In this article we are going to analyze why for many foreigners Bogota is one of the best cities to learn Spanish and live their culture. Many countries and many cities claim to have "the best Spanish"; and in part they are all right, because they all speak it in the most original way and in the way they need it most in their respective places. But nevertheless, ¿what are the advantages that a city like Bogota, so that thousands of foreigners decide to learn Spanish here?

The advantages of Bogotá to learn Spanish

The first advantage is its excellent connectivity; due to its location as “the gateway to South America”, with respect to countries such as Brazil and/or the United States, which allows less distance between flights, as well as being the cosmopolitan center of the region, makes its geostrategic position an unmissable destination for many idiomatic tourists.

The second advantage is related to the previous one, that is, its location, and it is the history. From the beginning of the colony and due to its strategic position, the Spanish founded important government institutions, such as the Viceroyalty of New Granada, which came to control a vast area throughout the Andean region. In addition, given its political importance, prominent intellectuals, scientists and writers arrived here, such as, for example, José Celestino Mutis, priest, botanist, doctor and professor, who developed the first botanical expedition in America; intellectuals such as Alexander Von Humbolt father of geography, among others, also came. These antecedents generated a unique cultural, academic and intellectual environment, which was nurtured by the Enlightenment in Europe at the beginning of the XNUMXth century; and that it was also the inspiration of the leaders of independence in Colombia.

The Colombian government after independence considered that the Spanish language was a cultural legacy that should be preserved and decided to "protect" it as part of our national identity; For this, around 1871, the Royal Academy of Language was created in Bogotá, with the aim of "safeguarding the original Spanish" in the country. This is how the Bogotan philologist Rufino José Cuervo began to write the first dictionary of the Spanish language, an undertaking that took approximately one hundred years and has had the help of more than one hundred experts. Subsequently, through different laws, it was achieved that in all the educational and university establishments of the country, it was inculcated to speak “the best spanish possible”; This meant that the standards of a "classical" and "well-spoken" Spanish were followed throughout Colombia. For this reason, despite the diverse accents that exist in Colombia, a basic pattern is preserved in all regions, which allows a cultural identity based on language.

The Spanish spoken in the city of Bogotá, and especially in educational institutions, could be said to be "classical Spanish with a neutral accent", or as foreigners say, "pure". "This is due to the historical care that Colombians have had with the language," as stated by the director of the Royal Spanish Academy of Language, Victor Garcia de la Concha.

All this intellectual and academic spirit had a great effect on the city of Bogotá, which, at the beginning of the 70th century, was called the "South American Athens" for its outstanding cultural and educational offer; this thanks to its great theaters, universities and museums. Today, Bogotá offers XNUMX% of the educational offer of the country and given this circumstance, it is like a great young and vibrant university city. In addition, its famous theater, music and science festivals make Bogotá a city with a great attraction to study Spanish and enjoy its culture.

In conclusion, the location of Bogotá, the kindness of its people, the natural beauty of the landscapes that surround her and a Spanish of “prestige”; make foreigners think of Bogotá to to learn Spanish and travel around the country and South America. On the other hand, we must add that the security conditions in Colombia have been greatly improving for several years, which has allowed a great socio-economic development and the strengthening of language tourism.

Why Nueva Lengua to learn Spanish?

Nueva Lengua It was the first school of this style in Bogotá, we have more than 15 years of experience, with students who have come from all over the world. Our goal has been to offer a "High Quality" service in every way. Our main characteristic is that more than a school, we are a house, your second home. We have a humanistic sense and with a “high social and academic commitment”. All our teachers are qualified and we seek a total immersion that includes trips to the main tourist attractions of the cities where we have headquarters, such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena. This circuit of schools allows our students to continue their studies in different cities without interrupting their learning process. Also, we have different kinds of volunteering and various cultural activities during the week, which will allow you to experience the culture of the city and the country while you learn Spanish with us.

If you want to start your enrollment process or have questions from the school, write to us at contactenos@nuevalengua.com

Javier Celis - Spanish Teacher