Where can you go and what can you do to learn Spanish for free while traveling the world? Read on for 15 incredible Worldpackers experiences that give you that opportunity.
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Before we get to exactly how to learn Spanish for free while traveling, let's talk about why learning Spanish can help you on the road.
Let's be honest. It's a lot easier to extend a helping hand or share a unique part of your culture with someone who has the same vocabulary as you do.
When you know the local language, even a little bit of it, you'll be more likely to experience local culture, befriend locals, eat at authentic restaurants, and...
When you learn the local language, you're only a quick conversation away from getting back on track. I'd argue that "where is" might be the most important travel phrase to learn in a new language, right after "please", "thank you", and "bathroom."
When you can read the signs (literally), you'll naturally be more confident while traveling. Navigating a metro station or sticky social situation is much, much easier when you know the local language. You can learn some of these skills with resources like Babbel, but nothing replaces in-person language experience.
Sometimes, it's hard to justify a plane ticket and a break from "normal life." For many, learning a language gives purpose to their travels and can help strengthen your resume when it's time to return to the job market.
Let me just share a few Spanish-related truths with you.
So you're sold on learning Spanish for free and fast while you travel.
Read more: The best way to learn Spanish on your own while traveling.
You might be asking yourself "where can I learn Spanish for free?" Just about any Spanish speaking country you can think of will do the trick.
I've highlighted a few of the countries that offer the most opportunities to learn Spanish for free on Worldpackers.
Also, you may like: How long does it take to learn a language?
Join this top host in Sayulita, Mexico. Help out at their highly rated hostel, located just one block from the beach. You'll be able to learn to surf while practicing your Spanish.
Learn all about Mexican cooking at this top-rated Worldpackers host experience in Tecolutla, Mexico. Learn all about the Spanish language while you help in the kitchen and serve glamping guests their morning meal.
If you've got an artistic streak, consider joining this artist's community and hostel in Mexico City for a while. You'll perfect your grasp on the Spanish language while exploring your art skills (and supporting the artists you'll inevitably be surrounded by).
If you're a chocoholic, consider working at the source! A cacao plantation and tropical garden awaits you in Semuc Champey, Guatemala. This opportunity welcomes people with only English language experience or a basic level of Spanish, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to learn as you tend to the plants with your fellow volunteers.
Are you a keen driver? No stranger to being a handy helper? Put those skills to use for an eco lodge in Semuc Chamey, Guatemala. You'll have a chance to learn some practical Spanish as you discover how to learn Spanish for free while traveling.
If you are a trained yoga teacher, join the team at this eco lodge. You'll be giving two lessons a day in English, but there will be plenty of time to learn Spanish while you're living in beautiful Guatemala.
While the dialect is a little different in Spain, it's still a great place to learn Spanish for free. Join this laidback hostel in Granada, Spain. Whether you're organizing tapas tours or team dinners, you'll be interacting and learning Spanish from guests and locals alike.
Named one of the best Worldpackers hosts of 2019, this family business situated along the famous Camino de Santiago path is an amazing place to practice your Spanish skills and meet friendly faces from around the world.
If you'd like to practice photography, videography, or social media management while you travel and learn Spanish, this opportunity in seaside Tarifa, Spain could be just right for you.
They say that you can learn a lot from children. That can't be truer when it comes to language learning. Join this social impact project in Facatativá, Colombia telling stories or running art workshops for low-income children. As they learn English, you'll find out how to learn Spanish for free and fast.
If you're a night owl, this opportunity to be a night receptionist in bustling Bogota, Colombia might be perfect for you.
This top-rated host in Puerto Varas, Chile is interested in sharing cultures. With an attitude like that, there's no way you'll return home without learning some Spanish.
Join this homey hostel in Santiago and you'll be joining a family of travelers and locals committed to caring for each other and helping one another grow towards your goals. If that goal is to learn Spanish for free while traveling, look no further.
Are you an animal lover? Volunteer at this zoo in the Peruvian Andes valley. While the animals might not help you learn Spanish, the guests and hosts certainly will!
If you travel for cultural enrichment, this opportunity to join a traditional Peruvian tribe as a teacher's aid might be hard to pass up. You'll be helping with homework and teaching your language, which inevitably allows you to practice Spanish as well.