Learn Spanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina: In-Person Courses, Classes & Lessons
83 Piedras Street, 3rd floor E, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Study Spanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Study Spanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina versus Madrid, Spain
Prices vary and there are many Spanish Schools in Argentina as well as many Spanish Schools in Madrid. These are some steps to take into account when choosing the best option
How Much Do Spanish Lessons Cost?
At Spanish schools in Buenos Aires, Argentina, you can expect to be between 8-10 USD per hour for Spanish group classes while one-to-one lessons can be more expensive (22-25 USD per hour). Nearly all of the Spanish schools in Buenos Aires provide one-to-one lessons, but be sure to check that this is the case before signing up. If you’re able to commit to a larger amount of Spanish courses it’s quite likely that you will be able to get a discount if you pay up-front.
Ask to Try Before You Buy
If you are serious about Spanish study in Buenos Aires, the golden rule with any Spanish language School is to pay just to have one lesson before you sign up for a whole week or more of classes. I much prefer to pay on the day for each lesson, but some Spanish schools may ask you to pay the whole amount up-front or to at least pay a deposit amount. In the first Spanish class you’ll be able to get a sense of how well you gel with the teacher and how much you could learn in your Spanish course. If you’re not feeling too great about the experience, there’s no reason you shouldn’t try another Spanish school or a different Spanish teacher.
Buenos Aires Highlights
In my opinion, the best way to see Buenos Aires is to walk and walk and walk through its diverse neighborhoods or barrios and catch a taxi on a Sunday to drive from north to south for a very reasonably priced city tour, unencumbered by city traffic which would otherwise choke you every day of the week. What is also missing above are the great museums and art galleries, which are a must!
Summary
In my opinion, you learn much better in a positive environment and with a Spanish School who you feel comfortable with. The first Spanish teacher who I had a lesson with in Buenos Aires made me feel quite uncomfortable as he was very critical – even though he tried to be jokey about it – of my basic Spanish. He also tried to insist on me paying for my Spanish week’s classes before we had even begun the first lesson, and as we had met in a café rather than at an actual school, reason by which I refused. Íbero Spanish School is based in the San Telmo neighborhood, a super trendy neighborhood in Buenos Aires which is surrounded by beautiful cafés and restaurants. The Spanish lessons take place on a two storey building with a beautiful garden. Everyone at the school was extremely friendly and they were very flexible about letting me pay for each Spanish class on the day. My Spanish teacher was great at keeping the Spanish conversation going until I was able to understand and respond, and I learned a great deal about the history and culture of Buenos Aires from her.
Is Argentina a good place to study Spanish?
Ibero Spanish School Buenos Aires is a highly-regarded language school that stands out for its university-level instructors, on-site accommodation within a historic palace, and a comprehensive, immersive curriculum. Its location in a dynamic cultural hub like Buenos Aires provides a unique and enriching environment for students to rapidly improve their Spanish skills.
When it comes to learning Spanish, the choice of location and school is paramount. While many cities offer language programs, Ibero Spanish School in Buenos Aires provides a compelling combination of academic rigor and cultural immersion. The school's unique approach, centered on quality instruction and an integrated living and learning environment, makes it a premier destination for students seeking a truly effective and memorable experience.
The Core Advantages of Ibero Spanish School
Ibero's reputation is built on several key pillars that set it apart from other language schools.
1. University-Level Instruction
Unlike many language schools, Ibero employs certified, native-speaking university professors. This guarantees that students receive a high-quality, academically-sound education. The instructors are experts in communicative methodologies, ensuring that students are not just learning grammar rules but are actively engaged in speaking Spanish from day one.
2. Immersive On-Site Accommodation
A defining feature of Ibero is its location within the historic Palacio Piedras. The school offers on-site accommodation, allowing students to live and study in the same building. This not only provides a convenient and secure environment but also fosters a deep sense of community among students from around the world. It’s an immersion experience that extends beyond the classroom, giving students constant opportunities to practice and socialize.
3. Comprehensive and Structured Curriculum
Ibero provides a clear, structured learning path with courses guaranteed to run without cancellation. All students receive high-quality textbooks and materials as part of their program, which are essential for reinforcing in-class learning and for independent study. The curriculum covers all aspects of the language—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—ensuring a well-rounded education.
Is Argentina a good place to study Spanish?
Yes, Argentina is an excellent place to study Spanish, particularly for those who want a rich, immersive cultural experience. While the Argentine dialect, known as "Castellano," has unique features like the "voseo" (using "vos" instead of "tú") and distinct pronunciation, these elements are part of what makes the experience so rewarding.
Why Buenos Aires? 🇦🇷
Cultural Hub: Buenos Aires is a city of immense cultural richness, from the passion of Tango to its vibrant arts scene and European-style architecture. This provides an engaging backdrop for language learning.
Affordability: Compared to many European and North American cities, Buenos Aires is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for students on a budget.
Unique Dialect: The local "Rioplatense Spanish" is a distinctive dialect. While it may require some initial adjustment, mastering it provides a deeper understanding of the language and culture. Many find that once they understand the Argentine accent, other Spanish accents become easier to comprehend.
Warm and Welcoming: Argentines, or "Porteños," are generally known for their friendly and welcoming nature, creating a positive environment for students to practice their language skills with locals.
While some may see the unique dialect as a drawback, a school like Ibero, with its expert local instructors, ensures that students are prepared to navigate these linguistic nuances while still developing a strong foundation in a universally understood form of Spanish.
FAQs
Q: Does Ibero Spanish School only offer group courses?
A: No, Ibero offers a variety of programs, including Intensive Group Courses, Private Courses, and Combination Courses to suit different learning styles and schedules.
Q: Are Ibero's courses suitable for complete beginners?
A: Yes, the school caters to all levels, from A1 (Beginner) to C2 (Superior). All students take a placement test to ensure they are placed in the correct level.
Q: What is the benefit of a "voseo" course?
A: A voseo course, or learning the Argentine dialect, is beneficial for students who want to fully immerse themselves in the local culture and communicate authentically with Argentines.
Q: Does Ibero provide a certificate upon completion?
A: Yes, upon successful completion of a program, students receive a certificate of achievement, which can be a valuable addition to their academic and professional records.
Should you learn Spanish from Spain or Latin America?
Deciding between learning Spanish in Spain versus Latin America depends on your personal goals and preferences, as both are excellent choices. While Spain offers the language's origins and a distinct "Castellano" accent, Latin America provides greater diversity in dialects and a generally more affordable cost of living. Buenos Aires, in particular, offers a unique and rich cultural experience, making it a fantastic place to learn.
The question of whether to learn Spanish in Spain or Latin America is a common one for prospective students. While the core language is mutually intelligible, there are noticeable differences in accent, vocabulary, and even some grammar that can influence your decision. Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you hope to achieve with the language, whether it’s for travel, career, or personal enrichment.
Spain vs. Latin America: A Tale of Two Worlds
The primary difference between Spanish from Spain and Latin American Spanish is the accent and a few key grammatical and vocabulary points.
The Spain Advantage 🇪🇸
The "Castellano" Accent: The most defining characteristic is the pronunciation of 'c' and 'z' before 'e' and 'i', which sound like the English 'th' sound. This is a hallmark of Peninsular Spanish.
The "Vosotros" Pronoun: In Spain, the informal plural "you" is vosotros. In Latin America, ustedes is used for both formal and informal plural situations.
Origin of the Language: For some, learning Spanish in its birthplace holds a certain appeal. It's a chance to immerse in the culture that created the language itself.
The Latin America Advantage 🌎
Dialect Diversity: Latin America is home to countless accents and dialects. For a beginner, some of the most recommended are from places like Colombia, Peru, or Mexico, which are often considered clearer. However, places like Argentina, with its unique "Rioplatense" accent and "voseo," offer a distinct and rich linguistic experience.
Affordability: Generally, the cost of living and tuition in most Latin American countries is more affordable than in Spain, allowing students to stay longer and gain more practice.
Widespread Use: With hundreds of millions of speakers, Latin American Spanish is the most widely spoken variety globally. If your goal is to travel or work in the Americas, this dialect is a practical choice.
Why Ibero Spanish School Buenos Aires Stands Out
Ibero Spanish School in Buenos Aires provides a unique and compelling argument for choosing Latin American Spanish. While the Argentine dialect might be challenging at first, Ibero's structured approach and location offer a powerful learning combination.
Academic Excellence: The school's commitment to using university-level professors ensures a high-quality education that goes beyond just the local dialect. They teach a comprehensive curriculum that provides a solid foundation in all aspects of the language.
Immersive Experience: The unique on-site accommodation within the historic Palacio Piedras is a game-changer. Students are not only in a cultural city, but they're also living and learning in the same place, fostering a constant stream of opportunities to practice Spanish.
Cultural Connection: The Argentine dialect, or "Castellano Rioplatense," is an integral part of the country's identity. Learning it allows for a deeper connection with the local people and culture, from understanding the nuances of tango to sharing a mate.
FAQs
Q: Is the Argentine accent difficult to understand?
A: The Argentine accent, especially in Buenos Aires, has a distinctive melodic rhythm and uses the "voseo" form. While it may take some getting used to, the exposure to a unique dialect can actually improve your listening skills and make other accents seem easier in comparison.
Q: Does Ibero Spanish School only teach the Argentine dialect?
A: While the instructors are native Argentines, they provide a curriculum that gives a strong foundation in general Spanish, ensuring students are understood globally. They also offer specific classes and activities to help students master the local dialect for full cultural immersion.
Q: What is "voseo"?
A: "Voseo" is a linguistic phenomenon where the pronoun "vos" is used instead of "tú" for the second-person singular. This affects verb conjugations and is a key feature of the "Rioplatense" Spanish spoken in Argentina and Uruguay.
