Students can hone their Spanish skills on class trips to Chicago neighborhoods

Chicago, much like the country’s other major cities, is made up of smaller, and oftentimes culturally diverse, neighborhoods. Little Village and Pilsen are two areas in particular that make excellent educational travel destinations for students learning Spanish.

That is because these areas are primarily inhabited by Mexican immigrants who have brought their cultural influence to these suburban neighborhoods.

While Little Village was originally settled by Eastern European immigrants, many Mexican families moved into the area during the 1980s. Today, Latino culture thrives in the neighborhood. Little Village is where many members of Chicago’s Hispanic and non-Hispanic community go to celebrate Mexican Independence Day each year.

Meanwhile, in Pilsen, the Mexican people who moved into this area during the 1960s have helped give this neighborhood a unique feel. Pilsen is where students will find the National Museum of Mexican Art. Spanish teachers can schedule school tours of this institution and expose students to the creative works of Mexican artists.

In addition, just visiting these neighborhoods allows Spanish teachers to immerse their students in settings where they can hear others use the foreign language they are learning at school in everyday conversation.