Spanish in Latin America vs. Spain: Where Should You Learn?

If you want to join a thriving community of more than 450 million native speakers and have a way to communicate in the 22 countries where Spanish is the official language, then studying Spanish is the path for you. The subtle differences between Spanish in Latin America vs. Spain are interesting to note when comparing the two ways of speaking the language.

Pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar are common points of contention when comparing Spain Spanish vs. Latin Spanish. Nonetheless, the heart and soul of the Spanish language are the same whether you immerse yourself in Spanish in Latin America or Spanish in Spain.

No matter where your wanderlust takes you—the medieval streets of Spain or the pulsating streets of Latin America—your command of the Spanish language will not only be understood but become extremely valuable.

3 differences between Spanish in Latin America vs. Spain

Before you hit the textbooks, we’ll help you understand the differences between Spanish in Latin America vs. Spain.

Now that we’ve established that, regardless of grammar, accents, or vocabulary, you’ll be studying a mutually understandable Spanish no matter where you study, consider the following: There are slight differences in Spain Spanish vs. Latin American Spanish. The good news is that when it comes to narrowing down your top choices, factors such as climate and activities will likely take precedence over whether you use vos or tú.

1. Origins

Spanish, or Español, is the official language in many countries throughout Latin America. This is because of Spanish colonization in territories throughout Central, South, and part of North America.

Meanwhile, in Spain, Español originates from the Castile region, and is also referred to as Castellano (Castilian). In fact, the most common (and official) form of Spanish spoken in Spain is Castilian, which is the basic Spanish that populates the typical high school Spanish class textbooks.

Did you know that in Spain, there’s also a language called Catalan that is different from Spanish? It’s mainly spoken in Spain in places like Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. You’ll find that Catalan belongs to the Western Romance language group and boasts its own distinct vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. It’s interesting to note that Andorra and certain regions of Italy officially recognize it as well.

2. Dialects and pronunciation

Not all Spanish is identical. For instance, the greatest difference one might hear between Spain Spanish vs. Latin American Spanish is the pronunciation of the Z and C (before I or E). In Latin America, these two letters are pronounced as “s”, while in Spain you would hear a “th” sound. For this reason, someone from Barcelona would pronounce the name of their hometown as “Barthelona.”

Like English, Spanish accents, pronunciation, slang, and grammar vary by country. You should also consider the quirks of words and phrases between Latin American countries when choosing a city to study Spanish in Latin America. For instance, the Argentine way of pronouncing the “ll” and “y” sounds is similar to the “s” sound in “sure.”

The majority of the Spanish-speaking population in the United States is of South or Central American descent. Hence, the language spoken in the U.S. is more closely related to Latin American Spanish.

3. Vocabulary

Take some time to learn the unique vocabulary of the place where you choose to study.

The use of various terms for the same things is another way in which Spain Spanish vs. Latin Spanish differ. When you’re on vacation in Chile, for example, you could hear the phrase palta for an avocado, even though you’re used to hearing aguacate everywhere else. This could throw you off your game. And the Mexican word for a swimming pool is alberca, but everywhere else the word is piscina.

Here are some additional examples of Spanish in Latin America vs. Spain:

• The Spanish term for a pen is bolígrafo or boli, while the Latin American term is pluma or lapicera.
• Spanish speakers in Spain call a peach melocotón, whereas Latin Americans call it durazno.
• In Latin America, one orders a carro or an auto, but in Spain it’s coche.
• A cell phone in Latin America is a celular, or a móvil in Spain.
• In Latin America, to drive is manejar, while in Spain it is conducir.

Vosotros vs. Ustedes

The use of vosotros, the informal version of the plural “you,” is another feature of Castilian Spanish. The use of the word vosotros is exclusive to the Castillian Spanish-speaking world.

The sole purpose of using ustedes is to convey an air of formality. In Latin America, people use ustedes in both formal and casual settings instead of vosotros because that word doesn’t exist.

Vos and Tú

Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and parts of Colombia all employ the singular pronoun vos. Vos is substituted for tú, which is a singular, informal form of “you.”

How to choose between learning Spanish in Spain vs. Latin America

You have no idea how little you know when you start off! Regardless of comparing Spanish in Latin America vs. Spain, approach the study of Spanish with an open mind and be practical about meeting your language goals. It may not be realistic to expect to become fluent in a very short period of time if you are starting from zero.

Learning Spanish means assessing your environment too, since immersion means surrounding yourself with your target language and sticking to it. Your unique circumstances and objectives will determine which country you gravitate toward while you sail on your Spanish learning journey.

1. Regional accents

Ecuador offers some beautiful backdrops while you practice an easy-to-understand Spanish.

While you can likely find a great teacher, whether you’re an absolute beginner or even if you know a little Spanish, you’ll want an accent that’s easier to understand. For some learners, it may be best to learn Spanish in central Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, or Peru where the accents are arguably easier to understand.

Chile, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Andalusia (in Spain) are known as places where it might be harder to learn Spanish. However, if you already know a lot of Spanish or have very clear goals for learning Spanish, you have a lot more options. How easy it is to understand a country’s version of Spanish might not impact where you choose to learn.

2. Occupation

Maybe all it takes to decide where to study Spanish is to decide how you’ll put it to use.

As an example, a location south of the border could be a good choice for a U.S. health care worker who wishes to better assist Spanish-speaking patients. It would make sense to want to comprehend your patients’ culture in addition to using a terminology that is more appropriate. Or perhaps you live in Europe, where you are more likely to encounter speakers of Castilian Spanish.

3. Climate

Climate is just one factor that could influence a person’s decision to study Spain Spanish vs. Latin Spanish. Imagine yourself in a tropical paradise like Costa Rica, salsa dancing in Colombia, or seeing ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico. Latin America is a paradise for people who flourish in warm, lively climates, thanks to its varied landscapes that range from verdant jungles to sunny beaches.

However, Spain’s Mediterranean climate is characterized by scorching summers and moderate winters. Imagine yourself enjoying a sangria on a terrace in Barcelona or a leisurely stroll through the old streets of Madrid. Spain can be the ideal sun-kissed retreat for those who prefer milder climates.

4. Social scene

Treat yourself to vibrant performances wherever you end up.

What a bummer it would be to end up learning Spanish in a place where it’s difficult to meet new people. Passion, fiestas, and a wealth of cultural traditions are the beating hearts of Latin America. Embrace a social environment that honors life through vibrant street markets and vibrant festivals.

Incredible hospitality, impromptu chats, and a feeling of belonging are waiting for you whether you learn Spain Spanish or Latin American Spanish since Spain’s social scene is just as exciting. Midnight get-togethers, flamenco performances, and tapas bars all characterize Spain’s dynamic social rhythm!

5. Accessibility

Learning Spanish in Latin America vs. Spanish in Spain both offer many intriguing local excursions for Spanish language learners. A Spanish student in Spain may reach practically every Western European country by rail in a day.

Belgium, France, and England are nearby but more expensive than Spain. Even on a budget, Spain has many distinct locations to tour, such as northern Galicia and the southern coast.

Latin America is less densely populated than Europe, so travel between cities isn’t as easy. There are still many fantastic places to visit, from huge cities to little pueblos.

Chile has practically every climate, from Patagonia’s glaciers to Valle del Maipo’s wine country, the North’s deserts, the South’s waterfalls, and the plains of Chaco. All of these amazing attractions are accessible by bus and have low entrance fees. Paraguay, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Belize offer different adventures depending on time and budget.

Get matched with 5 Spanish language programs abroad right now

3 popular programs for learning Spanish abroad

Deciding where to study Spanish can be challenging. Every possible option brings its own culture and dialect to the table, which can influence your path to fluency. To help you make an educated decision on where to begin your journey of learning Spanish, let’s take a look at some Spanish learning options in both Latin America and Spain:

1. Study Spanish in Bilbao, Spain

• Why? Since 1999, Instituto Hemingway has been offering fresh and creative approaches to teaching Spanish, and it can assist students at any level in learning the language. In addition to offering internships, jobs, and online programs in several Spanish locations, they offer an extensive array of programs tailored to the specific needs of each individual throughout Spain. With its main office in Northern Spain, the organization has programs in all of the country’s major cities and is approved by Instituto Cervantes, a government nonprofit whose mission is to improve the standard of Spanish instruction provided to foreigners.
• Where? Spain
• Read Insituto Hemingway reviews

2. Spanish Immersion Programs | Learn Spanish in Latin America

• Why? Maximo Nivel provides students with authentic in-country experiences with licensed native instructors through Spanish immersion in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. This program is considered to be among the most prominent that the company offers. Additionally, the program provides a diversified learning environment by providing a home base for students who come from a variety of different backgrounds.
• Where? Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru
• Read Maximo Nivel reviews

3. Mente Argentina: Ultra Intensive Spanish Program

• Why? As far as international education programs in Argentina are concerned, Mente Argentina has long been at the forefront. Mente Argentina offers a wide variety of programs for individuals who want to experience Argentina in a unique way. Whether you’re looking to improve your Spanish, join a short-term program, study abroad in Buenos Aires for a semester or a year, intern at a local organization, volunteer with NGOs, or pursue a degree or specialization, Mente Argentina has a way for you to escape the role of mere tourist!
• Where? Argentina
• Read Mente Argentina reviews

Explore ALL Spanish Language Programs on GoAbroad.com!

Your perfect Spanish-speaking destination is waiting!

No matter where you go, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to perfect your language skills!

Spain and Latin America are both fantastic choices for immersing yourself in Spanish culture while studying abroad. When deciding to learn Spanish in Latin America vs. Spanish in Spain, either choice provides an incredible chance to master Spanish and immerse yourself in a vibrant and captivating culture.

Spain offers an abundance of history and tradition, while Latin America not only shares this heritage, but also represents the vibrant and promising future of the Spanish-speaking world. Now, it’s time to discover a wide selection of Spanish language schools on GoAbroad and explore different destinations to determine the ideal location for learning Spanish, whether it’s in a Latin American country or in Spain!

Compare Spanish Language Programs Side-by-Side with MyGoAbroad