<p>I'm interested in either going to Argentina or Brazil. I speak Spanish at a decently good level but definitely not fluent. I always thought of going to a Spanish-speaking country for study abroad, however I came across this program ([url=<a href="http://ciee.org/program_search/program_detail.aspx?program_id=154%5DS">http://ciee.org/program_search/program_detail.aspx?program_id=154]S</a></p>
<p>Argentina. I have several relatives, including my wife, that spend a great deal of time in Argentina and love it--and they have all lived in many countries in South America as well as in Central America, but Argentina is the favorite country of all. My adult cousin, however, travels to Brazil several times each year for social and business reasons. Based on all accounts from both sides of my family, I strongly recommend Argentina over Brazil--especially if you are young (college or high school age). Reading Portuguese is easier than speaking the language even if you are fluent in Spanish. All of my relatives and family are fluent in Spanish & English and all have a great deal of difficulty speaking & understanding spoken Portuguese.</p>
<p>To be totally and completely biased, I would say BRASIL! End. Of. Story...because I'm going to Bahia for a gap year. ;)</p>
<p>Also, there are potential economic benefits from knowing Portuguese and having an idea of the culture since it is such a huge country with huge markets. As a result, it could help your hire-ability at firms who would like to expand to the huge Brazil sector. After all, while many would have went and learned Spanish or French you’ll have both Spanish and Portuguese up your sleeve.</p>
<p>I believe that multiple language skills are extremely important—especially in the age where everything is getting international. Also, if you are concerned about being stuck at a low level, I believe that that is just an excuse. Learning a language, especially outside of the formative years, takes effort regardless. You get what you put in. Portuguese isn’t necessarily easy but I think it’s worth it. A polyglot is a good thing to be. Also, many usually find it easy to understand Spanish as opposed to vice-versa, so there’s another benefit.</p>
<p>When you return, you can focus on fine-tuning both your Spanish and Portuguese skills. Skype can be particularly useful. Also, you can keep in touch with your friends cheaply that way to keep your language skills sharp.</p>
<p>Good luck with whatever you choose!</p>
<p>I lived in Argentina for four months in seventh grade. Of course the experience would be much different for a college-age student, but I had the absolute time of my life in Buenos Aires and wouldn't take it back for anything.</p>
<p>Argentina especially if its in Buenos Aires or Cordoba, two amazing cities</p>
<p>My D spent a summer exchange (our summer, their winter) in a town a few hours south of Buenos Aires when she was in HS, fell in love with the country and spent a college summer in Patagonia and plans to go back to SA when she graduates. She is fluent in Spanish (totally learned in school) and said the only down side about honing her language skills there is that they don't speak a "pure" Spanish, there's a heavy Italian influence also.</p>