Because of the diversity of experiences it offers, Costa Rica is a sort of utopia for the outdoor enthusiast. Within the small country, travel from San José to any destination — prominent or secluded — is quick and easy. To the north, the cloud forest of Monteverde offers the classic Costa Rican activities of hiking, zip-lining, and bathing in natural hot springs with an unobstructed view of the nearby Arenal Volcano. On the Pacific coast, one encounters picturesque beaches and optimal swimming conditions. In the tiny town of Montezuma, you will hike to the water holes and waterfalls hidden in the posterior mountains or take a run along a beach path that extends for miles along the exquisite coast. A short bus ride away is Mal País, where surf is king and the juxtaposition of forest and expansive ocean is a sight to be reckoned with. The Caribbean coast offers a distinct experience, strongly defined by the town of Puerto Viejo — where Rasta culture reigns — and Tortuguero, the tiny island and key nesting home to various species of sea turtles. In the Caribbean, more than elsewhere, the pura vida mentality holds sway, and every other word seems to be tuanis, a term borrowed and adapted from the English phrase “too nice.” However, it is not just the perfect waves, water temperature, or breathtaking coastline that is ultimately unforgettable: each town has its own character and charm; each offers you a experience distinct from the one before or after.

Contrary to popular belief, English is not widely spoken in Costa Rica, especially in San José, Heredia, and other larger cities, making it an ideal site for Spanish-language immersion. While many locals in coastal towns speak limited English in order to cater to the tourist population, Spanish is always the initial and preferred method of communication. Students of all ages will find their cultural niches, from dance classes in traditional Costa Rican cumbia to the vibrant nightlife to the opportunity to join weekend running and cycling groups.

Here are some excellent options for study in Costa Rica

Nosara Spanish Institute
Nosara Spanish Institute (NSI) offers structured intensive Spanish and English language programs at the Playas of Nosara, a small, culturally rich and stunningly beautiful coastal surf town in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Home to the Nosara Yoga Institute, along with several other retreat centers, yoga studios, and restaurants offering raw and organic food, Nosara also draws an array of spiritual seekers and yoga enthusiasts. NSI offers Spanish programs for teenagers and adults in groups or individually. Local Ticos take English classes on the same campus. Classes are organized in small, efficient groups and are led by university-certified and experienced instructors in comfortable facilities. Lessons are always taught in the target language, providing a total immersion environment. NSI uses a communicative teaching methodology, where the main goal is the improvement of the student’s communication skills, encouraging spontaneous and creative use of the language, using real-life situations and activities that teach the language in the way that it is actually used in daily life. Depending on the intentions of the student, classes can also be customized around professional needs, such as business or medical terminology. The bilingual courses at NSI provide ample opportunities for intercultural exchange activities, which are consistently scheduled and frequently promoted at the school and around the area, providing students with unforgettable experiences and many new friends. Homestay programs and volunteer opportunities are also available through community, cultural, and environmental organizations of which NSI is a proud member.

Academia Columbus
Academia Columbus Costa Rica is located in the charming town of Santo Domingo de Heredia, situated between San José and Heredia in the heart of Central America. The town has a population of 60,000 inhabitants who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. With its park, beautiful churches, and quiet streets, Santo Domingo is a lovely little town where you will also find various bars, restaurants, and pubs to keep you entertained in the evenings. Santo Domingo is situated in the center of the Valle Central (Central Valley), but is a short bus ride away from the busy center of San José. The ideal location of the village of Santo Domingo makes it a great starting point for tours all around the country. The nearby university city of Heredia has a population of 180,000 inhabitants and a vibrant student community. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, cinemas, and shops all around this area. However, the city still manages to retain a small-town feel to it; it is not too bustling, and you can still find your way around with ease. Heredia is also famous for its many small, beautiful parks. The surrounding province has numerous coffee plantations and the Poas and Barva Volcanoes. Academia Columbus has a wide variety of Spanish courses that they offer students from all over the world, boasting over 28 different nationalities in a year at Academia Columbus. There is no maximum age limit. Every Monday, new courses start for all levels (except absolute beginners). Their general course is the Intensive Spanish course in mini groups (max. 5 students; average 3) of 20 lessons per week or their Super Intensive course of 30 lessons per week. They also provide individual classes for those students who want to learn at their own pace. The Intensive Plus course is a combination course of 20 lessons of general Spanish in mini-groups, plus ten lessons per week of individual lessons. Students can enroll for general Spanish or for specialized Spanish such as business, literature, law, or medicine. Academia Columbus also has Spanish and more, including Spanish and culture, Spanish and dance, and Spanish and cooking. The DELE (Diploma for Spanish as a Foreign Language) is an internationally recognized official qualification with permanent validity, and Academia Columbus offers prep courses. The DELE is very useful for any student who wants to have formal proof of their achieved Spanish level and especially for those who want to study at university or work in Spanish-speaking countries. Academia Columbus also affords the opportunity to book an internship or volunteering project with them. By doing this they can practice their Spanish in a work environment, and meanwhile they will gain a valuable item for their CV, which is ever more important in this competitive world.

IMAC Costa Rica
Costa Rica is becoming a growing location to study Spanish, and IMAC offers four exceptional schools located in San Jose, Alajuela, Jaco Beach, and Coronado. Every location has developed its own classroom methodology to develop the students’ communicative skills. These Spanish courses are customized for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced, starting any Monday all year round. The students have the option of taking group lessons of 20 hours per week during the mornings in a classroom no larger than five students. Private lessons are also available and ideal for learners who have special learning needs. The courses can be arranged to follow general Spanish practice or can be customized to meet any particular area of interest for linguistic or professional development. Costa Rica, better know as the “Rich Coast” of Central America, is an adventure playground of tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, cascading rivers, deep blue lakes, millions of species of flora and fauna, and much more. Given this incredible natural diversity within such a small space, it is hard to see how any trip to Costa Rica can be anything less than a fantastic eco-adventure.

Centro Panamericano de Idiomas
Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI) offers three fully equipped and staffed campuses in three select locations: the quaint traditional town of San Joaquin de Flores (CPI Heredia), the lush cloud forest (CPI Monteverde), and the spectacular Guanacaste coast (CPI Flamingo). Small classes organized according to linguistic level, accommodations including homestay and student residences, cultural activities, and touristic adventures provide for a complete educational travel experience. An additional available component is participation in CPI-organized volunteerships; since opening its doors 22 years ago, CPI has maintained a solid commitment to community involvement by directly organizing volunteer opportunities or working in collaboration with grassroot NGOs. Volunteerships are available at each CPI site for both individual students and student groups (primary, middle, high school, and university). Participants play a direct and active role in supporting local, marginalized populations by working on projects which benefit both communities and individuals; projects include but are not limited to beautification of community institutions, such as public schools and clinics, through painting, gardening and/or building playgrounds; literacy programs; home expansions for low-income families; trail maintenance of protected reserves; and free English tutoring.

Living Routes
Living Routes at the Monteverde Institute offers fully accredited and academically rigorous study abroad programs based in sustainable communities that also offer a service learning component as part of the program. The blend of hands-on academic learning and community work offers students a capstone project they can turn into a portfolio of their work, as well as employable skills from real-world experience. The Monteverde Institute is based in San Luis, Monteverde, in the bosque nuboso (cloud forest), a rare forest that occurs within tropical, mountainous environments where the atmospheric conditions allow for a consistent cover of clouds. It is also a sustainable community working towards becoming completely socially, economically, and ecologically sustainable. Their signature International Development and Social Justice program offers credits that are transferable from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. At Monteverde, students become immersed in Tico culture as they engage in the point of intersection between issues of economic, environmental, and community sustainability.

Teach English in Costa Rica
Via Lingua provides international TEFL certificate courses in many of the world’s most popular teaching destinations. With courses in 15 countries, Via Lingua is one of the world’s largest global TEFL course providers. Via Lingua professional training programs are designed to reflect and support the current knowledge base and effective best practices in education. Via Lingua educates students for global citizenship and responsible leadership as teachers of English as a foreign language, empowering graduates to pursue meaningful lives and productive careers by sharing language and culture. Via Lingua is located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Once a quiet fishing hamlet, it has evolved to be the area’s most accessible town for visitors. Located on the central west coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo offers travelers a chance to experience the region’s unspoiled beaches and incredible biodiversity in an environment that still retains the natural, relaxed vibe so characteristic of the region. Separated from Tamarindo by the Río Matapalo is Playa Grande, where surfing is ideal — regardless of skill level. The town hosts several international surf competitions, a testament to the quality of surf available. Visitors will not want to miss the pristine white-sand beaches near the Río San Francisco.

Franny Brogan is a graduate student in Spanish linguistics at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Colombia is a fantastic destination for students wanting to experience South America. Although it is still working to shake a bad reputation from its tumultuous political past, policies implemented over the last two decades have made the country very safe. Now is the time to discover all Colombia has to offer.

Students who come to Colombia can choose to study in the hustle and bustle of Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, or in one of its smaller cities, like Cali, Medellín, or Shakira’s hometown, Barranquilla. Colombian Spanish is often considered to be clear and easily understood, crucial for students hoping to improve their linguistic skills. Colombia has rich cultural traditions and a growing economy, which makes it an attractive place to study for students of all majors.

Colombia also boasts impressive ecological diversity. From the rugged peaks of the Andes Mountains to the pristine beaches of the Caribbean Sea to the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, there is no shortage of natural beauty to explore. After their time outdoors, students can dance the night away to the rhythms of salsa or vallenato.

For students looking to study in Latin America, Colombia offers an ideal mix of urban sophistication, colonial charm, and natural wonder.

Barranquilla
The Universidad del Norte, accredited by the Colombian Ministry of Education, is known for its academic excellence, its contribution to scientific progress, and its role in the development of the country.

Its Instituto de Idiomas offers a Spanish program characterized by its innovative methodology and its well-qualified instructors, who are also accredited by the Instituto Cervantes.

“Colombia is a country of diverse regions renowned throughout Latin America for its excellent Spanish. The Universidad del Norte is located in the city of Barranquilla, on the Caribbean coast — a magical region full of beaches, pretty historic sites, and the epicenter of Colombia’s art and culture movement. Home to Shakira and Sofía Vergara, this is the place that inspired Nobel Literature Prize winner García Márquez to write many of his masterpieces,” enthuses the university’s Karen Sánchez Reyes.

Bogotá
The Language Center at the Universidad de La Salle offers flexible schedules and competitive prices, as well as four locations in the capital — including historic downtown and the commercial hub, so students can make the most of the city.
Spanish World Institute offers personalized Spanish classes (20 or 30 hours/week), DELE preparation, Business Spanish, Spanish with Colombian history and culture, Spanish with Salsa classes, and Spanish with Excursions.

Intensive courses are accredited by the German professional education body, Bildungsurlaub. Using the latest academic tools, programs are based on the guidelines of the Instituto Cervantes.

The school is located in Chapinero Alto, a quaint residential area of Bogotá, in a restored colonial house which offers an academic atmosphere without compromising its originality and style.

Medellín
The Universidad EAFIT offers Spanish classes vibrantly taught according to a well-based curriculum, approved by the Instituto Cervantes and accredited by ACCET.

Their program is the only one to use their own materials — the Maravillas del español series (for more information, visit http://issuu.com/menujyc/docs/libro), which takes a panhispanic view of Spanish and presents the key elements of language in a multicultural context, taking into account all Spanish-speaking countries so that students can develop their Spanish locally with a global outlook.

Medellín has an urban infrastructure to rival any city in the world — in fact, it is considered, along with New York and Tel Aviv, to be one of the most innovative cities in the world.

Not only is the climate welcoming but so are the people. It is the ideal setting for language learning, with hi-tech labs and modern methodologies in small, personal groups (max. eight students), with air conditioning and soundproofing, in a vibrant university filled with warm people as well as impressive sports and cultural facilities.

Salamanca is renowned for its university, which was granted a royal charter by Alfonso IX of León nearly 800 years ago in 1218. Soon, it became one of the most significant and prestigious academic centers in Europe. Now, Salamanca is probably the most important seat of learning in Spain and attracts one in six of the country’s overseas students of Spanish language, creating a wonderfully diverse academic environment.

However, residents of the city and its local region also know how to celebrate, and every year, Salamanca offers a considerable calendar of events, including the Muestra Nacional de Jazz (National Jazz Festival) at the beginning of March, the Holy Week festivities at Easter, and the Corpus Christi festival in June — which is based around the Old Cathedral.

Another local event is the Romeria de la Virgen del Castanar in September, which is held in El Castanar and attracts thousands of visitors from the Salamanca area.

Somewhat surprisingly, the most popular festivals in Salamanca are the lively carnivals held in February. The events include parades, fancy dress, and open-air dances. Everything is street-based and suitable for any age, but it is best appreciated at night, when the stylish Casino de Salamanca and the bars in the Gran Vía or Calle Bordadores put on entertainment, allowing everyone to give free rein to their imagination whether or not they are in fancy dress.

Events include:
• Las Candelas — early February, major folk celebrations in nearby Candelario, which stands around 72 km / 45 miles from Salamanca, with many local festivities, including a charity auction, gastronomic events and a vibrant atmosphere.
• Carnaval del Toro (Carnival of the Bull) — early February, a range of festivities involving young bulls, fancy dress and parades, in nearby Ciudad Rodrigo, around 89 km / 55 miles from Salamanca.
• Carnaval — early February, the popular Salamanca Carnival consisting of numerous parades and festivities in various regions of the city, together with concerts, dancing and plenty of evening entertainment.
• Las Calendas — early February, annual celebrations held in nearby Ciudad Rodrigo.
• Fiestas de San Juan — early February, with a varied program of events in and around Salamanca, including performances by magicians and general street entertainers, culminating in a fireworks display and evening bonfires.
• Muestra Nacional de Jazz (National Jazz Festival) — mid-February / early March, an impressive and extremely popular jazz event with concerts taking place all over the city. It features many international jazz musicians and attracts large crowds of visitors.

Schools in Salamanca
Mester
Founded in 1991 and located in the center of Salamanca, Mester’s mission is to develop students’ communicative and intercultural competency in Spanish so that they can express themselves in any Spanish-speaking country. Most of the students come to the school via recommendation from their Spanish teacher or from former students. Their enthusiasm and satisfaction is the best image of the school.

At Mester, education does not finish in class. The school organizes activities which offer the opportunity to see different aspects of Spanish life, such as visits to historic monuments, weekend excursions, salsa or guitar classes, and tapas tours. Staff are trained to help students find the most suitable program depending on academic, professional, or personal needs and objectives.

Tía Tula Colegio de Español
Tía Tula is a lovely Spanish school in the historical university center of Salamanca and accredited by the Instituto Cervantes as a centre of high-quality Spanish teaching.

Just like Salamanca — the city which is always referred to when talking about Spanish teaching throughout the world — Tía Tula combines its classical framework and facilities with the modernity of its people and their methods. Inside there are pretty and comfortable classrooms with views of the city monuments. Tía Tula also has excellent teaching staff with high qualifications and lots of experience and an amazing administrative team.

More people speak German as their mother tongue than any other language in Europe. Germany alone has 83 million inhabitants and German is also an official language of Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein. And, it is the native language of a significant portion of the population in northern Italy, eastern Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, eastern France, parts of Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia, and Romania, as well as in other parts of Europe.

Many people also learn German as a second language. It is the third most popular foreign language taught worldwide and the second most popular in Europe and Japan, after English.

Knowledge of German can greatly improve employment opportunities — Germany has the largest economy in the European Union and the fourth largest in the world. From cars to machinery and industrial equipment, from pharmaceuticals to household goods, German businesses earn a third of their income through export, and a quarter of all jobs depend on exports. The competitiveness and desirability of German products are evidenced by the country’s substantial trade surplus, which continues to grow every year.
However, there is much more to German than economics — it is still a leading language of science, literature, art, philosophy, and history. Probably as a result of these expertises, Germany is also probably the world-leader in environmentalism, which looks set to offer some of the most exciting careers in the next few decades.

This is a land of Bach and Mendelssohn, Wagner and Goethe, Robert Schumann and Johann Böttger. This is also the land and its people who played a huge role in bringing about the fall of Communism, when tens of thousands of people took to the streets to protest in Leipzig. A unique cultural landscape exists in the very heart of Europe. East and West meet here.

Germany boasts 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The 12-mile Elbe river valley snakes from the southeast to the northwest fringes of Dresden, encompassing a rich ensemble of ornate royal residences, historic architectural monuments as well as swaths of natural reserves and riverscapes.

On the other hand, Germany is renowned for its urban chic, and its modern take on design and architecture has had a worldwide influence. It truly is a country of many contrasts.

Selection of German immersion opportunities

did deutsch-institut
With centers in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and other German cities, did deutsch-institut has been teaching German as a foreign language for more than 40 years, and is one of the largest (more than 5,000 students per year) providers of German immersion programs. The institute is officially acknowledged by the German Language Society and a member of EAQUALS (European Association of Quality Language Schools). ddi prides itself on giving excellent advice not only during the language course, but also before arrival; their service team makes sure students find the course and location that best fit their goals.

Goethe-Institut, Dresden
The Semper Opera House, the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), baroque architecture, and the world famous art collections — these are all features that come to mind when one thinks of the “Florence of the Elbe,” Saxony’s capital, Dresden.

About twenty minutes from the historical old part of Dresden is another interesting meeting point for travelers from all over the world: the Goethe-Institut. Located in Neustadt, Dresden’s youngest and liveliest quarter, which is mostly inhabited by students, artists, and young families, the Goethe-Institut offers German-language courses for all ages and all purposes. Whether one wants to prepare for studying at a German university, refresh German for professional reasons, or enjoy studying a language together with new international friends in a rich cultural setting, the Goethe-Institut offers options including intensive courses of two or four weeks, individual instruction or company courses, German for school classes, and seasonal courses with a special focus on culture. If needed, living accommodations can be arranged. In the afternoons as well as on Saturdays, students can practice their German by participating in one of the numerous free-time activities. The Goethe-Institut Dresden also offers monthly language examinations at all EU Council reference levels.

International Projects Youth Summer Program
International Projects offers summer courses in Oberwesel, at a camp is situated in a region of outstanding natural beauty, where young students (10-15 years old) have the opportunity to improve their German and meet students from Germany, Spain and other countries on the banks of the Rhine. The international team hosts students at the historic castle of Schönburg, situated just a 15 minutes walk away from the town center on a hilltop overlooking the River Rhine and the town of Oberwesel.

The lessons take place in the traditional classrooms in the castle. The IP Ocean Lounge is also situated in the castle and offers the possibility, to relax, meet friends and listen to music.

The IP Fruit ‘n’ Fit Corner offers water, tea and fruit all day long. Sports on offer include table tennis, swimming, soccer, basketball and volleyball. Students can also express their creativity by joining one of the workshops like dancing, theater, arts and crafts, or health and beauty.

ASTUR
Specializing in youth travel, ASTUR has been organizing language stays and class tours in Germany for 25 years.
ASTUR works with more than 3,000 host families all over Germany to offer a vast array of choices — from Academic Year up to International Summer Camps and Courses, One-to-One-Stays and Immersions.

The International Summer Camps for 9-16 year-old students take place in a residence with full-board accommodation. With 24 hours supervision a day students combine interactive lessons held by native speaking teachers with an interesting activity program, which is organizing by the international team. The German and international students learn together up to four different languages (German, English, French or Spanish) in an international atmosphere.

In addition to the residence accommodation, ASTUR offers International Summer Courses for students, ages 12-22. Accommodations in host families allow international students to learn more about Germany, the language, and the culture.

Colombia
Colombia’s position as the gateway to South America and the Amazon has shaped its history, making it one of the most diverse and culturally rich countries in which to study. The combination of its indigenous peoples and its colonial heritage give it
a unique flavor.

From its beaches to the Amazon to its vibrant, modern cities, Colombia suits all tastes, and it has become much safer recently.
The country has been experiencing recent positive economic growth and stability and has worked hard to re-establish itself as a leader in the South American tourism market.

As for language, its is often said that the Spanish spoken in Colombia is one of the clearest and most standard in the world. Of course, that’s a subjective opinion but who’s to argue?

EAFIT University
Having daily intensive Spanish Lessons in a vibrant university campus, surrounded by the friendliest of people and living with a local host family in Colombia offers a once in a lifetime experience where students can practice their Spanish, increase their command of the language and really get to know the Latin American culture.

The Spanish program at Eafit University in Medellin offers:
• A program with an international accreditation granted by the Instituto Cervantes from Spain in recognition to its worldwide quality.
• Daily intensive Spanish lessons with highly qualified and experienced native professors.
• Accommodation with local host families, if required.
• A conversation partner to practice language at a more colloquial level, plus the chance to make great friends.
• Implementing classes with local and regional tourism. You have the chance to have activities around the idea of getting to really know the culture and flavor of Latin America in one of the most exciting cities in the region.

Spanish World Institute
Spanish World Institute is situated in Chapinero Alto, a beautiful residential part of Bogotá, near to tourist, cultural and business areas. The school is close to homestay accommodation, recreation facilities and numerous shops and restaurants.It is also easily accessible by bus from any part of the capital. The school has classrooms that are pleasant and properly equipped with video facilities, computer room, library and wireless.

The school program is based on the needs of learners. Teachers plan classes according to the levels and the students weaknesses to support their language skills constantly. During the sixty minute class periods pupils are exposed to real Spanish through different reading, writing, listening, oral activities and visits which enhance their knowledge in the programs: general Spanish, business Spanish, Spanish and Colombian culture, Spanish and salsa.”

Universidad del Norte
All regions of Colombia have their unique appeal, but sunny beaches and Caribbean folklore make the Atlantic Coast region a popular destination. Barranquilla, located near the mouth of the Magdalena River, is the largest city in this region and has become an important commercial, industrial and education center.

Universidad del Norte is a fully accredited university with high quality undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs that encourages scholarly research and creativity providing a unique learning environment in a modern wireless campus with all the resources and labs required to pursue interests in every field.

The University’s Spanish Program for International Students offers foreign students the opportunity to learn Spanish in academic surroundings, familiarizing students with the Latin American culture in order to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity and development of an intercultural conscience.

Taking up most of the southern half of South America, Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world and has a diverse array of landscapes from glaciers and deserts to waterfalls and vinyards.

Home of the sultry tango, Argentina is characterized by its love of soccer and polo, friendly locals, a passionate culture, mouthwatering food, the gaucho lifestyle, and its European style. The country is also renowned for its vast diversity of climates and landscapes, ranging from the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier, which is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that are not retreating, to the Pampas — the vast fertile plains which feed most of the country’s 36 million inhabitants with plenty spare for export. And Argentinians make the most of this landscape by inventing endless activities to complement it.

Each city has something different to offer: a cosmopolitan and urban life in Buenos Aires, natural landscapes and university life in Cordoba, extreme and outdoor sports in Mendoza, snowy mountains and blue lakes in Bariloche, and natural glaciers and woods in the farthest Ushuaia.

Argentina is an excellent destination for Spanish language learners looking for a cultural experience they will never forget.

As for the language, Spanish learned in Argentina will be understood worldwide, however, there are a few subtle differences. According to Professor Monica del Milagro Plaza, the director of Bien Argentino, Instituto de Idioma y Cultura Argentina, “All of the varieties of Spanish are correct Spanish. Since Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, regional particularities are to be expected. If you learn all your Spanish in one place (Argentina, Ecuador, Spain, etc.), you will understand Spanish speakers all around the world. However, the [Argentine] differences are lexical. For example, [Argentines] use voseo instead of tu and they use only one “s” sound, as in “song,” for words with s/z/c.”

Buenos Aires
Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, is a South American city with European flair, offering a range of cosmopolitan cuisines and a riveting nightlife. One cannot escape dancing in the birthplace of the passionate tango, where tango houses or “milongas” litter the city.

Home to more than three million people, Buenos Aires is located on the southeastern coast of the continent. Bordered by the Rio de la Plata and the Riachuelo, the city’s inhabitants are frequently called “portenos,” emphasizing the city’s role as a major port.

The Instituto de Español Rayuela is located in the heart of San Telmo, one of the oldest and most beautiful areas of Buenos Aires. Rayuela (Hopscotch) is a tribute to Julio Cortázar’s world-famous novel, and is a reminder that teaching and learning a language should always be an enjoyable game of communication.

The school offers intensive and semi-intensive courses for small groups, fully customized individual and shared-individual lessons, Spanish classes online, and preparation courses for the CELU, the Spanish Proficiency Examination of Argentina.

Eh! Spanish
The ethos of the school is that the communicative method has many advantages when learning a language. In addition, it is important to understand each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and the reason why they decided to learn Spanish. Spanish teachers must be aware of the teaching method that is necessary for each student. For example, an English speaker will experience a new concept on how to use verbs, and understand the difference between ser and estar (in English there is just one concept: to be). However, this issue does not present the same problem for a Brazilian.

Therefore, it is imperative to have different types of books, audio and text. It is conducive to teach without being committed to a single teaching method. The school administers creative learning techniques that can enhance the ability to learn Spanish and generates ad hoc material to supplement what is lacking in some Spanish books.

Eh! Spanish teaches Rioplatense, which is the Spanish spoken in Buenos Aires on the principle that language authenticity is important. In conclusion, each class is focused in a real life communication setting, with vocabulary, and the distinctive accent that the student will find in the exquisite streets of the magnificent city of Buenos Aires.

ONEonONE ARGENTINA was founded in 1994 to provide personalized language services to students from all over the world. Situated in the area of Recoleta/Downtown., the school is an active member of SEA (Language Centers Association) and CTPCBA (Argentinean Translators Assn.).

They specialize in “one to one” and “small group” classes (4 people max.) according to the students´ needs and schedules. Thus, students can join 7-level-Programes, take tailor-made courses, take Spanish for Business, take a workshop on Literature/History or a DELE” preparation course and come back home with an International Certificate.

Classes are held all year round, starting everyday, within a comfortable range from 9am thru 9pm. Also, they offer activities such as Tango classes/show, Salsa, biking, football, among others and help students coordinate their trip: transfer in-out the airport, accommodation and trips around Argentina.

LV Studio is located in the hip neighborhood of Palermo Soho, specializing in teaching Spanish to foreigners through the communicative method. They offer courses of all levels, ranging from Survival Spanish for beginners, to literature and film courses for more advanced students, as well as courses in DELE exam preparation, tutoring for University students, and their popular weekly conversation class, which is freely open to everyone.

Outside of the classroom, they have programs like Spanish Immersion trips to places like Iguazu Falls and the Cordoba mountains, and weekly social events where they encourage students to practice their Spanish with students from the English department, and experience the Argentine culture.

BA Spanish
Located just two blocks from the National Congress, near all the means of transport and the main touristic points in Buenos Aires, BA Spanish offers a friendly and dynamic atmosphere. The personalized attention and the satisfaction to individual needs of each student are their main priorities.

All staff have an impeccable academic performance and several years experience teaching foreign students.
Centro de Lenguas Buenos Aires, located in the Palermo neighborhood, specializes in Spanish courses for all needs. They mix students according to language learning principles: they never have someone with a mother tongue of Latin origin with someone coming from the Saxon/Asian group. They prefer to have smaller groups or one-to-one lessons so that learning becomes efficient and students feel happy and relaxed during their language experience and go back home with an excellent level of Spanish and become acquainted with local culture and customs.

There are as many reasons to learn Spanish as there are places to learn it:
Spanish is spoken by at least an estimated 350 million people around the world and is currently the 4th most commonly spoken language worldwide. Geographically, a large number of countries speak Spanish: Spain, the U.S., Mexico, the Philippines, Colombia, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Peru, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Knowing Spanish opens the door for you to communicate with 1/3 of a billion speakers worldwide.

If you live in the U.S., it is possible to maintain almost daily contact with native Spanish speakers in many cities or even in rural areas. This is certainly the case in the many states bordering Mexico, or such states as Florida and New York where there are many immigrants of Cuban heritage. Even if your home state is not located in one of these areas, there is still a great likelihood of finding Spanish-speakers close to where you live, which is perhaps why over half of all students learning languages in U.S. colleges and universities choose Spanish over other languages.

Internationally, people who speak Spanish often have opportunities to work in trade or business fields. Other options include diplomacy, interpretation, and security applications, which all require a sensitivity to and proficiency in another language. Furthermore bilingual employees often receive a larger salary than their non-Spanish speaking counterparts.

Places to Learn Spanish

Spain

Fundación San Millan
The Monasteries of Suso and Yuso in San Millán de la Cogolla, a UNESCO world Heritage Site, owe their international fame to the fact that they form the cradle of the Spanish language.

To continue the historic task of spreading knowledge of the language, a modern language center, Centro de Investigación (Cilengua) has been created so that nationally and internationally acclaimed scholars can develop various projects related to the Spanish language.

The Center also offers well-designed Spanish language and culture programs combined with an attractive tourist program, covering gastronomy, history, culture and a the incomparable, world-famous vineyards of La Rioja.

Universidad de Granada
The Centro de Lenguas Modernas is part of the prestigious University of Granada in southern Spain. It offers Spanish Language and Culture Courses throughout the year taught by highly qualified professionals in a unique setting, halfway between snow-capped mountains and subtropical beaches. Here foreign students enjoy a singular multicultural and multilingual atmosphere, sharing their daily lives with Spanish students learning other languages, thus stimulating a mutual interest in their different languages and cultures. Granada’s vitality and riveting history are reflected in its 70,000 university students and the spectacular Alhambra Palace declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1984.”

Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (Madrid, Spain) forms part of a private, non-profit Foundation. Fully accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Local Madrid Government, UFV offers 19 undergraduate degrees in eight academic areas. As a Catholic institution, the university distinguishes itself by offering individualized attention to students, its dedication to social awareness through service learning and core curriculum courses in the humanities and leadership. Semester study abroad programs combine Spanish language study with classes on offer in the regular academic offer. UFV’s four-week Intensive Spanish Language and Culture Course and the Hispanic Studies for Heritage Learners Program are other dynamic programs regularly offered.

The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid offers semester, intensive and yearlong intensive Spanish courses for all international students who wish to learn to learn or improve their knowledge of Spanish during their stay at the university.

All courses are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and are characterized by the student being at the center of the learning process; highly-qualified teaching staff; a variety of methods to respond to diversity in the classroom; small-group learning; and guided self-learning outside the classroom.

Universidad de Salamanca
Each year, thousands of students come to Salamanca to learn Spanish, turning this city into a point of reference as far as language tourism is concerned.

Salamanca is a vibrant, friendly, dynamic, safe and well-looked after city. The prestige and tradition of its university, one of the oldest in Europe, along with its accredited teaching centers make it the perfect destination to learn Spanish. It’s no coincidence therefore that the University of Salamanca is in charge of the DELE certification, an examination that is sat in over 50 countries and issued by the Spanish Ministry for Education.

Cursos Internacionales de la Universidad de Salamanca offers language and culture courses year-round at all levels with different cultural content so students can customize programs to meet their needs.

As well as general and group courses, there are programs for teachers (Másteres en Lengua y Cultura Españolas y en la Enseñanza del Español como Lengua Extranjera).

Burgos University
Ten reasons to study Spanish at the University of Burgos
1. To enjoy the familiar atmosphere of a Spanish University.
2. A safe, green city with good communications brimming art and tradition
3. Qualified and dynamic teaching staff.
4. Individual attention and tutors.
5. Great variety of workshops, cultural visits and activities.
6. Modern facilities with Wi-Fi areas, computer rooms, library and sports.
7. Possibility to prepare for the DELE exams of the Instituto Cervantes
8. Combine learning Spanish with taking graduate courses at University
9. Special programs for groups
10. Accommodation with families, University Dorms or shared flats

Santiago de Compostela University
International Courses at USC has organized, for more than sixty years, Spanish language courses for students wishing to learn and perfect the language, while experiencing the Spanish culture. Courses take place all year round and students can choose the one that suits best and even join in the Road to Santiago Course, combining a multi-angle approach to the study of the Road to Santiago and the improvement of Spanish language skills while experiencing the magic of the centuries-old pilgrimage.

Fundacion Comillas
Fundacion Comillas is internationally renowned in the teaching, research and dissemination of the Spanish Language and its Culture. Associated to the University of Cantabria, its prestige is strengthened by its sponsors.
The Comillas Foundation offers a unique opportunity to learn Spanish and to enjoy Spanish culture in an exceptional, different and privileged setting:
• Classrooms in an impressive modernist 19th century building
• Area of undeniable beauty bathed by the Cantabrian Sea and surrounded by the impressive Picos de Europa.

1st class teaching:
• University Degree and Postgraduate studies
• Spanish courses for Teachers, students and professionals.

Universidad Nebrija
Universidad Nebrija is a prestigious private university, known as a modern and innovative institution. Its international approach creates a stimulating and friendly atmosphere in an ideal location in Madrid. With three decades of experience in teaching and research of Spanish as a Foreign Language, Nebrija offers its students a unique way to learn Spanish. Students may choose between the Hispanic Studies Program with Language, Conversation, Culture and Literature and the Spanish Plus Program, combining Spanish courses and others taught in English in different areas: Business, History, Art and European Studies. Spanish language and culture courses are offered at all levels.

Idiomas Católica — PUCP Spanish Program
The Spanish program is open all year long. Every month, two-hour courses are available to students at different levels: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced.

In each of these interactive courses, the student is exposed to the use of practical, effective, real-life language and to the Spanish speaking culture. Sympathetic staff help students acquire the necessary structures and contents of grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, language functions to make them fully competent in the spoken language.

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
The Rey Juan Carlos University, created in 1996, is the most modern of all the public universities in Madrid. It has four campuses, located in Móstoles, Alcorcón, Fuenlabrada and Vicálvaro. This university currently has an enrolment 30,000 students

The Rey Juan Carlos University offers a large variety of official and special degrees, Masters and continuing education programs in Spanish and (seven degrees in English).

This university specializes in Health Sciences, Communication Sciences, Telecommunication Engineering, Tourism, and Social and Legal Sciences.

This university participates in Mobility Programs for Students and the University Language Centre teaches French, German, Italian, Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish.

University of Deusto | International Spanish Center (CIDE)
The International Spanish Center, located in Bilbao, organizes academic year, semester and summer programs specially designed for international students in the areas of Spanish language, culture, international relations and business. Programs include a large variety of services such as cultural visits, academic and personal advising, housing reservations, medical insurance, and internships.

Costa Rica

CPI Spanish Immersion School
CPI Spanish Immersion School has been offering quality Spanish immersion courses since 1991 at the best locations in Costa Rica: Heredia Central Valley, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Flamingo Beach. Students may divide their time between three distinct campuses without sacrificing quality or continuity. A variety of programs, each with small class size, have been designed for all ages and all levels. The arrangement of accommodations (homestays, apartments and student residencies), the availability of academic university credits, along with bilingual staff providing personalized service to students through the organization of volunteer programs and excursions makes CPI one of the best study abroad options in Costa Rica.

CPI has designed a variety of professional seminars, of which one of the most popular is the workshop for teachers of Spanish as a foreign language. Seminar participants are taught various techniques created, developed, and successfully applied during many years of experience as an institution that specializes in Spanish as a second language. The teachers who participate in this seminar leave prepared to step into the classroom with various instructional techniques that can easily be modified to meet the needs of any type of student.

Another important service at CPI is the Groups Division which has been custom creating itineraries and hosting groups of up to 70 students for over 10 years. Groups range from primary school children to senior citizens, and they host several high school and university groups, most of which return on an annual basis.

Argentina

Intercultural Institute
Intercultural Institute in Mendoza and San Juan in west-central Argentina is an excellent option for those who want to study in a safe, friendly city which is not only one of the world’s wine capitals but also a center for adventure tourism. Intercultural has focused on specific Spanish courses and culture, with a set of thematic modules that can respond to special needs for groups that perform major or minor in Spanish. All courses have the possibility to earn credits for universities. It also places internships in tourism, industry, wine, marketing and international trade.

Mexico

Teacher’s Summer Language Academy
Teacher’s Summer Language Academy Mexico provides accredited immersion opportunities for teachers including leveled Spanish learning, with a curriculum developed especially for classrooms. Teachers gain perspective on Mexican society and culture through fun, interesting excursions. Friendly, secure host homes model authentic Mexican home life providing conversational opportunities, treating teachers like visiting distant cousins, and engaging them in domestic activities. Small class size ensures a very personalized experience.

Colombia

Universidad del Norte
Located in Barranquilla, a city centered between Colombia’s oldest cities Santa Marta and Cartagena, beautiful colonial sites enriched with Spanish traditions, history and attractive beaches, Universidad del Norte offers the opportunity to learn about the language, history and traditions of the Caribbean region of Colombia.

The program enhances the development of linguistic and grammatical aspects of Spanish and the familiarization of the most relevant aspects of the Caribbean culture while enjoying the company of a Uninorte student.

Students can also volunteer in areas such as teaching a second language to children and adults in vulnerable areas or to help these communities how to take care of their environment.

The Spanish Program for International Students has been offered for more than 10 years. Students from countries such as Germany, U.S., England, West Indies, Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands have participated in the courses. The Program offers multidisciplinary courses with a variety of social and cultural activities. Some activities include visits to museums, art exhibits, and trips to historic places in Barranquilla, Cartagena and Santa Marta. The Program is structured in different levels to enhance the acquisition of linguistic and grammatical aspects of Spanish and the familiarization of the most relevant aspects of Colombia. In addition, students have the opportunity to practice their speaking skills with a native Spanish-speaking student (tutor) of the University while learning more about the regional Caribbean culture.

Chile

Tandem Santiago
Escuela de idiomas Violeta Parra — Tandem Santiago was founded in 1992 and has been certificated by the international TANDEM network since 1996. Its courses are certified by Universidad Bolivariana for university credits. Since 2008, it has been a recognized DELE examination center of the Cervantes Institute in Spain. We offer full immersion language courses in small groups and private classes, DELE preparation courses, commercial Spanish classes, and legal Spanish. We arrange accommodations with families, in student residences or in hotels. Our Spanish language school is situated in a beautiful old mansion, built in the beginning of the 20th century, in Providencia — the modern Santiago — near popular parks, and little restaurants. We have 10 comfortable classrooms all naturally lit, a nice garden, a coffee lounge with free internet access and WIFI for our students. We are just a few minutes away from Underground station Salvador at the entrance of the famous “Barrio Bellavista.” This neighbourhood is a magnet for students, artists and craftsmen. Our activity program includes Tandem interchanges with Chilean students, visits of museums, wineries, salsa classes, and weekend daytrips to the Andes mountains, the central coast and the surroundings of Santiago.

don Quijote
For more than 21 years, don Quijote language schools have watched their students gain confidence and ability as they apply their new language skills to practical situations. Students learn Spanish as they learned their native language — through practice and continuous communication. don Quijote has schools located all over Spain and Latin America with classes starting every Monday, with maximum eight students per class and excellent course offering with intensive and super intensive Spanish classes, cultural lessons, and teacher training courses.
Accommodations are located in premium areas with the possibility to choose a shared flat, student residence or a home stays.

Multinational Schools

ENFOREX
Enforex Spanish language schools offer small class sizes. Courses start every Monday even for absolute beginners, all year round, covering six levels of Spanish in 24 schools in Spain and Latin America.
Students can choose between a variety of accommodation options, the majority less than 20-30 minutes from the school by foot or public transportation: host families, shared apartment and student residence. Enforex offers programs for all ages with up to date methodologies and utilizes the most effective and proven pedagogical techniques.

A new survey by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the Forum on Education Abroad has found that study abroad by U.S. college students was on the rise in 2009/10, after experiencing a slight downturn the previous year. After reporting decades of steady growth, reaching a high of 262,416 students studying abroad on official programs in 2007/08, IIE’s Open Doors report showed that study abroad by U.S. students had decreased by just less than one percent for the 2008/09 academic year, when 260,327 students studied abroad for academic credit at their home institution.

To get an early indication of current study abroad enrollments, IIE and The Forum joined together to ask campus administrators about study abroad trends this past academic year for their students. The online survey conducted in October 2010 included questions about increases or declines in the numbers of students studying abroad, changes in student choices, changes in campus study abroad budgets and staffing, and steps taken by campuses to increase study abroad. Educators at 238 campuses responded, including 169 campuses that each send over 100 students abroad annually.

More than half of the campuses (55%) indicated that there had been an increase in the number of their students studying abroad in 2009/10, compared to 32 percent who indicated they had seen a decline. This response suggests that study abroad enrollments are rebounding, when compared with findings of a similar survey conducted last year, the Forum on Education Abroad’s Survey on the Impact of the Global Economic Crisis on Education Abroad (September 2009). In that Fall 2009 survey, only 39 percent of respondents indicated an increase in study abroad during academic year 2008/09, and 59 percent of respondents indicated an enrollment decline. In the Fall 2010 survey, many campuses said they were taking steps such as forming new international partnerships to enable more students to have overseas experiences, and that they were not seeing as many cuts to their study abroad budgets and staffing as they had in 2008/09, immediately following the economic crisis of 2007.

Study abroad to China continues to increase in popularity, as well as study abroad in other non-traditional destinations, such as the Middle East and Africa. Compared to the previous year, 54 percent of respondents reported increases in study abroad to China in 2009/10, half reported increases in study abroad to other Asian destinations, and 41 percent reported increases in study abroad to the Middle East and North Africa. This is consistent with the trend in recent years for more students to study in countries beyond the traditional study abroad destinations in Western Europe, and indicates that this trend is likely to continue.

Allan E. Goodman, president and CEO of the Institute of International Education, said, “International experience provides key skills needed by American graduates to succeed in the global workforce. From this survey, it is clear that U.S. students continue to be deeply interested in studying abroad, and that students and campuses are working together to find ways to enable them to take part in these important opportunities. As educators our challenge remains one of making international a part of what it means to become educated.”

Brian Whalen, president and CEO of the Forum on Education Abroad, commented, “Education abroad can serve as an essential component of a student’s global education and I am very pleased to see that participation is rebounding this year. U.S. campuses, provider organizations and overseas partner institutions have made this possible by working together during these challenging economic times to make education abroad accessible for more students.”

Campuses reported that students were making some changes in the types of study abroad programs they enrolled in due to the economic downturn. Students are increasingly choosing shorter programs (46%), less expensive programs (45%) and programs in which their financial aid can be used (43%), as well as programs going to less expensive world regions (33%).

Campuses also indicated that they had taken steps to strengthen study abroad participation in the past year. Many institutions reported having developed new partnerships with either foreign or domestic institutions (29%) and programs (17%). Some institutions also hired more staff or devoted more staff time to study abroad programs (18%) and spent additional funds on marketing and promotion of study abroad programs (14%). Nine percent reported taking other steps such as increasing the number of study abroad scholarships available and increasing program offerings, including adding lower cost or shorter programs.
The full survey report is available on the Open Doors website at www.iie.org.