Q. I would like to learn Spanish in Central or South America this summer,
as cheaply as possible.
Laura Heavey, Galway
A. Cactus Language offers Spanish courses in 15 Central and South American countries.
Guatemala is probably your best option for a truly economical base, and if you
stay with a host family, you can really keep costs down. Cactus has one month's
Spanish lessons (that includes 20 lessons per week) in Guatemala's beautiful
colonial capital, Antigua, from £489pp, including full-board accommodation
with a host family. Rooms are often quite basic, but staying with local people
will increase your exposure to the Spanish language. Cactus can also arrange
flights: it suggests budgeting about £600 for a return ticket.