Learning Latin American Spanish

[Gem13]

I would like to do this - for possible travel to central and south America - and have been looking at courses in London (an hours travel away) but would I be better off learning 'regular' Spanish (which I could do locally)?

Just wondering whether the travel to a course is a bit pointless as it would be easy to learn the differences? Or whether there are so many differences between the 2 that it would be better to start off with the Spanish I want to learn.

I am not a natural with languages so it would require a lot of work.

I'd go for something local. There are quite a lot of regional differences throughout Latin American anyway, and you'll certainly be able to get buy with Spanish Spanish, even if people may take the mick out of your accent or funny vocab on occasion. (Much as we might do to our American cousins).

dd1 went to Argentina and managed fine with her Spanish, she just picked up a strong accent (sort of equivalent of Black country I think) and there are a number of differences but notjing to stop you being understood

I should say she went for 9 months

Thanks. Am looking into local classes.

Lucky DD1 - ztt. Did she have an excellent time? I've always wanted to go but not for any reason I can pin down IYKWIM.

yes she went to tucamon (sp) which is quite far north for her gap year