Expanish: Learning Spanish in Buenos Aires
Expanish did not pay me to write this review. People often ask me for Spanish school recommendations, so I thought I would write about a good one I found.
When I moved to Buenos Aires I was already fluent in Spanish. I realize now that this really separates me from a lot of foreigners who come here both as travelers and expats. Many people assume that simply living in Buenos Aires will improve their Spanish skills. Here’s the reality – it does not happen that way and it does not happen over night. Sure, being in the streets and dealing with every day things will help you, but it is not as if one day you will suddenly understand full conversations just by standing next to people who are having them.
After foreigners come to this disappointing realization, they tend to seek out Spanish lessons. This can be a tricky business as well. Should you get a private tutor? Attend a school? What type of lessons do you need? How fast can you learn to get around?
I recently visited Expanish school and I feel they address all these questions and more very well. They offer group classes as well as one on one classes and allow you to combine the two if you would like.
They offer a few different programs and help you get started with Spanish quickly. They recognize that if you are already in Argentina, you probably need to say a lot more than “hello” and “when is your birthday?” One of the coolest programs they offer is their Crash Course.
The Crash Course is designed to help travelers get a jump start on Spanish. The courses are separated into 2 hour modules and students can choose to attend anywhere form 2 to 5 modules per week.
The Crash Course modules get you started with phrases and vocabulary you will need in day to day life, so instead of learning how to discuss the weather, you might learn how to get a taxi or order a drink at a bar. The classes involve more conversation, activities, and culturally relevant information than a traditional textbook based class, which helps the students get ready for the real world much faster.
I was also really impressed with the facilities. Instead of the dark and dreary classrooms with half broken tables and squeaky chairs that I expected, I found bright colors, 6 floors of classrooms and plenty of places to hang out with fellow students. The Expanish building felt very reminiscent of a university building, equipped with lounges, coffee machines and computers with internet access.
The 6th floor student lounge
Expanish also organizes Spanish cinema nights once a week as well as several outings for students. Cinema nights are always free and activities are either free or offer at a discounted price for students. They put a lot of effort into keeping their students social and encourage them to continue practicing their Spanish with each other.
If you plan to pass through Buenos Aires and need to work on your Spanish skills, give Expanish a try. For more information about Expanish and the classes they offer, please visit their website.
