Which country should I learn to speak spanish in ?

Question

want to learn Spanish so much, being a dream of mine to fullfill either this summer or during Fall (1st semester time)

what would be the best place to go to for an immersion program to learn Spanish that will be most related to the Spanish they speak in the United States?

Answer 1

This is a difficult question and really depends on the person, why you want to learn Spanish, and mostly importantly what you're looking for in your study abroad experience. You will learn Spanish no matter where you go, but some countries will offer different benefits.

Mexico is the obvious choice because of its proximity to the US and since most Spanish speakers in US come from Mexico. Mexican Spanish "de la calle", however, uses A LOT OF SLANG and a rather unusual accent compared to other Latin countries.

Cuba would also be a good option, if it were allowed by our government. Cubans make up one of the largest ethnic groups in the US and they speak a Spanish very similar to other Caribbean countries such as Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, though with a much thicker accent (though if you can learn the Cuban accent, you'll be able to learn any Spanish accent).

If it's ease of learning and general usability of the language you're after, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and some of the Central American countries would be your best choice. It is often said that Colombians have the most beautiful accent of the Spanish speaking countries - though it's likely just because it's the clearest and most confident sounding.

Argentina is also a good country to learn Spanish in, but not for the Spanish they speaker their. Rather, it is because Argentina offers many of the amenities of a European country and culture but a Latin American prices. It's a wonderful country, but the Spanish is very different from what you'll find anywhere out of the Souther Cone. In fact, they speak a dialect more closely related to Old Spanish than any other country. For a sample check out (http://www.voseospanish.com).

Also, I wouldn't recommend Spain. They speak very quickly and use phrases you won't find in any other Spanish speaking country. The accent, once you understand it, is amazingly regular and pleasant to the ear, but the phrases and terms you will learn will sound a little s****. or just weird to Latin Americans. It is also expensive.

Probably the most difficult place to learn Spanish is Chile. It is an amazing country, but it is the fastest and mas cortado accent of all the countries. I have an Argentine friend who says it's easier to understand Portuguese than Chilean Spanish. If you want a challenge and also want to be in the one of the most beautiful countries in the world, go to Chile, but it is not for the casual learner.

Answer 2

Mexico, if you want it to be most like the U.S., since most Spanish-speakers in the U.S. are from Mexico.  However, there are different dialects in different parts of Mexico, so it might be a good idea to stay away from smaller, more rural areas (not that you could probably study there anyway) and stick with Mexico City or someplace like that.

Spain might be better for a more well-rounded vocabulary, but it's less likely to be what you would hear in the U.S.

Answer 3

Spain is your best option. It would not be as much of a culture shock as if you were studying in Mexico.

Answer 4

Wait to see if a Democrat gets elected. If so, you can just stay in the US and learn more Spanish than you ever wanted to.

Answer 5

Spain

Answer 6

Ecuador or guatemala.  They have a nuetral accent and its really cheap. 500-600 bucks a month gets you 4-5 hrs private lessons, food, and lodging.  You'll learn much quicker this way.

Im planning to do the same soon.

Answer 7

You  should  go to Spain.

Answer 8

Spain. The spanish you'd learn there would likely be a lot purer than in certain other countries, less chances of learning Spanglish. Plus you'd have a good chance to visit surroundin places like Portugal, France, etc.

Buenas suertes

Answer 9

If you're interested in learning Spanish, try http://www.spanishpod101.com , they have free daily lessons that you can download from whichever country you end up going to.

Good luck!