Which are the safest latin american countries to study spanish?

Question

I am considering attending a study travel program for a month. The destinations I have to choose from are the following: -Argentina: Buenos Aires, Cσrdoba, Bariloche, Mendoza -Bolivia: Sucre -Chile: Santiago de Chile -Costa Rica: Flamingo Beach, Heredia, Monteverde -Cuba: Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad -Ecuador: Quito -Guatemala: Antigua -Mexico: Guanajuato, Playa del Carmen, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta -Peru: Cuzco -Republica Dominicana: Santo Domingo.
I am going to be provided accomodation by a host family, but I am still worrying about safety cause my spanish is less than elementary, I am a pale white 19 years old girl (ideal victim!), and I am going there on my own!
Which of these destinations are the safest? I am looking for a small, safe town by a beach, is there anything like that amongst these places?
I was told to go for Costa Rica (Flamingo beach) is it safe?
Thank you for your time!

Answer 1

Costa Rica is hands-down the safest Latin American country in which to learn Spanish. While all of your aforementioned destinations within the country are safe, Heredia would probably be the best. Not for safety, but for location. Heredia is centrally located, and is closer to an equal distance from various ecotourist sites. Playa Flamingo is fine as well, but I have found from experience that, while being in a beach town might sound like a good idea at first, if you're going to be there for a couple weeks or more that it can get a bit dull. I'm actually going back to Costa Rica myself later this year. Good luck!

Answer 2

This is a complex question because safety shouldn't be your only consideration. First the 3 safest countries in Latin America are Chile, Bolivia and Costa Rica.

I would count out Chile simply because Chilean Spanish has some unusual features and it is preferable to go somewhere with a more neutral accent. In addition, Santiago is not close to a beach and the ocean in Chile is quite cold. I would reject the Domincan Republic and Cuba also on the basis of accent--unless you hope to work with these groups in the states.

Physically you will stand out less in Chile and Argentina because of the large German immigration to these countries.

Beaches are generally not great places to study because there are too many tourists and you can't avoid them when you go out-- hence harder to practice Spanish.

In terms of safety alone, Sucre, Bolivia and Costa Rica (I have been in both places during the last 6 months) are your best bets-- but if you would add in beaches then I would go for Costa Rica.

Answer 3

Colombia is the right choice: The Spanish spoken in Bogotá is considered among the most neutral and clear in the world. If you know the basics, you'll probably be fine. Bogotá is full of English academies and bilingual schools, so English is spoken by many young people. The most "touristy" areas are full of young students who go to bilingual schools, and generally, they will help you translate. Colombians love to show off the best of their country to reduce the negative image it has among foreigners. Learn Bogota has numerous educational institutions. Some of the better known universities include: Universidad Nacional , Universidad de America, Universidad de los Andes, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Universidad Externado],Universidad Santo Tomas, Universidad de la Sabana, Universidad de la Salle and LCI Bogotà. However, there are many privately and publicly funded universities and Schools. If you want to learn Spanish, universities are a good option since they have all inclusive plans. They not only offer Spanish courses but also Mandarin, Japanese, French, German, Italian, etc. Also, many embassies have institutions that teach languages, including Spanish, for foreign people, such as the Centro Colombo Americano, the British Council, The Italian Institute, The French Alliance and the Brazil-Colombia Cultural Institute (IBRACO). Colombia is really nice and safe, btw, so dont belive what people and the media says.. its all bullshit ;) nothing has never ever happened to me

Answer 4

Not all Latin American countries and cities are unsafe, infact some of them are much safer than the US. Try not to put everything in the same bag, you won't reach far this way.

The ideal victim? It's not your phenotype that makes you an ideal victim, but acting like a tourist.

Most of the cities you mentioned are big cities and not on the beach.

Do a research on Google Earth and you'll find out which ones are on the beach.

Answer 5

I've been to Mexico & Guatemala. Antigua is full of tourists. It caters to tourists. It's like the Williamsburg of Guatemala. You would feel very safe there.

However, the key to being safe isn't how you look. It's being smart. Know the culture where you are going, what to avoid. It's the same as in America (or whatever country you are from). Your host family will be able to tell you what neighborhoods or streets to avoid. In most countries, it's wise to have a money pouch that fits under your clothes to protect yourself from pick pockets. Plan excursions ahead of time: how will you get there, is it safe to be there when it's dark, how much money do you need.

just be smart, & prepared and you will be safe.

Answer 6

First of all, don't worry so much about safety. The reality is that you will be harassed, and maybe pick-pocketed, but as long as you don't do anything really stupid, you should be pretty safe. I am now 22 and white with blond hair and blue eyes and have been traveling around Latin America by myself since I was 16. A couple of notes, you will stand out less in Argentina which has a substantial white population. Bolivia is where I would go, a very unique a different country with a majority indigenous population. Bolivia has amazing scenery, and its dirt cheap! Generally in Latin America you are safer and less harassed amongst indigenous people. Cuba is probably the safest country for a woman by herself, and I love Santiago de Cuba, which is easier to find your way around and learn in a month than Havana. In Cuba you can wear extremely tight, revealing clothing and go out alone at night to dance and drink and still not have any serious problems. Don't try this anywhere else. Quito in Ecuador is safe, but you stand an excellent chance of being robbed. Oaxaca in Mexico is gorgeous, and near the beach, but be aware that there is some serious upheaval going on there right now and if you will be at the university if you are going soon you might find your studies interrupted. All of the cities that you have listed are cities, not small towns, but in my experience small towns are not necessarily safer than cities.

Wherever you go, I would encourage you to DO IT. However, one thing, stop thinking about yourself as an "ideal victim." That is the one thing that might get you in trouble. Wherever you are, keep an air of confidence about you, it is your best safety net. This can be difficult because as I said, you WILL be harassed. This means that EVERY time that you walk outside men will whistle, hiss, catcall, compliment your beauty or make a vulgar comment. Ignore them, keep your head up and keep walking. They are not doing it to try and scare you, in fact most of them think they are being complimentary. Just know that the freedom of conversation is everywhere. When you stop to get a fresh batido (milkshake) share your table with someone and you will make a new friend. Let your family guide you about safe and unsafe areas, and let them introduce you to tons of people who will want to welcome you to their town, and see that you have a good time. Talk to kids. They love being able to correct an adult, and they won't make you feel intimidated. They are adorable, and generally NOT shy and will be happy to show you around so that they can brag about their new, white, grown-up friend. Have a great time!

Answer 7

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Answer 8

I have not been to all of these places, but I do have family in Playa del Carmen and have visited there many times. This is a *very* safe town where you will find a 50-50 mix of English and Spanish speakers. I learned a lot of Spanish there during my stay. They also have an excellent Spanish language school there with an international reputation. About the only dangerous thing I wouldn't do is walk along the beach alone at night. 99% of the time you will not have any problems, but there have been stories about the occasional drugged up beach-comber/mugger who looks for young touristas to prey on.

There are many young women (and men) who travel there on their own and stay awhile. It's a great place ... paradise, actually.

If you decide to go there and are looking for a bartending job, email me at [e-mail] and I can put you in touch with one of the local bar owners. We also farm out freelance writing work to visitors and locals to the town, so that's another option for you. You will need passable Spanish to work anywhere in town, however (you could pick up enough in 3 months to get by). There are a lot of articles and overviews of the town on our website at http://www.seeplaya.com. Please feel free to contact us at any time with questions.

Answer 9

I suggest Chile, Panama or Costa Rica.

If you can go to Chile, then go now because you may never do it again! Panama and Costa Rica are much closer to the US. If you go to Panama, don't study in Panama City... the beach isn't that great. Go to Bocas del Toro. I have a female friend, 30ish that went alone and loved it!

Have fun and don't go to bars... that's where most of the trouble starts.

Answer 10

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