Hi,
So I just joined this site so forgive me if someone has already posted a similar question... At the end of August, i'm thinking of travelling through South/Central America for the first time. So far ive travelled throughout Europe for roughly 1.5 years and I am really looking foreward to exploring a culture that is relatively unkown to me. My only concern is that of Language. My spanish is very limited (ive only just picked up bits and pieces while travelling through spain). Im looking to travel for a year (give or take) and this is definatly the trip I would like to do. Am I stupid for even thinking of attempting this trip without basic knowledge of the Spanish language, or is it possible to have a successful, joyful trip with just myself and a pocket dictionairy. Im also open to spending some time at the start of the trip at a language school, so if anyone knows of a city to start my trip with that provides this type of opportunity, any help would be great.
Thanks!
Reply to this I travelled Mexico and Central America in 2002 - when I started in Tjuana (just south of San Deigo) - I was a phrase book spanish speaker. Gradually I learnt more during the 6 weeks, and by the time I arrived in Guatemala I could get by. I then spent a month learning intensive spanish and living with a Guatemalan family. At the end of that month was having basic but real converations... with almost anyone. It changed the whole way of travelling for the rest of Central America, opened up so many more possiblities and adventures. I'd definetly recommend learning as much spanish as you can before going - and if you have the time - spending about a month intensively learning.
You have the option of studying Spanish intensively in many cities. If you are a talented linguist (which I'm not) after a month you'll have pretty good conversational level Spanish. Cities that I know that you can study in are:
Argentina: Buenos Aires, Cordoza; Peru: Lima; Guatemala: Quetzaltenango, Antigua; Mexico: Oaxaca
But I'm sure that there are hundreds of other cities and towns that offer similar experiences. Search for "spanish school xyz-city" on google to get specifics. Look for 1 on 1 tuition, homestays - where you are the only gringo and unless you are going to be there at high season - go and check the school out before committing to a month.
Reply to this Kiel,
I'm also travelling to South America in August and had similar concerns. My husband and I bought Michel Thomas's Learn Spanish CD from Amazon and are finding it really useful. I suppose the test will come once we get there, but at least we'll have some idea of how to get by when we arrive.
I'm sure that learning in a country is better, but at least this will give us a leg up!
Natalie
Reply to this Folks,
Being argentinean I guess it´s easier to learn Spanish in a Central American country. Accent is easier that in Chile or Argentina and they speak slowly. Might Guatemala / Honduras work?
p.s. make yourself a favour and on top of visiting the "frequently visited" places give a try to the north west of Argentina, (Salta, Tucuman, Catamarca, San Juan) and the south of this beautiful continent, Chiloe and the chilenian fiords, plus Tierra de Fuego where the two oceans meet. If you would like to meet pure nature, you could also the the rute 40, which runs north south Argentina, by the Andees. It´s a rought rute, most of it un paved but they say you could still see how the world was in the beginning.......
Happy trip / post your trip notes
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