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cheapest spanish schools in bogota?

I would like to study Spanish in Bogota and live there on a student visa, but I'm not sure if I can actually afford it. Many schools and universities seem so expensive. And I need 10 class hours per week for the visa. My income is only going to be about 1200 USD per month, and I am planning to spend about 1,200,000 to 1,400,000 for rent. So that doesn't leave me with a whole lot for school unfortunately. Anything more than 700,000 COP per month is probably not doable for me. And of course even that would not be easy. Does anyone know of any more affordable Spanish schools that are 'official' enough to qualify for a student visa and are relatively cheap?

By pariahdog on Mar 11, 2008, 12:41 in Friendly Talkzone.

megs622 says on Mar 11, 2008, 19:29:

my gosh, why would you even want to pay that amount in rent when you can live in a nice apartment for much less here? that's crazy

but hey nacional university has a program, it's really cheap but I don't know if they help you with a student visa. I would assume they do

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bickerss says on Mar 12, 2008, 08:25:

National Uni is the cheapest I found in Bogota. The details are on this site.

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pariahdog says on Mar 15, 2008, 02:48:

Thanks so much guys! I'll make some calls soon to try to get some prices. Anyone know if the nacional uni has summer classes?

I also heard from a colombiana that I would probably be considered about middle class there as well. Well not much I can do about it. It's enough for me. At least I won't end up with a gold digger type of Colombiana. And teaching English beats the hell out of bagging groceries at the Safeway. I guess being able to speak clear RP American English is about my only useful skill.

About the rent: I know it might seem high to some of you, but I want to rent an actual house in Bogota. Yes, I know how rare they are. I had already found a perfect one though a friend of an acquaintance. (1,200,000 unfurnished). I didn't grab it fast enough, and now it has been rented. I am really not sure what to do about the situation. For an apartment I wouldn't pay more than 400,000 or maybe 500,000. Estrato 3 or 4 only. Maybe a studio. But I don't really want one anyway. The house ends up costing even more because I will surely also have to buy a motorcycle or car (and I can't afford a car).

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