Program Reviews

The summer before my senior year of undergrad, I spent two months in Quito, Ecuador taking Spanish classes with Academia Latinoamericana de Español and volunteering at the Children’s Hospital. My experience with the Academia was the most impactful study abroad I’ve taken. While in Ecuador my Spanish improved immensely, largely due to the expertise of the teachers and the positive, encouraging culture of the academy! I loved my host family, and still keep in touch with them. The staff is phenomenal, and went above and beyond to make my time with them enjoyable and meaningful. At the hospital I taught English to long-term patients, and working with them is what led me to choose my current career as a pediatric speech-language pathologist. I would highly recommend the Academia!!

Volunteering in an outpatient therapy facility in Ecuador solidified my future career choice. I had the chance to work with kids, adults, and even therapy dogs in my 7 weeks in Ecuador. I got to know the therapists so well that one wrote me a letter of recommendation for graduate school. The hours I spent in this clinic also were verified so I could use them on my application too. The weekends I spent traveling to different parts of the country, soaking in the culture. What I didn't learn from travel, I learned from living with the best host family I've ever had. In the midst of all that, my language skills flourished. I even spent a week translating for a group of OT students from the U.S. I couldn't have asked for a better experience than what La Academia Latino Americana helped provide for me.

During my classes trip across the Americas to experience different healthcare systems, our time in Ecuador is an experience I will never forget. From the time we stepped out of the airport in Quito, Patty, Sandra, and the rest of the staff went above and beyond as hosts to make sure our group felt at home. Our "classroom" times, spent in a variety of different settings ranging from observing in a local hospital to experiencing a traditional healing ceremony involving guinea pigs, allowed our group a fully unique opportunity to see the differences in how people of the same country receive their healthcare. Along with several day excursions in and around the city of Quito, our time in Ecuador is not some that will be easily forgotten. I fully recommend that for any group, class, or individual looking for a rewarding experience, amazing people, and sights they'll never forget, that they look no further than the offerings of Academia Latinoamericana de Espanol!

Immersing yourself in another country and their language truly forces you to learn. It provides an increase in cultural awareness, education, and spark for travel. The tours are amazing- Baños especially. Zip lining, Casa de Árboles, and Extreme Swings were amazing along with seeing multiple waterfalls. If going to Quito, make sure to visit Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Teleférico, Quilotoa, and Carolina Park. You get to meet new people and experience trips of a life time. The weekends are filled with much free time so take advantage of it! As for the academic experience, the professors make you work hard and focus specifically on grammar and oral skills. Class time pushes students to really learn! Finally, the host families are welcoming and great as a resource to cultural knowledge, food, and surrounding areas.

My experience with La Academia Latinoamericana de Español was fantastic. I went on a four week trip sponsored by my university, and I spent my mornings (9-1) in Spanish classes. They tested my Spanish speaking abilities on the first day and then selected a teacher and class that were appropriate for my skill level. After that, I was re-tested once a week or evaluated by my teacher and placed in a new class. I felt like I had a very personalized experience and learned a lot. I also felt supported in every volunteer or travel experience I desired! I went to Mindo and Quilotoa on trips with the school, and I also took an independent excursion to Mitad del Mundo. The school also got me connected with the right people to go to the Galápagos Islands!