The vibrant Argentine capital, Buenos Aires entices students with its array of recreational activities available outside the classroom, making learning Spanish here a real adventure.
Students jot down notes at Casa Spanish Academy (Photo: Casa Spanish Academy)
Buenos Aires draws large numbers of international students keen to immerse themselves in the Spanish language. Students will experience a different type of Spanish from that learnt in Spain, or even in neighbouring Latin countries, with the Argentine accent being noticeably different, as well as the addition of many colloquial words. The city’s language schools have a range of courses available, including intensive language classes, exam preparation courses, and evening courses. We’ve researched them all and selected five of the best language schools Buenos Aires has to offer, taking into account course variety, teaching style, services and amenities, and testimonials from former students.
Expanish
The colourful interior at Expanish’s Buenos Aires school (Photo: Expanish)
Located in Buenos Aires’ fashionable Palermo district, Expanish has grown to become one of the city’s most reputable language schools since its creation in 2006. Founded with the purpose of fostering a greater understanding and awareness between cultures, the school’s staff and teachers are primarily locals who encourage an exchange of ideas and customs with students from all over the world, providing experiential learning through social activities as part of a fully immersive experience. The school offers a range of holistic Spanish courses, different types of accommodation, and interactive cultural classes for students, who learn via the communicative method, which provides key support for the real classroom: their new home city. Small study groups, with an average of 7 students per class, allow optimum attention for everyone. Amenities include free high-speed WiFi, a lounge and patio area, a common room, a variety of shops, bars and restaurants on your doorstep, and easy access to local transport.
Casa Spanish Academy
Casa Spanish Academy welcomes language learners to what they will soon consider their second home. The language academy aims to provide students with complete cultural immersion, ensuring they make the most of their experience in Buenos Aires by hosting a busy programme of extracurricular activities. Intensive, group and private classes are offered, as well as long-term residents’ programmes and DELE preparation classes for those aiming to certify their Spanish skills. The school also helps organise students’ accommodation, offering homestays, shared residences, hostels, hotels, and private apartments, catering for differing budgets, lengths of stay, and other preferences and needs.
Instituto de Español Rayuela
Students receive language skills certified at Instituto de Español Rayuela (Photo: Instituto de Español Rayuela)
This independent language school has been teaching Spanish to foreign students in Buenos Aires for over 25 years. The school is located in one of the city’s oldest and most charming ‘barrios’, near to some of its most popular landmarks. Programmes and teaching methods are based on practices established by the University of Buenos Aires, utilising small class sizes and tailoring class activities to the characteristics and needs of each particular group. Intensive and semi-intensive classes are offered at beginner through to advanced levels, with lessons taking place in the morning and early afternoon. Classes are taught by professional Spanish teachers, all of whom have studied at the University of Buenos Aires. There are no registration fees, nor any extra charges for study materials.
VOS
For over 15 years, VOS has been helping and guiding students in their journey with the Spanish language. Their Buenos Aires school is spread over two city campuses – one in the Recoleta district and the other in Palermo – where they offer a choice of regular (9 hours per week) or intensive (20 hours per week) courses throughout the year. All classes are kept as small groups, so every student gets the attention they require. The school also helps students find accommodation, either with a Host Family or in a shared or private apartment. There’s also a packed programme of cultural activities, including tango, conversation club, BBQs, concerts, football matches, wine tasting, tours around the city, and more.
Vamos Spanish Academy
A lesson in progress at Vamos Spanish Academy (Photo via Vamos Spanish Academy)
Vamos Spanish Academy is located between the city’s elegant Recoleta district and its buzzing downtown, nestled among plazas, historic buildings, bars and cafes. It offers a huge selection of Spanish courses catering to different budgets and language proficiency. Classes are offered throughout the week, as well as at weekends and evenings, and students have the option of group classes or private one-to-one sessions. Courses are also available for children or families who want to learn together. The school can arrange local accommodation for students in the student residence, as well as with local Argentinian families or in private centrally-located apartments. It also hosts a range of workshops and activities, including dance classes, film screenings, and sports activities.
Centro Universitario de Idiomas
The Centro Universitario de Idiomas (CUI) is part of the School of Agronomy of Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). With over 20 years’ experience teaching languages, the school’s Spanish classes are run with a strong academic focus. The official certifications offered at the language centre also enable students to gain credits for University courses. CUI is a SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española) Exam Centre, so students can certify their language skills here too. Different types of accommodation are available that meet students’ varying requirements, with lodgings in student residences, homestays, and hostels.