Moving to a new country can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to learning a new language, which is why it’s important to learn Spanish in Panama at your own pace. For those planning to relocate to Panama, speaking Spanish will open up countless opportunities for deeper connections with locals, smoother day-to-day living, and a more enriched cultural experience. While Panama is home to many English speakers, especially in expat communities and urban areas, having a basic knowledge of Spanish can make life significantly easier and more rewarding.
This blog post will explore different ways to learn Spanish in Panama, from formal language schools to private tutors and online programs. We’ll also cover some essential phrases to know before you move to Panama, giving you a head start in navigating everyday interactions.
Why Learn Spanish in Panama?
Learning Spanish in Panama isn’t just about practical communication—it’s about fully immersing yourself in the culture and enjoying everything this beautiful country has to offer. While you can get by in Panama City and expat-heavy areas speaking English, most Panamanians speak Spanish as their first language. Knowing the language will help you:
- Build better relationships with locals
- Navigate local markets, restaurants, and shops
- Handle day-to-day tasks such as paying bills, renting an apartment, and using public transportation
- Deepen your cultural understanding of Panama
- Increase your confidence in exploring more rural or non-touristy areas where English isn’t commonly spoken
Essential Spanish Phrases to Know Before Moving to Panama
Before you dive into intensive Spanish lessons, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some common phrases that will be useful upon arrival. Knowing basic greetings and expressions will help you navigate your first few weeks in Panama with ease.
Greetings and Introductions:
- Hola – Hello
- Buenos días – Good morning
- Buenas tardes – Good afternoon
- Buenas noches – Good evening/night
- Me llamo [your name] – My name is [your name]
- ¿Cómo estás? – How are you?
- Muy bien, gracias – Very well, thank you
- ¿De dónde eres? – Where are you from?
- Soy de [your country] – I’m from [your country]
Getting Around:
- ¿Dónde está [place]? – Where is [place]?
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
- ¿A qué hora sale el bus? – What time does the bus leave?
- Quiero ir a [place] – I want to go to [place]
At Restaurants:
- Quisiera una mesa para dos – I’d like a table for two
- La cuenta, por favor – The check, please
- ¿Qué me recomiendas? – What do you recommend?
- Sin hielo, por favor – No ice, please
Polite Phrases:
- Por favor – Please
- Gracias – Thank you
- Disculpe – Excuse me
- Lo siento – I’m sorry
- No entiendo – I don’t understand
- ¿Puedes hablar más despacio, por favor? – Can you speak more slowly, please?
Learning Spanish in Panama
Panama offers several options for learning Spanish, from formal institutions and language schools to private tutors and informal settings. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your Spanish skills, there are plenty of resources to help you along the way.
1. Language Schools in Panama
If you prefer a structured learning environment, attending a language school in Panama is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the language while receiving professional instruction.
Some of the best language schools in Panama include:
- Habla Ya (Locations: Panama City, Boquete, and Bocas del Toro) One of the most popular language schools in Panama, Habla Ya offers a variety of courses for all levels, from beginner to advanced. The school also provides immersive cultural experiences like excursions and homestays with local families, making it a great option for those who want to practice Spanish in real-life settings. Classes range from intensive group courses to private one-on-one lessons, and the cost typically starts at around $150 per week for group lessons.
- EPA! Español en Panamá (Location: Panama City) EPA! offers flexible learning options with small group classes, private lessons, and even corporate language training. Their teachers are highly experienced, and the school provides both short-term and long-term programs. Group classes cost about $110 per week, while private classes range from $20 to $25 per hour.
- Spanish Panama (Location: Panama City) Located in El Cangrejo, Spanish Panama offers a relaxed, friendly environment where expats can learn the language quickly and effectively. They provide a wide range of classes, including conversation practice, business Spanish, and customized private lessons. Group classes start at around $120 per week.
2. Learning Spanish Online
If you prefer learning at your own pace or need flexibility due to work or travel commitments, online Spanish classes are an ideal option. The global expansion of online learning platforms has made it easy to find high-quality Spanish lessons no matter where you are.
Some popular online learning platforms include:
- Duolingo: A free language-learning app that’s perfect for beginners. It focuses on vocabulary, sentence structure, and grammar through interactive exercises. While it’s not a comprehensive course, it’s a good starting point.
- Italki: Italki connects learners with native-speaking tutors for personalized, one-on-one lessons via video chat. You can choose a tutor based on your budget and schedule, with lessons starting as low as $10 per hour.
- Babbel: Babbel offers paid courses designed by language experts, with lessons focused on conversational Spanish. Subscriptions start at $13 per month, and the app offers both grammar lessons and interactive practice sessions.
- Preply: Similar to Italki, Preply is a platform where you can connect with native-speaking Spanish tutors for private lessons. You can filter tutors by experience, price, and availability. Lessons start at $10 per hour.
3. Private Tutors in Panama
Hiring a private tutor is an excellent way to accelerate your learning, especially if you prefer one-on-one instruction tailored to your specific needs. Panama has plenty of private tutors available, especially in expat-heavy areas like Panama City, Boquete, and Coronado.
Private tutors can help you focus on areas where you need the most improvement, whether it’s conversation practice, pronunciation, or specific vocabulary related to your career or personal interests. Tutoring rates vary but generally range from $15 to $30 per hour depending on the tutor’s experience and location.
Where to find private tutors:
- Referrals from other expats: The expat community in Panama is tightly-knit, and you can often find excellent private tutors through word-of-mouth recommendations.
- Local classifieds and community boards: Websites like Encuentra24 and local Facebook groups often have listings for private Spanish tutors.
- Language schools: Many language schools also offer private tutoring outside of their standard group classes.
4. Informal Learning: Immersion and Practice
One of the best ways to learn Spanish in Panama is by simply immersing yourself in the language. Engage with locals, visit local markets, and practice speaking Spanish as much as possible. Many Panamanians are patient with Spanish learners and appreciate your efforts to communicate in their language.
Here are a few ideas to practice Spanish informally:
- Join local expat and language exchange groups: Panama has plenty of social clubs, meetups, and language exchange events where you can practice your Spanish with locals and fellow expats. Sites like Meetup.com often list language exchange events.
- Volunteer in the community: Volunteering with local organizations is not only a great way to give back but also a fantastic way to practice conversational Spanish while engaging with the local culture.
- Daily interactions: Practice speaking Spanish in everyday situations, such as ordering food, buying groceries, or asking for directions. Even short, simple conversations will help improve your fluency over time.
Learning Spanish is an essential step for anyone planning to relocate to Panama, and with so many options available—from language schools to online platforms and private tutors—you can tailor your learning experience to fit your needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your conversational skills, the key is consistency and immersion. By combining formal lessons with everyday practice, you’ll find yourself more comfortable and confident in navigating Panama and fully embracing the local culture. To learn more, contact us online here today.
