Spanish learning in Mexico and Colombia

April 4, 2019 10:59 AM

I have the time and opportunity to take a 3-4 week Spanish course in one of the following cities: in Mexico: Valladolid, Cholula or Oaxaca; in Colombia: Bogota or Medellin (I have the option to go elsewhere in Colombia if a solid recommendation is available). Can you recommend from personal (or a friend's) experience a Spanish school or tutor for a complete beginner?

If it matters, I am a thirty-something South Asian woman and will be alone, and would prefer an immersion course that comes with a good homestay (however, this is not essential). I am not particularly interested in the partying, social activities, 'volunteering', tours, etc that many of the schools seem to advertise far more prominently than their language teaching qualifications. Given my age, origin and interests I definitely want to stay out of the Global North gap year bubble if I can.

posted by tavegyl to Education (5 answers total)

I took 5 weeks of group classes at Neuva Lengua in Bogota. They had a wide variety of ages, genders, and backgrounds of learners. They offered a homestay (I didn't use that option, I stayed at a hostel instead), and they also offered tours in the afternoons as a way to socialize and also see some sights. They are opt-in, so if it's not your crowd, then just don't sign up for any of them. Pretty sure there was a group of partiers and drinkers, but I didn't really hang out with them much.

I would say the quality of instruction was good, but in a group class setting, I think I didn't progress as much as I could have compared to a smaller class or one-on-one. For a total beginner though, maybe group is OK? I started with some basic knowledge like numbers, letters, and basic phrases, and the five weeks were spent learning present tense. After that span of time, I felt comfortable enough to travel on my own to other Spanish-speaking Latin American countries for the next four months.

I picked up a lot more during a week-long one-on-one session in Quetzaltenango (aka Xela) in Guatemala, but you're not going there so not really relevant. Anyway, I think my biggest takeaway comparing the two, is that the focused attention works much better for me.

I'm currently enjoying the YouTube videos and teaching style of Spanishland School but I've never taken any actual classes from them.
posted by tinydancer at 1:13 PM on April 4, 2019

I've taken language classes at The Instituto Cultural Oaxaca and found the teachers and activities to be very engaging. They also house a non-profit organization that gives out micro-loans to indigenous women called Fúdacion En Vía. They run really interesting tours throughout the week to various communities outside the city. You can also volunteer with them. I did this for an entire summer and loved it. They are super legit and do some great work.

In addition I took classes in Cartagena with Centro Catalina, they also have a campus in Medellín. I had a great time and would definitely recommend them if you are more interested in Colombia.
Another option in Cartagena is Raices Spanish and Culture. This place was started by some veteran teachers of Centro Catalina. They are both EXCELLENT teachers and great people all around. I was there in 2013 and we still keep in touch.
posted by Captain Sunshine at 12:39 PM on April 6, 2019

Best answer: I second the recommendation for Instituto Cultural Oaxaca. I took a month-long course there as a near dead beginner in 2005; I now consider Oaxaca to be my favorite place in the world. They were highly organized and well-run, and the instructors were super.

I also recommend Oaxaca Spanish Magic. They are smaller than ICO, you might prefer their more personalized touch.

Both places attract students of all ages, you needn’t worry about avoiding the party crowd.

Feel free to email me if you want to know more.
posted by Wet Spot at 10:50 PM on April 11, 2019

Response by poster: Thank you for the responses everyone. I've decided to go to Oaxaca and, based on the descriptions of the schools, correspondence with the owner and a private message from another Mefite, I plan to try out Oaxaca Spanish Magic. I'll try to remember to update with my experience in case others are interested as well.
posted by tavegyl at 9:07 AM on April 12, 2019

Response by poster: Update: I'm in my third week at Oaxaca Spanish Magic and would nth the recommendations above for anyone else looking for Spanish lessons. It is very small and intimate, and though I signed up for group classes, I've found myself the only student almost throughout. I've really liked and learned a great deal from the two teachers I've studied with. While both were excellent teachers, they had different teaching styles but the school was great about letting me request the one that matched my learning style. Since it's a tiny school it doesn't do much in the way of activities, but the staff are all very friendly and helpful so it's perfect for my needs. I was told by another student that it's also cheaper than other schools in Oaxaca, but I didn't really research much so can't say for sure.
posted by tavegyl at 2:50 PM on June 24, 2019