Learn Spanish
Outside of tourist areas or tourist focused activities, it is not common to find English speaking Argentinians. And many of them that do speak some English are shy to use it. In order to really understand the culture, interact with locals – especially at classes and Milongas/Practicas, and enjoy non-tourist activities, it is best to learn at least a basic level of Spanish.
Similar to English, there are many dialects in Spanish – especially European Spanish and Latin American Spanish. However, Latin American Spanish varies across countries, and Argentinian Spanish is even more different and unique. For example, Argentinian Spanish uses “vos” instead of “tu”, and double-L sounds like “pollo” are pronounced as “po-sho” instead of “poy-yo”.
The Spanish spoken in Buenos Aires is called Rioplatense.
Ways to start learning some Spanish, especially before arriving in Argentina:
- Duolingo has free Spanish lessons. It’s an easy and non-confronting way to get started, do short lessons whenever you have a few minutes, and learn the basics and build vocabulary.
- Language Transfer is a listening-only system for learning languages.
- Find an online practice partner using Conversation Exchange (free), HelloTalk, and iTalki
TIP: For intermediate and advanced Spanish speakers who want to learn more of the Rioplatense vocabulary and accent, we recommend The Pocket Spanish Podcast. This is a great local resource for free podcasts, and an option paid conversational group and private classes.
Private Teachers
The average price for experienced teachers is about US $10/hour. To find teachers, search previous posts for recommendations in this Facebook group.
Preply, SuperProf, and TusClasesare online marketplaces to find teachers for all types of subjects, not just Spanish.
So here are a few tried-and-proved Spanish tutors who can help you enhance your skills at a reasonable cost.
- Mariana. A certified French pastry chef, a Nihonphile, and a fun, well-around and traveled porteña who is also fluent in English: +541162807789
- Spanish for tango with Vicky & Gonza. Online and in-person in BsAs.
Schools
- Vamos Academy: group classes are Monday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, and group sizes are usually 3-8 people. The price was US$160 per week as of November 2023. Private classes are US$120 for 10 hours.
- IBL: has many comprehensive courses, including for business language. There’s some good information about the school here. They offer both online and in person classes.
- InterBA
- Casa Spanish Academy
- Academia Buenos Aires
- COINED
- Mente Argentina
- Ibero Spanish School
- Wanderlust
- Exspanish Academy
- University of Buenos Aires:offers 1 month, 2 month, and 4 month courses
Once you’re here in Buenos Aires, there are several language exchange groups you can join. Some of them draw a younger party crowd, but others are more focused on learning and exchange. Here are some options:
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