Overview
As our last Top 15 list for our 15th year, we decided to give you what you really want. These are the locations of our most popular programs for the most popular languages based on the number of students who attended in 2008.
1. Barcelona, Spain
In Barcelona, we offer both a Budget-Friendly and First Choice option. Experience Northern Spain at its finest--on the Mediterranean. Visit ancient castles, museums, Olympic buildings, beautiful parks, its 7 beaches and more. Barcelona is also home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the works of Antoni Gaudi and Luis Domenechi Mantener. This world-class city has incredible history and still combines cultures and languages, such as Catalan and Spanish. For an amazing linguistic, historic and cultural education, Barcelona is the place to go.
Learn Spanish in Barcelona, Spain
2. Madrid, Spain
The famed capital of Spain is renowned for its great cultural and artistic heritage as well as some of the liveliest nightlife in the world. If you are one who enjoys art, the city hosts some of the world's finest art museums and you could spend days exploring them. Cultural events such as concerts, dance shows, bullfights can all be seen many nights of the week. In addition to the myriad of things to see and do inside the city, Madrid makes the ideal base for travel throughout Spain. Its convenient central location keeps everything no more than 5-6 hours away. With both a 1st Choice and Budget-Friendly school in Madrid, AmeriSpan has a course to fit everyone's needs.
Learn Spanish in Madrid, Spain
3. Sevilla, Spain
The Andalusian capital of Sevilla offers something for everyone. It is a more moderately sized city than the sprawling Madrid or Barcelona (pop. 700,000) yet still is steeped in a history and culture of its own. The Moorish influence here is evidenced in its architecture and the
gitano flamenco shows. The
corridas in Sevilla are some of the grandest in the country. It is one of our favorites because any time of year you can find a festival or celebration to attend, or simply enjoy the atmosphere and a coffee in the
casco antiguo.
Learn Spanish in Sevilla, Spain.
4. Antigua, Guatemala
As one of our most popular and least expensive locations, Antigua also happens to be a favorite of several AmeriSpanistas. We offer many programs here that offer you the opportunity to experience more of the culture for less. Those with limited time and money will appreciate the opportunity presented by the "Un Poco de Todo" program, which incorporates classes, volunteering and excursions to some of the best spots in Guatemala. We also offer a SALUD Medical Spanish program that offers medical students the opportunity to gain some professional experience and will prepare them to better serve the Hispanic community in the US.
Learn Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala
5. Buenos Aires, Argentina
It is not surprising that so many people found their way to Buenos Aires last year. Those who have been know this city is truly a jewel. Containing just as much cultural activity as any European city, Buenos Aires is an excellent alternative boasting art, museums, great nightlife, restaurants, and fewer tourists. In Buenos Aires you can sit at sidewalk cafes or restaurants sipping wine while tango dancers perform on the street. If this doesn't entice you, then go for the barbeque. It's outstanding!
Learn Spanish in Buenos Aires.
6. Alajuela, Heredia, Coronado and Beach Locations, Costa Rica
Costa Rica has recently become the new 'hotspot' as celebrities flock to the sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. However, AmeriSpan has known Costa Rica's richness for many years. Our favorites include Alajuela, Heredia, Coronado, and of course the beach towns. Alajuela was one of the first three programs offered by AmeriSpan 15 years ago and continues to offer a multitude of popular programs for adults, teachers, teens, and medical students. Heredia's daily dance classes and close proximity to San Jose make this medium-sized city ideal. Coronado is a great small out-of-the-way town where you can quickly get to know the locals, but is still close enough to Heredia & San Jose to enjoy the nightlife. The beach destinations speak for themselves in terms of beauty and relaxation. Each have their own unique feel and offer students a chance to experience life beyond the resorts. No matter which town you choose, you will enjoy living
Pura Vida! Learn Spanish in Costa Rica
7. Quito, Ecuador
Quito has a surprisingly friendlier and safer feeling than other large Latin American cities. While it is at an elevation of 9,000 feet and you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Andes surrounding the city, the temperature is on average pretty mild and spring-like. You might even forget you're on the equator! It is popular not just among one group of people, giving the school a diverse atmosphere. There is no end to the myriad of activities and events that will make your trip to Quito a once in a lifetime experience!
Learn Spanish in Quito, Ecuador
8. Cusco, Peru
This ancient Incan capital has now become a major stopover for tourists, based on its proximity to must-see sites such as Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. There was an interesting colonial history here as well, and the architecture from the diverse peoples that have populated the city still survive in and around town. While the elevation creates a cool environment, the warmth of the Peruvian people (and the alpaca sweaters!) will put Cusco at the top of your list.
Learn Spanish in Cusco, Peru
9. Morelia and Guanajuato, Mexico
The whole country is a popular destination for its close location and diverse landscape and culture. Our favorite locations here are Morelia and Guanajuato. Morelia is a gorgeous location in central Mexico that offers magnificent architecture and has a European vibe. On any given day of the week you will find many people sitting near the city center sipping coffee at an outdoor cafe, or playing instruments in the park. Morelia also offers a vibrant nightlife with lavish (but inexpensive) bars, clubs and restaurants. Most importantly, Morelia's Spanish school and language program is one of the finest! Guanajuato was first visited by AmeriSpan's co-founders in September 1993. While they had low expectations prior to arriving, they quickly changed their minds because they loved the city's youthful vibe, the friendly locals and the quirky city layout. Guanajuato continues to be a highly recommended destination by AmeriSpan's staff. Once you visit, you will never want to go home!
Learn Spanish in Mexico
10. Paris, France
There is no doubt that Paris has had an effect throughout the world. Its influence can be found in art, fashion, education, science, entertainment, food, architecture, romance and so much more. Travelers from all over the world enjoy its history and culture. How great would it be to learn French while visiting famous parks, gardens, monuments and museums? "The City of Lights" has inspired so many, why not let it inspire you?
Learn French in Paris
11. Quebec City, Canada
For many in the US and Canada, Quebec is just a car-drive away! Quebec is a great location because the cost-of-living is lower than in the larger city of Montreal. But even better, you'll have a true immersion experience in Quebec City. You could easily imagine that you've been transported to a quaint village in France between the cobbled streets of the old section, the
Chateau Frontenac and the French-first mentality that is lacking in other parts of Francophone Canada. This year, special events and activities celebrating Quebec's 400th Anniversary continue, along with the annual winter festival.
Allons y! Learn French in Quebec, Canada
12. Florence, Italy
Located in the heart of Tuscany, has much to offer any traveler and even more to the language learner. Undoubtedly, the art and architecture are some of the worlds best. One can spend hours staring at the David's magnificent form or contemplating the other works at the Uffizi. While strolling town, you can easily find your way back to the center by using your newly improved language skills and the magnificent and colourful
Duomo as your guide. Practice new vocabulary by ordering a glass of rich Tuscan wine; chat with local at neighborhood café over a cappuccino; or take a cooking class to learn how to make pasta like your grandmother did. No matter how you spend your time in Florence, it will be an enriching experience.
Learn Italian in Florence
13. Salvador, Brazil
Salvador da Bahia boasts impressive colonial architecture, art galleries, baroque churches and beautiful beaches. Salvador is Brazil's third-largest city and contains a wonderful mix of traditional African, Portuguese, and Amerindian cultures. Our language program offers impressive teaching methods, course curricula, and a variety of activities throughout the week such as samba lessons, cooking classes and
capoiera. We feel it is one of our most popular locations because of the unique culture and warm atmosphere in Salvador. A past participant once put it this way after attending Carnival: "In Rio, you can watch the carnival parades from the sidewalk, in Salvador you put on a mask and join in!"
Learn Portuguese in Salvador, Brazil
14. Beijing, China
In a city where ancient meets modern, there is little a traveler cannot see. The second largest city in China, Beijing has been the imperial city for nearly 2,000 years, which gives the impression that one is witnessing the blending of ages. Courtyard houses can be found amongst rising skyscrapers as old traditions compete with modern-day conveniences. Do not miss the Beijing opera, which has been considered the height of Chinese cultural sophistication. It combines movement, song and dialogue and leaves one in another time. Other sites to see include the Forbidden City the home of emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, Tiananmen Square, temples, pagodas, the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Dynasty and the gardens at Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Learn Chinese in Beijing
15. Rabat, Morocco
This lovely colonial city is the perfect setting to begin or continue your Arabic immersion study. Set in a quiet residential neighborhood, this school offers lots of personal attention, with teaching assistants on-hand to help out in every classroom. Wonderful reports from past participants, great accommodation options (including homestay) and Rabat's excellent location for visiting other parts of Morocco all add-up to a can't-miss location!
Salaam, Rabat!
Learn Arabic in Rabat
