Learn Spanish in Argentina - 6 Factors to Consider when Choosing a Spanish School in Buenos Aires
Ken Ingraham
It can be difficult to choose from the numerous Spanish language schools in Buenos Aires. Competition is fierce and they all seem to promise the same things, so if you want to learn Spanish in Argentina it can be almost impossible to make up your mind. It can sometimes be tempting to choose the cheapest option, but there are lots of factors that should be taken into account when choosing a Spanish immersion school in Buenos Aires to improve the learning experience
1. Experience
It�s sometimes difficult to judge which Spanish schools in Buenos Aires are the most experienced from looking at their Web sites. As there is no regulation of cultural institutes in Argentina, many small start-ups can present themselves as highly experienced institutions.
Don�t let the photos fool you�there is nothing that makes up for experience in the field. Schools that have been in the business for a number of years will have better course material, better teacher-selection procedures, and will know how to ensure you get the most out of the experience.
2. Neighborhood
There are numerous Spanish language schools and Spanish immersion schools in Buenos Aires, but if you are unfamiliar with the city then you could end up choosing one in an unsuitable area. While areas such as Centro and Congreso are interesting areas to visit, they are not so suitable if you are going to be staying there for a few weeks or months.
Choose somewhere residential such as Palermo or Recoleta, and you�ll be located somewhere cleaner, safer, and with many more amenities to make your experience more enjoyable.
3. Other Schools in Network
Is the school a one-off institution, or does it have other branches in different locations? This is important because you are unlikely to become fluent in Spanish after just one course, and you�ll probably want to study it again somewhere else without repeating the same content.
If you are considering a school in a group, be sure all schools are administered by the same management rather than a loosely linked marketing association. This means you�ll be able to carry on your studies at your next destination without any problems.
4. Size of School
When you study Spanish in Argentina, it�s always better to go with a bigger Spanish school. Lots of schools only have up to 20 students, which means they are forced to mix students of different levels in the same classes. To avoid this, make sure your chosen school has at least 50 students, which will ensure you get put into an appropriate class for your level.
5. Teacher Certification
How does your chosen Spanish school certify the teachers? Many Spanish language schools in Buenos Aires have slack standards of recruitment that translates into an inferior experience for you. You should be sure that the instructors have qualifications verified by an outside source, such as accreditation body.
6. Price
Of course price is an issue, but always look for value over the lowest price. If your choice is based on price alone you could end up wasting your money. Factors such as the location, the facilities, the course material, teacher training standards, and extra activities will all affect the price. But at the same time, that�s no reason to go with the most expensive schools as these are often geared towards a more executive clientele.
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About The Author
Ken Ingraham is president of ECELA (Espa�ol y Cultura en LatinAmerica), where you can learn Spanish in Argentina, as well as Chile and Peru. Visit www.ecela.com for more information about the Spanish language schools in South America.
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