1. Before Deciding Your Spanish Language Schools

	Choosing the right Spanish language schools... I had the same problem last year. Unfortunately, all I cound find was sales talk by Spanish language schools and their agents. As an ex-student from one of Spanish language schools in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, I didn't want you to suffer from the same problem. That's why I made this guide. Since I can't cover thousands of schools worldwide and I know best the schools in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, all the Spanish language schools in this guide is from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. But, don't worry if you are looking for Spanish language schools in other countries. This guide will show you the key elements to distinguish the right Spanish language schools from the rest regadless of your place of Spanish study. I hope this guide could help you meet the Spanish language schools of your choice!

2. Tuition For Spanish Language Schools

Picking the right country is one of the most important aspect of choosing Spanish language schools because it will determine significant portion of your payment to schools. Of course, countries determine how you learn Spanish as available touristic resources, accents, etc are different, but we'll focus on monetary issue in this section. Let's say that you are looking for an one-on-one class because you've already taken some Spanish classes with 30 other students and that didn't give you much opportunity to practice. Since Spanish is spoken in many countries, you now have a huge selection. And cost of Spanish language schools varies significantly. For instance in Spain, an individual class for a week runs around $850-$900. If you want more complete immersion with a host family, there goes another $350-$400. However, in Guatemala, you can find both the one-on-one Spanish class and homestay within $150-$250 per week.

Now, in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, Spanish language schools charge from $105-$190 per week including about 5 hours a day of 1-on-1 Spanish class, homestay with a local family and cultural activities. The usual rule of "More I pay, better service I get," doesn't always work in selecting Spanish language schools. Since many teachers and host families work with various schools, you might end up paying more for the same services with some Spanish language schools. And, the difference in your payment usually goes to schools, not to your teacher and host family.

 

3. Mission of Spanish Language Schools & Where Does Your Money Go?

Most of Spanish language schools are actively involved in social projects as stated in their mission. But their degree of contribution may differ from school to school. One way to assess their social responsibility is to look at how Spanish language schools distribute your tuition. While some Spanish language schools provide break-down of your tuition, 12 schools are not providing how they distribute your money clearly enough.

4. Specialized Spanish Programs & Other Classes in Spanish Language Schools

While many Spanish language schools claim that your can learn specialized Spanish, not all schools live up to the claim. For example, Spanish language schools often pair-up a student who requested medical Spanish program (or any other program) with a teacher who has very little knowledge about it. Since most of schools don't allow a student to select a teacher, one way to reduce the mismatch is to avoid the summer when the teachers of specialized Spanish are very busy.

5. Information About Spanish Language Teachers & Host Families in Spanish Language Schools

Because the Spanish language schools select teachers and host families for the students in most of the cases (in Guatemala or in any other countries), information about the Spanish language teachers and the host families is very scarce.

6. Volunteer / Social Work & Their Costs in Spanish Language Schools

Most of the Spanish language schools will gladly assist students who are trying to make the difference at no charge. Unfortunately, some schools are claiming their involvement in social projects only as a bait to lure in students. Therefore, don't forget to make sure that those Spanish language schools actually engage in the respective social projects.

7. As You Meet Your Spanish Language Schools...

There are many Spanish language schools in the world with excellent learning opportunities. I happened to pick Quetzaltenango, Guatemala as my place of study but I'm sure there are other places in the world with Spanish language schools just as wonderful. In the end, I hope this guide has served you well in your search for the best Spanish language schools.