Immersion Abroad
Antigüena Spanish Academy, Antigua, Guatemala
from the website: "We at the Spanish School Antigüeña provide the best Spanish language teaching since 1985. We have been highly recommended by some of the best travel guides and a lot of satisfied students from all over the world. We are authorized by the Ministry of Education and INGUAT (National Institute of Tourism of Guatemala). All of our teachers and homestay families, as well as the school’s director and owner are 100% Guatemalan to ensure complete immersion experience when learning Spanish here in Antigua Guatemala. https://www.spanishacademyantiguena.com/.
My friends and I spent a week studying at the Antigüena Spanish Academy for five hours a day (each with a private instructor). My language skills improved immensely, and the city and people of Antigua were amazing. Classes are held outside in a park. A few of their instructors weren't flexible enough with their lesson plans, and couldn't adjust up to my friends' levels. That being said, we all felt our language skills increased at the end of the week.
Recommendation: Five hours a day is a lot. Four would have been perfect.
Mérida, México
The city of Mérida on the Yucatan Peninsula is a fabulous place to visit and study the Spanish language. The city is a 30-minute drive from Mérida International Airport. You can walk everywhere, the locals are friendly, and the weather is nearly perfect year-round. It is also incredibly safe and more affordable than many other coastal destinations. The city offers a rich history and vibrant culture, creating an immersive environment for language practice. There are several schools and immersion programs to choose from.
My friends and I booked an Airbnb a few blocks from El Museo Regional de Antrolopología and stayed for a week. It was fabulous. We will go back.
