Spanish Language Schools in Dominican Republic

A few weeks or months in the tropical paradise of the Dominican Republic can be the perfect getaway for Spanish language learning, especially during the chilly winter months! With a diverse array of locales to choose from you’re bound to find your personal oasis in the D.R..

Consider Santo Domingo, aka the oldest European city in the Americas and the largest city in the Caribbean! Teeming with historical and cultural significance, an active nightlife, and incredible architecture, the nation’s capital is an affordable and happening destination to master Dominican Republic Spanish.

Is an adventurous jaunt in nature more your scene? Consider Cabarete, which is so much more than just a gorgeous, walkable, beach town. With nearby caves to explore next door at El Choco National Park and plenty of kayaking and hiking, Cabarete is great for those wanting to jump right into the action. Be sure to try out one of the most popular local sports – kitesurfing!

If you’d prefer a slightly bigger city, head 20 minutes west to Sosúa, which offers a variety of language programs for students of all skill levels to learn Dominican Spanish. Looking for delicious cuisine, great scuba diving, zip line adventures, or diverse works of art? Sosúa is the place.

While there are several languages of the Dominican Republic spoken throughout the country (such as Haitian Creole and Samaná English), Spanish is by far the most common language in the Dominican Republic. Oftentimes referred to as “Dominican Spanish,” it resembles Catalan Spanish while infusing elements and vocab from African, Caribbean, and local Arawak (Native peoples) origins.

There are different ways that students might consider when they go to learn Spanish in the D.R., with most programs emphasizing either small group or individual instruction. Small group language instruction allows you to learn in a classroom environment, usually with a handful of other students. Conversely, individualized lessons allow instructors to mold coursework to your personal strengths and weaknesses and to help your Español progress at an even faster rate.

Connecting with locals outside of the classroom allows you the opportunity to really get to know more about your community while continuing to practice and perfect your Dominican Republic Spanish. Couchsurfing is a great way to meet others in your neighborhood or city. The website connects you with people with whom you most likely never would have met for intercultural exchange and awareness. Check out their “groups” pages to find native Spanish speakers to befriend!

When it comes to learning a language abroad, are you looking for a destination that won’t leave you broke? The D.R. could be your answer. With a typical meal costing about $6, you could eat your way through the country and still have money left over! Not only that, but due to its popularity as a tourist destination, it’s likely you’ll be able to find reasonably affordable rates year-round (although this might be trickier during the December/January and July/August peak seasons).

While learning Spanish in the D.R. might not break the bank, there are definitely costs associated with studying a language abroad. When contemplating ways to save money, consider the amount of time you’ll spend in-country, enrolled in your Spanish language program in the Dominican Republic. The longer your stay, the more money you’ll burn through. Likewise, consider the type of program you select. Individualized instruction may improve your Spanish exponentially, but it will often cost you more.

Still not sure you’ll be able to swing the price tag of a language study program? Consider applying for scholarship opportunities. Many community organizations like Rotary International or local religious organizations provide financial support to help applicants realize their dreams of becoming fluent in a foreign language. You can also check out scholarship and grants at your home university and those on GoAbroad’s Scholarship Directory.

Once you’ve decided that the D.R. is the right place for you to study Spanish, the next step is securing all of your paperwork and documents before you head to the D.R. and the adventure of a lifetime!

Citizens of most countries (including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and most in the E.U.) do not require a visa to visit the Dominican Republic. Instead, upon arrival in-country, travelers from these countries will purchase a “tourist card” for a small fee that is good for up to 30 days. This card can be extended twice by visiting the Migration Office at the airport and paying an additional small fee. If you intend to study Spanish in the D.R. for longer than 90 days, you may apply for a student visa which is good for up to one year.

Once you have received your tourist card, you’ll be able to head to your in-country accommodations. Most language programs in the D.R. place students in either homestays or shared apartments. Apartments provide you with the freedom to come and go as you please, as well as the ability to build relationships with classmates from around the world. On the flip side, homestays are an incredible, personalized experience that deeply connect you to the local culture and community while strengthening your Spanish language skills as you communicate with your host family.

The D.R. has so much to offer locals, expats, and visiting language students alike. If you love the thought of walking out of your apartamento in a t-shirt and shorts in January to get to your Spanish language class, La República Dominicana is just what the doctor ordered. With warm weather (70 degrees Fahrenheit and above) year-round, you really can’t go wrong. If you’d prefer to stay dry, consider Spanish language programs in the Dominican Republic from December to May!

In addition, visitors to the D.R. can enjoy the growing infrastructure throughout the country. Relatively newer airports and the expansion of paved roadways around the country has increased visitors’ ability to explore vastly diverse parts of the country with relative ease. So use those newfound language skills to hop on a guagua (bus) and check out the sights!

However, while considered a top tourist destination, you’ll be hard pressed to find a large English speaking population in the D.R. (outside of the nearest all-inclusive). You may feel challenged, confused, or overwhelmed as you navigate your new host country in a mix of languages. That said, all the more reason to pull out that dictionary and memorize a few key words and phrases in Spanish before you arrive!

Additionally, native Spanish speakers in the D.R. tend to speak in a more localized dialect that is slightly different from the Catalan Spanish you may be accustomed to hearing. This may include dropping “s” sounds or swapping “r’s” for “l’s” (e.g. porque=“polque”). Add to that a penchant for quick wit and a quick tongue, and you may find yourself asking “que“ (“what”) more than you ever thought possible. But don’t worry – Dominicans are known for their friendly nature. Politely ask, “¡Habla más despacio, por favor!” (“Speak more slowly, please!”) and they’ll usually happily oblige!

If you’re looking to spend your days perfecting Dominican Republic Spanish, your afternoons exploring centuries old cathedrals, and your evenings wandering the shores of some of the world’s most pristine beaches, look no further than the Dominican Republic. With a variety of Spanish language courses to choose from and an excellent balance of old world charm and outdoor adventure, the D.R. has everything you’re looking for in a casa away from casa.