Ecuador
Language studies
A relative newcomer to the language travel industry - over half of the 100 language institutions in the country have been established since 1995 - Ecuador is becoming more popular with students keen to learn Spanish while experiencing the natural attractions of the area. Many schools specialise in adventure activities alongside language study and students have the opportunity to participate in jungle tours, mountain climbing and trips to the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador is a popular language learning destination for students from North America but Europeans also make up a large proportion of the language student population in this country.
Traveling around Ecuador
Flying within Ecuador can be an economical way of getting around the country and you can get almost anywhere within half an hour. The main destinations are Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and the Galapagos. Internal flights cost roughly US$30 to US$60. Foreigners going to the Galapagos or the Amazon can expect to pay more than double what nationals pay, but students with a valid ID card can get a discount of 10 to 25 per cent, but flights here remain disproportionately expensive.
Most travellers use the local buses to get around Ecuador, although passports should be kept handy at all times as there are frequent police checks on the outskirts of towns. Busetas, which are small 22-seat buses, cover long distances quickly, while larger autobuses are slower. The capital city, Quito, is a day's drive away from the Amazonian jungle, snow covered mountains and tropical beaches.
Trains are not for the traveller who’s pressed for time, being generally unreliable and limited, but the opportunity to sit on top of the carriage while travelling some of the most exciting rail routes in the world might just make up for this.
Hiring a car can be a good way of getting to see the country, but students must be over 25 years of age, hold a valid driving licence and carry an internationally recognised credit card. A credit card may be needed to guarantee your booking, as you will often be required to leave a damage deposit of US$2,000. The majority of roads in Ecuador are of poor quality and there are often few signposts.
Average prices for Ecuador
Two-week general Spanish language course: US$294
Two weeks' homestay accommodation: US$239
Two weeks' residential accommodation: US$ 273
Chile
Language studies
Most Spanish language schools in Chile are centred around the capital city Santiago, which, due to its central location, provides an ideal location for students who want to venture into other areas of the country. Many schools offer an immersion programme where students live with a local Chilean family and are able to practise their language skills outside the classroom.
Travelling around Chile
Chile is a long, narrow country with geographical features that mean that there are no land connections between certain destinations. Internal flights, therefore, can be a necessity for exploring some areas. There are three airlines that offer domestic flights throughout Chile: Lan Chile, Ladeco and Avant Airlines. A round-trip from Santiago to Arica in the far north of Chile costs around US$146, and it’s worth looking into air passes.
The bus system within Chile is extensive and offers a good quality service, connecting cities and towns throughout the country. The bus companies, Pullman Bus, Tur Bus, Tramaca and Flota Barrios, offer regular services around Chile.
Renting a car can be an easy and convenient method of getting around. Drivers have to be over 21 years old and have an internationally valid driving licence and a major credit card as a guarantee. Drivers should wear a seatbelt and keep their driving licence on them at all times as police make regular checks.
The train system in Chile is focused mainly in the south, although there is a train that runs from Arica in the far north of the country to La Paz in Bolivia. The Sistema Estatal de Ferrocarriles (EFE) train network runs south from Santiago to Rancagua, Talca, Chillan, Concepcion and Temuco, while the Metrotren service runs between Santiago and Rancagua, stopping at most of the towns in between. An economy passenger ticket for the journey between Santiago and Temuco on the coast, which takes over 12 hours, costs US$16.50.
Average prices for Chile
Two-week general Spanish language course: US$299
Two weeks' homestay accommodation: US$210
Two weeks' residential accommodation: US$205
Costa Rica
Language studies
Most of the Spanish language schools in Costa Rica are situated around the capital San José and many are keen to offer their students the opportunity to encounter the country's beautiful natural environment through excursions and ecological programmes. Many schools experience a peak season in the summer and then become very quiet in the winter but a number offer courses to students throughout the year. As yet, there is no accreditation scheme for Spanish language schools in Costa Rica. Students from North America make up the largest proportion of international students studying in this country.
Travelling around Costa Rica
Ecological tourism has become a principal part of the country's tourist industry in recent years and there is much for wildlife enthusiasts to see and do. There are over 200 tour operators recognised by the Costa Rica Tourist Board and many specialise in nature tours to national parks and wilderness lodges. There are also a number of adventure travel operators that offer river running, mountain biking and rain forest canopy tours.
San José is the centre of the country's bus network, from where buses depart to just about anywhere in the country. Fares are usually cheap, with the longest and most expensive journey out of San José costing less that US$9. There are two types of long-distance bus, called directo and normal. The direct buses are a little faster and more expensive. Smaller and more remote destinations in Costa Rica are served by old Bluebird school buses that are often very uncomfortable.
There are plenty of car rental agencies in San José, but renting a car can be an expensive way of travelling – make sure you do it through an ICT-accredit travel agent to get a reasonable deal. For travel during the rainy season, a 4WD may be essential for the dirt roads. A 4WD jeep will cost around US$500 for one week's rental.
Average prices for Costa Rica
Two-week general Spanish language course: US$551
Two weeks' homestay accommodation: US$208
Two weeks' residential accommodation: US$300
Mexico
Language studies
There are many Spanish language schools in Mexico, mostly centred around the major cities such as Mexico City, Oaxaca, Cuernavaca and Guadalajara. As there is no accreditation scheme for private language schools at present, the standard and quality of teaching varies and students wanting to learn Spanish in Mexico should seek advice from their local education consultant or agent.
Travelling around Mexico
Mexico has two large international airlines, Aeroméxico and Mexicana. However, there are lots of small, regional airlines, and competition between them is stiff, meaning good deals for the passenger. Basically, the more popular the route, the cheaper the fare, so a flight from Tijuana to Mexico City costs little more than a first class bus ticket. Information about flights can often be hard to come by outside the city served though.
Mexico relies on buses for most of its intercity transport. They are frequent, and most of the time you can get a ticket at short notice. There is increasingly little to choose between the quality of segunda and primera services, with primera servies costing an extra 10 per cent or more. Long distances may be worth covering by a deluxe or Pullman service, costing about 30 per cent more than primera buses, but with airline seating and reliable air conditioning. Rural buses, however, may often be rickety old school buses from the States, serving their dying days on dusty, bumpy local roads.
The Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México is the Mexican national rail system. Since privatisation, many services have been cut. Travel is slow, and consistently hours late, but prices can be less than half the equivalent bus fare, and there are some spectacular routes. There is only one class available now – what used to be first – and tickets are usually queued for on the day.
Average prices for Mexico
Two-week general Spanish language course: US$404
Two weeks' homestay accommodation: US$326
Two weeks' residential accommodation: US$309
Argentina
Language studies
The majority of Spanish language schools in Argentina are focused around the capital city, Buenos Aires. Despite the fact that there is no accreditation scheme for Spanish language schools in Argentina, the country enjoys a good reputation for the quality of its education. Class sizes are often small and provide individual attention. Students from countries in North America and Europe make up the largest proportion of international students in Argentina.
Travelling around Argentina
Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world and second only to Brazil in terms of size and population in South America. Internal flights are, therefore, an ideal method of transport. Deregulation and privatisation has led to the introduction of discounts by major carriers, either well in advance or at very short notice. Aerolineas Argentina sells an Argentina Airpass that is valid for 60 days and must be purchased outside Argentina with an international flight ticket, from US$299 – if you have a specific plan, they’re great, but not very flexible otherwise. Alternatively, you could try flying on a civilian service provided by the air force or navy – they can be very last minute, but a ticket from Río Grande to Ushuaia on Aeronave costs just $10.
Buses can be fast and comfortable. Between December and February you may need to book in advane, otherwise just turn up on the day. Semi-cama, coche cama and Pullman services can be very comfortable, and cost 20-40% more than standard común services. Many bus companies offer a 20 per cent student discount upon production of a valid international student card. When buying bus tickets, don't automatically assume that you have been allocated a seat - make sure that you have one.
Railways in Argentina now mostly focus on freight, except a well developed and cheap commuter network around Buenos Aires.
Average prices for Argentina
Two-week general Spanish language course: US$257
Two weeks' homestay accommodation: US$252
Two weeks' residential accommodation: US$282
|