It can be difficult to choose among the many Spanish schools in Buenos Aires. The competition is fierce and everyone seems to promise the same thing, so if you want to learn Spanish in Argentina it can be almost impossible to decide. It can be tempting to go for the cheapest option. This guide should help you look under the hood and consider factors other than the lowest price or prettiest stock photos. Chances are, you’ll spend several weeks, if not months, of your valuable free time learning Spanish, so it’s worth investing time researching potential schools.
1.Experience
Sometimes it is difficult to judge which Spanish schools in Buenos Aires have the most experience by looking at their websites. As there is no regulation of cultural institutes in Argentina, many small start-ups can present themselves as institutions with a lot of experience.
Don’t be fooled by the photos, there is nothing to make up for the field experience. Schools that have been in business for several years will have better course material, better teacher selection procedures, and will know how to make sure you get the most out of the experience.
2. Neighborhood
There are numerous Spanish schools and Spanish immersion schools in Buenos Aires, but if you are not familiar with the city, you could end up choosing one in the wrong area. Although areas like Centro, Congreso and San Telmo are interesting areas to visit, they are not so suitable if you are going to stay there for a few weeks or months.
Choose a residential place like Palermo or Recoleta, and you will be located in a cleaner, safer place and with many more amenities to make your experience more pleasant.
3.Other Schools in network
Is the school a single institution or does it have other branches in different locations? This is important because you are unlikely to become fluent in Spanish after just one course, and you will probably want to study it again elsewhere without repeating the same content.
If your school is part of a network, make sure they are all run by the same operator rather than just separate schools that have been bundled together. This means that you will be able to continue your studies in your next destination without any problem.
4. Size of the school
When you study Spanish in Argentina, it is generally better to go to a larger Spanish school. Many schools only have 15-20 students, which means they are forced to mix students of different levels in the same classes. To avoid this, make sure that your chosen school has at least 50 students, which will ensure that you are placed in a class that is appropriate for your level.
5. Teacher Certification
How does the Spanish school you have chosen certify the teachers? Many Spanish schools in Buenos Aires have lax recruitment standards that translate into a subpar experience for you. Make sure the institution’s professors have been verified by an external source, such as a foreign university.
6. Price
Of course price is an issue, but always look for value above the lowest price. If your choice is based solely on price, you could end up wasting your money, not to mention your time. Factors such as location, facilities, course material, teacher training standards, and additional activities will affect the price. But at the same time, that’s no reason to go for the more expensive schools, as they are often geared towards a more executive clientele.
