Comments on: Top 10 Spanish Schools for Waves, Wilderness and Buena Onda http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/ Featuring insider destination guides and how-to articles from the matador travel community. Our focus is sustainable travel, cultural immersion, plus work, study, and volunteer opportunities worldwide. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:43:56 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Warwick http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-7321 Warwick Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:50:58 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-7321 I would also suggest Montanita Spanish School www.montanitaspanishschool.com It is located ON the beach in Montanita, a town famous for its waves. It was voted one of the top Five Spanish Schools worldwide in 2009 (STAR awards). So it comes with great references! I have learn there, and it lives up to its reputation thanks! I would also suggest Montanita Spanish School http://www.montanitaspanishschool.com
It is located ON the beach in Montanita, a town famous for its waves.
It was voted one of the top Five Spanish Schools worldwide in 2009 (STAR awards). So it comes with great references! I have learn there, and it lives up to its reputation
thanks!

]]> By: sfish http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-2538 sfish Thu, 28 May 2009 13:22:34 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-2538 Do you know anything about the El Paraiso school in Costa Rica? We are considering it but don't know anyone who has been there. Thanks! Do you know anything about the El Paraiso school in Costa Rica? We are considering it but don’t know anyone who has been there. Thanks!

]]> By: dan laing http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-1738 dan laing Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:30:17 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-1738 oh its on via argentina www.spanishpanama.com oh its on via argentina http://www.spanishpanama.com

]]> By: dan laing http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-1737 dan laing Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:28:09 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-1737 I see what you mean by your criteria of having to have wilderness. Spanish Panama in Panama City was great for me but I am a city lover and this is a school for city lovers with all the city attractions within walking distance. -casinos, nightlife, restaurants, women, (or..err men). But what i foundabout this school was that it has the best quality of instructors-the one big other advantage of being in the city - You have a greater selection of teachers so the school benefits from this. The jungle is still close by about 20 minutes but for sure this is the school for the city person. I see what you mean by your criteria of having to have wilderness. Spanish Panama in Panama City was great for me but I am a city lover and this is a school for city lovers with all the city attractions within walking distance. -casinos, nightlife, restaurants, women, (or..err men). But what i foundabout this school was that it has the best quality of instructors-the one big other advantage of being in the city – You have a greater selection of teachers so the school benefits from this.
The jungle is still close by about 20 minutes but for sure this is the school for the city person.

]]> By: 10 Steps to Recovering a Language You’ve Forgotten http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-1340 10 Steps to Recovering a Language You’ve Forgotten Fri, 30 May 2008 16:02:03 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-1340 [...] Top 10 Spanish Schools For Waves, Wilderness and Buena Onda [...] [...] Top 10 Spanish Schools For Waves, Wilderness and Buena Onda [...]

]]> By: Ingrid Lommers http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-1072 Ingrid Lommers Thu, 01 May 2008 17:22:40 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-1072 The woman that says that the "Paraiso School" in Bocas del Toro is the best, is the owner of that school, hahaha, that is very funny! Good luck with everything! Ingrid Lommers (owner of the other Spanish School in Bocas del Toro: www.spanishbythesea.com). You keep laughing in this business.... Ingrid (Ins) Lommers The woman that says that the “Paraiso School” in Bocas del Toro is the best, is the owner of that school, hahaha, that is very funny!
Good luck with everything!

Ingrid Lommers (owner of the other Spanish School in Bocas del Toro: http://www.spanishbythesea.com).

You keep laughing in this business….

Ingrid (Ins) Lommers

]]> By: Matt http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-1038 Matt Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:54:32 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-1038 Ski And Learn Spanish, Mendoza, Argentina I spent 4 wekks there and highly recommend this school. It can be found at: http://www.skiandlearnspanish.com Matt S. Ski And Learn Spanish, Mendoza, Argentina

I spent 4 wekks there and highly recommend this school. It can be found at: http://www.skiandlearnspanish.com

Matt S.

]]> By: Temple http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-1006 Temple Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:03:44 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-1006 I had a wonderful experience both in Bocas and with the school. The instructors were fabulous- very much tailoring the class to our needs and also giving us lots of advice and suggestions about the area and how to best spend our free time. The class gave me exactly what I needed- a thorough review and brush-up on my Spanish and the confidence to start speaking more regularly with the Spanish speakers we encountered. I would love to spend more time with El Paraiso in the future. We recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quality school experience with warm and welcoming staff!" I had a wonderful experience both in Bocas and with the school.
The instructors were fabulous- very much tailoring the class to our needs
and also giving us lots of advice and suggestions about the area and how to
best spend our free time. The class gave me exactly what I needed- a
thorough review and brush-up on my Spanish and the confidence to start
speaking more regularly with the Spanish speakers we encountered. I would
love to spend more time with El Paraiso in the future. We recommend it to
anyone who is looking for a quality school experience with warm and
welcoming staff!”

]]> By: Julie http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-832 Julie Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:19:52 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-832 Kerry- Thanks for your message-- sorry I didn't see it sooner. You're right-- many schools are marketing themselves as eco-friendly, community-oriented, etc-- and it can be difficult to assess the veracity of their claims from a distance. However, the people who recommended Guacamaya to me where highly impressed with the school. They provided photos and concrete information that were convincing. They were also Spanish teachers who entered the program with a solid command of Spanish, a fact which made me more confident about their claims. I'd definitely recommend checking any school that you're considering by posting a message on Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree Forum and seeking the input of folks there. It wouldn't hurt to google the school either. Best, Julie Kerry-

Thanks for your message– sorry I didn’t see it sooner.
You’re right– many schools are marketing themselves as eco-friendly, community-oriented, etc– and it can be difficult to assess the veracity of their claims from a distance.
However, the people who recommended Guacamaya to me where highly impressed with the school. They provided photos and concrete information that were convincing. They were also Spanish teachers who entered the program with a solid command of Spanish, a fact which made me more confident about their claims.
I’d definitely recommend checking any school that you’re considering by posting a message on Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree Forum and seeking the input of folks there. It wouldn’t hurt to google the school either.

Best,
Julie

]]> By: Julie http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-831 Julie Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:11:04 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-831 Hi, Reed- Thanks for your message. In full disclosure, I have not attended Hijos de Maiz, though of all the schools on my list, it's where I'd most like to go! This piece was strictly based on my research. I surveyed students--mostly Americans--who studied abroad on the schools that they'd liked the most. I imposed several criteria: that the school be off the beaten path, if possible, that the school be run by people in the community, and, when possible, that the school contributed to the local economy in multiple ways (such as providing service opportunities for students). The contacts I had with students were forged mostly through Lonely Planet's bulletin boards; in some cases, these people referred me to other students. I then searched for other information about the school: criticisms and praise mentioned elsewhere, for instance and whether the schools had websites. Hijos del Maiz is flexible with respect to the length of your stay, and it does offer numerous volunteer opportunities. Their website is www.hijosdelmaiz.net. If you do go, please report back and let us know your impressions. Peace, Julie Based on my research about Hijos Hi, Reed-

Thanks for your message. In full disclosure, I have not attended Hijos de Maiz, though of all the schools on my list, it’s where I’d most like to go! This piece was strictly based on my research. I surveyed students–mostly Americans–who studied abroad on the schools that they’d liked the most. I imposed several criteria: that the school be off the beaten path, if possible, that the school be run by people in the community, and, when possible, that the school contributed to the local economy in multiple ways (such as providing service opportunities for students). The contacts I had with students were forged mostly through Lonely Planet’s bulletin boards; in some cases, these people referred me to other students. I then searched for other information about the school: criticisms and praise mentioned elsewhere, for instance and whether the schools had websites.

Hijos del Maiz is flexible with respect to the length of your stay, and it does offer numerous volunteer opportunities. Their website is http://www.hijosdelmaiz.net.
If you do go, please report back and let us know your impressions.

Peace,
Julie
Based on my research about Hijos

]]> By: Reed Adam http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-830 Reed Adam Tue, 01 Apr 2008 01:31:38 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-830 I am interested in the Hijos de Maiz language school. Have any of you been there? Would you recommend it? Is there a potential for a longer (1-2 month) stay including volunteer work? Thanks much! -Reed I am interested in the Hijos de Maiz language school. Have any of you been there? Would you recommend it? Is there a potential for a longer (1-2 month) stay including volunteer work?

Thanks much!

-Reed

]]> By: Kerry Girardin http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-776 Kerry Girardin Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:22:24 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-776 Thank you for this article. There are many programs in Honduras, and I was having a difficult time determining which program was most credible in its claims. They all believe that they are linguistically and culturally educational, eco-adventurous, while providing opportunities for service (seva). Amazing really! :) Any other tips for Honduras would be welcome. :) Thanks again! Thank you for this article. There are many programs in Honduras, and I was having a difficult time determining which program was most credible in its claims. They all believe that they are linguistically and culturally educational, eco-adventurous, while providing opportunities for service (seva). Amazing really! :)

Any other tips for Honduras would be welcome. :)

Thanks again!

]]> By: Julie http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-311 Julie Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:07:08 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-311 Thanks for your comments, Sanja-- it's through the kind of feedback readers are providing that others will be able to make decisions about where they'd like to study. Thanks for your comments, Sanja– it’s through the kind of feedback readers are providing that others will be able to make decisions about where they’d like to study.

]]> By: Sanja Bosman http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-310 Sanja Bosman Wed, 02 Jan 2008 05:33:42 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-310 For the past two summers, I have spent time at the Guacamaya School in Copan, Honduras- first as a traveler and student and then as a chaperone for a group of students from the Mississippi Delta. Kike, the school director, is amazing and so accomodating. The teachers, whom I now consider great friends, are just incredibly welcoming and thoughtful. They do a phenomenal job as instructors and also really work to ensure that their students discover (and enjoy) the surrounding town, as well. Guacamaya is awesome and I can't wait to go back this summer! Loved the article!:) For the past two summers, I have spent time at the Guacamaya School in Copan, Honduras- first as a traveler and student and then as a chaperone for a group of students from the Mississippi Delta. Kike, the school director, is amazing and so accomodating. The teachers, whom I now consider great friends, are just incredibly welcoming and thoughtful. They do a phenomenal job as instructors and also really work to ensure that their students discover (and enjoy) the surrounding town, as well. Guacamaya is awesome and I can’t wait to go back this summer! Loved the article!:)

]]> By: Julie http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-306 Julie Mon, 31 Dec 2007 15:57:06 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-306 Hi, Therese- Thanks for sharing your experience with Guacamaya. I used to work as an educational tour director in Puerto Rico and, like you, I frequently had the experience of accompanying kids on their first experiences abroad... it's really special in any case, but especially when the host culture is so warm and welcoming. Best, Julie Hi, Therese-
Thanks for sharing your experience with Guacamaya.
I used to work as an educational tour director in Puerto Rico and, like you, I frequently had the experience of accompanying kids on their first experiences abroad… it’s really special in any case, but especially when the host culture is so warm and welcoming.

Best,
Julie

]]> By: Therese McKinny-Wood http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-305 Therese McKinny-Wood Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:31:41 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-305 Like I said in my last post, I am a Spanish teacher in the Mississippi Delta. I teach in a high needs district and my students have very few opportunities for cultural exchange. Last year I took several students to Honduras, for most it was their first time on an airplane, and I could not have been happier with the reception they received at the Guacamaya School. The kids felt comfortable and well taken care of, plus they learned a ton. They still ask me about their teachers from the Guacamaya school. I was so pleased with the Guacamaya School and staff that I have decided to take an even larger group of students there this June. I hope to establish an annual program working with the Guacamaya School! Like I said in my last post, I am a Spanish teacher in the Mississippi Delta. I teach in a high needs district and my students have very few opportunities for cultural exchange. Last year I took several students to Honduras, for most it was their first time on an airplane, and I could not have been happier with the reception they received at the Guacamaya School. The kids felt comfortable and well taken care of, plus they learned a ton. They still ask me about their teachers from the Guacamaya school. I was so pleased with the Guacamaya School and staff that I have decided to take an even larger group of students there this June. I hope to establish an annual program working with the Guacamaya School!

]]> By: Therese Mckinny wood http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-304 Therese Mckinny wood Mon, 31 Dec 2007 03:00:16 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-304 Im a teacher and I used to take my students to Guacamaya and I have had always wonderful expeinces,if you are interested in ñearn spanish you should go to Guacamaya spanish school. Im a teacher and I used to take my students to Guacamaya and I have had always wonderful expeinces,if you are interested in ñearn spanish you should go to Guacamaya spanish school.

]]> By: Jolien Plantinga http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-303 Jolien Plantinga Mon, 31 Dec 2007 02:56:25 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-303 I spend 3 months in Copan Ruinas, Honduras and it is a amazing place, and the teacher at Guacamaya are great, I learn a lot with them. Visst their web site: www.guacamaya.com I spend 3 months in Copan Ruinas, Honduras and it is a amazing place, and the teacher at Guacamaya are great, I learn a lot with them.
Visst their web site:
http://www.guacamaya.com

]]> By: Mirka J. http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-121 Mirka J. Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:02:40 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-121 El Paraiso Spanish School, Bocas Del Toro, Panama. I have spent time studying spanish in various schools in diferrent countries and El Paraiso is at the top of its class. I have an advanced level of Spanish. The schools dedicated and professional staff was able to meet my needs without missing a beat. I recommend this school to anyone wishing to study. El Paraiso can be found at: www.elparaisoschool.com Mirka J. El Paraiso Spanish School, Bocas Del Toro, Panama.

I have spent time studying spanish in various schools in diferrent countries and El Paraiso is at the top of its class. I have an advanced level of Spanish. The schools dedicated and professional staff was able to meet my needs without missing a beat. I recommend this school to anyone wishing to study. El Paraiso can be found at: http://www.elparaisoschool.com

Mirka J.

]]> By: Julie http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda/comment-page-1/#comment-36 Julie Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:01:56 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/top-10-spanish-schools-for-waves-wilderness-and-buena-onda#comment-36 Joules- Thanks for catching an error... a cut and paste problem, I think, between my list of notes and the final draft! :) The school I intended to recommend in Boquete was Spanish by the River, which you can find at http://www.spanishbytheriver.com/schoolboquete.html Thanks for recommending Habla Ya, which would also have been on the list had it not been for space! Peace, Julie Joules-
Thanks for catching an error… a cut and paste problem, I think, between my list of notes and the final draft! :) The school I intended to recommend in Boquete was Spanish by the River, which you can find at http://www.spanishbytheriver.com/schoolboquete.html
Thanks for recommending Habla Ya, which would also have been on the list had it not been for space!

Peace,
Julie

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