nonstop

what is the best Spanish School in Guatemala? I am considering Angtigua for a school in Feb and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for that city. Also am condering Costa Rica but I understand Guatemala has some great schools. thanks

shillmac

nonstop:
I've always heard that Guatemala school are less expensive, and no doubt this is true. I can certainly vouch for CPI in Costa Rica, however. They have campuses in 3 different parts of the country which is a nice bonus--beach, cloudforest, and central valley. If you are still considering Costa Rica, check it out!

Last year, while in school there, I met a lady from England on a tour I went on. She had traveled around the world and stated that she had heard good things about Chilean schools and was considering studying there this year. There are so many interesting options.

weber6560

I can highly recommend the school San Juan El Viejo in Antigua. Have been twice and will go again. Great people and they have good families to stay with. Let me know if you want more.

nonstop

Weber6560-
Yes, I looked at the web site. Looks like a great place. Did you do a homestay? How long did you study there? What did you think about the 1 on 1 instruction. Did you find that to be quite intense? What time of year were you there?

Shillmac-did you do the Heredia Campus or a different one. Same questions to you as to weber 6560

thanks for the feedback

weber6560

I studied there twice, a month each time. Did homestays both times. I really think that is a very important part of the experience.
I thought the one on one instruction was super. I progressed much faster under it than I have in small group sessions I have taken in Spain. At least twice as fast and more more. It keeps you on your toes though. At the end of the day your mind is tired. I'd start with the half day plan and see how it goes. You can add more hours while you are there if you like.
I was there in March and July. Both were good. The temperatures are about the same but there is a bit more rain in the summer months. I really enjoyed March as it was a break from the winter at home. One unique thing about this school. Unlike other schools which are located in "normal" buildings, San Jose really has what amounts to a "campus". Altho right in town, it is located in the family "compound" of the owner, Jorge Guzman. There must be 5-6 acres including Jorge's home, gardens, student casitas, the school, tennis court, and the ruins of the old San Jose church. It's a beautiful place.

shillmac

I studied for 3 weeks last summer, 2 weeks at Heredia (homestay) and 1 week at Flamingo (B&B). My daughter studied for 8 weeks this summer. 3 in Flamingo and 5 in Heredia.

I chose the 5.5 hour super intensive program last summer with 4 hours in the morning (in a class with 1 instructor, 4 students). In the afternoon I studied one on one for 1.5 hr. VERY few students did this. Most did the 4 hour program (as did my daughter) and then took off for the afternoon on tours, etc. Yes, I found it to be quite intense and would not do it again. By noon, my brain was fried from effort and I was exhausted. It was difficult to return for one on one in the afternoon! This option is available only on the Heredia campus, I believe.

The homestay, for us, was a wonderful experience. We our lifelong friends with that family now (both of us stayed there), and visit them whenever we are in the country as well as phone occasionally. Although the classwork was good and helpful, of course, the experience in the home is very important.

I studied during July, my daughter during June and July. Great experience! Flamingo campus is very nice, but hot! In Heredia, the weather is wonderfully refreshing--warm without oppressive heat. Rain wasn't a problem. It just rained a little a few evenings and during the night a couple of times.

shillmac

Excuse me. . .I do know the difference between "are" and "our". . . .

I want to add, also, that the small group situation in the mornings at CPI was a big bonus. The four of us bonded rather quickly (two 20 somethings--college students, and two older gals--teachers). We still stay in touch more than a year later.

nonstop

thanks for all of the information. I finally decided on CR at the Intercultura in Hererdia. I am going to do the 4 hours of group and then 2 hours in the p.m. 1 on 1. I know it is intense but with only a week I have to make the best use of my time. It doesnt leave a lot of time for excursions but I will post on the CR board and maybe someone can give me some ideas of what to do on Sunday. Thanks for the feedback.

ellen730

Where can I find information on CPI? I did a google search and had no luck.

PS I went to CR last summer for a short trip and loved it! (Many thanks to this forum for good advice.) I am planning to spend a month in the area (start in one country but move around a bit) this summer... if anyone has any LOW-budget suggestions on schools or anything else, I'd appreciate it too!

soonergrad01

Here is the link for CPI.

http://www.cpi-edu.com/index.html

I went to the Heredia campus for 3 weeks and loved every minute. Highly recommended!