Dizzy from trying to figure out where to go for immersion

Question

I loved my 3 weeks in Mérida last year. I've been looking for an immersion school for the coming winter for a while now and I can't decide where to go! I just spend the last few hours doing more research and my head is really spinning now. Every time I think I'm close to a destination I think of reasons why not. The contenders for today were:

Back to Mérida - there is comfort with the familiar, but isn't the idea to broaden horizons? Also travel arrangements can be complicated. (Direct flights into Mérida only arrive late at night).

Puebla at the sister school - comfort with the same methods, these two schools are the only one's where people don't keep arriving each Monday. Travel to Puebla also seems complicated.

Oaxaca - I've heard rave reviews of the city and would like to go there. I came very close to choosing the school, but chickened out. They recommend students arrive at the beginning of the course but they allow you to start any Monday. Ay!

Then I think, why just consider México, why not Spain, or Ecuador, or Guatamala, or any other place?

Help!

Costa Rica and Colombia have the clearest Spanish! - katydew, Aug 9, 2011

Answer 1

Then I think, why just consider México, why not Spain, or Ecuador, or Guatamala, or any other place?

I have never been to language school myself, so I am definitely not an expert on that subject. However, I think it is important to consider why you want to learn Spanish and how you are going to use it before deciding on a school. If you are going to be traveling or using Spanish in Spain or Europe, choose a school in Spain. If South America or the Caribbean is your target area, etc., than choose accordingly. There is no sense wasting time learning vocabulary and accents for places where you are not going to be using your Spanish.

Mariana is an excellent person to contact as she has been to schools in Mexico and Guatemala (I believe.). Also, never worry about bothering anyone in this forum. We are all more than happy to help each other.

Living in Philly, I understand the desire to escape Jersey winters!!! I hope you find the perfect school to meet your needs. I have heard many good things about schools in Costa Rica. I have also heard that it is a nice place to live.

Buena suerte

Costa Rica is wonderful but stay away from the tourist traps or you will only improve your English or German! - katydew, Aug 9, 2011

Answer 2

I guess it all depends on how far you want to go. Why not PM Mariana for information on Guatemala?

Answer 3

Besides the obvious language immersion I want to escape winter in NJ, so my only requirements are that it be warm in Jan/Feb and that the Spanish spoken is reasonably clear. (No dropping letters).

I might PM Mariana if I start leaning towards Guatemala. I don't want to bother anyone when I'm so far from figuring this out.

well Elaine I can add this thought, the difference between a flight to Spain and one to Central America is probably around $400 from NJ. - Yeser007, Aug 9, 2011

I am now in an area which is notorious for dropping letters. It is frustrating, but I am starting to adapt. :) - Nicole-B, Aug 9, 2011

Are you in Chile? They love to drop consonants.... especially the letter 's'. - katydew, Aug 9, 2011