So I've had to nix Cuba. Central and South America are now my options, where to go?

Question

So my plans to go to Cuba to better my spanish have been deterred for financial reasons. This being said I have heard that there are actually other latin countries much cheaper than Cuba? (I actually preferred Cuba because of the type of Spanish. I've found many South Americans spanish, different from what I'm used to, but I digress)

If this is true, what countries are they? Do they offer inexpensive immersion language programs and homestays? Last but not least how crazy would it be to drive to these countries and have a vehicle rather than flying? and yes I know the drive would be quite long, but would it be dangerous?

Answer 1

No it's not dangerous neither crazy. You and your friends are beeing quite narrow-minded. What may happen, though, is that the police, when they see a car with foreign plate, they may stop you and invent a reason for you to pay a fine.

But that's just a small chance.

The only dangerous country to do that is Colombia, but only in certain areas.

Hahaha, you yankees think that we think about you all the time, don't you? We don't give a sh*t to you. Does it make you feel better to thik that you will be persecuted in other countries? No, you won't.

Answer 2

First of all, to "hawndawg"... BANDITS that PREY on americans?? you've been watching way too many crappy american movies my friend.. time to get out of your country and travel! it's not the 1920s anymore!!  but- in response to your question: Cuba is one of the cheapest places in Latin America, and i think it will be pretty hard to find something that beats it. Belize is supposed to be quite affordable. What makes a lot of Latin American countries "cheap" is the abundance of different LEVELS of service, products, etc. whereas the US and Canada are very homogeneous economies. You can live cheaply if you choose, probably in a smaller town, or live in a major city, and find that your expenses are very comparable to your life in the US.

Answer 3

I don't recommend driving through South America at all, means some of the areas are really insecure specially for North Americans, so watchout for this. Rather you can travel by train or bus which are safer and will cost you less.

I propose this route, Mexico - Panama - Venezuela - Colombia - Ecuador (If you want to see all than) Brazil - Argentina - Chile - Peru - Bolivia and all the way back except you can include Dominican Republic and Porta Rica.

Having said this, as far as I know the best Spanish you can learn is from Bogota Colombia. Great place, not at all expansive, safer and easily approachable.

good luck

Answer 4

First of all, don't listen to half the idiots who answer some of these questions. They don't have the first clue what they are talking about.

Guatemala is a great place to go learn Spanish. Antigua has tons of great schools. http://www.larutamayaonline.com/schools....

I'm a little partial to Honduras, due to living there for 4 years. They also have some good schools. http://www.languageschoolsguide.com/Hond...

Either way, both countries are pretty inexpensive to live in and have wonderful people there. Extremely hospitable!!! I wouldn't recomend driving to whichever country you choose. Too many safety issues. It's quite cheap to just rely on public transportation and/or taxis. There can be some issues with public buses but not as many as driving down to latin america.

Answer 5

Costa Rica is very yankee friendly. Better  not drive as you must go through mexico and they have bandits that prey on yankees.