Spanish Language Schools in Argentina

A country as large as Argentina has great diversity. Seven distinct geographical regions span canyons, mountains, jungles, and miles and miles of coastline. A strong European influence in the cities paired with the self-reliant spirit in the countryside define the country. Argentina also claims the largest railway system in Latin America, easily connecting you to cities throughout the country and beyond.

One would be remiss not to mention Buenos Aires. It’s the most visited city in Latin America, a top-ten study abroad destination, and all around super-cool city. Despite its size, at almost 13 million people (including suburbs), Buenos Aires’ neighborhoods keep it feeling manageable. Palermo Soho, known for its hip fashion and design vibe, beckons exploring. So does La Boca, which houses the fútbol stadium as well as the colorful artists’ street, Caminito. Buenos Aires also provides the most options for intensive Spanish courses in Argentina, with dozens of Spanish language schools calling the city home. Plus, you’ll meet plenty of people ready to teach you the latest slang. But, you’ll have to also make sure to not break into English too often, as is often the case in tourist centers.

Mendoza, in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, sits in the shadow of the Andes Mountains. The smaller size of 100,000 means easy navigation through the Plaza Independencia, San Martín Park, and vineyards and olive groves. The mountains lend themselves to plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking or kayaking, and of course, wine tasting never gets old. Spanish language schools in Mendoza tend to set up shop near the commercial district of the city, so it’s easy to connect with locals while learning Spanish in Mendoza.

Córdoba, the second largest city in Argentina, makes the list of the top places to learn Spanish in Argentina, as well as the rest of the world. Home to the architecturally impressive Cathedral of Córdoba as well as the oldest university in Argentina, history and European style abound in Cordoba. Old doesn’t mean boring, though. The city also feels young and dynamic with a happening nightlife to further prove the point. A bit off the traveler’s path, the lack of tourists in Cordoba attracts students looking for more authentic Spanish language programs in Argentina.

Choosing an intensive Spanish language program in Argentina is, well, intense. The students who gain the most know what they’re getting into and come to Argentina with a willingness to jump off the deep end and totally immerse themselves in the ocean of language learning. Water metaphors aside, embarking on an intensive language program in Argentina can push your language skills to the max.

Argentina offers a nice mix of Spanish language schools as well as universities to choose from. Spanish language schools in Argentina attract students from all over the world (a big plus), but may be lacking in the opportunity to connect with local students. Argentine universities, on the other hand, provide plenty of room to chat with local students, but may only offer Spanish language courses for more advanced learners. Regardless, the more you do to interact with native speakers, the faster you’ll improve. If your language school offers it, sign up for a conversation partner or take up a game of pato, the national sport.

The definition of an intensive language program in Argentina can get a bit cloudy when you start to research and compare options. One person’s intense may be another’s walk in the park. It could mean two hours a day up to five or six hours a day. It may also go without saying that the more time you spend studying Spanish, the faster you’ll improve your fluency. But, also consider your personal limits and any other commitments you may have. The potential to learn Spanish in Argentina by leaps and bounds is huge, if you’re ready to take it on. But, six hours a day in a classroom, plus homework and extracurriculars, can be a lot. So, make sure you’re ready for it.

If you choose to spend less time in the classroom, be sure you’re making the most of your time outside of the classroom. A homestay forces you to practice Spanish on a daily basis and reveals the Argentine culture and way of life. One thing’s for sure, there’s no floating by when it comes to an intensive language immersion. Take your preferred flotation device and dive in head first.

When you announce to many Spanish speakers of your plans to learn Spanish in Argentina, prepare for some head scratches and puzzled looks. The particular variety of Spanish spoken in this part of the world is known far and wide as difficult at best and impossible at worst.

The accent, the slang, the vosotros form, oh my. It’s enough to make you want to cry. But take a note from Evita and don’t cry (for me, Argentina). Instead, arm yourself with knowledge and a keen ear and you’ll be golden. First off, Argentinians replace “ll” and “y” sounds with “zjay.” So, the word calle (street) would be pronounced cai-zjay. Ella is ey-zjuh. I know, right? The best way to learn is to hear from a fluent, Spanish-speaking Argentinian, but you’ll get the hang of it.

Secondly, throw out your textbook when it comes to the tú form. There’s no such thing in Argentina. Instead, they practice the voseo form for second person. Rather than tú, people will address you as vos. And, rather than tú eres, you’ll hear vos sos. At least it has a nice ring to it.

Not to drill it into the ground with the language difficulties, but perhaps the most challenging aspect of learning Spanish in Argentina is the slang. Sometimes called Porteño or Lunfardo, Argentine slang is a category all its own. Mangos can mean pesos, as in money. Or it can mean mangos. It’s confusing. And if you hear someone repeatedly use the word che, they’re probably not obsessed with Che Guevara. Most likely, they’re just using the word as a filler, like hey. Anyway, it can take some time to learn the popular slang. If you ever hear a new word, don’t be afraid to ask. That, of course, is the best way to learn.

But, baja en cambio, that is, relax and chill out. Becoming familiar with the accent and speed at which Argentines speak won’t happen overnight. However, with a little patience, you’ll fit right in, and speaking Spanish pretty much anywhere else in the world will become as easy as pie. Or, rather, easy as an empanada.

You’ll also have the added benefit of studying Spanish in one of the safest and most politically stable countries in Latin America. Everyone goes to Spain to study Spanish, so why not try something different? You’ve always followed your own beat, so why stop now? With some thirty national parks for outdoor junkies, thriving metropolises for those seeking nightlife, celebrations and festivals galore, and penguins, there is seriously something for everyone to love in Argentina.

Before you know it, you’ll be reading Borges in Spanish and cheering on Messi. Oh wait, you already cheer on Messi. But, you’ll be front and center, waving that flag, and shaking your head at all those naysayers. Learning Spanish in Argentina may not be the easy A some are looking for, but for those willing to take the challenge, the land of red meat, wine, and tango awaits.