1 month in BsAs to learn Spanish; where to live/study?

Hi!

I'm spending September in BsAs to learn Spanish, maybe sharpen up my dance moves and in general relax and take in the avant garde cultural atmosphere of a great LatAm city. I was hoping for recommendations regarding Spanish schools, accommodation, and dance lessons.

1.) Spanish study : I think what I want is a disciplined immersion course. This is my fifth language and I have lived in California and NYC long enough to pick up some basics, so I expect to soak it up pretty quickly. I would like a school geared more toward people in their late twenties/early thirties, if possible. Any advice?

2.) I'm trying to decide where to live for the month I will be there. At 25, I've kind of outgrown the hostel dorm-scene, but I've travelled the world enough to know that private rentals for only a few weeks are hard to come by. I'm also trying to decide on the area of town. I'm looking to "live" in BsAs rather than see the city as a tourist, and I like the artsier/edgier/more avantgarde parts of town [thinking LES or East Village in NYC, Islington/Shoreditch in London, Mission in San Francisco, Prenzlauer Berg in Berlin]. And honestly, the reason I chose to study Spanish in BsAs [against the recommendations of all my Latin friends] is its cultural, art and design scene. San Telmo seems like a good choice, but would the fact that I'm a single girl change that?

3.) I like learning not just languages but basically anything that enriches me and deepens my connection to/understanding of a country. Learning to dance seems like a good idea [my Argentine friends disagree about learning the tango, though...] Any recommendations for tango lessons ? Does it make sense to learn salsa or other latin dances in BsAs? Will I only meet foreigners if I do?

4.) Any other advice for meeting young locals and getting into the cultural/art scene in the city?

Any advice is much appreciated.

thanks/muchas gracias.

ciao,
Zu

My favorite tango dancing couple in Buenos AIres are Stella Baez and Ernesto Balmaceda. They give both, group and private lessons. contact them at: ernestostella@hotmail.com / balmacedabaez@yahoo.com.ar / ernestoystella@gmail.com

It is quite easy to rent an apartment in BA... there are tons of apartments of just about any size, in just about any price, and in just about any location posible. I rent a room in my apartment in Palermo, in one of the safest and nicest neighbohoods in town, if you are interested. contact me at: davutor@hotmail.com / chococheeta@yahoo.com

But there are many many options available for tourists... do a search in google and you will find dozens of web pages with lots of options....

Salsa is not a very argentinian dance, but there are a couple of places to go and salsa your heart out. Azucar is one of the, and the most popular probably, but there are a couple of other options... Tango is a very difficult dance, but you should give it a shot, as learning it, and going to Milongas etc, means learning a lot a fascinating miniworld in Argentina.

all the best

www.cafetortoni.com.ar</a><BR><a href="http://www.confiteriaideal.com/">www.confiteriaideal.com</a><BR><BR>Jorge Daniel Barchi.
Buenos Aires.

I think you'll find that taking salsa lessons will connect you to other foreigners living in BA, and they often will be other Latin Americans. It'll be worthwhile, but tango will be as well.

I really like San Telmo; it has that Bohemian, up and coming feel. Not quite as gentrified as Palermo, but it's getting there.

If the apartment doesn't work out, try Sandanzas hostel in San Telmo. Not the party crowd; much more artsy and quieter.

We had a wonderful month in BA, rented our apartment located in San Telmo, (a bit of a bohemian area), rented through bytargentina.com. over the net. We were out most nights with an odd Tango lesson and going to the Milongas (the social dances of Tango). Through Tango we made many friends, both locals and foreigners, it greatly enhanced our visit. I would suggest maybe take some beginners lessons in Tango prior to going to get more out of the Tango scene. It’s a dance that you can learn the basics fairly quickly but will take decades to dance like an native Argentinean.
The only problem I had was adjusting to the Argentine time clock, out all night until the early hours of the morning, I don’t know how they do it.

Zu-

You would probably also like staying in Palermo. I found it to be much more lively and interesting than San Telmo. But most anywhere is nice; just avoid the downtown area - too crowded and dirty.

As for studying Spanish, you obviously won't have a hard time picking it up. You should consider a private teacher. You can learn at your own pace and on your schedule, and the cost can be cheaper than the big language schools (without the big commitment). I have studied with a wonderful teacher the last two years, Gabriela Ferrante (www.gabrielaferrante.com.ar), and there are lots of other good teachers in BA.

Also it is very easy to change hotels, teachers etc. in BA. You may be happier getting there first and then deciding where to stay and study once you are there.

Have fun,
Alan

Hi !

I agree that Palermo is a great place to stay at.

About spanish classes, you can contact www.wclass.com.ar , they are in Belgrano, near the subway.

Enjoy the city!!

Rick

Hi,
I have studied Spanish at Verbum school and I can highly recommend them. My teachers were very good, the staff helpful and the prices affordable.
I am living in San Telmo now, next to Dorrego square and Puerto Madero and love the area. According to what you say in your post, I think that San Telmo is the right area for you.
Good luck!
Ilse

Check out my blog. There are a few articles on studying spanish and living in BA. There are also a few recommendations about flat rental in the links section.
Enjoy BA!

Hi Zu !!
We are near to San Telmo and we offer Spanish lessons, our website is www.amigospanish.com. We can also help you find accommodation and transportation from the airport.

Pablo