5 Budget-Friendly Cities to Learn Spanish Abroad

So you've decided to learn Spanish. But where should you go to get the most out of your experience? Whether you're looking for an immersive experience or just want to take a few classes to brush up on your skills, plenty of wonderful cities around the world offer affordable options for language learners.

Top reasons why you should consider going abroad to learn Spanish

● While it's possible to find suitable Spanish classes in just about any country, certain destinations offer a more immersive experience, which is the best way to learn a new language. When you're surrounded by Spanish-speaking people, you'll have no choice but to pick up the language quickly.

● Travelling to a Spanish-speaking country will give you the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the people. You'll be able to see first-hand how the language is used in everyday life and gain a greater understanding of the culture as a whole.

● Learning Spanish in another country can be a gratifying experience. Not only will you gain a new skill, but you'll also make new friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

● If you choose to study in Spain or Latin America, you'll have the added bonus of practicing your new language in some of the most beautiful places on earth.

While everyone's experience learning Spanish abroad will be different, some cities offer more bang for your buck in terms of affordability and the opportunity to practice your new language skills.

Here are five of the best budget-friendly cities to learn Spanish abroad:

1. Cusco, Peru

As one of Peru’s oldest cities, Cusco is renowned for its ancient Incan ruins and breathtaking views of the Andes mountains. This quaint town is also a great place to learn Spanish thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals who are always happy to help out travellers. Additionally, there are many opportunities to explore nearby villages or take day trips to Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley.

Cusco is also an excellent city for budget-minded travellers who want to learn Spanish. The cost of living is very reasonable, and there are plenty of opportunities to practice your Spanish skills with the locals by chatting with them in the Plaza de Armas or trying your bargaining skills at Cusco’s numerous markets. Since there are also plenty of cheap Spanish schools in Cusco, you will easily find one that fits your budget.

2. Granada, Spain

If you want to immerse yourself in a vibrant city with a relaxed atmosphere, you should start planning your trip to Granada, one of Spain’s most charming cities. You will be captivated by its narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque architecture. Plus, its location in Andalusia makes it an ideal spot for travellers who want to experience cultural activities and outdoor adventures, such as skiing in the Sierra Nevada or exploring nearby beaches. Learning Spanish here won’t just be easy but fun too, thanks to classes tailored specifically for language learners as well as traditional flamenco music venues where you can practice your newly acquired skills.

The cost of living is relatively low in Granada, and there are many affordable Spanish schools to choose from. This vibrant city is home to a large population of students, making it the perfect place to practice your Spanish skills. In addition, Granada is renowned for its tapas scene, so you can sample all sorts of delicious Spanish dishes while you're here. When it comes to finding affordable accommodation, you'll be spoilt for choice in Granada. There are plenty of hostels and budget hotels available, and many of them offer discounts for students.

3. Antigua, Guatemala

Are you looking for a destination with colonial charm that’s popular with budget travellers who wish to learn Spanish? You should consider travelling to Antigua, Guatemala, where its residents are known for being friendly and welcoming to foreigners. In addition, Antigua is home to a number of beautiful parks and colonial-style buildings that make it an enjoyable place to live and learn.  

The best way to practice your Spanish skills in Antigua is to get involved in the local community. There are many opportunities to immerse yourself in the language and culture, such as language schools and volunteer work. Taking a guided tour of Antigua is another fantastic option for putting your newfound Spanish skills to use. Your tour guide will be able to help you with your language skills while also providing interesting commentary about the city's history and culture. It's also a great place to learn Spanish on a budget, as there are many cheap Spanish schools in the city centre.

4. La Paz, Bolivia

Want to learn Spanish in a place where you can immerse yourself in incredible culture without breaking the bank? Look no further than La Paz, Bolivia! With its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and incredibly low cost of living, it’s no wonder budget-minded travellers are flocking to this Bolivian mountain town.

The city is also home to a large indigenous population, which means that Spanish is not the only language you'll hear on the streets. Quechua and Aymara are also commonly spoken, making La Paz a great place to learn about different cultures as well as languages. But what really makes La Paz the best place to learn Spanish is its budget-friendly prices, with accommodation and meals costing less than $20 per day. Although La Paz can be a challenging city to navigate due to its high altitude, it is undoubtedly a unique destination to immerse yourself in the Spanish language.

5. Medellín, Colombia

If you're looking for an immersive experience, Medellin could be just what you need; it boasts countless language schools offering both group lessons and private tutoring sessions so that learning Spanish can be done at your own pace! And, naturally, there's always plenty of Colombian coffee and food to enjoy while you're here!

Colombia’s second-largest city has recently become a hub for digital nomads from all over the world due to its low-cost yet high-quality lifestyle. The country has everything: stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and, of course, cheap prices. Medellín is the perfect place to learn Spanish on a budget. The cost of living is low, and there are plenty of opportunities to practice your language skills with native speakers. While learning Spanish is obviously priority number one, you should still enjoy the city's rich cultural offerings and vibrant nightlife while you're here.

Thinking of learning Spanish abroad? ¡Sí, por favor!

If you're looking for an affordable place to learn Spanish abroad, then any of these five cities would be a great choice! Each one offers a unique experience at a fraction of the cost of other popular destinations like Madrid or Barcelona. So why not give one of them a try? You might just fall in love with it!

Thankfully, you won’t need to speak Spanish to contact a soNomad agent about your travel insurance needs during your language-learning experience abroad!