Studying spanish in boquete, Panama
 

Out of 3 weeks of spanish classes would you recommend Boquete? and if so, would you recommend splitting the time between Boquet and Panama City? I love both culture/museum and outdoor.
Many thanks,

I have great recommendations for you if you're interested in Guatemala or Honduras - I keep going back over and over and haven't made it to Panama yet.

That said, I've been researching for a group language trip for the summer of 2010 and have been in contact with 2 schools in Boquete, Habla Ya and Spanish by the River. They both have strong followings - I've been contacting previous students and the reports have been good. Habla Ya is right in Boquete in a new stucco and tile building in a small "mall". Spanish by the River is in Boquete Alto, a few miles out fo town, a smaller school with more of a garden setting. Both schools have homestay options (highly recommended) and activity and volunteer opportunities.

Three weeks is a long time to spend in one place. I'm not a city person and am not tempted to study in PC. Spanish by the River has a Bocas del Toro option, though home stays aren't offered and English is widely spoken there.

Hope that helps. If you can't find the websites by googling let me know and I'll post them this evening. Happy trails!

PS You don't say when you're going but PC would be HOT many times of the year and Boquete is springlike year round.

Thank you so much for your kind reply. I have been to Guatamala/Antigua and it was amazing one on one experience. Since I have three weeks before my husband joins me, I didn not know which way to divide my time. It sounds that 2 weeks in Boquete would be advisable and the third week is still in question. It is my first time in Panama and I could use all the help.

I think if I lived in Boquete, I'd take Spanish lessons there, but I don't know that I'd go to Boquete to learn Spanish. There are a lot of ex-pats living in Boquete, which might not be so conducive to actually using your Spanish. That might be a consideration. Boquete is lovely though.

My sons and I recently did 2 weeks of Spanish School at Habla Ya in Boquete and then a third week traveling closer to Panama City. We chose Habla Ya because we wanted to stay in a small town (rather than a city) to study Spanish, and I wanted a school that provided classes for kids. Boquete had great weather (in March and April) and was very easy to get around (walking or taxis, buses). We stayed with a host family (recommended) about 2.5 km from the school. Boquete also has a lot of outdoor adventure opportunities. We did the zip line, rock climbing, and a trip to the hot springs. Didn't do much hiking, but will when we return. There are a lot of ex-pats living in Boquete, but plenty of opportunity to mix and speak with the locals and other students.

My husband met us for the 3rd week, and we traveled to Las Olas (small resort on the beach near David), and met up with friends to stay in Colon Province (to see Isla Galeta and San Lorenzo and chill at Sierra Llorona EcoLodge), spent last night in Panama City.

Bocas looks cool. So does Coiba.

Susan - I'd (we'd) love to hear more details about the rest of your trip. :D

I studied 4 weeks at Habla Ya and have never had so much fun while learning. The staff are professional and helpful...can't compliment them enough. I was there from the end of Feb. until 4/8/09. The people in the town are so friendly and love to help those who try to speak their language. If you are still planning your trip, let me know & I'll share all I can with you...more about Habla Ya, places to stay in Panama, restaurants, etc.

I can't speak for the OP but I'm still planning my trip for the summer of 2010. I know it's a ways off but I'll be heading down with a group in tow so I have to have all my ducks in a row. Any additional information you care to provide would be greatly appreciated.