Are you studying Spanish but struggling to use it in a real-world context? Do you want to learn to speak Spanish the way native speakers do? One of the best ways to achieve this is to study abroad! And while that sounds like an easy choice, many potential students become overwhelmed, and are left wondering how to choose a Spanish study abroad program.
With so many program options out there, it can be challenging knowing where to start. You might be wondering, is it worth it for me to study Spanish abroad? How do I know what program would be a good fit for me? Is there a program for my language level? Can I take other classes while studying Spanish?
Yep, definitely worth it!
Luckily for you, you’re in the right place. We’ll lay out everything you need to think about when choosing the perfect Spanish study abroad program for you. By the end, you will have a list of things to think about to choose the right program and start your study abroad journey in a Spanish-speaking country!
Why study Spanish abroad?
So, you may be asking why should I study Spanish abroad at all?
If you want to become fluent in Spanish and put that skill on your resume, you’ll need to be able to speak it in a real-world context.
While it’s possible to achieve this in a classroom setting, it’s much more difficult. A few hours a week in class isn’t enough to become proficient. You’ll need to practice with native speakers and understand the language’s cultural contexts to become fluent.
That is where studying abroad can bridge the gap. When you study abroad, you’ll be using your language skills the entire time. Your learning curve will be astronomical! It’ll also be more fun than sitting in a lecture learning how to conjugate verbs.
You’ll be making new friendships, exploring the world, and creating memories that will last a lifetime—all while learning Spanish!
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How to choose a Spanish study abroad program
At this point, you might be convinced that studying abroad in a Spanish-speaking country is right for you. However, navigating all the available options out there can be overwhelming. Here is a list of things that you should consider when choosing a Spanish study abroad program.
We totally understand if you’re driven by food—it just shouldn’t be the *only* thing.
1. Find a program that offers the type of Spanish you want to learn
Spanish is a diverse language that is influenced by a multitude of local cultural influences. Each Spanish-speaking country has its unique dialect and rich history. Did you know that 20 different countries speak Spanish?
There is no right or wrong place to study Spanish in—all accents are beautiful and unique. No matter which country you go to, your language skills will improve.
Pick a country or dialect that you are interested in learning about and find a provider that offers study abroad programs in that location.
2. Look for an immersive program
If you want to study Spanish abroad, you’ll want to choose an immersive program. Study abroad programs all have different levels of immersion.
Just because a program is in a Spanish-speaking country doesn’t mean that it will be immersive and doesn’t mean that the program will require you to speak Spanish. For example, Costa Rica has outstanding ecology programs, but those likely won’t help you reach your language goals!
Your Spanish skills might not improve much if there is no language immersion included. Find an immersion program that will have you using Spanish both inside and outside the classroom.
3. Make sure the program offers courses at your Spanish language level
There is a misconception that you need to be an advanced Spanish speaker to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. However, the truth is that there are programs for all language levels and that studying abroad can be beneficial for anyone.
Make sure that the program you want to go on has appropriate Spanish language classes at your level. Some programs focus on beginners, while others focus on advanced speakers. There are also programs in Spanish-speaking countries that don’t focus on language at all, so that is something that you’ll want to be aware of when choosing a Spanish study abroad program.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the language barrier.
Most program providers have a list of courses students can take on their website, so you can see what classes are offered before applying. Many programs also have admissions advisors to help you find programs that are appropriate for language goals.
4. Find a program with opportunities to learn outside the classroom
Your classroom shouldn’t be the only place you learn while abroad. The benefits of being in a global classroom are that you can use your language skills outside of class.
A good question to ask when looking at programs is, what opportunities does the program offer to use Spanish outside of class? A high-quality Spanish program will facilitate language learning in a real-world atmosphere.
Activities that providers typically offer are intercambios (language exchanges with native speakers), cooking or dance classes, or internships with a local company. These opportunities can enrich your experience abroad and help you further develop your language skills.
5. See what kind of support the program offers
Immersing yourself in a new language and culture doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Most programs provide some level of support throughout the entire study abroad process, including:
- Pre-departure support. This may include staff who can help you choose a study abroad program, navigate the application and visa process, plan for going abroad, pre-departure orientations, etc.
- On-site staff support. This could be a network of people at your study abroad destination who can help you navigate your time abroad.
- Reentry support. This could include staff who will prepare you to return home and sets you up with alumni opportunities when you return.
You can ask any provider what type of resources they offer and choose a program based on the kind of support you need to succeed during your experience.
6. Choose a program that suits your learning style
Pop quiz—do you know your own learning style?
Every study abroad program offers a different type of classroom experience. You’ll want to choose a program that provides an educational style that suits your learning style and academic goals.
If your goal is to take classes with native speakers, you’ll want to see who the program’s university partners are and what types of courses you can take there.
Maybe you want to test the waters but aren’t sure if you’d like to take all your classes with native speakers. You’ll then want to choose a program that offers both their own courses and courses at the local university.
Perhaps you aren’t yet comfortable taking classes with native speakers, but you still want to take them in Spanish. You might want to choose a program that has a study center with their own classes. These programs might bring in local professors, but the lessons are geared towards international students and non-native speakers.
If you are a beginner, choose a program that offers classes with other beginners and focuses on the basics.
12 Awesome Spanish Language Study Abroad Programs
Finally, it might be helpful for students at any level to attend a program that includes an intensive language period before classes start. The intensive language period usually includes language and culture courses to prepare students for the regular semester. If you study abroad short-term, your entire program might be an intensive language course.
With so many educational models out there, it’s helpful to take your time to explore options so that you can get the most out of your experience.
7. Find a program that has immersive housing options
Where you live while abroad can impact the type of study abroad experience that you have. If you want to immerse yourself fully, you’ll need to live somewhere where you will be practicing your language skills.
Choose your destination and living situation carefully!
Living in a bubble with only students from your own country that speak your native language isn’t the best way to improve your skills. The housing types that offer the most immersive experiences are:
- Homestay families. An excellent option for any language level. Even students with little-to-no language skills can significantly improve their Spanish by living with a family. Living with a family allows you to learn Spanish vocabulary that you might not learn in class. You will need to continually use Spanish to converse with your family, increasing your learning curve. It’s also a great chance to learn about a different way of life and gives you a window into family life in your host country.
- Residence Halls. Some students prefer to live with their peers while abroad. A great way to experience this is to live in a residence hall. In a residence hall, you are typically living with students from the host country. You can practice your Spanish language skills and make friends with local students. If you like to be involved on campus, this is a great immersive option.
- Living in an apartment. Living in an apartment can be hit or miss for immersion. However, if you live with Spanish-speakers, this is a great way to improve your Spanish and make friends. The experience is similar to living in a residence hall but in a much smaller setting. That makes it easier to bond with your apartment-mates.
Find out if your program assists with finding housing. Navigating the housing search can be overwhelming for an international student, so choosing a program with experience placing students in housing can save you a lot of stress and confusion.
8. Look for a program that has excursions and extracurricular activities built-in
Cultural context is an integral part of Spanish language learning. Finding a program with excursions and extracurricular activities built into the experience will add depth to your language education. Some examples of activities that programs typically offer are:
Visits to local sites
Day trips to nearby towns
Overnight trips to other regions of the country
Cultural and language exchange events with local students
You wouldn’t be able to get these experiences in a classroom at home. Many providers offer these activities as a part of their programs, so if they do, take advantage of them!
9. Seek a program that has strong ties with the local community
Strong ties to the local community can make a good program GREAT.
Something you’ll want to ask when looking for an immersive language program is, what is this program’s relationship with the local community? Suppose the program does not have any connection to the local community. In that case, you may have a more challenging time immersing yourself while abroad.
You’ll want to find a program with a community network and opportunities to get involved locally that includes universities, homestay families, businesses, student groups, community organizations, etc.
10. Look for scholarships and financial aid if you need them
Study abroad can be affordable if you plan ahead. If you need financial assistance to make your time abroad a reality, find a program that offers their students scholarships. Additionally, you can typically take your home school’s financial aid packages and apply them to study abroad, so you’ll want to check with your school’s financial aid office.
There may be specific scholarships for Spanish language learners that you can apply for, or your on-campus Spanish department may offer their own. If you need additional funding, you can start your own fundraiser through FundMyTravel.com.
11. Evaluate the impact a program can have on you once you return
It might sound strange thinking about your return from studying abroad before you’ve even left, but thinking about this could help you select the best program for you.
The benefits of studying abroad can last well beyond your program. These programs will often offer professional development opportunities such as internships or language assessment tests that look great on your resume. Additionally, there may be alumni opportunities such as Student Ambassador positions, alumni networking events, etc., when you return.
Selecting a program with these opportunities can help you maximize the return on investment of your time abroad and merchandise your experience and skills to future employers.
Are you ready to find the best Spanish language study abroad programs?
Choosing the best Spanish language study abroad program depends on your specific needs and goals. There are many programs out there, and it’s critical to research to select the best one for you.
While it may seem overwhelming to navigate all the options available to you, it’s well worth the effort. Studying abroad is a life-changing experience and one of the best ways to develop your Spanish language skills.
Start your journey today, and find your Spanish study abroad program using the MyGoAbroad tool or GoAbroad’s study abroad search engine below!
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