Spanish Courses Abroad on a Budget

Spanish courses abroad provide a means for language learners to catapult their language skills further than before. There's one thing to be said about practicing with native speakers, but it is also another to be surrounded by the Spanish language in its natural form.

Finally, a rolled R might sound as it should with the immersive practice in Spanish courses abroad. Idioms and language structure just starts to make sense.  But what about the price tag of a month or more in Spain? Does the cost of Spanish courses abroad pay off? Well, if money is a concern, then why not consider Spanish courses abroad... in Guatemala?!

Budget Spanish Courses Abroad

Budget Spanish courses abroad are easy to come across in Guatemala. Guatemala, being a key point in the backpacker scene of Central America, makes learning Spanish convenient and cheap when compared to the standard classes in Spain. There is usually a no long-term commitment needed, and you can simply take lessons a week or two at a time!

Spanish language courses are generally run one-on-one with a native speaking teacher. The cost can run in the $4/hour range, so the cost of a day of intensive lessons in Spain can pay for an entire week of study - including housing - in Guatemala. For the budget conscious, you can't ask for a better use of time and money.

Spanish courses abroad in Guatemala are usually not high on the Spanish speaker's list of preferred school destinations, and there is a reason for that. Guatemala is a developing country, so the conveniences of modern day life in the Western world are not always there. However, if a person is able to get past this mindset, focus on the purpose of learning a great language at a reasonable price, then Guatemala can open up its colorful arms to the willing Spanish language student.

Spanish Language Schools Antigua

Spanish language schools in Antigua are a dime a dozen. Antigua, Guatemala is an old, colonial style town with a charm from its colorful style and amazing view of the surrounding hills and volcanoes that make it a prime destination for tourists year round.

Antigua's full name is La Antigua Guatemala, which literally means "Old Guatemala". Antigua was the third capital of the country, but when a huge earthquake hit in 1717 destroying most of the city's buildings, they had to move the capital to a safer location - present day Guatemala City.

The close proximity to Guatemala City make it a normal first stop-off for travelers and tourists looking for a relaxing place to visit, and learn Spanish. The advantages of Spanish language schools in Antigua are:

• The Spanish schools are set in a great location, giving students an excellent home-base for weekend travels and excursions to the area's best attractions.
• The students have the ability to meet and be friends with plenty of other tourists and travelers, making them feel comfortable in a foreign country.
• The city has most of the modern advantages travelers might be looking for when studying in Spanish courses abroad.
• The location is not too far from the capital, Guatemala City, meaning emergency situations will not result in transportation difficulties as they would in the more remote areas.

The disadvantages of Spanish language schools in Antigua are:

• The Spanish schools are a bit more expensive than other schools in the country.
• The students might interact too often with people speaking their own language, meaning less practice of Spanish in normal daily life.
• The locals are used to speaking English with foreigners, thus giving students fewer opportunities to practice Spanish.

San Pedro La Laguna sits on the quiet and massive Lake Atitlan in the mountains of Guatemala. A San Pedro Spanish school is not hard to find, and can be done after arrival if necessary. Hostels and hotels flourish in San Pedro La Laguna, but beware - San Pedro La Laguna is a typical hangout for hippies and tourists looking to party.

Still San Pedro should not be overlooked. Sitting in a landscape of undeniable beauty and serenity, it can be a great stop-off for someone's Spanish speaking endeavor. The best way to get to San Pedro is by boat from Panajachel. There is also a road that will take you all the way around the lake to each city, but these topsy turvy mountain roads are best avoided whenever possible.

Even though San Pedro La Laguna is quite small, entertainment is not hard to find. Hiking and horseback riding are popular attractions, but kayaking and fishing in the lake is another favorite. The bars, restaurants and hotels like to turn into movie theaters at night, displaying movies in English for all the tourists and expats to gather around. The atmosphere is overall laid-back and friendly, providing a holiday within a learning experience.

The advantages of a San Pedro Spanish school are:

• The schools provide a laid-back atmosphere, often having classes outside near the lake.
• The entire city is full of no worries and cares, making the stress of lessons disappear.
• Plenty of expats live in San Pedro, meaning there will always be someone around to speak English with and talk about life back home.

The disadvantages of a San Pedro Spanish school are:

• The city is quite small and can get boring after a few weeks of lessons to those looking for more excitement.
• The city is a prime destination for tourists and travelers looking to experience the Guatemala drug life.
• There are too many expats and tourists around to make practicing Spanish outside of class a necessity.
• The location is a bit off the beaten track, and getting to other locations in the event of an emergency would take time.

Spanish Schools Quetzaltenango

Spanish schools Quetzaltenango are an amazing source for Spanish courses abroad on a budget. Quetzaltenango is the 2nd largest city in Guatemala after Guatemala City, and therefore houses an environment that is both comfortable and supportive of learning the Spanish language abroad.

Quetzaltenango is situated in the upper west part of the country, nearing the Mexican border. The journey from Guatemala city will take about 12 hours overland because of the intense mountains the ride passes through, but the joys of reaching a larger and less-touched part of Guatemala is well underrated.

Since Quetzaltenango, commonly referred to as Xela (Sheh-la), is so far off the beaten backpacker track, the locals are less accustomed to speaking English.  What this means is that while you are sitting at a cozy cafe using the FREE Wi-Fi and ordering some delicious coffee, you will actually have to use Spanish to do so.  Imagine that!

The advantages of Spanish schools Quetzaltenango are:

• The city is less traveled and touristy, meaning you will get a look at a lesser-touched culture while being immersed in the Spanish language.
• Quetzaltenango provides big city conveniences in a small-town atmosphere.
• They have free Wi-Fi at the cafes because of the large number of students in the area.
• You have easy access to Mexico if further travels inspire you to go there.

The disadvantages of Spanish schools Quetzaltenango are:

• Even though it is the second largest city in Guatemala, it will take about 12 hours overland to get to from Guatemala City.
• The town is less touristy meaning you might feel a bit lost and out of place at times being one of the few foreigners around.