Comments Please! Where should I go?!
OK, so in November I will be shipping off to the Spanish speaking world, and the only question I have is WHERE SHOULD I GO? There are tons of possibilities, but I don’t know whether I should spend all 3 months (November through January) in one city and one program or if I should do a couple of programs in different places.Here are some contenders, which a couple of comments:
1) Argentina – Top contender right now. Pros - its relatively cheap (given the Argentine peso) and I don’t necessarily have to go to Buenos Aires, but could go to Tierra del Fuego or Mendoza or Bariloche where it might not be at HOT either! Cons – They speak a funky Spanish and supposedly they are the snobbiest people in S. America
2) Mexico – I would love to go to Oaxaca, although spending time in a beachside city could also be tons of fun! Pro – Its our closest neighbor, and there are a ton of Mexican Spanish speakers in the U.S. Plus I love the food and it would be easier to go back to the USA for quickies. Cons – Maybe its not far enough away? One idea is to do a couple of weeks in Mexico and then head south
3) Costa Rica / Ecuador– OK, the thought of learning Spanish AND how to surf is very tempting! Pros – Climate and outdoor activities! Cons – Might be a bit too much of a backpacker scene?
4) Colombia – Might sound crazy, but I have heard the Colombia is kickass! My buddy Sid spent about a year there and had an amazing time. Pros – HOTTIES! Also according to Juan Carlos George, they have the “cleanest” Spanish in Latin America. Cons – Risk of kidnapping?
5) Chile – Not sure if it makes sense to go there as a side trip from Argentina or vice versa? Pros – Friendly people, Seabass!. Cons – Supposedly one of the toughest places to learn Spanish.
Any thoughts? Other ideas? Any advice on programs would be awesome as well!
