Spanish has been increasing its worldwide importance over the past few years and it’s conquering people’s hearts to stay. If you are keen on the idea of doing an immersion program to study Spanish, you have many options to choose from. There are 20 countries that officially speak Spanish, all located in Latin America + Spain, and with amazing cultures and places to enjoy. However, one of the best options to learn Spanish in Colombia, not only because it has one of the most neutral and clear accents, but also because it’s a wonderful megadiverse country with amazing people and places to visit! Keep tuned because in this article we’ll give you 5 reasons as to why learn Spanish in Colombia!
Before we start, keep in mind that an immersion is definitely one of the best and most effective ways of learning and interiorizing a new language because it allows you to interact with people and learn about the culture deeply. Besides, it throws you out of your comfort zone as you face many situations that will require you to use your knowledge of Spanish. So, in the end, you’ll have learnt many many things while having a blast in a new country. It’s definitely worthwhile and a once in a lifetime experience!
Reason 1: Colombian Spanish accent
Colombian Spanish is known as one of the clearest and neutral types of Spanish. This is mostly true for the Spanish spoken at the center of the country, in Bogotá (the capital) and its surrounding areas, which is known as cachaco and rolo. This is the accent you’ll normally hear in formal speeches, TV, and radio. However, don’t be confused with the paisa (spoken in Medellín and other central/western areas in Colombia), which is pretty popular and also quite clear, but it does have a stronger accent.
In general, the Spanish spoken in Bogotá is very clear. Rolos and cachacos speak slowly and they pronounce all the vowels and consonants in a word without any contractions either, so they mostly say it all as it’s written.
If you are keen on learning more about this topic, check our article Why Colombian Spanish is the best Spanish to learn?
Reason 2: Its biodiversity and culture
Colombia is wonderful in so many ways, and two of the most important ones are its culture and its biodiversity. With its 1.14 million square meters, Colombia is home to amazing cities where millions of people live, and many natural landscapes and wonders that are a must-see. So, it’s safe to say that Colombia is one of the most beautiful and biodiverse countries in the world as it has it all: mountains, sea, forests, jungle, natural parks, rivers, snow peaks, and even volcanoes. It’s also home to a super interesting culture that has amazing art, music, literature, science, TV, cinema, and much more.
In the last few years, Colombia has increased its popularity as an amazing tourist and living destination to enjoy some of the most unique, exotic and beautiful natural and manmade landscapes and places you’ll ever experience! So, what are you waiting for!?
Reason 3: Its location
Colombia has a superb location for traveling and professional reasons. As the only country in South America that has both Pacific and Atlantic coasts as well as the only one with a direct connection to Central America, it enjoys a strategic location that makes it a good “home base”. Therefore, doing a Spanish immersion in Colombia allows you to move easily through Latin America and even North America while also enjoying the country itself. Bogotá is only 5 hours away by plane from New York, about 5 from Mexico City, and 5-6 from Sao Paulo.
Additionally, if you are also working, many many big companies have their Latin American operations based in Colombia or they have invested here; plus, with the increased importance of home-working, it’s all super easy. So, it’s safe to say that studying Spanish in Colombia is a great idea!
Reason 4: Its people
Colombians are super warm, polite, kind, and friendly! Locals are welcoming and always available to help you with anything you might need, and they are also super festive! There’s a reason why Colombia is generally considered one of the happiest countries in the world, and it’s actually quite mesmerising how, after everything the country has been through in its history, the people are always willing to do better and to make the best out of every situation. If you want to enjoy life at its best, have Colombian friends, a Colombian partner or love interest, Colombian colleagues, etc…
Colombians also love when foreigners are trying to speak Spanish, so they will be friendly and patient, or slow down, even more, their talking speed so you can understand them clearly. Even if you just manage to say “hola”, they will tell you that you are doing great, which is always a nice boost for your learning process!
Reason 5: Its educational offer, especially Whee Institute
Another great reason for learning Spanish in Colombia. There are many good Spanish schools in Colombia, and you can also learn it in many universities around big cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, or Cartagena. To know more about this topic, check the following articles:
Whee Institute is one of the most recognized and best-reviewed Spanish schools in Colombia. Based in Bogotá but also offering Spanish online group classes worldwide, we have an innovative and fun methodology proven by +2000 students from all over the world that can teach you native Spanish in under a year! Our classes are taught by amazing professional native teachers that make learning a language innovative and fun. Check out our page here, or write to info@wheeinstitute.com. Remember, Whee Institute is always here for you ?
Now you have 5 more reasons to come to the land of magical realism and learn Spanish. Colombia is waiting for you with open arms, and as they say, the only risk is wanting to stay!
