Destination decision guide
Spanish is one language with many varieties. Spain and Latin America both offer excellent schools, so the decision is mostly about where you will use the language and the experience you want.
Updated 4 October 2026 · Independent guidanceLearners who will work or travel mainly in the Americas often prefer Latin American Spanish; those focused on Europe often choose Spain.
Pronunciation and some vocabulary differ, but grammar and the written language are largely shared.
Living costs vary a great deal between and within countries, and they often matter more than tuition.
DELE and SIELE are recognised internationally and can be taken in Spain and many Latin American countries.
Big cities offer more choice; smaller cities can mean more immersion and fewer English speakers.
| Destination | Providers listed | Courses with current intakes | Published weekly tuition range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 12 | 12 | EUR 195–239 (2 courses) |
| Mexico | 9 | 6 | Too few weekly prices to compare |
| Argentina | 8 | 8 | USD 175–275 (4 courses) |
| Colombia | 3 | 3 | Too few weekly prices to compare |
| Costa Rica | 2 | 2 | Too few weekly prices to compare |
| Guatemala | 2 | 2 | Too few weekly prices to compare |
| Peru | 1 | 1 | Too few weekly prices to compare |
| Chile | 1 | 1 | Too few weekly prices to compare |
Figures are counted from the records on this site at build time. Weekly ranges use only courses whose official page states a price per week; they are not market averages, and they exclude registration, materials and accommodation.
In depth
Learners notice differences in pronunciation, such as the distinction between 'c/z' and 's' sounds in much of Spain, and in pronouns, with 'vosotros' common in Spain and 'ustedes' used across Latin America. Argentina and Uruguay use 'vos' in everyday speech. These differences are easy to adapt to once you have a solid base, and good teachers point them out explicitly.
Spain has a dense network of schools, many accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, and university courses for foreigners in cities such as Salamanca, Granada and Madrid. Courses often start every Monday, with DELE preparation widely available. Summer is the busiest season, which can affect class sizes and accommodation prices.
Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Peru all have established schools and university programmes for foreign learners. Many schools offer one-to-one classes at prices that make intensive individual study more affordable than in Europe, and homestays are common. Check safety advice, travel times and seasonal weather for the specific city you are considering.
Whichever region you choose, compare the same details for every shortlisted school.
Course-level evidence
These records illustrate comparable fields and formats; they are not rankings or paid recommendations.
General Spanish (language and culture) · 2, 3, 4 or 10 weeks
Published price: Not publicly specified
View verified course →Intensive · 126 hours (21 October – 8 December 2026)
Starts from: 17,360 MXN per course, Otoño 2 2026 session
View verified course →Intensive
Starts from: 275 USD per week
View verified course →Evidence limitation
Course information can change by intake. Use the linked provider source to confirm dates, fees, availability, entry requirements and policies before applying or paying.