Living as the guest of a local family during your Spanish course in Peru is an incredible adventure, and for many students it’s one of their favourite things about studying abroad!

The opportunity to be immersed in your host family’s culture and daily life, sharing meals and conversations with them, gives you a unique insight into what Peruvian life is like that you can’t experience any other way.

And not only that, you get the invaluable opportunity to practise your Spanish in a real life setting every day – from chatting about your day over lunch or dinner to hearing personal stories about their lives and experiences living in this beautiful country!

Our group of host families in Cusco have all been carefully selected by our team, and they have plenty of experience making students feel welcome in their homes. However we know living abroad in a different country with a different culture can be a little daunting – especially when you’re still learning the language, or if it’s your first time living with people you’ve never met. So we’ve put together a list of tips to help you get settled in and adjust to your new temporary home so you can get the most out of your host family experience. Here are: 10 tips for living with a Host Family during your Spanish course in Peru.

1. Talk – in Spanish!

Most host families in Peru will enjoy talking to you and don’t care at all if your Spanish is not perfect – they know you’re here to learn!

Our host families have chosen to open their doors to students in the understanding that most probably won’t speak Spanish fluently (yet). So if there’s something you don’t understand, don’t feel guilty or uncomfortable – instead you should be proud you’re putting yourself in a new situation that’s outside of your comfort zone! Just ask your family to repeat themselves or rephrase what they were saying and they’ll be more than happy to help you figure it out – most likely you’ll end up bonding over it and laughing together over your mutual misunderstandings.

If you’re an absolute beginner and you’re worried about not being able to communicate at all when you first arrive, why not try learning some basic Spanish before you go? Even a few simple phrases will go a long way in helpĂŹng you feel more at ease – check out our beginner’s guide to travel Spanish, or take a couple of online classes with one of our teachers over Zoom.
 

2. Share your life

Don’t be shy to talk about yourself, your country and your family back at home! For most host families, the cultural exchange is one of the main reasons they welcome students to their homes in Cusco and they’ll enjoy hearing little snippets about your life. Plus this opens up a whole lot of different topics of conversation – from comparing traditional dishes from each of your countries to debating dinner times!
 

3. Listen

By the same token, don’t only talk about your own life – be sure to show some interest in your host family and their stories as well. Ask them questions about the Peruvian culture, fiestas and so on – it’s the best way to get a personal insight into the country and the Spanish language!

It’s also a great way to pick up some colloquial Spanish – your family will likely speak a more informal version of the language than what you’re used to from your teachers in classes, so by listening to them chat, you’ll be able to learn some of the slang that the locals use day-to-day. To get a head start before you arrive, check out our list of the Peruvian slang you must know.
 

4. Be Respectful

Staying in a host family is not the same as staying in a hostel or hotel! While you might be paying to be there, the family members aren’t staff – they’ve chosen to share their home and intimacy with you, so make sure to treat them with the same respect as you would your own family.

Keep your room and shared spaces tidy, don’t hog the shared bathroom for hours on end and use up all the hot water, offer to help with clearing up after meals, and try not to be too noisy if you’re coming or going late at night. Remember that while you might be on holiday, they still have to go about their daily lives and won’t appreciate being woken up by you slamming doors at 4am on your way in from the local discoteca.

And of course, don’t forget to say ‘Por favor’ (please) and ‘gracias’ (thank you) – politeness is super important in Latin culture, and good manners will go a long way in making a good impression!
 

5. Give a present

Your host family will love it if you bring along a little gift upon arrival, and it’s a great way to break the ice! It doesn’t have to be something expensive – think a little souvenir or snack that’s typical of your home country, or an inexpensive bouquet of flowers from the local market.
 

6. Spend time with your host family

Sure, you’ll probably want to spend time with the new friends that you make at Spanish school – but don’t forget to make time for your host family too!

When you’re at home, try to socialise with them rather than hide away in your room, whether that’s watching TV together with them in the evenings or giving them a hand preparing dinner. And be sure to make the most of anything they invite you to during your stay – from family gatherings to attending their children’s sports events, hanging out with them is a great opportunity to bond, practise your Spanish skills and get to know their culture.
 

7. Play with their kids

If your host family have children, you have an amazing opportunity to speak Spanish with them and pick up new vocabulary – and in doing so, youÂŽll definitely earn some brownie points with the parents!

Kids are often easier to understand than adults because they’re still learning Spanish, so they don’t use much slang and speak more slowly. They also tend to have a more limited vocabulary so they repeat the same words multiple times, giving you the opportunity to really grasp what they’re saying.

Some fun activities could be simple cooking or baking, art projects, puzzles, playing board games, reading or playing outside – if you’re not sure where to start, just chat to your host parents for ideas.
 

8. Keep them updated about your plans

Planning to stay the night somewhere else, or go out to a restaurant with friends rather than having dinner with your host family? Make sure to send them a message or give them a call to let them know! They’ll treat you like a member of the family while you’re staying with them, so they’ll appreciate you letting them know your comings and goings. Also if you go away for the weekend – to visit Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley maybe- let me know.
 

9. Keep an open mind and embrace the differences

Things will be different to what you’re used to at home – there’s no doubt about it. From little things like the food and TV channels they watch to bigger things like your host family’s values and way of living, being immersed in a new culture can be challenging at times, even for the most experienced traveller.

In those moments when it all feels too much, just take a deep breath, remind yourself that your feelings are normal and that it’s all just temporary. In a few weeks or months you’ll be back home and your experiences will be a funny story to share with friends and family.
 

10. Express your feelings

While learning to adapt to the cultural differences, communication is key – don’t hesitate to let your host family know how you’re feeling, or if there’s something you need from them!

Opening up to them about them lets them know how to support you, whether you’re uncomfortable with something they do at home or simply having an off-day and want to chat about it.

If you’re worried about not being able to express your thoughts in Spanish, try asking your Spanish teacher what to say and practising it or writing it down in advance.
 

More tips for living with a host family during your Spanish course in Peru?

We hope those tips will help you to make the most out of your experience living with a local family. By taking these do’s and dont’s into consideration, we’re sure you’ll have a wonderful time with your host family in Cusco – and your Spanish will come on leaps and bounds!

Stayed with a host family before? If you have any other helpful tips and tricks for future students to get the best out of their homestay, we’d love for you to share them with us below!

Student Residence Cusco

If you don’t think a homestay will work for you, don’t worry – ĂÛ¶čÊÓÆ”offers different accommodation options. One of those options is our student residence where you can live with fellow students from all over the world in shared appartments, and be free to explore the city of Cusco.

The student residence is located in central Cusco in the area of San Blas and gives you the freedom to explore the city on your own timeline, spend your free time socialising with other Spanish students and organise your own meals, whether that’s cooking in the shared kitchen or heading out to try Cusco’s best restaurants.

If you’d like some advice on what’s the best accommodation option while learning Spanish in Cusco, feel free to contact one of our course counsellors. We are happy to help!

The post 10 Tips for Living With a Host Family during your Spanish Course appeared first on ĂÛ¶čÊÓÆ” Blog.

Whether you’re considering travelling to South America, want to boost your CV with some extra skills or simply enjoy a good mental challenge, studying Spanish is an incredibly valuable thing to do. Being able to speak any second language will open doors for you and create opportunities that simply don’t exist for a monolingual – and Spanish is one of the most useful languages out there, especially if you want to travel in Latin America.

We won’t sugarcoat it, it does take some work and you’re not going to become fluent overnight – but we promise you it’s worth the time and effort! So read on as we take you through the seven main benefits of picking up this beautiful language, and we’re certain you’ll find yourself inspired.
 

1. Studying Spanish makes travelling abroad a whole lot easier

If you’ve yet to embark upon a journey through South America, you probably don’t quite appreciate the difficulties that you come across as a monolinguist or solo English speaker in these parts.

Want to get to another city? You’ll be needing the colectivo, or possibly the micro.

Hungry? You’re looking for the mercado.

Want to strike up a conversation with a lady waiting with her goat for the same bus? You’ll need Buenos días, ¿cómo está usted?

Sure, English is a really helpful language too. But trust us when we tell you that finding someone who speaks competent English in most parts of South America is about as easy as fitting two llamas in a taxi cab (something that we, admittedly, have seen happen in Cusco).

Being able to speak at least a bit of the local lingo is essential to help you get around, particularly if you’re travelling outside the main tourist areas – we can’t overstate how much it will transform your travel experience! The better your Spanish is, the easier it will be for you to travel across South America and visit all of the incredible destinations that have Spanish as their native language. Think , , , , 
 You can even get stuck in with rewarding volunteering projects where you need to be able to speak to the local people.

If you’re planning a trip but your language skills aren’t quite up to scratch, why not start off your travels with a week or two learning Spanish in Peru or learn Spanish in , or even taking a few online classes to nail the basics before you get here?

Read more about the best destinations to learn Spanish in South America.

2. You literally get smarter by learning Spanish

Your brain works just like a muscle – and as you’ve probably learnt with other ones around your body, it pays to exercise it. No, this doesn’t mean a head-sized treadmill to give it a workout; it means helping to make your brain grow by challenging it through the act of learning to speak Spanish.

One of the reasons why learning Spanish feels like you’re in the process of rewiring your brain is because in some ways you are! Studies have proven that by learning a second language, . And doing so can actually physically increase the size of the grey matter in your brain.

Learning Spanish can even help you express yourself better in your native language! While studying how another language works and how to use it, you’ll find you automatically get to know the ins and outs of your own language better without even knowing it.

You’ll also feel a whole lot more intelligent if you’re travelling in a country like Peru, at least in terms of street smarts – speaking a bit of Spanish will mean you can figure out what’s going on around you and help you avoid getting ripped off with gringo prices.
 

3. Learning Spanish as a second language can keep your brain healthy

Studies have consistently proven that speaking another language – Spanish or otherwise – can stave off the signs of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia by multiple years, thus actually protecting your brain.

Scientists have looked at all kinds of factors and how they affect rates of developing cognitive function disorders, from health and economic status to education level and gender – but none of them made as big a difference in a person’s chances of developing dementia as the number of languages they speak!

This all means no matter your age, learning Spanish as a second language is an investment into your future health, which means you’ll end up with even more time to see the world. Win!

Yes, I’d love to receive tips on learning Spanish

4. Adding another language to your skillset makes you more employable

Alongside being useful for going on holiday, another important advantage of learning Spanish is that it makes you exponentially more employable. Spanish has the second-highest number of native speakers in the world behind only Mandarin, and it’s estimated that by 2050, it’ll be spoken by 754 million people – making it one of the most useful languages you could learn, especially if you’re planning to do business in Spain or Latin America.

Even if you’re not applying for a job with a second language requirement, the fact that you’ve taken on the challenge of learning a new language demonstrates both dedication and hard work. Major factors in helping your resume shine for new employers – particularly given the low levels of second language knowledge amongst most native English speakers.

And if you’re a real lover of travel, another huge benefit of learning Spanish is that it can be extremely handy for getting a paid job abroad!

5. It’ll help you make friends – and maybe more than friends!

Sure, English might be the lingua franca of most of the world but when in Rome (or Cusco), it goes an awfully long way if you make the effort to pick up the local lingo.

There aren’t a huge number of English-language speakers in South America in general, and certainly not in Peru, so it comes down to visitors to go that extra mile and learn Spanish to bridge the gap of communication.

If you’re hoping for an authentic, immersive travel experience in Peru or other parts of South America, being able to speak the language will open up so many new social experiences to you. From striking up conversations with a local at a bar to getting chatting to tour guides or taxi drivers that you encounter on your trip, you’ll find speaking Spanish will immediately make a good first impression, and often the people you meet will open up about their lives and personal experiences in a way they never would in English.

Plus it has to be said
 when it comes to your love life, knowing a bit of Spanish can widen your horizons and give you a whole lot of new dating opportunities! And we’re not just talking on your travels – research has shown that even in English-speaking countries, knowing more than one language makes you .

6. Learning Spanish allows you to appreciate a culture in more depth

Research has shown that by speaking the language of a new country, you learn to be . And not just that
 it’ll help you understand what on earth is going on around you.

Trust us, there’ll be times travelling when you won’t have a clue what’s happening (regardless of whether you speak Spanish or not), but picking up the local language means you can start to understand the traditions that you’re noticing and even learn to participate in the culture. Whether it’s learning local slang in Peru or getting to grips with Argentine foods, you’ll soon feel well on your way to understanding your new country.

7. Spanish is one of the easiest languages to learn

And if the above reasons aren’t already enough, we have one more that you’re definitely going to love: Spanish is actually not too difficult to learn as an English speaker!

According to the US Foreign Service Institute, it takes about 700 hours for a native English speaker to become fluent in Spanish – that is, to speak it well enough to get by at work and be comfortable in social situations. That might sound a lot – but by comparison, learning German to the same level would take 1000 hours, and the trickiest languages like Chinese or Arabic would take over 2000 hours!

One of the great things about Spanish is that so many words look and sound similar to English, so even if you’ve never heard a word before, you can often figure out what it means.

And while you might think when you first start learning that people talk crazy fast and you’ll never get the hang of it, the pronunciation isn’t too complicated and follows pretty straightforward rules. While some countries do have their own accent quirks (looking at you, Argentina and Chile!) that can make understanding tricky for beginners, other countries like Peru and Colombia are known for their clear, neutral Spanish that’s easy to get started with.

Find out more about why Peru is the perfect place to learn Spanish.
 

Yes, I’d love to receive tips on learning Spanish

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Most people’s introduction to learning Spanish is through taking classes at school, in their home country or on apps like Duolingo. When you’re first starting out, you’ll most likely focus on getting to grips with the official basics of the Spanish language – think verb conjugations, vocabulary and grammar.

However, find yourself travelling to a Spanish-speaking country such as Peru and you’ll soon realise that the local slang – or jerga – can be just as important if you want to understand what on earth everyone is talking about!

To help you get the hang of it, we’ve put together a list of our top ten ‘must-know’ Peruvian slang words so you can crack your interactions with locals during your travels.

1. Chela – Beer

 
One of the first phrases many Spanish students learn is una cerveza por favor – a beer, please.

However in Peru and some other parts of Latin America, you may be more likely to hear people asking for a chela!

Originating in Mexico from the Mayan word chel – meaning blue – chela was used by the Mayans to describe the Spanish when they first arrived on the continent, to refer to their light-coloured eyes and skin.

Over the years, the Mexicans started using it to also mean beer due to its’ pale yellow colour, and the word travelled across the continent to become commonly used in Peru, Colombia and many other South and Central American countries!

2. Al Toque – Straight Away

Peruvians are known for their relaxed attitude to timekeeping – but even in Peru, sometimes things need to be done promptly!

Al toque is a common expression to mean straight away, often used if someone has asked you to do something. However in true Peruvian style, the definition can be a little flexible and often refers to anytime in the near future.

Coming from the verb tocar which means to touch or to knock on a door, you could roughly translate this to ‘at the knock’.

3. Hacer Chancha – To Chip In

Had a long day at Spanish school and fancy relaxing with your classmates over some ice-cold chelas?

One of the best ways to go about buying things as a group is to hacer chancha, meaning to come together and ‘chip in’ to buy something everyone can enjoy.

Hagamos chancha al toque para comprar chelas!

4. Monse – Boring, Annoying, Stupid

This word with mysteriously unknown origins literally translates to boring. However in Peru, it can be used colloquially to describe anything you don’t like or that you find unpleasant – from an ugly shirt to an annoying or stupid person!

ÂżQuĂ© te pareciĂł la pelĂ­cula? – Monse!

5. Chamba – Work

One of the most commonly-used slang words here in Peru, on a daily basis you’re sure to come across locals going to la chamba.

The word originated during the Second World War, when the United States joined the war after the bombing of Pearl Harbour and sent millions of young American men overseas to fight.

In desperate need of agricultural and construction workers, the US government allowed Mexican citizens to cross the border and fill their job vacancies. On arrival in the USA, they had to visit the Chamber of Commerce to get a work contract – and as most of them didn’t speak English, this quickly evolved into chamba!

6. Piña – Unlucky

In most Spanish-speaking countries, ±èŸ±Ă±Čč simply means pineapple.

However in Peru, you may be surprised to learn the slang word ±èŸ±Ă±Čč has nothing to do with the exotic fruit – it actually comes from Quechua, the language of the Inca.

As the story goes, when famous Inca ruler Pachacutec was expanding his empire across what is now modern-day Peru, some of the tribal lords rebelled against the conquest of their lands. After defeating them and gathering the enemy survivors, one Inca general suggested ±ÊŸ±Ă±ČčČőłŠłóČčČâ! meaning put them in prison!

From this point on, the prisoners of war and their families were regarded as ±èŸ±Ă±Ččs – imperial slaves who were condemned to work for the rest of their lives in terrible conditions.

7. Broder – Brother

Unlike the rest of the Peruvian slang on this list, this term of endearment unsurprisingly comes from English!

Just like in English, it’s used as a term of endearment when talking to your friend – ironically, not when talking to your actual brother.

8. Misio – Poor, Broke

This term is used in Peru to mean you’ve run out of money – so if you’re flat broke after buying too many chelas, you can say estoy misio!

While its origins are uncertain, many believe this phrase comes from the Spanish word miseria, meaning misery.

9. Brichero – Gringo Hunter

Could it be true love? You may think you’ve met the one here in Peru – but beware, if the object of your affections is a brichero or brichera then they might have an ulterior motive!

Bricheros are Peruvians who seek out gringos – North American or European travellers – for romantic relationships, with the goal of getting a visa to move to a Western country. The term brichero comes from bridge in English, as they’re metaphorically using you as a way to travel from their country to yours!

10. Palta – Embarrassed, Scared

The word for avocado in many Spanish-speaking countries is aguacate, but Peru, Argentina and Chile it is better known as palta – deriving from the Quechuan word pallta.

However, did you know in Peru, it can also be used to say you’re embarrassed or frightened?

Unrelated to the fruit, this use most likely comes from the secondary meaning of pallta in Quechuan – a large, heavy hanging bundle – and refers to the emotional weight you feel bearing down upon you when you’re in a shameful or terrifying situation.

So next time you get a fright or forget your wallet when you’re supposed to be haciendo chancha, try exclaiming quĂ© palta!

Bonus Slang – Soroche

Cusco sits at very high altitude in the Andes, with the city itself located at around 3,400m and many of the surrounding treks taking you to dizzying heights of over 5000m. Due to this, one of the negative effects that many travellers experience when they first arrive is altitude sickness – or soroche. But don’t fear! The symptoms are usually mild and go away within a day or two. They can be alleviated with altitude sickness medication that can be purchased from any pharmacy in Cusco – or through the ancient Incan custom of chewing coca leaves.

We hope you enjoyed our list of Peruvian Slang you Must Know!

If you’d like to learn more Peruvian Spanish, why not try an online Zoom class with one of our native Peruvian teachers – or even travel to Peru to take Spanish lessons in one of our several schools located across Peru?

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Why studyÌę Spanish in Peru

# 1- Peruvian Spanish is an easy accent to understand

Did you know that Peruvians are famous for their clear, easy-to-understand Spanish?

While Spanish is spoken across Latin America (except Brazil!), you may be surprised to learn that the language itself also differs from country to country.

Some countries are known for being harder to understand than others thanks to their accent, speed and even the words they use, making it much trickier to get your head around. For example, Argentina uses ‘vos’ whereas the rest of South America uses ‘tu’ and ‘usted’, and Chileans have many of their own words and an infamously strong accent – to the point that sometimes even native Spanish speakers can’t understand them!

By contrast, the Spanish in Peru is clear, neutral and relatively slow – perfect for students who are just getting started learning the language. According to a 2013 survey by the University of Chile which looked at use of vocabulary and accent amongst a few other things, Peruvians officially speak the ‘best’ Spanish in Latin America.

Fun fact – the university found Chile itself was one of the ‘worst’ Spanish-speaking countries in the study!

# 2- Peru: A budget-friendly place to study!

Looking for bang for your buck? Peru is an incredibly affordable place to do a Spanish course!

Studying in a developed European country like Spain, or even in more expensive South American countries like Chile or Argentina with a higher cost of living, Spanish class prices are much more than what you pay in Peru. It’s also very easy to live cheaply in Peru, even while eating out at local restaurants and throwing yourself into all the incredible activities and sights there are to see.

Choosing Peru for your Spanish course will help your budget go further while still allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture to its fullest!

# 3 – Unique history and impressive landscapes

Peru is one of the most exciting countries in South America – and choosing to learn Spanish here gives you an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in Peruvian nature, culture and history.

Travelling through our beautiful country, you’ll experience an incredible diversity of landscapes – think Amazonian rainforest, coastal desert cities, ancient Incan architecture and the majestic Andean mountains.

The crowning jewel of Peru for most students and tourists is of course Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it can be visited on a day trip from Cusco or as part of a longer trek on the world-famous Inca or Salkantay trails. But Peru also offers an incredible array of other lesser-known sights and experiences, from sunset sandboarding on the dunes of Huacachina to scaling Rainbow Mountain or descending to the depths of Colca Canyon – all possible as weekend trips from our Spanish schools in Cusco!

Read more:

#4 – Incredible food!

Peru is famed for having some of the best food on the planet, with American magazine National Geographic deeming it ‘one of the great culinary meccas of the world’, and Lima alone boasting two of the world’s official top ten restaurants in 2024 ĂÛ¶čÊÓÆ”.

From our national dish of ceviche – raw fish marinated in fresh lime juice mixed with sliced onion, chili peppers and salt – to traditional classics such as lomo saltado and aji de gallina, Peruvian cuisine intermingles Spanish, Creole, Chinese and Japanese influences, with a focus on fresh, local produce.

Peru is also the spiritual home of pisco, a clear spirit made from distilled grapes that can be found in every restaurant and bar you set foot in. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the Peruvian national cocktail – the famous pisco sour!

# 5- Variety of different places to study in Peru

Fancy learning in what was once the heart of the ancient Incan empire, studying surrounded by centuries-old temples and sacred ruins? Study Spanish in Cusco!

What about learning Spanish in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital city, immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle of city life and expanding your Spanish knowledge through bartering with local street vendors and market sellers?

Or even in an outdoor classroom in the depths of the Amazonian rainforest, combining your Spanish language classes with guided trips into the jungle to study the local ecology?

We offer Spanish programs in a range of stunning locations across Peru, from Cusco and Lima to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and even the rainforest of Tambopata, so you can learn in whatever environment best suits you.

Finally, you can also choose our popular Travelling Classroom: Travel in Peru with a small group while studying Spanish and exploring the country at the same time!

#6 – Volunteering opportunities

Want to use part of your travels in Peru to give something back to society, working alongside locals and speaking Spanish every day?

As a developing country, Peru offers a vast number of opportunities to spend time volunteering, from schools and NGOs to animal shelters and other charitable organizations.

Whether you want to help out for just a few days or for weeks or months at a time, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime. Contact us for more details about the opportunities to learn Spanish and Volunteer in Peru.

The post Why is Peru the perfect place to learn Spanish? appeared first on ĂÛ¶čÊÓÆ” Blog.

There are many advantages of learning Spanish in Peru as a family. Are you ready for a language trip adventure? Here are recommendations for families planning a trip to this South American gem. You can book a Spanish course for the family (as a group), a Spanish course for kids, and a Spanish course for teens while the adult attends the standard Spanish group classes for adults.

Why Learn Spanish in Peru?

There are several compelling reasons why learning Spanish in Peru is an excellent choice for families, and Cusco is a great choice. Of course, you can study in Lima too, but Cusco is perfect for family travel: the city is small, there is much to do, and it is easy to explore and move around. You quickly contact and talk to the friendly locals, and last but not least: there is the Sacred Valley, and there is Machu Picchu!

ĂÛ¶čÊÓÆ” in Cusco offers a Spanish for families course combined with leisure-time activities to provide total immersion in the Peruvian language and culture. The Family Program is a tailor-made course for families with fixed and flexible starting dates (Spanish for Kids, Spanish for Teens). This is perfect if you want to learn Spanish in Peru or Latin America while spending quality time together.

Reasons for Spanish Immersion with the family in Peru

• Cultural Immersion: Peru is a country with a rich and diverse culture that spans thousands of years. From the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu to the picturesque streets of Cusco, there’s no shortage of opportunities to explore and learn about Peru’s unique history and traditions. By studying Spanish in Peru, your family will have the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and gain a deeper understanding of the country and its people.
• Language Skills: Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 580 million people worldwide speaking it. Learning Spanish in Peru is an excellent opportunity for your children to develop their language skills and gain confidence in speaking a foreign language. Moreover, learning a new language is a valuable skill that can benefit your kids in many areas of their lives. And what is the best way for a family to learn Spanish? A Spanish immersion program in a country where the language is spoken is, without a doubt, the best way for your family to learn Spanish and make great memories.
• Career Opportunities: In today’s global economy, being bilingual is a valuable asset that can open doors to many career opportunities. By learning Spanish in Peru, your children will be better equipped to communicate with Spanish-speaking colleagues and clients, which can be a significant advantage in many fields.
• Adventure and Fun: Peru is an exciting and adventurous destination that offers something for everyone. From hiking the Inca Trail to sampling delicious Peruvian cuisine, there’s no shortage of fun activities for families to enjoy. By combining a language learning experience with a trip to Peru, your family will have the opportunity to create lasting memories and bond over shared experiences.
• Are you on a workcation, or are you a digital nomad, do your partner and kids have free time while you are working? Cusco is an excellent place for digital nomads and remote work. Plan your workcation in Cusco while your partner and/or kids are learning Spanish in Cusco!

Spanish Course for Kids and Teens

While it is possible to study as a family in one group with one teacher, we only recommend this option if everyone has the same level of Spanish and the same interests and learning goals. In this case, the teaching will be targeted at children’s way of learning, and parents are encouraged to participate actively in the lessons. However, to obtain the best results from the Spanish Immersion for families, we recommend the following setup in Cusco:

• Parents: Parents are in their own Spanish group class and placed according to their level.
• Teens (12-17yo): Teens are placed together in the same class, according to their level of Spanish. If no other students are at their level, they receive private lessons (reducing the total number of hours), or they can study in an adult class (or kids class, depending on the age)
• Children (5-11yo): Children have their own classes with an age-appropriate curriculum. Our teachers have experience with children and include fun activities like games, songs, painting, roleplays, and practice on the streets with the locals.
• Babies – Toddlers (0-4 yrs): If you travel with a small one, we will try to help you organize a nanny service if you want. The nanny will take care of the kids, play with them and do activities emphasizing Spanish vocabulary- all while the older siblings are in class.

Spanish Immersion for families is perfect for families with primary school-age children and teens! And if you want to start learning Spanish before arrival, we also offer fun online Spanish lessons (group or private Spanish classes for children and yourself). The Spanish Family courses are dynamic, interactive, and imaginative, emphasizing spoken communication. Lessons aim to develop the main aspects of the target language and improve general language skills in a relaxed and pleasant setting.

The Spanish lessons for kids and teens in Cusco include classroom lessons and many activities in and outside the school building such as games, painting, music, visit to the shop, to the market, preparation of a Peruvian dessert or salad, visit to the chocolate museum, and many other fun activities. Read more: Spanish for kids Course page.

Tips for Traveling to Peru with Children

Here are some tips to help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip to Peru with your family:

Research Your Destination:
Before traveling to Peru, research your destination and speak with your travel agent or Spanish School for up-to-date information.

Book your tours
Some tours need to be booked in advance, like, e.g., a tour to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu tickets can be sold out a few weeks in advance, and also train tickets to Machu Picchu need to be booked on time. We are happy to help!

Pack Appropriately:
When packing for your trip, make sure to include appropriate clothing and gear for the activities you have planned. Be sure to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary medications.

Stay in Safe Areas:
When choosing your accommodations, opt for reputable hotels in safe areas. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in areas that are unfamiliar or poorly lit. Feel free to ask our advice when you are considering an Airbnb rental to make sure it’s at a good location. Of course, you can also opt for living with a local guest family for a full cultural immersion. We are happy to arrange accommodation for the whole family! With plenty of options to choose between, we are sure to find something that suits your family’s requirements.

Use Reliable Transportation:
When traveling around Peru, use reliable transportation options: licensed taxis and reputable tour operators. Avoid using unmarked or unofficial taxis, particularly at night.

Be Prepared for Altitude:
Cusco is located at 3400 above sea level. Be prepared for altitude sickness by drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, and taking it easy for the first few days of your trip. Read about altitude sickness: .

Embrace the Peruvian Culture:
Peru is a country with a rich and diverse culture, and embracing it can make for a more meaningful and enjoyable trip. Learn a few key phrases in Spanish, try the local cuisine, and participate in cultural activities like dance or music performances.

Take Advantage of Tourist Services:
Peru has a robust tourism industry, and the Spanish school runs a travel agency within the building! There are many services available to help make your trip safe and enjoyable, with reputable tour guides and reputable tour operators. We are happy to help you and organize your trips through our reputable in-house tour operator .

If you are planning a trip through different parts of Peru after your Spanish immersion in Cusco, we recommend you read this article about , with many suggestions about what to do in Peru with kids for of travel tips for families.

Why Cusco is a Great Destination for Families

Cusco is one of Peru’s most popular tourist destinations, and for a good reason. This ancient Incan capital has many historical sites, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine. Moreover, Cusco is a safe and family-friendly destination with plenty of opportunities for exciting tours and activities. A few of the top attractions and activities to enjoy in Cusco with your family:

• Machu Picchu: This ancient Incan city is one of the most iconic destinations in the world, and it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Peru. Many tour operators offer family-friendly tours to Machu Picchu, including options for hiking or taking the train. Reading tip: .
• Chocolate Museum: If your family loves chocolate, visit the ChocoMuseum in Cusco. This museum offers interactive exhibits on the history and production of chocolate and workshops where you can make your own chocolate.
• Sacred Valley: The Sacred Valley is a beautiful place to spend time and enjoy the nice weather and the outdoors while you relax in the former spiritual base of the Incas. Enjoy the beautiful villages of Pisac, Calca, Urubamba, and and meet the friendly descendants of the Incas.
• Sacsayhuaman: This ancient Incan fortress is outside Cusco and offers stunning city views. It’s a great place to explore with kids, as plenty of open spaces exist to run and play.
• Plaza de Armas & San Blas: This central square in Cusco is a hub of activity and a great place to people-watch. There are often live music, dance performances, and plenty of vendors selling local crafts and souvenirs. San Blas is Cusco’s bohemian neighborhood next to the Plaza de Armas. You will find many lovely hostels, cafes, souvenir shops, restaurants, and more here. You can find ĂÛ¶čÊÓÆ” in the heart of San Blas, at a stone’s throw from the Plazoleta San Blas.
• Outdoor: depending on the age of your kids, you can explore Cusco and its surroundings in many ways: hiking, biking, river rafting, quad biking, paragliding, horseback riding, and more!

Are you ready for your Spanish Immersion for Families?

Traveling to Peru with your family and learning Spanish is a fantastic way to create lasting memories and immerse yourselves in a rich and diverse Peruvian culture. As with every family travel, with some planning and preparation, your Spanish immersion trip to Peru will be safe, enjoyable, and educational. From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the vibrant streets of Cusco, there’s no shortage of adventure and fun in this South American gem.

Feel free to contact us and ask for advice to plan a Spanish Immersion for families.

The post Spanish Immersion for families appeared first on ĂÛ¶čÊÓÆ” Blog.

Kick-off 2023 with a new adventure! What about a Spanish Immersion program in Peru? Learn Spanish and dive into the Peruvian culture with tours, activities and unique field trips to beautiful and fun places in the Inca capital Cusco.

Now is the time to Travel to Peru to learn Spanish in Cusco and to spice up your lifeÌęleaving the years without travelsÌębehind.ÌęIn Cusco, you have the opportunity to combine a Spanish language course with travel, fun and adventure activities.

Cusco and theÌęnearby Sacred Valley are great destinations for all kinds of Ìęand activities such as biking, rafting, or zip line. AndÌęCusco is the gateway for a trip to : you can take the train or do a hike to the famous Inca Citadel!Ìę

Travelling Classroom in Peru

If you stay at least a few weeks to learn Spanish in Peru, you will have enough time to explore this beautiful country.ÌęÌęÌęWould you like to travel while learning Spanish? Of course that is possible too with our Travelling Classroom: learn Spanish at different locations in Peru and travel from one place to another, while exploring the beauty along the route!Ìę We start in Lima and end in Machu Picchu. During our 4-weeks program youÌęgo sandboarding in Ica, travel to Lake Titicaca, hike the Colca Canyon in Arequipa, go upÌę to Rainbow Mountain and do the beautiful Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

If you have more time, you can add a trip to the Peruvian Amazone, at only half an hour by plane or an overnight bus.

Is it safe to travel to Peru?

Yes, it’s now!ÌęPeru is one of the most popular travel destinations in South America and it is a spectacular country that attracts travelers, backpackers, and tourists. Peru has almost fully recovered from the corona pandemic and the social unrest in the end of 2022/beginning of 2023.

Gap YearÌę in Peru

Peru is also an excellent destination for a gap year andÌędigital nomads.

If you are looking to spend time abroad after high school – or need a break from your studies, or you quit a job and are you uncertain about what to do next?ÌęWhat you need is a break to explore the world, so come to Peru!

Or you are travelling in Peru while doing remote work? Cusco is a great place spend more time.ÌęIn Peru, there are different Spanish languageÌęcourses and gap year programs to choose from, also for families. In Cusco,Ìęyou canÌęcombine Spanish Language study, travel, fun and volunteering – or do the Travelling Classroom.

Make 2023 your year: Spanish in Peru

Do you want to learn Spanish in Peru?

If you want to receive UPDATES about Spanish Programs in Peru,Ìędrop your email here!ÌęOn top, you will receive a 20$ discount voucher for if you register now so you’ve got nothing to lose ÌęÌęyou can unsubscribe any moment).

REGISTER NOW

P.D. WhyÌę not start preparing for a Peru trip and take advantage of our ?

The post Make 2023 your year: Spanish in Peru appeared first on ĂÛ¶čÊÓÆ” Blog.

How to get the real travel experience in Peru!

If you are traveling in Peru – or: in Bolivia, Ecuador or Chile, and will be heading to Peru – this is your chance!

Come to Cusco and Brush Up your Spanish skills in our special Spanish course for Travelers in Peru!

This ‘survival Spanish’ is the perfect way to get the real travel experience and make the most out of your travels in South-America!

Being Able to Speak Spanish makes a Huge Difference

Is your first question when interacting with local people always “Hablas inglĂ©s” or “Do you speak English”? Do you feel a bit uncomfortable communicating with the local people in Peru when ordering a plate, asking for prices, hiring a guide or contracting a tour, just because you know your Spanish could be so much better?

What about negotiating with the taxi driver (because you know he is overcharging…)?

And what about the friendly lady that offers you an extra fruit juice at the market? Wouldn’t you love to talk to her in Spanish?

Wouldn’t it be great to actually be able to express yourself stop relying on your travel mates that speak Spanish better than you?

This is possible and can be achieved in a short period of time! Being able to speak Spanish makes a huge difference…

Spanish Course for Travelers in Peru

In this (survival) Spanish course for Travelers in Peru, we offer you the opportunity to learn the essentials of the Spanish language, in a very short amount of time in the beautiful city of Cusco!

Our experienced Spanish teachers focus on speaking and on listening skills, including Spanish phrases and expressions that are used while traveling in Peru – and in other Latin American countries.

Just image how much more you will get out of your travel experience in Peru, if you spokeÌę(some) Spanish!

In our Spanish Course for Travelers in Peru,Ìęwe practice everyday situations such as:

-in a cafe, in a restaurant, at your hotel, in the travel agency

-at the airport, at the police station,Ìęin the shop, and so on.

We cover greetings in Spanish and simple conversations, as well as practical things such as

-days of the week, the months

-numbers (to bargain better)

-colors

-and so on

You will learn how to ask for directions in Spanish and how to communicate in basic Spanish when you are lost, or when you need help, and also if you just want to chat and have a nice chat with the locals.

Commonly used Spanish phrases will help you in all kinds of situations. Of course, there is a cultural componentÌętoo in this course, we will immerse you in Peruvian culture. The menus in the restaurants in Cusco won’t be a secret for you anymore, as our enthusiastic local teachers will tell you about Peruvian food, about local costoms and local Holidays. Also, they will give you good inside information about what to visit and what to do in Cusco.

Upon finalizing the Spanish Course For Travelers in Peru, you will feel that you are ready to move on and that you can (continue to) travel independently around South America, feeling much more confident about your Spanish skills!

Mastering basic Spanish will enormously help you to make your life much easier as a traveler in Peru.

The post Brush Up your Spanish – Spanish Course for Travelers in Peru appeared first on ĂÛ¶čÊÓÆ” Blog.

Knowing how Order Food in a restaurant in Spanish will help your self-confidence when speaking Spanish. And when you know Spanish, you’ll connect with the Peruvian people, you can follow their recommendations and learn about Peruvian food and its local ingredients.Ìę This is a great practise when learning Spanish in Peru: talk to the people, order the food you want, ask questions, order the bill, and much more.

Let’s start with the most important numbers in Spanish. YOu will definitely need those when you learn How to Order Food in a restaurant in Spanish:

If you want to make an appointment (for dinner), you can use the numbers with ‘a las’.

If you want to add half an hour (e.g. 7.30 pm), you add: y media.

Remember:

What are the local meal times in Peru?

Similar to the meal times in many other countries, Peru has three main meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner*. Breakfast is served from 7.00 – 9.30 in local restaurants, and a bit later in tourist restaurants. Lunch is the main meal in Peru, and it’s warm. The best time for lunch in a Peruvian restaurant is between 13.00 and 14.00. After this, many dishes and certainly the menu of the day will be agotado (sold out). The waiter will say: Ya no hay.

Dinner in Peru is between 7.00 and 9.00 pm, more or less. In Cusco, many locals do not have a big dinner but rather have something small: maybe a leftover from lunch, a soup, or a sandwich. This is partly because, due to the altitude in Cusco, digestion is slow, and it’s not good for your stomach to have a heavy meal late at night. Therefore, in most restaurants in downtown Cusco, the kitchen will close around 21:30.

NOTE: in Spain, dinner is called ‘la cena’ while ‘la comida’ refers to the lunch.

How to Order Food in a restaurant in Spanish

Arriving at the restaurant

Many tourist restaurants in Cusco will have someone at the door to welcome you (or better said, “to lure you in’ with special offers like a free pisco sour or others).Ìę So what do you say if there is no one when entering a restaurant?

You could start with “Buenos dias/ buenas tardes o buenas noches” and add:

“Hay una mesa?”

If you want to add the number of people:

“Hay una mesa para dos/tres/cuatro etc.”?

The answer will be either “yes” or “no” and if you have to wait, you will be asked to esperar.

How to order drinks in Spanish

Having aÌędrink is a great way to pass the time while deciding what to order and chatting. The waiterÌęwill likely ask you if you’d like a drink: “Quiere pedir algo para beber*?” If you order a bottle of wine, the waiter might ask, “Quiere probarlo?” (if you want to try it).

Another question the waiter could ask is: “Quiere el vino de la casa?”
It’s always safe to say : si”Ìę (unlessÌęof course, you want something special. If you would like to order a glass of wine (instead of a bottle), ask for a “vaso de vino”.

*in Peru, many people use ‘tŽÇłŸČč°ù’ en vez de ‘b±đČú±đ°ù’, both meaning: to drink

Three typical Peruvian drinks:

Inca Cola – a soda similar to the other sodas, yellow, with gas and very sweet
Chicha morada – a beverage originated in the Andean regions but is currently consumed at a national level. The base ingredient of the drink is which is abundantly grown and harvested along the Andean mountains
Pisco Sour – a typical Peruvian cocktail composed of pisco, lemon, simple syrup and raw egg white

(Remember: preguntar = to ask; pedir = to order)

How to order food in Peru

If the waiter asks “Quieren pedir?”, you can say “si” when you’re ready.

Instead of using complicated tenses you’re not (yet) familiar with, you can ask politely yet very simply order using “Por favor”… + whatever you like would like to order”.

Por favor, una sopa
Por favor, una coca cola
Por favor, un arroz con pollo

This sounds perfectly bien in Spanish and is very easy to remember.
You can also add “para mi” or “para el” or “para ella” (for me/for him/for her). Many Peruvians would use this structure to order.

Por favor, una sopa para mi, or
Para mi una sopa por favor

*or: el plato principal

Recommendations

If you are not sure what to order, ask the waiter “QuĂ© me recomienda?” to get some advice.
Or, depending on the type of restaurant you are in, you can ask “Cuál es la especialidad de la casa?” to find out what the best dishes are at that specific restaurant.

Menu del dĂ­a

Many restaurants in Peru, especially the ones for the locals, offer a daily menu that includes a starter and/or soup, a main dish, a dessert, and a drink (un refresco).

You will find this ‘menu del dĂ­a’ on a chalkboard at the restaurant’s entrance. You can also ask: “CuĂĄl es el menu del dĂ­a?” The waiter will tell you what the menu is. Of course, this includes names of typical Peruvian dishes, so it will not always be easy to understand. If you want to order the menu anyway, ensure the main dish is a vegetarian/ with meat/ a fish dish by asking: “Tiene (carne/ pollo/pescado?)”. Great exercise for your Spanish (listening) skills!

To be sure you will be charged the correct price when you leave, you can ask: “°äłÜĂĄČÔłÙŽÇ cuesta el menĂș del dĂ­a” o – the easier – “°äłÜĂĄČÔłÙŽÇ es el menĂș“? The menĂș del dĂ­a is usually a good value-for-money-deal, and it’s a great way too to try popular local food. Many Peruvians eat their (warm) lunch in restaurants instead of going home around noon), so if you see a lot of locals in a restaurant around lunch time, it’s a good sign: they will probably a good and affordable menu.

Peruvian dishes

has an excellent reputation, and Lima has been named the Food Capital of Latin America several times. Peruvian cuisine is characterized by a large variety of ingredients that grow in the many different climate zones (coast, highlands, wetlands, jungle, etc.) and are influenced by many different cultures (Inca, European, Spanish, Asian, African).

A few famous Peruvian dishes you want to try when doing a SpanishÌę language course in Peru or when travelling:

Lomo Saltado

Lomo saltado is a popular, traditiona dish in Peru. It is a stir fry with strips of beef with onions, tomatoes and French fries. The Peruvians service it rice. Lomo Saltado is as part of Chinese cuisine of Peru, though its popularity has made it part of the mainstream Peruvian cuisine.

AjĂ­ de Gallina

Aji de gallina is a classic Peruvian dish, with shredded chicken wrapped in a smooth, creamy sauce with chili, cheese and peanuts.

Papa a la Huancaina

Papa a la HuancaiÂŹna or Potatoes from Huancayo or Huancayo style) are boiled yellow potatoes with a yellower spicy and creamy cheese sauce, and accompanied by hard-boiled eggs and black olives..

Ceviche is a very well-known and popular dish in the Spanish-speaking countries of South-America. Its origin presumably comes from the first inhabitants in the North of what is now Peru and the limes were introduced by the Spaniards. Ceviche is one of the most famous Peruvian dishes based on raw fish marinated in lemon juice.

And there are so much more. If you live with a Peruvian host family while learning Spanish in Cusco, you will have the unique opportunity to try many other home-cooked Peruvian dishes.

A few dishes that won’t be served in restaurants but are part of the popular culture and can be consumed as Peruvian streetfood such as e.g. anticuchos. Anticucho is a popular and inexpensive meat dish that originated in the Andes during the pre-Columbian era. Anticuchos can be found on street-carts and street food stalls (anticucheras). The meat is be marinated in vinegar and spices and you eat it with a papa dorada.

Read more :

Types of restaurants in Peru

While ‘restaurante’ is a common name for a restaurant, many restaurants of cafes in Peru have a more specific name, after the type of dish they well. Think: a pizzeria sells pizzas. But in Peru there is s so much more! Here are the most common ones.

• Chicharoneria
• Polleria
• Cevicheria (marisquerĂ­a)
• Jugeria
• Chicaroneria
• °äłóŸ±łŠłó±đ°ùĂ­Čč
• ±ÊŸ±łŠČčČÔłÙ±đ°ùĂ­Čč
• ±ÊČčČőłÙ±đ±ô±đ°ùĂ­Čč
• Quinta

Vegetarian food In Peru

If you cannot eat certain ingredients because of your religion or allergies, or e.g. you are vegetarian, check the menu carefully. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are usually marked; but usually not the same as always.

If you are not sure, simply point at the dish on the menu and ask the waiter “Esto tiene
.. (+ the ingredient you are worried about, e.g. ‘carne’ (meat), ‘carne de cerdo’ (pig meat), leche (milk), ‘nłÜ±đłŠ±đČő’ (nuts), mani (peanuts in Peru), ‘g±ôłÜłÙ±đČÔ’ (gluten) etc.

Or, you can tell the waiter before ordering: “No puedo comer _____, quĂ© me recomienda? o ‘?quĂ© puedo comer’??

Other Restaurant Phrases in Spanish

To prepare you for some unexpected situations in the restaurants, a short list of Spanish phrases:

How to ask for the bill in Spanish
To catch the waiter’s attention you can ask “Podemos pagar, por favor’ o ‘La cuenta, por favor?” You would normally add between 5 – 10% to the total amount as a tip for the waiter.

Note

In Peru, you don’t call the waiter ‘waiter’. While waiters are called ‘mozos’ (or mozas, the feminine form of the noun) in Peru (versus ‘camareros in Spain), you don’t call them with that word. You don’t say: “Mozo, me puede dar la cuenta?”

Don’t use the Spanish over-used ‘Oye” neither in Peru, it doesn’t sound very polite nor friendly. Just try to catch his or her attention with your eyes or hand or maybe an ‘hola’ will help, or simply: “Puedo pagar?” (can I pay)? Other Spanish phrases with “Puedo” that are helpfull:

Puedo pedir?
Puedo preguntar algo?
Por favor, puedo


We hope this article will help you How to Order Food in Spanish in a restaurant.

Have a nice evening and .. !buen provecho!

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Are you afraid of speaking Spanish? Please don’t feel bad; it happens a lot. And we understand. You are worried about ‘making a fool of yourself, or you are afraid of not understanding what you’re being told, of screwing up… Many of our students know when they first arrive and start the Spanish course in Cusco. A good teacher will help you to deal with this so you can finally feel comfortable speaking Spanish freely.

Your apprehension may never completely go away, but there are methods to help you overcome your fears and start talking! First, of course, being in an immersion setting – especially in a country where the language is spoken – is one of the best ways. Being immersed (and overwhelmed) by the language, you are ‘forced’ to speak Spanish to survive. When communication becomes that important, you automatically ‘forget’ ignore your fears and you forget you are afraid of speaking Spanish.

To create this situation, an intensive Spanish immersion course in a country where the language is spoken, as we offer at our Spanish school in Peru, is one of the best ways. In addition, living with a host family and following four, five or more Spanish classes a day is one of the best ways to master the language.

But if it’s not possible for you to travel to a Spanish-speaking country, there are still many things you can do. And also, if you are in a Spanish-speaking country – maybe you’re attending one of our Spanish courses in Cusco – and you still feel that you need to speak more, we have made this list with significant steps for you to overcome your fears of speaking Spanish.

Are you afraid of speaking Spanish?

1. Identify your fear

It is essential to know what exactly scares you. Take some time and analyze what scares you about the idea of speaking Spanish. The source of anxiety varies from person to person; while the thought of not being understood may be the scariest for you, it could be making too many mistakes for someone else. Once you identify what scares you the most, you can focus on resolving the source of your distress.

2. Visualize success in speaking Spanish

Visualization can play a huge role in helping you succeed at speaking Spanish; without having a clear idea of our goals, it’s hard to achieve them.

When it comes to learning Spanish, visualization can be incredibly helpful in developing the self-confidence needed to speak Spanish.

Picture yourself having a great conversation with a native speaker (in the shop, your host mum, the nice guy you met yesterday, the friendly lady next door, or the surfing teacher on your following holidays
.). Imagine yourself with a confident posture and speaking Spanish, and you are receiving positive responses from this person.

And lastly, remember why you decided to learn Spanish in the first place. Take a few minutes every day to do this, and you’ll be amazed at how confident and enthusiastic it can make you feel.

3. Trust native Spanish speakers in your surroundings

One of the biggest fears when speaking Spanish is the idea of making a fool of themselves in front of a native speaker. Whenever this fear starts creeping in, remind yourself to trust the good nature of the native speaker. The locals don’t want to catch you. The vast majority are usually delighted that you spend time and effort learning about their culture and the Spanish language. Especially in Peru, people are very friendly and helpful and will admire your efforts to learn Spanish.

No one will try to embarrass you on purpose. If someone from another country came up to you and tried to speak your language, would you make fun of them? Nope! You would probably be more than happy to take some time to try to understand them.

4. Identify your barriers

Students struggle with the Spanish language’s different aspects, and identifying where you run into a problem is vital if you want to make further progress.
Apply this analysis to your speech. When you have a conversation, at what point in the conversation do you find it difficult to follow your interlocutor? Giving a good reply or comment may be your problem – or it may be understanding what the person says to you in the first place.
Figure out what your difficulty is, and you can find ways to address it, increasing your overall conversation level! If you can take individual Spanish lessons or online (individual) lessons, those will be of great help as you can discuss your issues with your teacher, who will be able to help you overcome your fear of speaking Spanish.

5. Go step by step

One-on-one conversations are much easier to manage than having to speak Spanish in a group. With a group of speakers, the conversation speeds up, more people speak at the same time and become more complicated, and you might feel like you’ve been left behind.

Find someone willing to practice Spanish one-on-one with you and give it a try! It doesn’t matter if they understand every word; the key is to keep practicing until you feel comfortable and confident enough to approach a conversation with a stranger.

6. Record yourself speaking

Record yourself speaking Spanish with your mobile when no-one listens. Or you can even read out loud if you don’t know what to say. You’ll be amazed at how different you sound when you hear yourself speak and how great it sounds! Also, hearing yourself will help you spot pronunciation mistakes you didn’t know you were making.

7. The ultimate goal is to get the message across.

To abandon the fear of speaking in Spanish, you must start from the following premise. The vital thing is that there is communication and not the quality of it. On many occasions, the receiver will understand you even if you mispronounce the word or the grammar is not entirely correct.

8: Out with perfectionism

To become fluent in Spanish, you have to go through the phase in which you babble. So the sooner you start talking (babbling), the sooner you’ll be fluent.

At first, making mistakes may put you off, but over time you will see how much you have improved and that making mistakes is worth it in the long run. So no perfectionism!

You cannot pretend to speak perfect Spanish. Therefore, it is necessary to mess around and make mistakes. In this way, in the long term, we will be able to perfect our technique, overcome the initial linguistic block and not go blank.

Self-demand is an element that we must avoid. We have to be aware that, initially, we should not seek to achieve the maximum. It is preferable to do the best possible according to the context in which we find ourselves.

Are you afraid of speaking Spanish?
We hope this article helped you to overcome your fear of speaking Spanish. Feel free and just go for it!

The post Are you afraid of speaking Spanish? appeared first on ĂÛ¶čÊÓÆ” Blog.

One of the easiest ways to pick up a new language is by studying abroad, where you have every opportunity to put your new linguistic skills to the test. Although might seem like the obvious choice, the best places to learn SpanishÌęare inÌęSouth America.

Not only are Spanish language classes affordable, local accents are comprehensible, you also get the chance to explore a new continent.

But it’s a big place to choose from! That’s why we’ve put together this run down of the best places to learn Spanish in South America.

From the Inca heartland of Cusco to the pampas of Argentina via the beaches of Colombia, there are plenty of places to immerse yourself in Spanish in Latin America.

Know before you go: where to learn Spanish in South America

Comprising 12 distinct countries and covering 6.89 million square miles, South America has plenty of options when it comes toÌęSpanish language study – and maybe even too many options.

Before you read our suggestions for the best places to learn Spanish, it’s worth being aware of the following:

1. Cost: The price of Spanish lessons varies wildly across the continent. As a rule of thumb, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay have the most expensive classes, while Peru and Bolivia are often the cheapest places in South America to learn Spanish.

2. Accent:

   South American Spanish is generally considered easier to understand than castellano – aka Spanish from Spain. However, the Argentinean and Chilean accents are notoriously complicated to learn – although for many, the Argentinean and Uruguayan accents are the gentlest on the ear as they have a distinctive Italian lilt. Peru and Colombia are widely considered to be the easiest to understand from a non-native speaker’s perspective. Ultimately, in whatever South American country you choose to learn Spanish, it’s likely that this accent will wind up being the one you understand best.

3. Visas:

   Depending on how long you plan to study at a Spanish school in South America, you may need to be aware of the visa situation and how long you can legally remain in the country. You can find out up-to-date information via your state department or foreign office’s website. Go here for the , , and .

4. Accommodation:

   One of the best ways of supercharging your Spanish language skills is by staying in a lcoal homestay. This basically means you live with a local family for the duration of your study time, thus offering unparalleled opportunities to put into practice the Spanish vocabulary you learned in class.

Best places to learn Spanish in South America

What is are the best countries to consider for aÌę Spanish immersion program in Latin America. The are many great locations to choose from but if we have to narrow it down, we’ll stay with the followingÌęSix Unmissable Places to Learn Spanish in South America

1. Cusco, Peru

   The former Inca capital, Cusco finds itself pretty high on most South America travellers’ lists due to its proximity to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. But it’s also a buzzing, highland city that makes for a great place to study Spanish in South America.

   Not only are there plenty of Spanish language schools in Cusco but it’s also a very international but still authentically Peruvian city, meaning you can enjoy the experience of studying in a foreign city while being surrounded by travellers and other learners from across the globe.

   

   What’s more, Cusco is within striking distance of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a fertile valley that formed part of the Inca Empire and is now riddled with Inca ruins and traditional Andean villages. If you fancy a truly immersive Spanish language experience, you can even study at a Spanish language school in the Sacred Valley.

2. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

   Ah, the Paris of South America! For many travellers, Buenos Aires is the continent’s finest city and the ultimate place to go to learn Spanish. This cosmopolitan city combines grand, French and Italian-style buildings, a passion for tango and carnivorous decadence in its love of a good steak.

   Spanish schools in Buenos Aires allow you to be right in the heart of the action – think joining an impromptu tango dance in the middle of a leafy city square or discovering the nightlife in a city that rarely sleeps. Studying Spanish in Argentina might take you a while as you learn to get your tongue around the “ll” that’s pronounced as “sh” and the lunfardo (aka the city’s extensive vocabulary of slang), but once you do, you’ll certainly feel like a true local.

3. Lima, Peru.

   Peru’s busy capital doesn’t ooze quite the same Latin passion as Buenos Aires, but Lima remains an excellent place to study Spanish. The “City of Kings” as it was first christened has the continent’s oldest buildings (we’re talking mid-16th-century-old), sparkling museums packed to the rafters with gold, ceramics and stonework dating back thousands of years and quite possibly the best food in the continent. If you don’t believe us, you’ve clearly not tried at one of the city’s trademark cevicherías!

   

   Learning Spanish in Lima, you can expect to find yourself hanging out in the city’s trendiest neighborhood, Miraflores and even hopping on a plane or a bus for a weekend trip exploring the rest of the country, thanks to the city’s excellent transport network.

4. Montevideo, Uruguay

   Although the accent might be similar and they share the banks of the Río de la Plata, the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo couldn’t be more different to Buenos Aires across the water. It’s calmer than its cousin, but combines a modern face with a historic old core, that gives way to huge shopping malls and beaches in the southeast.It’s often rated as offering the highest quality of life and safest city in the continent, so if you’re looking for a green city with access to an extensive golden coastline, then you can’t go wrong with studying at a language school in Montevideo.

5. Cartagena, Colombia

   Colombia is a great place to study Spanish in South America as Colombians are known for their neutral accents – meaning you have a better chance of understanding what they’re saying!

   offer the enviable option of studying in a beautiful, colonial city, with access to white sand beaches blessed with glorious, year-round sunshine.

   

   In terms of security, Colombia certainly has become safer in the past few years and is now a popular destination for backpackers. Cartagena receives plenty of tourists, meaning it’s a vibrant, multicultural and cheap city for studying Spanish in South America.

6. Montañita, Ecuador.

   If you’re looking for a truly unique opportunity to study Spanish in Latin America, Ìęmight well be what you didn’t even realise you had in mind.Ìę Living in this funky beach town,Ìęyou can study SpanishÌęwhile relaxing on the beach during the afternoons after class.

   It’s also a fantastic opportunity to take surf lessons if you are into watersports. Montañita is a small beach town at only two hours busdrive from Guayaquil. It has allÌęÌęthe ingredients for an exciting tourist destination and some of Latin America’s best waves.ÌęMontañita is located on the coast of Ecuador, just one degree from the equator, and hasÌęa tropical climate.

These are currently the hottest destinations to Study Spanish in Latin America. Of course there are many other destinations too.

We hope our list ofÌęBestÌęPlaces to Learn Spanish in South America was helpful for you. For questions,Ìę contact us!

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