How to learn Spanish & Enjoy Latin American Cultural Experiences.
Language and culture are inextricably linked. It’s hard to know a language without understanding the culture. The reasons why people say things in a particular way are often driven by cultural influences. That’s why immersing oneself in the culture of a country or region is the perfect way to improve your language skills. But what happens when we can’t travel and we need our fix of Latin American culture and live Spanish language experiences? Luckily for us, in 2021, we have an unbelievably powerful platform in the form of the internet.
While it’s not possible (yet) to get the smells, the human touch, or the ambient sensations of a city or country online, we can get fairly close, thanks to innovative and traditional methods of delivering experiences online. If Coronavirus is getting you down, don’t worry! Lose yourself in Latin American Spanish culture with our top ways to enjoy the best experiences during a lockdown.
Looking to save some money on language learning software and services? Check out our list of discounts and coupons here.
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Learn directly from a local teacher without leaving your own home
iTalki is a service that links language teachers with language students all over the world. Whether you’re in Dublin, Denver, or Dubrovnik and you want to learn the Spanish of Peru, Puerto Rico, or Panama, iTalki can help you out. It’s super easy to use the system and the teachers are rated for their performances. Many offer incredibly low rates thanks to currency exchange rates and most offer package deals whereby you get a discount for buying multiple classes. It’s a great way to improve your Spanish skills and support the economies of places you’d like to visit in the future. Highly recommended.
Check out our italki review
Enjoy Virtual Tours of Latin America’s Best Attractions
Ok, we’ll admit, it’s nothing like the real thing. But when it’s difficult to get to places like Machu Piccu. Online virtual tours will either satisfy or increase your wanderlust. Use with care 😀
Learn to dance the Tango or Salsa
The tango is one of the most beautiful dances in the world. Salsa is probably the most fun. But without the skills to dance, you’re merely a bystander. And that’s not the spirit of the dance. Learn to dance without letting other people see your two flat feet or awkward breakdance-style moves.
Learn about Spanish Language and Latin Culture live from Medellin
With a maximum of two people per session, Nicolás the self-proclaimed “Charming Storyteller” will guide you through the ins and outs of grammar and vocabulary. At the same time, you’ll learn about one of the world’s most interesting countries, Colombia.
Learn about the Tango & Buenos Aires from an Argentina Aficionado
Simona is an Italian living in Buenos Aires, Argentina who offers tours of her adopted city. She’s passionate about everything the city has to offer and offers virtual live guides to the local culture and traditions.
Learn the Secrets of Cooking Peruvian Food Online
Here’s one way to learn how to cook Peruvian food online via live experience from Lima. 1.5 hours of Peruvian flavours and live cooking techniques for less than $10.
If you like Peruvian food, check out EatPeru, one of the best resources for not only Peruvian recipes, but the culture of one of South America’s most diverse countries.
Learn To Cook Mexican With MasterClass
Get the full Mexican cooking experience in your own home with the superb, high-quality production of MasterClass. Learn from Gabriela Cámara, the chef of Contramar, as shares the richness of her culture through the art of food. Learn step-by-step recipes for tacos al pastor, salsa, and tortillas.
Eat Latino
To order Latin Foods online check out the following online stores that will deliver you the best alfajores mix, arepas flour, Inca Kola, salsa casera, hot sauces, and everything else you might need to cook up a storm.
Amigo Foods – Everything you need to make that special latino dish.
Zocalo Foods – online Latin food market
Listen to Podcasts
I love podcasts. There’s something special about hearing someone’s voice as they inspire you to learn and achieve your goals. Podcasts are intimate and that goes well with Latino culture.
🎧 These are the best podcasts for learning Spanish and understanding Latino culture:
Watch the best travel shows on Netflix or YouTube
One of the absolute best shows for anyone with an interest in North, Central and South America is The Americas with Simon Reeve.
Available on BBC player
If you’re outside of the UK, this show might not be available to you. But you can still access using a VPN service.
Don’t miss the unique personality of travel host and chef Anthony Bourdain as he visits some of the most interesting cities, restaurants, of Mexico City, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, Cuba, and Buenos Aires
There are 7 seasons of this magnificent show so make sure you settle in for the long haul. Watch this show and a vast number of documentaries, travel shows, foreign language movies and series on Amazon Prime.
Read a Travel Book
Paul Theroux is grumpy. He skips the big tourist attractions and pays little attention to the best things to do in any city. But Theroux is a writer who will bring you closer to understating a people and culture than most other travel writers.
The Old Patagonian Express: By Train Through the Americas
On the Plain of Snakes: A Mexican Journey
Read online or offline with the Amazon Kindle.
If you don’t have the time or patience to read these excellent travel books, there are audio versions available on Audible.com
Audible also offers Spanish learning resources like “Learn Spanish with Paul Noble”, “Spanish Word Power 101”, and “Learn Spanish Like A Native”.
Use Language Apps
Most people have phones more powerful than the computers that sent rocket ships to the moon 50 years ago. But we generally use our phones for WhatsApp messages and Facebook. Why not use some of that space on your phone to load up some awesome Spanish Language apps. It’s a great way to practice your language skills at any time of day
In my opinion, these are the best apps you need to download today:
- Babbel – Tons of free language lessons for Spanish. Upgrade from the free version for even more tutorials, quizzes, and guides.
- Mondly – An excellent vocal and grammar builder language learning app. While the free version offers plenty to keep you occupied, the paid version unlocks more categories and topics like: romance, travel, and shopping, plus more advanced grammar lessons.
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