Ecuador is a very popular destination for Spanish language immersion learners. It’s a beautiful country and financially conscious students will appreciate the low cost of living. The Spanish spoken by Ecuadorians is considered to be pretty true to classroom Spanish which makes this a good spot to pick up authentic language skills.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is an impoverished country, but a rich cultural heritage, friendly locals and geographical wonders make it a viable option for immersive Spanish study.
The Mariposa Spanish School is located an hour from Granada. The school is eco-friendly and combines Spanish study with volunteering.
If your preferred destination isn’t on this list, peruse Go Overseas to find the perfect Spanish abroad experience, or check out our guide to language programs in Mexico.
Use Every Opportunity to Deepen Fluency When Abroad
Make the most of your time away.
Keep in mind that homestays optimize immersion. Take advantage of other opportunities, as well. Watch local television shows, attend cultural events, cook with your host family and sing along to the radio. Use your newly acquired language skills, and don’t be upset if you make a mistake. Just keep going!
Explore while you’re abroad. See and do as many things as possible in the time you’re in your destination country. Don’t hide in your room—get out and meet people, chat with them and enjoy every aspect of the immersion experience!
I hope you’re able to find a unique opportunity to learn Spanish as an adult that fits your lifestyle and budget. It could be the perfect way to boost your Spanish proficiency and give yourself the adventure of a lifetime!
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
