Spanish school recommendations

[¡Un Buen Viaje! Jessica]

Hey Josh,
I wanted to put in a good word for Ileana Sofía Vargas López. She was a Spanish instructor for NSS in Leon back in 2003 when NSS still operated out of Casa de Cultura. She now has her own business. You can find her at http://www.clases-de-espanol.com/index.php?page=home. She is a good teacher and lots of fun.  -Jessica   www.ToursToNicaragua.com

[jamie]

I have had a great experience taking online (skype) classes with Arlen Espinoza, who teaches at an Ave Nicaraguita school in Granada (http://www.avenicaraguita.com).  On a previous trip we visited Arlen at the school (2.5 blocks east of the south side of Convento San Francisco), though we weren't there as students in their regular program.  We were there in the evening so classes weren't in session, but it looked very nice, with indoor classrooms and an outdoor courtyard.  They also do many excursions with the students. 

The online system that I have used is Speak Shop (http://www.speakshop.com/learningcenter/), which has experienced teachers from various Spanish schools in Nicaragua and Guatelmala.  The scheduling is easy at speak shop, and the skype audio/video connection has been almost always reliable.  On average I have paid $10-12 for an hour-long private class - a third or less the cost of in-person private tutoring here in the states.

[lola]

Hi Jeffry,

Thanks for the info.  I'm going to send you an email today with some more specific questions!

Does anyone else have any more updated info on Spanish school recommendations??

[nw]

Hi Josh,

I want to let you know about a great new school that recently started up in Catarina (one of the pueblos blancos above Laguna de Apoyo).  It is called Spanish School Catarina (http://spanishschoolcatarina.com/) and is run by two very experienced Nicaraguan spanish teachers. 

I have been to two spanish schools in Guatemala, one in Mexico, and one in Nicaragua.  The teachers at Spanish School Catarina are without a doubt the best I have ever had, and are humble, friendly, and all around amazing people.  The prices are great, they offer an above average variety of activities, and are truly committed to ensuring every student has a great experience.  Catarina is a beautiful little town with an amazing view of the laguna and a very cool climate (nowhere near as sticky hot as Granada).

I could go on for hours about how great I think the school is, but I think you get the point! Their contact information is spanishschoolcatarina@gmail.com and tel.8876-4316. 

Have so much fun in Nicaragua, it is a fantastic country!
Nancy

[sooznham]

Hi -  My husband and I are planning to spend a week at a spanish school in Nica. in early Jan .  I know I know.  We're planning very late in the day.  That's how we are.  We've pretty much narrowed our decision of school and location to between the Mariposa School and the Research Center at Laguna de Apoyo.  We see very little written about Laguna.  Does anyone have any direct experience travelling or studying there?  Much thanks!  Susan in Brooklyn

[Joshua Berman]

Susan -- I contacted Proyecto Ecologico last summer for this article I wrote: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0505/study_spanish_language_in_nicaragua.shtml  And in the past, I've met many people who had great, productive experiences there as students. Email them at apoyo@gaianicaragua.org

Your other choice, Mariposa is solid -- I was there in July. Great setting, great program. Suerte.

[sooznham]

Susan -- I contacted Proyecto Ecologico last summer for this article I wrote: http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0505/study_spanish_language_in_nicaragua.shtml  And in the past, I've met many people who had great, productive experiences there as students. Email them at apoyo@gaianicaragua.org

Your other choice, Mariposa is solid -- I was there in July. Great setting, great program. Suerte.

thanks for that report, Josh.  I have sent them a message (twodaysago) but haven't heard back.  And after all the raves, we also inquired about avail at Maripisa.  They're full up unfortunately, bur the owner, Paulette, has been very helpful.

Well keep trying Laguna then.  Perhaps well try Caterina? 

Susan

[Joshua Berman]

i don't know of a school in catarina, but there are several excellent ones in granada.

[nw]

Hi Josh,

The school in Catarina just opened up.  I highly recommend it and you can check it out at http://spanishschoolcatarina.com/ .

Best,
Nancy