Spanish Classes & Homestay
If planning a lengthy holiday to South America I recommend that you enrol in Spanish classes. I think this is THE best way to learn Spanish because you are immersed in the local environment.
Most South American countries offer Spanish classes to tourists. Generally, you will be required to enrol in Spanish classes for a minimum of 2 weeks. Spanish Class Programs will usually include evening or weekend cultural activities in the country you are studying (field trips, cooking classes, dancing classes etc).
It is beneficial to enrol in Spanish classes that also offer ‘homestay’ with a local family. My homestay experience was a highlight of my trip and I still remain close friends with the South American families that hosted me.
If you wish to receive more detailed information regarding Spanish Classes & Homestay options in South America please email me at:
Nick@south-america-travel-advice.com
Please supply your name and reply email address. Thanks
To give you an idea of what to expect I’ll share with you an overview of my own South American Spanish Schooling experience.
Diary of my Spanish Schooling in South America
Prior to Travel
You can enrol in classes in any South American country to suit your itinerary.
I decided to book a ‘dual country’ Spanish Schooling Program & Family Homestay. This was a 5 week program with 2 weeks of classes in Cuenca, Ecuador, followed by 3 weeks of classes in Sucre, Bolivia. These country programs were bargain priced and suited my itinerary direction of travel.
Using a VISA card I booked and pre-paid for my schooling over the internet with a reputable company who are advertised as the “specialists in Latin America Schooling”. My booking was handled via secure payments and follow-up emails with one of their Travel Consultants (Beth) – I did not need to pick up the phone even once! Beth organised my schooling dates, homestay, internal flights, airport pick-up and overnight hotel stays.
On arrival to South America
My first stop in South America was a flight arriving in Quito, Ecuador. At the airport I was met by a representative of the Spanish school. They drove me to my hotel. The next morning they picked me up and drove me back to the airport for my internal flight to the colonial town of Cuenca.
On this flight I met other tourists heading to the same Spanish School. Arriving at Cuenca Airport we were met by our Ecuadorian host families. The home set-up is well organised for students. You get your own room and washing done on set days.
My following 2 week stay in Cuenca was brilliant! I had Spanish classes Mon – Fri from 9am till 1pm each day. Weekends were an excursion or dinners with other students. Each day I would return home for lunch with my host family and practice my Spanish over lunch. Then I’d head back to school to hang out with other students and attend an activity that night like salsa classes or cooking… always followed by a few drinks in a local bar! Your host family give you a key to their house so you can come and go as you please.
After 2 weeks my Spanish was at a pretty good basic level. I left Cuenca and backpacked down through Peru seeing the sights. Eventually I arrived in La Paz, Bolivia at an agreed date and hotel location. I was met by another representative of the Spanish school. Another internal flight took me to the beautiful town of Sucre.
At Sucre airport I was met by my Bolivian Host Family. Over the next 3 weeks I continued my Schooling program daily and also tried my best at salsa dancing classes! I became good friends with my host brothers who showed me out on the town with their local friends.
After a total of 5 weeks of schooling my Spanish was at a very good conversational standard. I backpacked around South America for a further 8 months. Being able to speak Spanish with locals I met made the trip memorable!
My farewell party after finishing Spanish Classes in Bolivia
Note: If you are interested in undertaking Spanish Classes in South America, please email me at Nick@south-america-travel-advice.com I'm happy to refer genuine enquiries to my Language Program Consultant (Beth).
FAQs that I have received on email
Should I learn some Spanish before I attend classes?
YES! The Spanish schools expect new students to have some understanding of at least 'very basic Spanish' prior to arrival in South America (basic words, basic grammar, numbers, days of week, etc). Refer to my previous page 'Learn Spanish' to get these resources prior to your trip.
What are the class sizes?
Generally classes are a maximum of 5 students. You are placed in classes depending on your ability. In Ecuador I was placed in a class with 4 other students of basic ability. In Bolivia I was placed in a class with 2 other students of intermediate ability. Both classes were relaxed and were a lot of fun!
Did you travel with other students you met?
For solo travellers, the other huge benefit of Spanish schooling is that you’ll meet so many other like minded travellers / backpackers. Once my classes were complete I travelled throughout South America with many of the students I had met in both the Ecuador and Bolivian schools.
Where are the students from? Age group?
Student nationalities at the Spanish schools included Swiss, French, Dutch, English, USA, Australian, Belgium, Canada, UK, Irish, South African, New Zealand and even Nepal! Ages varied from 18–40 years old.
Do I have to always eat meals with my designated host family?
You don't have to eat with your family if you don't want to. You are free to come / go from their home as you please. Breakfast is provided. I always returned home for lunch which is the main meal of the day in South America. Often I'd eat dinner elsewhere (with classmates) and would let my host family know I was eating out certain nights.
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2007 South America Travel Advice