Spanish Immersion Program for Adults and Families

My wife and I had the opportunity to study Spanish together at Agualivar. The daily classwork and all day use of what we were being taught was incredible.
Spanish immersion at Agualivar included more than language. We became acquainted with a wonderful family and with Spanish culture. Everything was perfect. The more than perfect meals were a bonus.
If you want to learn Spanish, I recommend Spain and, without hesitation, I recommend Agualivar!

I cannot imagine a better place, or a better way, to study Spanish. First and foremost, both Estefania and Elizabeth are warm, caring, energetic and conscientious teachers. The morning classes are serious and intensive, but a lot of fun. The rest of the day provides a continuous opportunity to speak and listen to Spanish. The leisurely lunches and dinners allow for relaxed and informal conversation with Estefania, Elizabeth, their parents, and any other students who may be there. Living at Agualivar is delightful. The beautiful house is surrounded by orchards and gardens and so the food is always fresh and beautifully prepared. The sisters and their mother are all extraordinary cooks; they produce wonderful meals every day. After two weeks at Agualivar I feel that my Spanish has improved significantly and that I have friends in Spain. My experience has left me more motivated than ever to learn the language. I recommend this program without reservation.

The Agualivar Spanish School was exactly what I had hoped for and I can’t recommend it too highly. The welcoming family environment, amazing food and fantastic views made my stay a complete pleasure. In the morning classroom sessions Estefania and Elisabeth worked on my (considerable) difficulties with grammar, reinforcing the information with role play and language games. They also designed the lessons around topics which interested me, and it’s hard not to talk a lot when you are having an interesting discussion. My main aim had been to improve my spoken Spanish and the total immersion course was perfect for that. Like many learners I have had very little opportunity to speak Spanish with native speakers, and I was very nervous about being able to cope in Spanish for a whole week, but I can honestly say I spoke only a handful of words in English during my stay. I spent a day in Malaga after the course, and, when I spoke to receptionists, shopkeepers, waiters etc. in Spanish, for the first time ever they didn’t immediately switch to English - what’s more, I was able to understand their replies!

Having only dabbled in Spanish in the nine years since I last studied it, I chose to go to Agualivar for a week to get up to speed ahead of taking regular lessons back home. I'm very glad I did. The teaching is really, really, really good. Your weaknesses and development areas are identified before you arrive and they are addressed using the topics that interest you and the vocabulary associated with them - it is a really effective way to learn. The techniques that the Eli and Fani use are really fun and engaging. The fact that you are living with a Spanish family, eating Spanish food, watching Spanish TV and listening to Spanish music means that you never really stop learning even when it doesn't feel like it. The immersion is so total that you will find yourself speaking Spanish sometimes without thinking about it. On the flight home I started chatting to the (very clearly English) air steward in Spanish, much to his bewilderment, before I realised what I was doing. Since I've been back my wife has fairly regularly had to remind me that she doesn't speak Spanish and therefore would I mind speaking English to her! The experience gives you a great deal of confidence to use the language naturally in a way that you can't learn in a non Spanish speaking environment. I think it really accelerates your learning, particularly if you have some knowledge before you go.

Aside from the learning aspect, all of the family are great characters, fantastic company and extremely generous and hospitable. The house and accommodation are beautiful, the surroundings are utterly idyllic and the food is sensational. I heartily recommend this experience on all fronts, my only regret is not going for longer!

Agualivar Spanish School is not an ordinary language school. It is a family-run school located in a luxurious villa in queit and relaxing environment with the amazing view over the sea. The special touch is created by the warmth of the family towards their students. The daughters are providing tailor-made classes for your needs and the parents are creating the framework for an amazing learning experience. You feel immediately at home with them. The approach of including the students in their everyday life enables you to see the Spanish life and learn the language at the same time. By sharing all your meals with the family you are (gently) forced to switch your brain into Spanish mode while enjoying their lovely company and amazing food - expect to gain some weight as you are not able to say no to the mother of the family and their delicious food!
I can warmly recommend Agualivar School to anyone who would like to have an intensive Spanish course in a relaxing environment. It was an experience that I will never forget!

I chose Agualivar because of the setting in a family home where you experience total immersion. The only language spoken was Spanish during the week that I lived with this amazing family. I was included in conversations and treated like a valued member of the family. The first afternoon was a struggle to understand, but, by the end of my stay, it was much easier to follow conversations.
I had the opportunity to have private lessons as I was the only student for the week. The lessons were excellent and geared to my level of understanding. We had wonderful discussions, made up stories, and played games in Spanish.
As part of the family, I was able to participate in the kitchen and had all my meals at the family table participating in the conversations. We discussed American and Spanish politics, culture, family, and anything else that came up. I was also included in evening games - playing bannanagram in Spanish is challenging - Rummy with tiles instead of cards is actually more fun and challenges the brain.
Thank you, Fani, Eli, Carmen, and Jose for a unique learning experience.

I was lucky enough to choose Agualivar Immersion School for my one-week stay in Andalucia. I had looked at other models and felt the total immersion while living with a family would be the most beneficial for me. And I was right!!
Estefania and Elizabeth are excellent teachers and customized lessons according to your ability and conversational ability. I loved the outdoor classroom on the terrace overlooking the infinity pool and Mediterranean.
The hospitality of the family was wonderful.... Carmen and Jose just brought you into the family and we helped with food prep, etc all the while continuing to speak Spanish. Our meals were all typical Andalucian meals which I thoroughly enjoyed...... fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden/orchard. And fresh fish, a true Mediterranean diet, wonderfully healthy !!
After siesta we would have cultural workshops or visit local villages (Frigiliana) , all the while learning about Andalucian lifestyle, culture, government. I felt like I learned so much more than just language, I learnt how a Spanish family works within itself, community and country.
My experience at Agualivar was short ( I wish I could have stayed an extra week!) but really quite unforgettable.
I would love to return at some point.

What an amazing experience! I admit, even though I was excited to attend immersion school, I was a little nervous at the idea of living with another family for two weeks. But immediately upon arrival, Eli, Fani, Carmen, and Jose did everything in their power to make me feel welcome. And it worked! I was immediately ushered into the family and into a very comfortable, encouraging environment. The classes in the mornings were highly informative focusing not only on language but also on culture, heritage, and even social issues. Early afternoons usually allowed for some free time (or time to study), then outings were planned for most late afternoons/early evenings. Our visits included Nerja, Frigiliana, Bodegas Bentomiz, and Rincon de la Victoria.

In addition to the classes and extra activities, the skill exhibited by Carmen and Fani in the kitchen was incredible. And Jose is great at the grill! Everything was so fresh and absolutely delicious. I believe I may have eaten in a healthier style during my two weeks at Agualivar than I have ever eaten in my life--and actually gained weight. . .

Finally, the accommodations were superb. There was plenty of privacy when desired but lots of company to be found at all times. The house and grounds are beautiful and act as a peaceful oasis overlooking the Mediterranean. It is truly a school with heart. As I stated before, everything was better than I could have imagined!!