Learning Spanish: Should you choose Spain or Latin America?

Learning Spanish is one of the best decisions you can make today. Spanish is one of the fastest-growing and most influential languages in the world. With over 600 million speakers—and that number continuing to rise—its global relevance is undeniable. But one question remains: Where is the best place to learn Spanish—Spain or Latin America?

For many, Spain—the birthplace of the language, a European country with a high standard of living—is the ideal choice. However, others argue that Latin America offers greater cultural diversity and a truly immersive life experience.

Today, we’ll help you unravel this dilemma and choose the option that suits you best.

We’ll explore the pros and cons of both options, focusing exclusively on language usage and the overall experience for students in each region. By the end of this article, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.

So pack your bags and settle into your seat—we’re about to take a deep dive into the best places in the world to learn Spanish!

Why should I learn Spanish? 

Being clear about it is key before you begin. Before choosing your destination, it’s essential to understand the true value of learning Spanish—and, more importantly, why you should do it. 

Especially if you’re planning to study intensively and even move temporarily to a Spanish-speaking country, your decision will involve economic, logistical, and lifestyle changes. That’s why it’s crucial to have a solid reason before embarking on this journey.

This brings us to a fundamental point: the growing importance of Spanish on the international stage. Spanish now holds a privileged position among the most spoken languages worldwide. With over 600 million speakers and increasing demand to learn it in Europe, the United States, and Asia, Spanish is becoming a top priority. But why exactly? Let’s explore some of the key reasons:

Spanish is becoming a language of global business

Both Spain and a significant portion of Latin American countries have shown strong economic growth. Trade between Spanish-speaking nations and other global regions continues to expand. Today, many companies from Europe, North America, and Asia see Spanish-speaking markets as valuable opportunities.

This isn’t just about economic performance—consumer demand is skyrocketing in Spain and Latin America. As a result, to learn Spanish is increasingly seen as a smart business move.

Global businesses are targeting Spanish-speaking markets for several reasons:

• Access to skilled and cost-effective labor
• Favorable legal and trade conditions
• Geographic proximity to key markets like the U.S.
• Rapidly growing consumer bases

Many companies have already built strong partnerships in these regions. For international executives, learning Spanish is quickly shifting from a personal goal to a business necessity.

The influence of hispanic culture around the world

Hollywood and the arts have played a key role in this. Spanish speakers are now more integrated than ever into American culture. In fact, the United States is now the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world—a striking statistic, considering that Latinos are the fastest-growing community in the U.S.

But the cultural impact of Spanish extends far beyond movies and music. Daily life in countries like the U.S. and across Europe is becoming more “Hispanized.” Economic and social activities increasingly reflect Hispanic influence, making the Spanish language more relevant than ever.

The rise in Spanish-language enrollments at language schools worldwide reflects this trend. Even in places as distant as Russia, interest in Spanish is growing. Spanish and Latin American authors are being translated into dozens of languages, and Latin music tours now span the globe, proving that Spanish is no longer a niche interest.

Immigration and social integration drive language demand

Spain has historically been a country of emigrants, with large communities settling in countries like Germany and the UK. This has created cultural fusion and strengthened both immigrant and host communities. The same can be said for Latin America.

Latin Americans have been migrating to the U.S. for centuries. More recently, many have also moved to European countries where Spanish isn’t widely spoken. This cross-cultural exchange has sparked greater curiosity and interest among locals to learn Spanish.

Whether it’s through romantic relationships, friendships, or professional collaborations, connections with Spanish speakers have become common in many societies. Naturally, this leads to an increased desire to understand and to learn Spanish.

Learning Spanish as a path to personal growth

Studies have shown that the brain develops significantly with each new language learned. Neural pathways strengthen, cognitive abilities increase, and both memory and lateral thinking improve. Learning a new language, like Spanish, also enhances social skills and emotional intelligence.

In fact, the effort of learning a language is similar to that of learning to speak for the first time—it pushes your brain to new limits. That’s why learning Spanish is not only practical but also one of the best decisions you can make for your personal development.

This process can help you sharpen memory, boost brain oxygenation, and improve focus. What’s more, learning Spanish can elevate your self-esteem and sense of achievement—key pillars of long-term personal growth.

Now that you understand the many benefits of learning Spanish, one key question remains:

Should you learn Spanish in Spain or in Latin America?

Where is it better to learn Spanish: In Spain or Latin America?

The answer might surprise you. From a linguistic perspective… it doesn’t really matter! There are no major differences between the Spanish spoken in Spain and that of Latin America. Why? For a simple reason: Spanish is a language governed by strict rules and standards.

Unlike other languages, Spanish is regulated by an institution that ensures its consistency and correct usage across the globe. The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) is the official authority that creates and maintains the norms of the Spanish language. And this body isn’t limited to Spain—it operates throughout the entire Spanish-speaking world, including all Latin American countries.

From Mexico to Argentina, the RAE serves as the reference point for proper Spanish usage. So, across the Hispanic world, the language follows the same official rules. With that in mind, it’s easy to conclude that academically speaking, to learn Spanish in any Spanish-speaking country will follow the same standardized structure.

However, not everything is black and white. There are differences—and some of them are important. Let’s take a closer look.

Accents, expressions, and regional variations in Spanish

Before diving in, let’s clarify something important: There is no single way to speak Spanish, even within the same country. For example, in Spain, the Spanish spoken in Madrid is quite different from that in Galicia. So, imagine the diversity across an entire continent like Latin America.

The Spanish spoken in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, for instance, is based on the same grammar and formal structure (RAE-approved). But in everyday conversations—on the street, at home, or in casual settings—there are plenty of regional variations.

Another key point to remember: Despite accents and local expressions, all Spanish speakers can understand each other without difficulty.

We recently covered the different accents across Latin America, and we recommend checking out that article to better understand the differences depending on where you choose to learn Spanish. The truth is, whether you study Spanish in Salamanca or Montevideo, you’ll encounter regional idioms and expressions. But don’t worry—these local nuances won’t interfere with your learning process.

Colloquialisms and linguistic influences

As we’ve seen, the place where you choose to learn Spanish doesn’t affect your ability to learn proper, formal language. However, one element you can’t overlook is that Spanish is what linguists call a “sponge language.” In other words, it easily absorbs influences from other languages.

When learning Spanish, you’ll come across words that are more common in one region than another. Throughout the Spanish-speaking world, there are many borrowed terms from English, French, Indigenous languages, and more—which can make learning a bit more interesting (and challenging).

You’ll also find that the same word can have different meanings in different countries. And yes, there are hundreds of examples where an innocent word in one place might be considered a swear word in another. Still, this isn’t something to worry about—these misunderstandings are usually harmless and even amusing.

Now that you understand the key differences and similarities, it’s time to look at your options to learn Spanish. Below, we’ve selected—without any specific preference—some of the most popular cities in Spain and Latin America for international students. Let’s explore them.

The most popular spanish cities chosen by language students

If you’re planning to learn Spanish, what better place than the birthplace of the language? Spain is one of the top destinations to study Spanish, and for good reason. The country boasts a highly developed academic infrastructure, rich cultural diversity, and—not to be overlooked—one of the most celebrated cuisines in the world.

There’s no single list of “best” Spanish cities for learning the language. In fact, we can confidently say there’s no bad choice. As long as you find a reputable academy, it doesn’t really matter which province or Autonomous Community you choose. Still, some cities are consistently among the most popular choices:

Madrid

The capital of Spain is, by far, the city with the highest number of international students—not only in its many public and private universities but also in a wide variety of top-rated Spanish language schools with international recognition and certifications.

Madrid is a cosmopolitan city, offering countless options for accommodation, efficient public transportation, and all the basic services you’ll need. It also boasts one of the most diverse culinary scenes in Europe. Full of cultural activities and entertainment, Madrid is an exciting and dynamic place—an ideal environment for learning Spanish.

Barcelona

Although Catalan is widely spoken in Barcelona, Spanish classes remain extremely popular. The city is a vibrant cultural hub with iconic neighborhoods and a rich artistic heritage. In the “Ciudad Condal”, you’ll find a buzzing nightlife and one of the most inclusive, progressive atmospheres in all of Spain.

Seville

As the capital of Andalusia, Seville offers a rich blend of history, openness, and multiculturalism. It has a strong student presence and a wonderfully diverse community, making it a welcoming place for international learners.

A major advantage of studying in Seville is its lower cost of living, especially when compared to bigger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Bilbao. Living in Seville is considerably more affordable, and there are plenty of housing options specifically for students.

Of course, these are just a few examples. Cities like Bilbao, Málaga, Toledo, Valencia, and Santiago de Compostela also attract large numbers of students and offer excellent Spanish language programs.

But what about Latin America? Let’s find out.

The most popular cities in Latin America to learn Spanish

Choosing just one among the many amazing Latin American cities is nearly impossible. From Monterrey in Mexico to Ushuaia in Patagonia, almost any city could be the perfect place to learn Spanish. But to help you narrow down your options, we’ve selected some of the most popular destinations for Spanish students:

Mexico City

Mexico City—also known as CDMX or DF—is one of the largest cities in the world. Its metropolitan area alone holds nearly half the population of all of Spain. This makes it an incredibly vast and diverse metropolis, home to more than nine million people who share its energy, culture, and daily life.

This scale works in your favor when it comes to learn Spanish. Mexico City offers a wide range of universities and language schools, as well as countless accommodation options across every budget range. It’s a vibrant, exciting, and accessible place for international students.

Buenos Aires

The capital of Argentina is one of the most welcoming cities for Spanish learners. With over three million people living in the city and nearly 17 million in the greater province, Buenos Aires is a bustling hub of culture, art, and education.

This city is truly beautiful in every sense. It’s considered a global capital of culture, offering something for every taste and interest. On top of that, porteños—as locals are called—are known for their warmth and friendliness toward students eager to learn Spanish.

San José

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a true student city. With a peaceful vibe and a population of around half a million, it’s a favorite destination for those seeking a calm and quiet environment to study Spanish.

Academically, San José is home to several world-renowned research centers and has excellent infrastructure for international students. And let’s not forget the famous Costa Rican motto, “Pura Vida.” This relaxed, optimistic way of life has captivated many students who come to study—and often end up staying in this charming city.

Just like in Spain, this is only a small sample of the many incredible places in Latin America where you can learn Spanish. Cities like Bogotá, Santiago de Chile, Lima, Guayaquil, and Santo Domingo are also among the most popular, especially for those who want to combine language learning with an unforgettable life experience.

Wherever you go… Don’t forget your translation tools!

As you’ve seen, it doesn’t matter where you choose to learn Spanish. You might opt for one of Spain’s many vibrant cities or choose a destination somewhere in Latin America. What truly matters is that you’ll always be learning a way of life that’s remarkably similar across all Spanish-speaking countries. In other words, you won’t just learn a language—you’ll experience a unique and fascinating life philosophy.

Across all these destinations, one thing remains constant: talking to locals is easy and enjoyable. People in both Spain and Latin America are known for being friendly, welcoming, and eager to share their culture. So no matter where you go, you’ll gain much more than just linguistic skills—you’ll grow through human connection and cultural immersion.

Must-have tools to learn Spanish

Before you travel, make sure you’re equipped with the right tools—like the Talkao translation apps. These apps offer powerful features that make your Spanish learning journey smoother and more effective:

• Translate conversations in real time with Talkao’s AI-powered translators and live translation features.
• Translate documents, long texts, and even text within images with outstanding accuracy.
• Translate videos using Talkao’s advanced video translation function.
• Access one of the best dictionaries, complete with thousands of words, synonyms, and usage examples. This AI-enhanced feature is constantly updated and includes regionalisms, slang, and idiomatic expressions from both Spain and Latin America.

Thanks to tools like these, to learn Spanish has never been easier—it’s literally at your fingertips.

Published Fri, 11 April 2025