Learn Spanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina: In-Person Courses, Classes & Lessons
83 Piedras Street, 3rd floor E, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Gap year in Buenos Aires Argentina
TEFL, Teach English and Learn Spanish in Buenos Aires
Teaching English abroad is a great way to travel, see the world, and gain great professional experience for your resume. A chance to see the world and experience a different culture is an extremely rewarding and unique adventure. There are various benefits that you will gain while teaching. Not only will you grow as a person, but you will learn so much about yourself in the process. Teaching English abroad combines all the fun of traveling, while gaining real world experience that will without a doubt help you in your future endeavors.
Many people long to go beyond the routine of their daily lives, to get out and see the world. Teaching abroad is one of the few professions that allows you to do that while maintaining a stable, fulfilling job. A position instructing in another country offers you the opportunity to travel to a land that people pay thousands of dollars to visit for only a few days on vacation. Instead, English language teachers working abroad resettle overseas for six months to a year or more, an arrangement that allows them to fully explore their host-country and the neighboring nations.
Unlike studying abroad for a semester, which probably cost you and/or your parents a good deal of money, when you teach English abroad you may actually get paid to live in a foreign country like Brazil, Argentina, or Spain. How cool is that?!
In Buenos Aires, first-time English teachers like myself can earn a wage that enables you to live comfortably, cover the bills (rent, food, transportation) and enjoy travel and other recreational pursuits.
As an English teacher abroad, I am able to immerse myself in the daily life and culture of a foreign country even more deeply than while studying abroad. Teaching abroad allows me to live in a typical middle class neighborhood, shop at local markets, ride to work on local transportation and hang out at the corner café, tavern or sake bar with my neighbors. Providing me with an opportunity to experience a foreign culture to a degree my friends back home could only dream of.
Teaching abroad also allows you to gain international work experience for your resume. In the globalized, multicultural world of the 21st century, employers increasingly value international professional experience as they look to hire those with proven abilities to comfortably work with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Moving halfway around the world and teaching English also proves that you possess initiative and that you have the courage and ability to adapt to a new environment and circumstances, and that you are not afraid to move out of your comfort zone and taken on new challenges.
Teaching abroad is also almost always accompanied with a number of unique non-monetary benefits. The opportunity to work with and get to know locals, while helping them can be very rewarding to those who are passionate about teaching. Some of your students may even become lifelong friends. Teaching abroad gives you the opportunity to work with others and even choose what types of people you wish to work with. Kids, business owners, parents, locals, there are all kinds of different opportunities out there.
The opportunities and benefits of teaching English abroad are endless. The question should not be whether or not it's worth it, because it definitely is. The question should be, when and how can I do it? If you are adventurous, wish to see the world, and gain knowledge from other cultures, then teaching English abroad is a good option for you.
The Essential Guide to TEFL and Teaching in Buenos Aires
Navigating the world of English language education can feel like wading through alphabet soup. With acronyms like TEFL, TESOL, and ESL flying around, it’s easy to get lost before you’ve even packed your bags. Whether you are looking to start a new career or embark on a gap-year adventure, understanding these basics is your first step toward the classroom.
What Exactly is TEFL?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. At its core, it is about teaching English to people who have little to no knowledge of the language, typically in a country where English is not the primary tongue.
While you might hear other terms, they often overlap:
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages): Often used interchangeably with TEFL. It technically covers teaching English both abroad and within English-speaking countries.
ESL (English as a Second Language): Usually refers to teaching non-native speakers who are living in an English-speaking country, though it is often used as a broad umbrella term for the whole industry.
What Does TEFL Training Involve?
English is a "quirky" language filled with idioms and complex grammar rules. A TEFL certification ensures you actually know how to teach those rules to others.
The industry standard for a reputable qualification is a 120-hour course. This foundation covers lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching methodologies. While some courses offer a "practicum" (observed teaching practice), the most important factor is receiving guidance from experienced tutors who have taught overseas themselves.
Study and Teach in Argentina: Ibero Spanish School Buenos Aires
If you're looking to dive into the culture of South America while getting certified, Ibero Spanish School in Buenos Aires offers specialized programs that combine language learning with professional development.
Located in the historic Palacio Piedras, Ibero provides several Spanish plus TEFL paths:
Combined Spanish + TEFL Program: The first of its kind in the city, this allows you to undergo an intensive 4-week (130-hour) TEFL course while simultaneously taking Spanish immersion classes.
Onsite TEFL Course (130 Hours): A 4-to-5-week intensive program that includes 100 hours of academic theory, 20 hours of class observation, and 10 hours of real teaching practice with non-native students.
Spanish Immersion Levels: While you train to teach, you can move through Ibero's eight levels of Spanish (A1 to C2) using their proprietary textbooks and communicative methodology.
Job Placement Services: One of the biggest perks at Ibero is their guaranteed job placement in Buenos Aires or abroad upon successful completion of the course.
Common TEFL Myths Debunked
"I need to speak another language." Not true. While being a polyglot helps you navigate a new country, you only need to be skilled in English to teach it.
"I’m too old (or too young)." As long as you are at least 18, there is a place for you. Schools value both the energy of younger teachers and the life experience of older ones.
"I need a teaching degree." You don't need a prior degree in education to get TEFL certified. However, keep in mind that some specific countries require a BA degree (in any subject) to grant a work visa.
Learn Spanish in Buenos Aires Argentina
Spanish School with Accommodation in Buenos Aires
Find the Perfect Spanish School with Accommodation in Buenos Aires at Íbero
Looking for a comprehensive Spanish language experience that combines excellent education with the convenience of living where you learn? At Íbero Spanish School, we offer the ideal solution with our premium Spanish school with accommodation in Buenos Aires at the magnificent Palacio Piedras.
Live Where You Learn: The Palacio Piedras Advantage
Imagine stepping through the ornate doors of a historic building and finding your classroom and your comfortable home all in one place. That's the unique advantage of choosing Íbero Spanish School and our accommodation at Palacio Piedras. This beautiful French-style building, located in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires, offers a seamless integration of living and learning. You’ll be just two blocks from the iconic Casa Rosada, surrounded by major attractions, vibrant restaurants, and convenient public transportation.
Our accommodation at Palacio Piedras is more than just a place to sleep; it's a sanctuary for learning and cultural immersion. The spacious rooms are elegantly furnished and designed for both comfort and focus, with high ceilings, natural light, and a blend of classic charm and modern amenities. As a student residing here, you'll have unrestricted access to high-speed internet, a fully equipped kitchen, and common areas where you can relax and connect with fellow students from around the world.
Personalized Learning in a Supportive Group Setting
At Íbero, we believe that every student is unique. Our Group Spanish Tutoring in Buenos Aires is designed to provide interactive learning and peer engagement, fostering language proficiency through active participation. Whether you join a group or opt for a private lesson, our expert instructors, who are native Argentines with bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees, tailor the curriculum to your goals and learning style.
As Benny Pasternak, a former student, shared: "I really liked the fact that the groups were small and that the teacher was able to provide personal attention to each and everyone. Also the teachers are very professional and communicate and explain the material in a clear manner. They help you overcome your initial fears and barriers and encourage you to practice and speak in Spanish which is extremely important for beginners."
Beyond the Classroom: Cultural Immersion and Support
Our commitment to your success goes beyond grammar and vocabulary. We believe that true fluency comes from living the language. Our courses incorporate cultural insights, helping you understand how language and culture are interconnected. As Sally Brunello from Australia noted, our school has a welcoming staff and teachers who are happy to help, making the classes fun and interesting.
Our full-time office staff is always on hand to assist with classes, accommodation, tourist information, or any other matters. We ensure you feel at home and have all the support you need to make the most of your time in this amazing city.
Reviews from Our Students
We are proud of the positive feedback we receive from our students, who come to us from all walks of life and from all over the world:
"I found the course very intensive, but this is what I’d hoped for. I feel that I have learnt an awful lot in three weeks." - Ben Devereuz, UK
"Everyone here was very friendly and I thoroughly enjoyed (attempting!) to learn Spanish. I definitely made progress even though I was only here one week." - Dave Chapman, UK
"Íbero Spanish School is extremely homey... I was surrounded by great people, from all walks of life, all the time." - Molly Mc Glynn, Canada
Come and join our community at Íbero Spanish School Argentina! Our unique offering of a Spanish school with accommodation in Buenos Aires at the beautiful Palacio Piedras provides an unparalleled experience, blending historical charm, a central location, and a supportive learning environment.
CONTACT US today to start your personalized Spanish language adventure!
Learn Spanish in Buenos Aires
Study Spanish in Argentina
The Soul of the South: Discovering Yerba Mate
If you find yourself wandering the streets of Buenos Aires near the Ibero Spanish School, you will inevitably notice a local ritual: people carrying a thermos under one arm and a small, distinct cup in hand. This isn't just a drink; it’s Yerba Mate, the "green gold" of South America.
What is Yerba Mate?
Derived from the Ilex paraguariensis tree—a member of the holly family—Yerba Mate is a plant native to the subtropical regions of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Long before European arrivals, the indigenous Guaraní people harvested these leaves, calling them ka’a (the herb). They believed the plant was a gift that provided strength and sustained life.
The name we use today, "mate," actually comes from the Quechua word mati, which refers to the gourd used to serve the infusion.
A Ritual of Connection
Unlike coffee or tea, which are often consumed quickly or in solitude, mate is a deeply social experience.
The Vessel: The dry, crushed leaves are placed in a gourd (mate).
The Straw: A metal straw called a bombilla is used to filter the leaves.
The Ceremony: A "server" (the cebador) pours hot water—ideally between 70°C and 80°C—and passes the gourd to friends in a circle.
Whether it is served hot or enjoyed cold as tereré (popular in the blistering heat of Paraguay and Northern Argentina), the drink is prized for its unique chemical makeup. It contains caffeine (often called mateine in this context), providing a focused energy boost without the "jitters" often associated with coffee.
From the Rainforest to the World
Today, Argentina is one of the world's leading producers, with the red soil of the Misiones province providing the perfect nutrients for the trees. While it remains a staple of daily life in the Southern Cone, yerba mate has gained global fame, appearing in energy drinks and health shops worldwide due to its high concentration of antioxidants and minerals like potassium and magnesium.
For students at Ibero Spanish School Buenos Aires, sharing a mate is often the first step toward true cultural immersion and the best way to practice Spanish with locals.
Learn Spanish and Stay with the Experts at Ibero
If you are looking for a complete immersion experience, Ibero Spanish School is the premier choice in Buenos Aires. We pride ourselves on being the only Spanish school in the city that offers integrated on-site accommodation options, ensuring you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Staying with us means no commutes through the city's rush hour—you can simply walk from your room to your classroom. It also provides a unique community atmosphere where you can practice Spanish with fellow students and staff 24/7.
Imagine waking up to the smell of fresh facturas, walking through the cobblestone streets of San Telmo, and greeting your neighbors with a confident "¡Buen día!" This isn't just a dream; it’s a typical morning for students at Ibero Spanish School.
Buenos Aires, often called the "Paris of the South," offers a unique blend of European elegance and Latin American passion, making it the premier destination for language learners who want more than just a classroom experience.
Choosing to study in Argentina means diving into a culture famous for its literature, tango, and world-class cuisine. At Ibero, we believe that the best way to master a language is to live it. Our programs are designed to take you beyond the textbook and into the heart of Argentine life.
Why Choose Ibero Spanish Schoool in Buenos Aires?
Immersion Beyond the Classroom: Our school is located in the historic center, putting you steps away from iconic landmarks. You’ll practice your Spanish while ordering asado or navigating the local subte.
Dynamic Learning Methodology: We use our own proprietary materials and textbooks specifically designed to get you speaking from day one.
A Professional Edge: For those looking to stay longer, we offer the unique Spanish plus TEFL program, allowing you to earn an international teaching certification while you improve your language skills.
Cultural Connection: From sharing a yerba mate in the park to attending local "milongas," our students don't just learn a language—they gain a second home.
Learn Spanish in Buenos Aires and Study Spanish in Argentina Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a teaching degree to take the TEFL course? No. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred by some international employers, but it is not essential to take our course. Anyone with a native or near-native level of English can apply.
When do Spanish classes start? All levels, from complete beginner to advanced, start every Monday throughout the year.
Are the materials included in the price? Yes! We believe in transparency. All comprehensive textbooks and learning resources are included in your course fee with no hidden costs.
Can I work while I study Spanish in Buenos Aires? Many of our students choose to Teach English Online while they are here. Since you can earn in USD or Euros and live on the Argentine Peso, it allows for a very comfortable lifestyle in Buenos Aires.
Is the TEFL certificate recognized internationally? Absolutely. Our TEFL certification is externally validated and recognized by schools and employers worldwide, from Latin America to Asia and Europe.
Ideas for Your Time in Buenos Aires
To make the most of your stay at Ibero, here are a few ways to dive into the local culture:
The "Border Hop" Tradition: Join other teachers on a quick ferry ride across the river to Colonia, Uruguay. It’s a beautiful day trip and a common way for travelers to renew their 90-day tourist stamps.
Spanish for Expats: If you are planning to move to Buenos Aires long-term, ask about our specialized "Spanish for Expats" course which focuses on local slang (lunfardo) and administrative tasks like renting an apartment.
Networking at Social Activities: Don't miss the weekly social calendar. From museum visits to group dinners, these activities are the best way to make friends from all over the globe.
Teach and Travel: Use your 5-week TEFL course as a springboard. Many of our graduates use our free job placement service to secure teaching contracts with local business institutes immediately after finishing.
Intensive Spanish Course in Buenos Aires
Master the Art of Argentine Connection: Spanish and the Ritual of Mate
When you sign up for an intensive Spanish course in Buenos Aires, you aren't just learning verbs and vocabulary; you are gaining access to a lifestyle. At Ibero, we know that the heart of Argentine culture beats in the "ronda de mate"—the social circle where friends share a drink, secrets, and stories.
To help you fully immerse yourself, our school is perfectly situated near the most iconic landmarks of the city. In fact, if you stay at our Spanish school with accommodation, you are just a three-minute stroll away from a hidden gem: the Museo del Mate.
The Ultimate Guide to Mate: From the Museum to Your Gourd
Located at Avenida de Mayo 853, just around the corner from Ibero, the Museo del Mate is the "Kilometer Zero" of the Yerba Mate Route. Boasting a collection of over 10,000 antique pieces, this museum tells the story of the "Green Gold" from its indigenous Guaraní roots to the Jesuit missions. Visiting this museum is the perfect afternoon activity after your Spanish lessons to understand why this bitter tea is the most democratic drink in the world.
Once you’ve seen the history, it’s time to practice. Here is your step-by-step guide to becoming a master cebador (the mate server).
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare the Perfect Argentinian Mate
1. Heat the Water (But Don't Boil It!) To avoid "burning" the leaves, your water must be between 70°C and 80°C. Boiling water makes the drink too bitter and ruins the flavor.
2. Fill and Shake Fill your gourd three-quarters full with yerba. Cover the top with your hand, flip it upside down, and give it a good shake. This brings the fine dust to the top so it doesn’t clog your straw later. (Pro tip: blow the green dust off your hand before you touch your clothes!)
3. The Tilt and the Hollow Tilt the gourd so the yerba rests on one side at an angle. Pour a little warm water into the empty space you created. Let it sit for a moment—this is called "awakening" the yerba.
4. Position the Bombilla Cover the mouthpiece of your bombilla (metal straw) with your thumb and plunge it into the moist side of the yerba. Once it’s in, never stir it. Moving the bombilla is the ultimate "rookie" mistake!
5. The Art of Brewing As the cebador, you pour the water into the same spot every time, right next to the straw. You drink the first mate entirely to ensure it’s flowing well, then refill it and pass it to the person on your right.
6. Share and Speak Now for the most important part: the conversation. In Argentina, mate is about slowing down. While you share the gourd, practice the phrases you learned in your intensive Spanish course. Remember: only say "Gracias"when you are finished and don't want any more!
Experience Buenos Aires with Ibero Spanish School Buenos Aires
By choosing a Spanish school with accommodation in Buenos Aires, you live in the center of the action. You can study Spanish in the morning, visit the Museo del Mate at 853 Avenida de Mayo in the afternoon, and spend your evenings sharing a round of mate with your international housemates.