You might have started by learning the rules involved in driving like how to use your review mirrors, control the wheel, handling the pedal, and so on. You practiced things like turning on the ignition, car revising and using the brakes. Eventually, one day, you had to start driving. Although it is always terrifying the first time, you drive a car to the road where you see lots of cars moving. Once you do this, it may surprise you that you were able to drive better than you expected. So, how are you learning Spanish? Did you start with the basics like mastering grammar, building vocabulary, and improving your listening skills? These are all amazing ways to practice your Spanish, but eventually, you’ll have to let go of your training track. Participating in a Spanish immersion program is the perfect way to drive out to the highway. You will be amazed at how much the knowledge you gained will help you navigate in a Spanish environment. And you don’t have to do it yourself – the 10 Spanish Immersion Programs in this article will give you the support you need to stay safe and improve your language skill.
Why Learn Spanish By Immersion
Recently, the VOA Special English Education had a small study of foreign language learning in adults. They were comparing two methods; the explicit or classroom method and the implicit or immersion method. After three to six months of learning the language, they tested to know how well they could remember it. The study found that those who had learned it with the immersion method performed better than those of native speakers of a language when speaking their language. According to Professor Ullman, he said: “those who trained with the classroom method also became more native-like in their brain processing.” Learning Spanish vocabulary and verb conjugations in a classroom in your country could be the first step in discovering a new way to express your thoughts, ideas, and emotions in Spanish. However, to really learn how native speakers communicate, you need to have the experience of being in a country where Spanish is the native language. One of the wonderful things about an immersion program is that many of them offer homestay accommodation, where you will live as a family, eating together and possibly going on excursions together. With a host family, you will really experience how people live in the country where you are studying. Immersion is also effective, making it an ideal option if you want or need to learn Spanish quickly. If you want to learn Spanish for work or at school or if you want to have a learning experience in a country where it is your mother tongue, an immersion program may be right for you.
What to Consider in Choosing a Spanish Language Program
One of the most exciting things about learning Spanish is that there are so many countries you can choose from that have it as their national language. This makes choosing the right program to study very difficultly. While the base language might be the same across countries where it’s spoken, remember that the accents, dialects, and words will vary depending on where you are in the world. If you plan to use Spanish for work, or you have in mind a country or region of the world where you would like to live or study in the future, it is best to choose an immersion program in that country. Look around the world and see where you could study in Europe, North America, Central America, South America, or the Caribbean! Another factor to consider is if you want to be in the city, look for a more rural environment or if you want to add volunteering or work to your language studies. Immersion programs range from a few weeks to a few months, and it is important to select a program that suits your schedule and language goals. While you are unlikely to be fluent in a matter of weeks, short-term programs can help you decide if you want to spend an extended period studying Spanish in a particular country.
How to Choose an Immersion Program That Is Right for You
It’s always necessary to understand the right way to choose a Spanish Immersion program for yourself. Here is how to choose the best immersion program that will be right for you in 2022:
#1. Find the Right Program Duration
When you look for an immersion program, be realistic about how much time you can spend on a program. Unfortunately, most of us have jobs, studies, families, and other responsibilities that we cannot really give up for so long. Find a program that works overtime and that you can commit to. Keep in mind that the more time you are willing to spend on a program, the more effective your experience will be. However, don’t worry if you only have a week or two – the duration of the programs varies a lot and you can probably always find the right solution.
#2. Choose the Right Country
When looking for a program, choose a country and city that you want to know better. It helps to be deeply interested in the place around you during your immersion experience. It will keep you engaged and inspire you to explore. And all this exploration will help you broaden your cultural knowledge and learn the language. Remember that Spanish is a language with many dialects. If you want to learn a specific type of Spanish, choose a program in that area.
#3. Balance your Experience in and out of the Classroom
Find a program with the right balance of educational counseling and self-study to meet your learning needs. Some people learn best through practical experience, while others learn best in the classroom. You know the best learning style for you.
#4. Choose your Accommodation
Most programs include accommodation, sometimes even in partnership with local families to provide students with a homestay experience. It can be difficult to live with people anywhere, but it is especially difficult when the language and culture of those with whom you share a home are not shared. We recommend a homestay experience, as it will complement the immersion experience. But you will need to ensure that you are paired with a family that you can easily get along with or share the same values as you. Often times, some programs will help you find a family to stay with in a homestay, while others are riskier because they randomly assign students to families. If you are not comfortable with a local family, look for a program that allows you to live on campus or in a rented apartment.
10 Spanish Immersion Programs in 2022
There are great platforms where you can find varieties of Spanish Immersion programs in the world. Here are the top programs on World Scholarship Forum for learning Spanish abroad, based on our reviews:
Spanish Immersion Programs in Spain
Spain has lots of centers, schools, and platforms that create opportunities to study Spanish Immersion Programs. Here is our list of the best Spanish Immersion Programs in Spain in 2022:
#1. Spanish Immersion Programs – International Studies Abroad (ISA)
ISA offers immersion experiences around the world, including Spanish immersion programs. This is a great pick for World Scholarship Forum, as it is a perfect platform for students! The ISA Spanish immersion program is in Valencia, Spain, but the company also offers programs in Peru, Cuba, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and several cities in Spain. The duration and price of the immersion program vary depending on the trip, but they have fixed dates that you can choose from throughout the year. Classes are usually a full semester, but there are also shorter options for those who cannot spare a few months of their time. ISA includes classroom instruction in addition to scheduled field trips throughout the program. You also have plenty of free time to explore on your own. Most importantly, the company has an excellent matchmaking service that will help you find a compatible family to live with. The experience will probably vary based on your program location, but ISA is definitely a good place to look if you want to find a longer Spanish immersion experience.
#2. Study Spanish Immersion Programs in Northern Spain – El Cuélebre
The El Cuélebre school is found in the mountain of Asturias, in the north of Spain. The school offers a perfect immersion in the Spanish language and culture in Spain. The basic idea of this program is to immerse students in the most perfect way possible in the Spanish language and culture. El Cuélebre Spanish courses are designed for a maximum of two people. This means that nobody will ever interrupt you while you speak. And not only will you speak when and as much as you want, but on many occasions, you will have no choice but to do so. Most importantly, El Cuélebre offers great student accommodation at the school with a good and stable Internet connection and Wi-Fi available throughout the house.
#3. Study Spanish Immersion Programs – EUROACE
This school is in the heart of Valencia, Spain just a few minutes walk from the most important touristic sites and shopping area. Euroace Spanish Immersion Program has a variety of options that allow you to create the best immersion experience for you. The teachers use the best way to teach the students in a practical and personal way. Their classes are original and unique as each one f the students. The school offers several courses including full immersion in a homestay, a one-day Spanish lesson for tourists, and immersion programs specially designed for people who want to improve their Spanish skills. Most of the lessons give free time inside the classroom and extra time to explore the city. They also offer accredited online Spanish classes with a certificate of completion at the end of the Spanish course. For those students who like to maximize summer, we have intensive summer camps that include intensive Spanish courses combined with cultural activities and day trips, and sports programs (including football). Valencia is also very well located for those who wish to explore more of Spain. In a short train ride, you can reach Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo and many other cities.
#4. Language Immersion in Spain – LITA
LITA offers unique Spanish immersion experiences for high school students with a true sense of adventure and a keen interest in language acquisition. LITA works with smaller student groups of 12-14 students, providing access to corners of the country where students can really experience everyday life in Spain, not only as visitors but also as real participants. Their Spanish Immersion Programs tend to attract motivated students who will adopt this active, participatory learning environment. Students apply to LITA programs independently, primarily in schools in the United States and sometimes in other countries abroad. All programs focus on a homestay experience in a small/medium host community, either in the north of Spain or in the south of Spain, depending on the program chosen by the student. Through small, intimate groups and personalized attention throughout the trip, LITA participants gain a deep understanding of the Spanish language and the diverse nature of Spanish culture. Above all, LITA goal is for all LITA students to return home with a sense of global citizenship that lasts a lifetime.
#5. Language Immersion in Spain – IH Madrid
IH (International House) Madrid is a home for Spanish courses. At IH (International House) Madrid you can choose between several programs to find the most suitable one for you. The courses range from intensive to even more Extensive (“designed for people who want to improve their Spanish language as quickly as possible,” according to the site). The time you spend on a course is extremely flexible and most programs allow you to choose the number of weeks that suit you best. Whichever option you choose, you will have the opportunity to spend time with the locals of beautiful Madrid. The city has a lot to offer in terms of art, culture, gastronomy, and more; it will surely bring a rich experience to visitors. You can choose between a host family or a student room for the duration of your program. The course offers classroom instruction in addition to planned cultural experiences. Make sure you enjoy being in Madrid! And don’t forget to use your knowledge of Spanish while navigating the city.
Spanish Immersion Programs in Argentina
Here is our list of the best Spanish Immersion Programs in Argentina in 2022:
#6. Spanish Immersion Courses – Buenos Aires TEFL institute
If you want to study Spanish in Argentina, the Buenos Aires TEFL Institute offers intensive Spanish immersion programs and the possibility of combining your studies with volunteering. The Buenos Aires TEFL Institute works in partnership with the Íbero Spanish School to offer affordable and excellent Spanish immersion courses in Buenos Aires. They adopt a personalized approach to teaching Spanish, adapting to the level and needs of the students. Basically, their courses are designed for students to complete a full unit in three weeks or after 60 hours of group instruction. Meanwhile, students planning to teach English in a Spanish-speaking country find the combination of Spanish courses and the Buenos Aires TEFL / TESOL certification course an invaluable combination. Íbero’s Spanish immersion courses fully prepare students to live in a Spanish-speaking country, while the TEFL/TESOL program gives students the foundation they need to find employment in Argentina or abroad.
#7. Learn Spanish – Mente Argentina
Mente Argentina’s programs are designed for students who want to experience Argentina from a local perspective. Mente Argentina has designed a university Spanish program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This is for students who want to learn or improve their Spanish and earn academic credits for their courses, as well as for students who only want to learn Spanish for pleasure in a university setting. Class size at Mente Argentina is only eight students per instructor, allowing for maximum individual attention. If you want personalized attention, that’s a huge plus. There are cultural excursions in addition to the class schedule. The program fees include many benefits, giving you a free local cell phone, tango lessons, gym membership, safe accommodation, and more. Classes start every Monday of the year. The program will allow you to dive with little or no experience in Spanish if you want to try it or go directly to a more advanced course if you have more experience. Enroll in Buenos Aires, instead of taking classes at a regular Spanish school
Spanish Immersion Programs in Costa Rica
#8. Spanish Immersion Programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru – Maximo Nivel
Maximo Nivel is the leading organization in educational travel in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Maximo Nivel offers the best Spanish immersion programs in Latin America. They offer both intensive Spanish courses, University Spanish courses, Online Spanish, and Summer Spanish courses. Spanish immersion courses provide an authentic experience in the country that takes you beyond the classroom. It is the most intensive and professional Spanish program available in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. At Maximo, they have a Spanish course and a certified native Spanish teacher ready for you. The schools and campuses are an ideal base to meet people from all walks of life and from around the world.
#9. Intensive Spanish Immersion – Tico Lingo
Tico Lingo is located in Heredia, Costa Rica, and offers a variety of intensive immersion experiences. With the most basic option, you will be in class for 20 hours a week and receive a stay with a local family. You can enhance your experience to include afternoon yoga sessions and dance lessons for a more structured time. Or you can use the rest of your time to freely explore the city of Heredia. In addition to all this, you will receive a local contact person who will help you show you around the city. The easy environment for individual practice will really help speed up your learning.
Spanish Immersion Programs in Mexico
#10. High School Spanish Immersion Programs – Sol Abroad
Oaxaca is one of the most unique cities in Mexico. This means you’ll learn Spanish in the fascinating colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico. It is the ideal place for Spanish immersion and exploring the pre-Hispanic past of the region. Join Sol Abroad for an unforgettable and engaging experience in a city that you will surely fall in love with. Spanish courses in Oaxaca are taught at the University of Oaxaca (UABJO), which was established in 1827 as one of the first universities in Mexico. Language courses are taught at the Faculty of Languages, the prestigious linguistic branch of the university. The College itself has a relaxed atmosphere and its modern facilities include a large library, a computer lab, and a comfortable classroom.
#11. Spanish Immersion Summer Program – IES Abroad
This option is for anyone who wants to specialize in a certain educational area and do everything in Spanish. Courses include subjects such as health studies, politics, and social justice, as well as a number of other options. This total immersion experience is perfect for someone looking to earn college credit for learning Spanish. During your stay in Santiago, you will live with a host family and take college-level courses (at least 15 credit hours). Most of these programs require that you have completed four years of Spanish study at the university level. You can also participate in internships and service-learning outside of the classroom. On weekends, you can participate in some cultural activities and have time to explore the great city that surrounds you.
#12. Spanish Immersion Summer Program – Spanish Studies Abroad
Spanish Studies Abroad offers learning experiences in Spanish-speaking countries, mainly aimed at North American university students. Spanish Studies Abroad is headquartered in the United States in Amherst, Massachusetts, and staffed across the continent to work with their partner colleges and universities. Students choose to study with SSA, in English and Spanish, to develop language proficiency, experience new cultures and earn college credit. For university students, they offer 3-4 week academic courses, semesters, and short programs in the months of January, May and summer. Most of their students live with local families for a deep immersion in the culture as well as mastery of the language. In addition to their standard academic offerings, Spanish Studies Abroad supports numerous personalized learning programs, including teacher-led field trips and study tours.
Conclusion
Linguistic and cultural immersion are the fastest and most efficient method to gain a second language. And with the programs listed here, students not only study Spanish from a formal point of view but also live and share life’s activities daily.
