What is the best city to learn Colombian Spanish?
Learning Spanish in Colombia can be a great experience, as the country is known for its friendly people, rich culture, and diverse landscapes. Colombia is also known for its accent. Although it varies according to the region, the Colombian accent is considered one of the most straightforward accents to understand and learn.
You might know that Colombia is the fifth-largest country in Latin America; it has an area of 1,141,748 km2 and a population estimated at over 50 million people.
Keeping this in mind, where could you learn Spanish in Colombia?
Here are some aspects to consider when choosing the best place to learn Spanish in Colombia.
1. The City
Decide which city you want to learn Spanish in. You can choose from many cities in Colombia; each has its unique culture and language learning opportunities.
Bogotá: As the capital of Colombia, Bogotá is a great place to learn Spanish. The city has many language schools, cultural events, and opportunities to practice Spanish with locals. Our Spanish school is located in the heart of the city, in Chapinero District.
Medellín: Medellín is known for its friendly locals, spring-like weather and vibrant culture. The city also has many language schools and cultural events.
Cartagena: Cartagena is a popular tourist destination with a rich history and culture. The city’s colonial architecture and beautiful beaches make it an ideal place to learn Spanish while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Caribbean.
Cali: Cali is known as the salsa capital of the world and is a great place to learn Spanish while enjoying the city’s lively music and dance scene.
Barranquilla: Barranquilla is a coastal city with a rich cultural heritage and many opportunities to practice Spanish with locals. The city is also home to the famous Carnival of Barranquilla, one of the largest carnivals in the world.
Santa Marta: Santa Marta is a popular tourist destination on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and is a great place to learn Spanish while enjoying the city’s beaches and natural beauty.
2. Language school
Many language schools in Colombia offer Spanish classes for foreigners, ranging from intensive programs to part-time courses. Your choice of which language school to enroll in is quite personal, and it depends on your goal to learn the language and the time you have to stay in the country.
If you want to learn about which language school to choose, read some of our previous articles:
3. Explore the culture and practice with locals
Learning Spanish in Colombia is about more than just the language. It is also about the culture. Take the opportunity to explore the country’s history, music, food, and traditions to gain a deeper understanding of the language and the people who speak it.
One of the best ways to learn Spanish is to practice with native speakers. Try to engage in conversations with locals, join language exchange programs, and participate in cultural events to practice your language skills.
Our classes at Learn More Than Spanish include cultural activities in Bogota where you can put into practice what you learn in the classroom. We love visiting local bookstores, museums, coffee shops, and markets. We also organize group activities with all our students to visit Bogota’s prominent landmarks and places that are off the tourist path but hold immense cultural richness.
Learning Spanish in Colombia can be an enriching experience that can open up many personal and professional growth opportunities.
If you want to know how is learning Spanish with us, read this article
4. The Colombian Accent
Another essential aspect you should consider when choosing where to study Spanish in Colombia is the accent.
There is indeed a “Standard Spanish,” which is worldwide known as one of the easiest to learn and clearest to understand. That’s the dialect from Bogota. However, since Colombia is such an extensive and culturally diverse country, it is expected that language-wise, there is also a significant diversity.
Here are some of the main regional accents in Colombia:
Bogotá: The accent in Bogotá is often considered the most neutral and standard form of Colombian Spanish. It is characterized by a relatively flat intonation and clear pronunciation.
Paisa: The Paisa accent is spoken in the region around Medellín and is known for its musical intonation and distinctive “s” sound.
Costeño: The Costeño accent is spoken on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and is characterized by its rhythmic intonation and use of slang and regional expressions.
Caleño: The Caleño accent is spoken in the region around Cali and is known for its rapid-fire delivery and use of unique expressions and idioms.
Llanero: The Llanero accent is spoken in the Llanos region of Colombia, which includes parts of the eastern Andes and the Orinoco River basin. Slow, deliberate delivery and use of regional expressions and vocabulary characterize it.
Santandereano: The Santandereano accent is spoken around Bucaramanga and is known for its sing-song intonation and use of regional expressions.
To learn more about Colombian accents, read “Colombian Spanish accents: what you need to know.”
We hope this article has been helpful to you. If you want to take your Spanish to the next level, drop us a line, and we will send you all information!
You can also visit our website and social media channels to see what it is like learning Spanish with us!
Also, please read our blog to learn more about the Spanish language and Colombian culture!
Hope to see you soon in Bogota!
