| What
is immersion language study abroad?
It is learning a foreign language the same way we learned English (or whatever our native language is): by living it. In a typical language immersion school abroad, the student doesn't study only in the formal sense — he or she lives the language. Classes are taught entirely in Spanish, speaking in another language at any time is discouraged, and the student lives in Spanish-speaking environment. Nearly all Spanish immersion schools offer the option (and in some it's not an option) of living with a Spanish-speaking family. That means students hear the language as it is used in real life. |
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| Why
should I consider going to an immersion language school?
Because you want to learn the Spanish language. Because it's fun. Because you can make new friends. Because you can gain an understanding of a different culture. Any or all of the above. |
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Where
should I go to study Spanish abroad? Most if not all Spanish-speaking countries have immersion schools, and you can learn Spanish at any of them. (Some immersion programs also are located in the United States and some other non-Spanish-speaking countries.) Beyond that it's a matter of cost, culture and educational goals. Those wishing to study as cheaply as possible frequently pick Guatemala. Spain is the obvious choice for those who seek European ambiance, although some of Mexico's colonial cities as well as some places in Argentina may have you thinking you're in Europe. Costa Rica and Ecuador are natural choices for those who wish to spend the off hours enjoying nature. Those wanting to get off the beaten track can find schools in El Salvador, Honduras and Colombia. You aren't going to spending all your time studying, so you may want to choose a Spanish school abroad based on nearby attractions. Whether you're looking for beaches or mountains, city bustle or indigenous culture, chances are there is a school located in a place you will enjoy. |
| Not all schools have programs for which you can earn college credit, so keep that in mind when making a selection if credit is important to you. Also, some schools might be better equipped to help you meet specific goals, such as developing a vocabulary for international business. | |
| *What
you need to know before you leave home to attend Spanish courses abroad in Spain There is more to preparing your trip abroad to Spain than just purchasing an airline ticket and packing a suitcase. There are many details to arrange before a Spanish study abroad program and and it is always a good idea to plan ahead. This section has information about things you need to consider before leaving for your trip to study Spanish abroad. Click here to read more... |
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