Language School with Children

[dwyer11]

I'm planning to take my two six-year-olds to Nicaragua for language school for a month.  I will have my 2 1/2 year old along for at least part of this.  I read some of your language school recommendations and am leaning toward Dona Rosa Silva's Spanish School, but the one on Ometepe.  My main reasons for interest in it is that it offers homestays (unlike Proyecto Ecologico, which otherwise sounds magnificent) and there would be nearby beaches and activities for the kids.  Any thoughts?  It's hard to know just how set up schools are for children.  Every school I have contacted has said they work wonderfully with children, which I'm sure couldn't be true for every school.   Also, you mention Dona Silva's school in San Juan del Sur, but not the one on Ometepe.  Is that because you don't recommend it or because you don't have experience with it.  Thanks for you help!

[Joshua Berman]

I had no idea that Doña Silva had something on Ometepe, thank you! Please tell her to let us know! Sorry I can't help with the kid question, let us know how it goes.

[dwyer11]

Thanks for your response.  I haven't been getting responses from Dona Silva, so I'm relooking at other options, specifically Laguna de Apoyo and Mariposa.  In the book, you mention that Mariposa is a great place for families.  Can you explain in what ways it is different from Laguna de Apoyo that makes it better for families?  Thanks!

[kevins]

Puesta del Sol offers homestays and Spanish lessons on Ometepe. I spent a week with them earlier this year, and quite enjoyed it. The accommodations are fairly rustic, but I would say much better than hotels in the same per-day price range. I didn't try their Spanish lessons, but it sounds like they do at least have prepared materials, so they put some effort into it.

I would recommend that you at least contact them to see if it would work for you. They were a little hard for me to get a hold of (broken email address and no voice mail), but hopefully they have that fixed. If not, send me a private message and I can put you in contact with them.

http://www.puestadelsol.org

[dwyer11]

Thanks for the tip!  I checked out their website and sent them an email.

[¡Un Buen Viaje! Jessica]

Hi Dwyer11,
I highly recommend checking out La Mariposa in La Concepción just south of Managua. It has a little bit of everything and they do it all well. I have stayed at the hotel and taken Spanish class on a number of occasions, and have been there when families have stayed. I heard only good things first-hand from these families (of course, every family/child is different as are expectations but since you're willing to take your young ones to Nicaragua I'm guessing you more than adventurous, willing and able). The location can't be beat for things to do. The area is brimming with activities and opportunities to engage the young ones. The food is mostly vegetarian and organic, so very healthy. The accommodations are clean and comfortable. And, no matter how hot it gets in the country, the highlands almost always offer a relatively cool night's sleep. Best of luck on your family adventure, que divertido!  - Jessica  www.ToursToNicaragua.com