I'm looking to spend 2-3 weeks again next summer studying Spanish. I travel between mid June to mid August and want a break from the heat next time; big cities need not apply. Does anyone have a suggestion for me? Someplace friendly with culture interest would appeal. Thanks in advance for any spots you can recommend. Happy trails...

San Miguel de Allende

There is a intensive school in Lovely. Small Patzcuaro that is highly recommended. Patzcuaro is still a real Mexican city with very little gringo influence. Not a McDonald for miles! LOL

Claro que si, San Miguel de Allende, Gto., MX
M

Fast hands sb got here quickly.
Patzcuaro is really great, but the idiomas aqui are really neutral - like US Ingles in Nebraska.
I know no schools in Patzcuaro.
M

Thanks for the tips - I'll look into them. Studying Spanish in Honduras has spoiled me with 1-on-1 instruction which usually isn't available in Mexico, I'm afraid. Have any of you attended - or know folks who've attended - specific language schools? Thanks for responding! Happy trails...

Hi

A year ago, I have studied at CPI in Costa Rica at their San Joaquin des Flores and Monteverde locations. The Monteverde location is definately non-city and not hot, but it is more of a nature spot than a cultural spot. San Joaquin des Flores is just outside of Heredia, it is a small to medium town with quick access to cities and the airport and while not hot hot it is warm. CPI also has a beach location in Flamingo but that would be hot hot.

Both homestays were wonderful and the classes (groups of 3 to 4) were very good.

This past summer I studied at the Academia Latinoamerica in Quito (It is a city, but not hot). One of the weeks I went offsite with them and studied at the Bellavista Cloudforest - cool and wonderful (nature perspective again). I had individual lessons and the staff was excellent. My homestay was great and I am already planning to go back next summer.

The Academia Latinoamerica also has a branch in Cusco (Peru) which I think would be very interesting place to study; it is more a place of cultural interest than the others I have mentioned.

If you want to hear more let me know and I'll send you my e-mail address.

Mikemo I rode the bus up from Zihuatanejo with people going to language school in Patzcuaro on several occasions so yes there is at least one.

One-on-one is the norm among many here in San Miguel de Allende, Gto., MX.
M

Thanks to all for posting! I'm saving Quito and Cusco for later trips when my husband will be traveling with me - I've copied the information into a file for future use. So far I have nearly a dozen schools that appeal but haven't found one that feels perfect, yet. Happy trails...

My experience with CPI in San Joaquin de Flores, Heredia, Costa Rica, was a very positive one as well. My daughter earned a minor in Spanish through her studies there over 2 summers. I have no basis for comparison, but thought the program very well run and the owners and staff extremely helpful (out of their way helpful). My homestay was excellent to the point of having gained lifelong friends. We will be attending a granddaughter's wedding in March.
In their winter (our summer), the temps were just great. .59-60F at night, 70's in the daytime.

I also liked the Playa Flamingo location (didn't try Monteverde), but yes, it was hot. Lovely area, though. . one of the prettiest beaches in the country. Good luck with your search--so many good schools, so little time!

Shillmac - thanks for your recommendation, too. I will certainly add CPI to my list of possibilities, though it's more than twice as expensive as the places in Honduras I've loved. I've never had CR on my travel list because it lacks ruins and the indigenous presence of Guatemala and Honduras, but there's a lot to be said for friendly people and natural beauty.

Copán Ruinas and the Ixbalanque school is a tough combination to beat, but I'd like to try something new. San Cristóbal de las Casas in Chiapas, Mexico, is intriguing, though the periodic Zapatista uprisings are a little off-putting since I won't be able to switch my tickets once the decision is made. There are schools of interest in Panamá but I'm saving that till my husband is along, too.

Please keep the recommendations coming - I'm sure I'm not the only one taking notes. Happy trails...

Guatemala is a great place to study Spanish. From your last post, it seems to be on your radar - but I'm not sure if you have already been there or ruled it out for some reason. Weather wise and interest wise, I would say it meets your criteria. And the prices are reasonable. The most popular place is Antigua - which has literally hundreds of schools. I have attended 3 different schools there and found it a great experience. The only drawback is that you may find too many English speaking people around.
Another option in Guatemala that you might consider is Quetzaltenago (Xela). I can't speak from personal experience on that one, but had considered it.
http://www.xelapages.com/

And if Costa Rica has now caught your interest - for a reasonably priced, non city option check out
http://www.montanalinda.com/

raquel

Thanks, Raquel - Montaña Linda and another school in the same area, Orosi Valley, are ones I'd consider if I head to CR. A friends is at ML right now and I'm looking forward to hearing her report.

I've visited Guatemala 4 times and it's a favorite, though I've never studied Spanish there. Frankly, Xela isn't my favorite city and Antigua, though lovely, has far too many English speakers as you've noted - I need someplace I won't be tempted to fall back into English mode. I'll look into other options in Guatemala more seriously. Happy trails...

Hi Hopeful,
Now I understand.
There is a school in the Peten that sounded interesting. But as I recall it gets hot and humid in the area
http://www.ecoescuelaespanol.org/

Another place you could look at is Nicaragua.

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/pub...icaragua.shtml

raquel

Raquel - I think I'll save a return to the Petén till after I retire and can travel in the winter; I've looked into the schools there and I'm interested but it's too hot there in the summer for weeks of study.

The Nica link is great - could lead to something good. Thanks!