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Since there has been such difference in the Spanish immersion schools we’ve attended, we’ve been discussing what to look for in a school.  We tried to research our schools ahead of time, but still, you never really know until you get there. 

Naturally, you want to look at their website.   And it’s a good idea to go onto forums, blogs, etc and look for (or ask for) information about schools in general for that city, or for a particular school.  I’ve read blog entries that say there’s nothing like going to a city that has several schools and visiting them in person before you sign up (and that it might even be cheaper).  I’m sure that’s a good way to do it.  But since most sessions start on a Monday, you would need to get there on a Thursday or Friday at the latest in order to visit the schools.  If you’re going for a month or more, then a couple of extra days probably won’t be a big deal, but for us working stiffs that only get X number of days off from work, those few days are precious.  AND we usually start our trip on Saturdays.  So, do your homework first, and go down early if it suits your budget and schedule.   In the meantime, here are some things to think about when choosing a school. 

First, what kind of trip is this going to be?  Serious Spanish study?   Or part study, part vacation?   A four class day (with homework) can eat up a big section of your day.  We did four in Guanajuato, but cut back to three in San Miguel de Allende because this was my first trip to Mexico and I wanted to be a tourist for one of the two weeks. 

Do you know where you want to go?  At least generally?   Someplace warm for the winter?  As far as your frequent flyer miles will take you?   We’ve done both -  Mexico and Argentina.  Is this your first time in a Spanish speaking country?   And do you have any Spanish skills?  If you are a beginning student, and if this is your first time out, then you might want to consider a location that is popular with English speakers.  It’s less intimidating.   UNLESS this is a serious Spanish study trip, in which case you might want to avoid tourist areas for that complete immersion experience.  Be aware though, that having minimal language skills will make a trip more stressful if you’re in an area where English isn’t spoken.  Not impossible.  People do it all the time.  But more difficult. 

Once you’ve decided where you want to go, and how much class time you want, then it’s time to start narrowing down the choice of schools.   Here’s how:

What’s the school’s location?  Is it within walking distance of the main square, and of your homestay or apartment?   It sure makes it nice when it is.  For me, walking distance is anything under 20 minutes or so.   You might like more or less walking.   How much is a cross town cab ride?  Usually not much, but it can add up.  Often (usually) a homestay includes at least a ride TO school, if not to and from.  After dark, it’s best to take a taxi anyway, but just be aware that over time it adds up.   By the way, what kind of walking is it?  Uphill?   Busy (dangerous) streets?  Ask.

What’s the maximum number of students per class?   The smaller the better.  More than 6 and you won’t get much individual attention. 

Is there a registration fee?  It could add significantly to your bill, especially if you’re only there for a week.  Do they charge for books?  Some schools do.  Some rent.  Some require a refundable deposit.  Some are included in the price. 

How much are the classes?  Most are cheaper the longer you stay.  Are there school activities?  Do they cost extra?   Sometimes weeknight activities are included (except for materials) and weekend excursions are extra.  Are the activities something you might be interested in? 

Where will you stay?   Homestays are the best deal.  Usually you get a room (or a shared room) and from zero to three meals a day at a good price.  Sometimes there are categories ranging from regular folks to luxurious houses (hint: luxurious costs more).   How many meals do you want?  Taking meals ties you down a little, in that it means either being there for them, or letting the hosts know (early) that you won’t be there.  And maybe you’ll like their cooking and maybe you won’t. In most homes, lunch is the big meal of the day.  In some countries it’s common to not eat the last meal until 9 or 10 at night.  The longer you stay, the more important food issues are.  You need to know these things so that you can make a good decision about your stay and meals.  You could rent an apartment and cook in your own kitchen.  We once rented a room in a shared apartment and had access to the kitchen.  That worked well, but we like to cook.   If you don’t…..

Do you need access to email, the web, etc.?   We do.  If you do too, then not having it can make you unhappy.  Telephone calls can get very expensive very fast.  If you don’t use skype or something like it, you’ll want to use prepaid cards.  DON’T use your cell phone (yes, it will work, but it’s expensive).  

Check the weather, but don’t count on it.  Look at the average HIGH and LOW for your time frame.  Average or median temperature means nothing.  An average of 65 for a day might mean it’s 95 in the day and 35 at night.  Find the average high and low instead.  And then don’t count on it.  When we went to Argentina in November, the average high was supposed to be 78.  It was low 90’s the first week, and humid.  So we were uncomfortable.   The average low in San Miguel in February was supposed to be 45.   It got into the upper 30s a few times (and no place had heat).  We wound up buying a couple of extra sweaters.  

Add up all the charges.  School, accommodations, meals, transportation, airfare.  Allow for eating out, buying trinkets and film, etc.  And don’t forget that it’s going to cost you to exchange your money, whether you use an ATM or a credit card.  (Hint:  a couple of larger withdrawals costs less than a lot of small ones).   You’d be surprised at how often people come back from a trip and are stunned by how much they spent.   Figure out your charges and add 25%. 

One last thing about the school.  Find out (if you can) the average age (and maybe the age range) of your fellow students.   In Buenos Aires, I was by far the oldest person in my class, and one of the oldest in the school.  In San Miguel de Allende, there was a lone 18 year old in a sea of gray hair.  Maybe it doesn’t matter to you.   It didn’t to me.  In fact I enjoyed it.  But if you’re going to be there for very long, it can get lonely.

Tags:   Argentina · choosing a language school · immersion · Immersion school · Immersion Schools · Learn Spanish · Learning Spanish · Mexico · San Miguel de Allende · Spanish · speak Spanish · Travel SpanishNo Comments