Learning to read, write, and speak Spanish is something that has changed my life in so many ways. It has given me important work opportunities, it has enabled me to appreciate new cultures and it is allowed me to potentially build connections with millions of more people on the planet.
Medellin is one of the best places in the world to study and learn Spanish. I am now fluent and most of my work is conducted in the language. I learned the language here and I also worked for years as an English teacher in schools, universities, and language academies. In this article, I will explain how that process went and advise on the best ways to learn Spanish in Medellin.
Paisa Spanish
Spanish accents, vocabulary, and tones vary widely around the world and your Spanish will be influenced by where you study and practice. The people and culture of Medellin is called paisa and the Spanish in the city is internationally recognized for its clarity and smooth sound. It has been described as ‘cantadito’ to reflect the way it almost sounds like it is being sung.
Medellin Spanish isn’t overly formal, as can be the case in parts of Spain that are closer to the more complex historical routes of the language. In much of South America, it has evolved to become more simplified and practical. People from elsewhere in Colombia can get frustrated that the notable accent from Medellin is now often defined as the Colombian accent. Spanish speakers around the world have developed that idea as the paisa accent has been prevalent on television shows and many famous singers come from the city.
The accent for me has a bit of a rollercoaster sound to it with expressive rising and dipping tones. There are obviously differences between wealthier and poorer neighborhoods but in general it is much slower and clearer than elsewhere in the continent. For example, the Caribbean coast of Colombia is much faster and frenetic. Medellin Spanish is smooth and expressive.
The accent women from Medellin have is recognized as particularly attractive while the male accent can be warm and endearing. When I speak in Spanish with people from other parts of the world they can note some paisa tones and it is something they often think is pretty cool.
I have included some of the more recognized options below but there are others such as Universidad de Medellin (private and based in Belen) and Universidad Nacional (public university in Robledo).
Study at a University
If you want a very professional environment then studying Spanish at a university is an excellent option. You will be surrounded by other students, there are large campuses with sports facilities, libraries, restaurants and green spaces. It can be a great way to connect with locals and be part of a bigger community.
The classes are generally of a very good standard and they have all of the materials you will need. This is a more conventional approach to language study which can work very well for many people. There is perhaps less innovation but it is a serious, consistent, and effective way to learn the language.
EAFIT University
This is an important and respected private university in Poblado. The university has over 60 years of history and an excellent campus with modern classrooms, a very good library, some of the best teachers, and top-notch facilities. This is a great option if you want to study English within a very good university environment.
They offer intensive Spanish courses which include 38 hours of classes over 2.5 weeks if you want to make some quick progress. These can be individually or within a group with new groups starting around once a month across the year. Costs are higher than most other options but the teaches are well paid, motivated and the environment is very professional.
The campus is close to the Aguacatala metro station and very convenient if you are staying in Poblado or the south of the city. EAFIT can also help provide all of the paperwork if you want to receive a student visa and stay in the country for over 180 days per calendar year. If you want a comfortable university experience in a very professional environment and you don’t mind spending a little extra, this is one of the best ways to learn Spanish in Medellin.
Universidad de Antioquia
Antioquia University is one of the best and most celebrated public universities in South America. The institution offers scholarships to the very smartest students from all across the country and demand for places is extremely high. It is a university that gives the most intelligent students chances to transform their lives and qualifications from Universidad de Antioquia are highly valued.
There are also many students who could pay for a private university education but opt for a public university to prove themselves by working alongside and competing with the best. For Colombians, the cost of a public university place depends not only on a student’s grades but also on their family’s financial situation, with big subsidies for those from poorer parts of the city.
As you can imagine, public universities are at the center of a lot of political discussion and tensions. They are seen as essential and highly celebrated by many but also face the constant threats of budget cuts and privatization. They have very intelligent and motivated students who come from often humble backgrounds and are very politically active. This can mean lots of political activism, strikes that can halt classes for months, and protests that can escalate.
I personally find it all very inspirational and impressive but it is not for everyone and won’t be as comfortable as the private options. They have some very serious, motivated teachers and I am sure the English classes will be good. They offer a 40-hour course for students from A1 and A2 (basic) up to C.1.1 through C.1.4 (advanced).
Pricing is reasonable and there is a lot of flexibility in terms of the number of hours per class and classes per week. If you want to study in a very vibrant, serious environment surrounded by young, motivated students from all social classes then this is one of the best ways to learn Spanish in Medellin.
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
The UPB is situated in Laureles between the 33 street and the end of the 70 street which runs up to Estadio metro station. UPB is a private university that has good facilities and is very conveniently located for those based in Laureles, Belen, and close to the stadium. It isn’t quite as fancy as EAFIT but has modern classrooms, a good setup, and a very nice feel.
There is a good range of courses on offer and the university is happy to provide the documentation needed to get a student visa for 180 days and beyond.
Language Schools
Studying in a private language school is another excellent way to develop and improve your Spanish. This can take many forms such as conventional group classes, private classes, practical focused learning and even full immersion, with accommodation provided on site.
There are many different language schools in Medellin with varying levels of quality. It is important to do some research, check testimonials, and learn about the methodology. Each will take a different approach and it is important to consider what is the best fit for you and your budget. Below I will outline a few options.
LCN Idiomas
LCN Idiomas a language school which is popular with locals studying English but also has a very good course of study for those looking to learn Spanish. This is a conventional private language school which are all over the city.
At A1 and A2 beginners level the course runs for 160 hours developing the basics with the hours at each level increasing as you get to B1 and B2 level. They focus on developing the foundations of written and verbal communication before looking to apply the language in cultural study.
They have centers all over the city including Santa Fe Mall in Poblado, Unicentro in Laureles, Aventura downtown, Aves Maria in the South, and Paeque Fabricato in Bello in the North. Materials are included in your class fee and they have clean, modern classrooms.
Toucan Spanish
Toucan Spanish schools are popular with their focus on combining language classes with experiences and cultural engagement. I believe that learning how to apply the language beyond the classroom and grammar exercises is key and this is something Toucan values highly.
They aim to help students progress through A1, A2, B1, and B2, but they also want to prioritize practical uses. I like this approach; you can be an expert at worksheets but what good is that if you freeze when someone asks you a question in the city?
Blink Spanish immersion
Blink Spanish is a company that has a growing reputation and a different approach. They look to include a full immersion with students living on-site. Their weekly packages include 20 hours of group classes, dorm rooms, and meals as well as private classes and activities outside of the classroom.
The accommodation is hostel style with 60 beds and 19 showers across the center. If you are coming to experience the city and learn the language, this is one of the best ways to learn Spanish in Medellin.
Baselang
This is a very successful English language center based in Laureles. They focus on offering private classes on-site with experienced teachers, a good structure, and materials.
Baselang offer two options to students, the flexible Real World program or a more focused Bootcamp. Real World allows you to book classes whenever time opens up for you, selecting the same teacher throughout or working with whoever is available. Monthly prices for this vary depending if you want unlimited, two, or one hour per day.
Bootcamp is more structured with an intense 80-hour program which can be completed in one month (4 hours per day) or two months (2 hours per day). There is a fixed schedule and you have the same teacher throughout.
Private Tutors
One of the best ways to learn Spanish in Medellin is by working with a serious, experienced private tutor. There are platforms online that advertise teachers and include CVs. When I worked as an English teacher at some of the best schools and universities all of the best teachers offered private classes, significantly implementing their income.
Private tutors can be great but it can also be tricky to know what you are going to get unless they are recommended by someone you trust. Often you get what you pay for but it isn’t always the case. The best tutors will quickly build a good reputation and be in high demand but there are also very good, enthusiastic tutors who prepare carefully and are looking to grow their number of students.
If you find a tutor online suggest initially a trial class in a public space such as a quiet area of a mall, a cafe, or a work space. If they come with materials, have a plan, feel comfortable and you feel you have learned something after the first class then continue. It is also important to discuss their availability and ensure that it lines up with when you can study.
You should also discuss where the classes will take place and travel. If you can meet close to the tutor it will save them a lot on travel costs and keep the price lower for the student. This can be the best way to learn Spanish in Medellin but it isn’t always easy to find the right tutor.
Language Exchange and Conversation Clubs
There are many people in Medellin desperate to learn and improve their English. A lot of locals will study at school and maybe at university but will lack the confidence to speak and will struggle with informal vocabulary or different accents.
Once you have a decent level of Spanish then language exchanges can be a fun way to practice and meet new people with an international mindset. Having a conversation with someone interested in learning about your country can be great and if you can do it with your newly acquired Spanish then even better!
Gringotuesdays at Vintrash in Poblado is one of the most popular, combining Spanish with some drinks and food. Keep Talking at English-owned Barrio Sur bar in Envigado is another good option (also a great place to watch English football with a fry up at the weekend). Dance Free also has language exchange events so you can pick up some new salsa steps and fresh Spanish lingo on the same evening.
Tips and Recommendations
The biggest recommendation I can give is to speak as much as you can. One of the best ways to learn Spanish in Medellin is to speak a lot of bad Spanish until it becomes decent Spanish and then with a bit of work, it will become good Spanish. People in the city are very friendly and they love to learn about people from around the world.
If you can find a group of friends who don’t speak much English then your confidence will grow very quickly and you will make amazing progress. I studied French and German at school and made very little progress but I now speak fluent Spanish and I was very quickly conversational. If you are with people who don’t speak English then through necessity you will learn to communicate in Spanish. There is no other option and you won’t feel embarrassed about your mistakes because it is the only way to make yourself understood with your new friends.
Speak to everyone you can and combine that with a study of grammar and structure. You will learn how to communicate quickly and then as your level improves you will understand the framework of the language. Combine that with listening to Spanish music and watching Spanish media with English subtitles.
Learning Spanish can be incredibly rewarding and open you up to a whole new culture. Speaking the language has given me more professional opportunities than my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees combined.
