Learning Spanish in South America

Dicemeister

Hi,

I'm planning on travelling around South America for a few months starting the autumn and was thinking of spending the first couple of weeks there learning Spanish. I'll probably be starting in either Quito or Santiago. Has anyone done this? How did you find it? Also is it something i need to sort out before i leave or will it be cheaper/handier to organise when I get there?

Thanks

Neamhshuntasach

If you are learning Spanish in South America do it in Ecuador or Colombia. They have the easiest Spanish to understand. It will also be cheaper than most other countries. Chilean Spanish is not the easiest of introductions.

The lessons are taught very well depending on where you go. Most are done entirely in Spanish with just the basic explanation in English about rules and structure. And because you can leave the lessons and be submerged in the language you will be forced to use and learn it more so. But you have to be willing and they do require you to pay a lot of attention and try to learn. So your dedication plays as much a role in it as does the teacher.

Also you don't have to sort it out before going. You can do that while over there. But it is worth researching and reviewing places for where you intend to do it. If you go to the thorntree forum at lonely planet you will find loads of threads about reviews and recommendations for Spanish schools.