Video: Learning Spanish in Spain

So what is the answer?

Yes, it is worth it for many reasons including:

1. It forces you to speak and hear the language 24/7
2. Learning the grammar and vocabulary is only a small part of learning to communicate in another language.  You want to understand the culture, hear the pronunciation and see how it is used in daily life.
3. Often, removing yourself from the day-to-day grind of a typical day relaxes you and your brain is better able to soak in the aspects of a new language.
4. You might be surprised to learn just how inexpensive language immersion programs are compared to classes at home.  And if you are looking to get academic credit, then you really save.  Your college doesn't want to give you credit for your studies? Then spend an extra $100 and take a CLEP exam.

Discover AmeriSpan's many Spanish immersion options

1. Start Early
To get a successful start, we recommend leaders begin planning 6-8 months before traveling. This gives both the group leaders and AmeriSpan time to get every detail perfect. This also allows participants and parents enough time to make decisions, apply for passports, and raise money for the trip.

However, we have the capability to organize a group trip in a very short period of time as little as 3-4 weeks before you go, especially when you choose an AmeriSpan “Ready Made” group program or leading a group to participate in any of our other programs that are available to individuals such as Teenager, Language Immersion, Fun, Business & Professional, Medical Spanish, Volunteer or College Study Abroad.

2. Pick Your Dates
Try and choose dates that will fit into most people's schedule. Ask administrators, participants, and parents if there are dates that conflict with school activities, holidays, exams or other obligations that might hold back participants. If you find your dates will not work out, please inform AmeriSpan so we can help you plan for alternate dates.

3. Choose Location(s)
Location, Location, Location! This is what sells participants and parents. Make sure to choose a location that will appeal to broad spectrum of participants, but also will allow you as the leader to accomplish your trip objectives. If leading a younger group, keep in mind the safety concerns of parents as well.

4. Outline Objectives & Set Expectations
Consider what you want to accomplish on this trip and what you want participants to gain. How can these goals be achieved? Consider how classes, activities, lodging, lectures, and excursions will impact your overall purpose. Think about who will participate and make sure the objectives are achievable within their limits.

It is important that everyone involved have a clear set of realistic expectations for the program. As a leader, you must be realistic it what your participants can do in a given time. Be careful not too plan too much. Also, remember AmeriSpan has its limitations as well. We will work our best to get you what you want, but there are certain things beyond our control. Students must also understand what is expected from them. When language classes involved, students must be aware this is a serious academic program. They must attend classes on time and participate fully in classes and activities. There are more appropriate times to have fun with friends.

5. Identify Constraints
Take into consideration anything that could prevent the program from running, and running smoothly. Think of reasons why your school would not allow the program. What would hold back parents from signing up their children? Know how to quell fears and uncertainties that may come up. If there are organizational requirements, make certain they are included from the start. Also, take into account some participants and their families may have a budget.

6. Get Permission & Estimate Participation
Depending on where you work, you may need permission to organize a group travel program. Get permission before students become involved. Please let AmeriSpan know if there is any documentation that you must provide to your administration.It is important to know how many students will participate in the program. If the group is going to be large, you may want to consider additional leaders or chaperones to assist you. You may need to set a limit to the number traveling. Also, some activities are better suited for groups of different sizes. Figure out what is manageable for your group.

Check out this video from some group participants in Costa Rica:

7. Ask for a Quote
Ask AmeriSpan for a price quote (Get Quote). Be sure to include all the necessary information such as dates, location(s), lodging, age, participation, activities, and any special requests. The more AmeriSpan knows up front, the faster we will be able to prepare your quote. Keep in mind, that if your program is customized, it may take longer to complete the quote. To request a quote for your program fill out our Online Group Request Form.

8. Marketing Plan
Get the word out! Make sure as many people know about the program as possible. By creating a buzz, you will gain more interest. Hold an information session, both for participants and parents. Create marketing materials that have all the key information on them and are visually appealing. Pictures are the great way to capture interest. Use your resources wisely; display posters; put an advertisement in the school newspaper; write an article for the newsletter; hand out flyers after an event; talk at parent-teacher meetings; make constant announcements for all meetings; send emails. Make sure people have materials with all the important details such at the locations, dates, price, and deadlines.

9. Set Deadlines
Set deadlines and be firm. You will want to set the following deadlines:  Application & Deposit, Final Payment Date and the last day to cancel with a refund. Make deadline dates earlier than preferred and state that absolutely no exceptions are made. This will provide a sense of urgency to the undecided but will allow a few days of leeway for those who are late.

10. Application Materials and Payments
Be sure all interested participants have an application packet before the deadline. In order to register a group, AmeriSpan needs a completed application and required deposit for each participant. To ensure availability, it is preferred that AmeriSpan receive all applications at least 4 months prior to the program start date. It is best to send the registrations of all group participants at one time to avoid confusion. Final payment for the group is due 6-8 weeks before departure, or by regulation of the airline if AmeriSpan is arranging airfare.

AmeriSpan is here to help! We want your trip to be as successful and beneficial to you and your students as possible. If any questions arise during planning your trip or while you are studying, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Find out more information on our Group Immersion Trips. 

I am originally from Argentina even though I often don’t feel that I come from there anymore.  I will never forget my first week of class at Permian High in Odessa, Texas and then one of my classmates asked me where I was from and I said Argentina.  His reply was “Argentina in Texas??” I wasn’t really sure how to react at that point…  

After Texas I went back to Argentina for college and of course, I was the “foreigner” of the class.  I would write the date in “English” format and my notes where half in English, half in Spanish.  I was probably the only person whom nobody could borrow notes from.  Yay!! hah, hah.  Anyway, it was there where everything started “officially.”

My first job was at a small language school, where I was in charge of student services.  My main responsibility was to make sure all the students learning Spanish had a good experience, were satisfied with what they were doing and help them in logistics.  That then turned into different other shapes and forms and in the end I was in charge of the Internship and Volunteer program where I worked closely together with AmeriSpan.  Yes, AmeriSpan, the innovative US partner we had at the time (we are still partners) who would come and visit us with great ideas and innovations! 

We grew closer together as time went by, both organizations grew and they both supported each other in their expansion.  But that wasn’t enough for me, I decided as an 18 year old, I would take a break from Argentina for about 3 months and go back to the US.  You can imagine my boss’ reaction to this, but I was young and I gave him no choice.  One of the things I did was work from Philadelphia for a month at AmeriSpan.  This worked really well and brought both organizations even closer together.  We have similar views and most important of all, we both change lives.

Anyway, years went by and I was the “US eye” of the Argentina school.  Every issue went by me to make sure our US students would get their expectations met.  To top it all off, I moved to Philadelphia after college and worked for AmeriSpan for 1.5 years.  Yes, you read correctly… start everything again from the beginning: a new job, a new city, a new country, a new group of friends, a new LIFE!  Again, this was my…mmmmm… I have probably lost count but… the 9th city where I have lived.

Some of you might have spoken with me while I worked at AmeriSpan, some of you on facebook, or skype.  All in all, I continue advising students on what their best option is on traveling abroad and many times show them that traveling abroad is a MUST.  It is no longer enough to go to college and continue with your MBA… your education is not done if you haven’t traveled abroad.

Where am I now?  Guess?  I come and go between Argentina and the US. I have already made friends with officials at immigration in Cordoba since I see them so often.  I work with the chain of Argentina schools, both from Cordoba and Miami as Commercial Manager and travel all over meeting universities, partner organizations and program providers.  I have experienced a culture shock to my OWN culture once and consider myself a citizen of the world.  I talk about going to the other side of the world just like if I was going around the corner and people can no longer keep track of where I live.  

Life is short, live it fully!

See AmeriSpan's Spanish schools in Argentina

Save $200 on Argentina programs

Read about Connie's innovative boss and how he got involved in study abroad

Connie has also been active in charitable work, founding Go Give an Opportunity which assists Argentinians in paying for school books, uniforms and tuition.  To sponsor a student or make a general donation click here

So another week in Uruguay…a success, it's still cold but we are managing to have some fun!  This week Juan had another little field trip, this time to a part of Montevideo called Ciudad Vieja, the old city.  It's beautiful and pretty "old."  It is where the city began, so there's a lot of history to look at and learn about, it's beautiful!  We also saw a restaurant that George Bush ate at when he came he to visit a few years ago, I thought that was interesting, hahaha!!  

I've been a little under the weather this week so I've been trying to go out and have fun, but also go home early and try to get lots of sleep, so I've done things like go to the movies instead of walking through the city if I don't have to.  Or take a bus or taxi instead of walk. So one activity that we did this week was a little "intercambio," where some English learning students came over to our school and we spoke with them in Spanish and visa versa. We shared some wine, and tea, and cake and some good conversation, it was great!!

I'm so excited about this weekend because we are going to Buenos Aires, Argentina to spend the weekend, so I'm sure I'll have a lot to talk about next time!

Click for more information on AmeriSpan's Spanish school in Uruguay.

Click for more information on how to become an AmeriSpan Delegate.

Read all of Angela's blogs from Uruguay.

When I arrived at mi familias casa in Playa del Carmen I was very nervous.  When I walked in the entrance, the entire family was sitting around the table, and then I was overwhelmed!  After introducing myself, my papa showed me to my room and explained how everything in the house worked, and what time breakfast and dinner were at.  He also asked if there was any foods I didn't like to eat. After getting unpacked, I took a deep breath, and I went downstairs.  All of the extended family were gone and it was only my new parents and two sisters. I also met my fellow peers that are visiting Playa del Carmen and staying with the same host familia. 

I learned a lot during my first day of escuela, but I also realized just how much there is to learn. I spent my first afternoon on the beach just watching the locals play futbol and sunbathing. I was also fortunate because I was able to talk with some of the locals who are very friendly in Playa.  From what I can see, the city is only super toursity from the beach up to 10^th avenue. After that, the town seems pretty local, which I think that I will be thankful for, so that I can see what it is actually like to live in Mexico. Overall, I am very excited about the time I am going to spend here. I feel like it is going to be an excellent experience.

From this experience, I first and foremost hope to improve my Spanish substantially.  I will be attending school 5 hours per day, 5 days per week. I know next to no Spanish at the present moment, so I realize that it will be a lot of hard work. Secondly, I hope to gain some insight into the lives of families and the people of Mexico. I have many Mexican friends in Texas that have told me what it's like to live in Mexico, and what Mexican families are like. However, I would like to find out for myself. Thirdly, I hope to make some new friends, and maybe even a few that will be come close friends! I also hope to go back home with a wonderful tan if at all possible! 

Find out more about AmeriSpan's Spanish school in Playa del Carmen

See all Mexico Spanish schools

Read all of Alisa's blogs from Playa del Carmen

Ok, so everything here in Uruguay is still great. We didn't advance much further in the world cup but these Uruguayos are more than happy to be in 4th place. They held a huge parade, like a caravan to welcome the players back into the country. They came into town in a big bus, it took them 4 hours to get through the whole city, it was amazing!! there were people/fans with flags and gifts with their faces painted, they were crying and cheering and everyone was just so happy and excited!! The caravan ended in a part of town and they were greeted by the president, who gave them all a gift and congratuated them on their success. The whole thing was shown on a big screen for everybody to enjoy, the love here is just undescribable!

Now that the World Cup is over this town is going to be a lot different! Every day after class, there is a planned activity with the school, the most fun are the ones that are with one of the teachers named Juan. He took us this week a museum called the museum of the gaucho, which is their version of our Indian/cowboy in the United States. It was really interesting and he makes it even more because he knows a lot about the history of this country. 

This weekend on Friday we went to a great bar with some friends that we made, one from Brasil and one from France.  We enjoyed some drinks together and went dancing. Sunday I went to the city of Colonia with a friend from Brasil. It is very antique and beautiful.  Everyone talks about it, so we gad to go. The only bad thing is that we picked the wrong day because it rained the whole day so a lot of things were closed, but we got to enter a few musuems and we ate a lot of good food!!

Click for more information on AmeriSpan's Spanish school in Uruguay.

Click for more information on how to become an AmeriSpan Delegate.

Read all of Angela's blogs from Uruguay.

Do you need to learn Spanish or expand your Spanish language skills?

AmeriSpan Study Abroad has partnered once again with Bilingual America to offer a very special, high quality Spanish program for free to qualified participants. If you are in the medical, law enforcement, school teaching, social work or ministerial fields you can get Bilingual America's Basic to Expert Level Spanish Power course at no charge through The Claro Initiative. The Claro Initiative is a community service initiative to provide Spanish training to critical social service professionals at no charge. Spanish Power is considered the most comprehensive and results-driven Spanish training program in the country by many people and we encourage you to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. By the way, if you don't qualify but know someone who does, send them the link below so they can benefit.

Click or share this link to read more about this offer and request admittance to the free Spanish Power course here: https://bilingualamerica.infusionsoft.com/go/claro/immer$$ab/

What if you don't qualify?   
If you do not qualify for this special offer because you are not in one of the professional fields listed above, but are looking for a high-quality Spanish training program, we highly recommend you try this free trial package from the Claro Initiative through Bilingual America. A unique aspect of Bilingual America's programs is that they also make one-on-one tutoring available on an optional basis. They are a very respected, trusted institute that has been around since 1992. Other students recommended from AmeriSpan Study Abroad have been very happy with the results they have achieved with them. If you do not qualify for free courseware via The Claro Initiative you can get a really nice free trial package here.

Go to or share this link for a free trial package:  https://bilingualamerica.infusionsoft.com/go/SPGPS/immer$$ab/

By Keeya J, Guest Video Blogger in Montanita, Ecuador

In this video, our guest video blogger, Keeya, and her friend, Tiffani, take us on a tour of the Spanish school in Montanita. Later, they sit in on a class where they have been volunteering to teach English and interview the teacher. Keeya is participating in the  Spanish & Surfing program in Montanita. 

See Spanish in Montanita Ecuador.

By Keeya J, Guest Video Blogger in Montanita, Ecuador

In this video, our guest video blogger, Keeya, and her friend, Tiffani, take us to the school where they have been volunteering to teach English. Later, they take us to a party at the Spanish school. Keeya is participating in the  Spanish & Surfing program in Montanita. 

See Spanish in Montanita Ecuador.