Program Reviews

I had been wanting to go to Colombia for quite some time as I have many friends in the United States from all over Colombia. I spent 3 weeks in the summer of 2024 and attend Spanish classes daily at the OLSA International School in Laureles. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! The school is phenomenal. Great staff and instructors. Great class content. Great activities and excursions. There are activities of some type pretty much every day. I love the fact that there is a restaurant/bar attached to the school so after classes you can have a soft drink or a beer and practice your Spanish with the staff or other students.

I have been doing study abroads since the mid 1990s and this was by far one of the BEST experiences I have had. As a language instructor, I expect a lot because I give a lot to my students. This experience far exceeded my expectations.

Shane, the owner, is onsite pretty much all day, every day. Although he is extremely busy, he ALWAYS has time to talk to you and answer any questions you might have. The entire staff is like that as well. From the point you walk in the door, you are greeted by everyone. The building is beautiful, the classrooms are spacious, the area is beautiful and very safe.

I can't say enough about it. I will be a frequent flyer going forward. I would encourage anyone to give it a try regardless of your language level. They can accommodate you. They handle all excursions, class levels, and will help with accommodations as well. Book your trip! You won't be sorry.

Sandy,
Florida, United States

I came to Medellín with very limited Spanish, and now I’m speaking fluently — Thanks to OLSA. The program is really well-structured, but what makes this place stand out is the people. The staff is amazing, welcoming, supportive, and genuinely passionate about helping you improve. You can tell they love what they do.

Beyond the classroom, they offer language exchanges that are such a great way to meet locals and other travelers while practicing Spanish in a very chill setting. I went to a bunch of them and always walked away with new friends and a boost of confidence.

They also organize excursions around the city and nearby towns, which were such a cool way to explore Colombia while staying immersed in the language. Whether it was a cultural event, a hike, or just a fun outing, the experiences added so much to my time in Medellín.

If you're serious about learning Spanish and want a fun, supportive, and community-oriented experience, OLSA Spanish School is 100% the place to go. I can't recommend it enough!

I have been going here about 6 months now. I prefer the way they teach which is to just talk about various topics naturally and then identify what words we get stuck on. Study those come back next day more fluent. Each day is different. Also I have made some very nice friends in my classes so having just moved here 6 months ago it has been super helpful to get acclaimated to Medellin. A lot of international students go here from various countries so that is like a free benefit hearing all the reports from around the world.

Studying at OLSA was a great experience. I took certified grammar classes, conversation classes, and a few private classes. The grammar classes were taught by certified teachers, and all teachers were native speakers. The classes were small which enabled fun, open discussions and opportunities for individual questions. All the teachers were so kind and patient. I also participated in the Language Exchanges held at the school 2 nights per week, where you can practice speaking with people in the community who want to practice English. This gave real life conversational experience.

I can't say enough positive things about the OLSA staff. Everyone was very friendly, kind, helpful, and willing to answer questions about culture, transportation, tours, or pretty much anything you can think of! The atmosphere was warm, welcoming and fun! There is a nice student lounge with seating both inside and outside. There is also an on-site restaurant where you can get coffee, homemade bakery items, snacks, or full meals breakfast, lunch or dinner.

And finally, the school is located in a beautiful area. Medellín is amazing. The people are friendly. The weather is great all year. And I loved the variety of South American music!

I highly recommend studying Spanish at OLSA Academy!

I loved my classes at OLSA! My teachers were always smart and fun, and my Spanish improved a ton. But my favorite part was the atmosphere in general. Staff always knew my name and greeted me when I came for class, I made friends with other travelers who were there at the same time, and I spent a lot of time hanging out at the language exchange events, which added a TON of real-life experience to my Spanish practice. It was great because I learned so much local Colombian Spanish, which I could practice every day when I left. Would do it all over again!

I really enjoyed my time at OLSA and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to learn Spanish in a fun, immersive environment. The teachers are not only highly qualified but also incredibly friendly and supportive. They take the time to ensure every student feels comfortable and confident, no matter their level. The classes are dynamic and practical, which made learning enjoyable and effective. I was able to improve my Spanish skills much faster than I expected. What really made the experience even better were the cultural activities organized by the school. From city tours to local events and weekend excursions, these activities helped me connect with the culture, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. OLSA truly goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and enriching environment for all students. I'm so grateful for my time there!

I am an American from the city of Philadelphia. In the past few years, I developed a passion for learning Spanish. I quickly realized that I would never achieve the level of proficiency I desired without going all in—immersing myself in the language and culture in a native-speaking country.

While researching different schools throughout Medellín, OLSA Certified Spanish School consistently appeared among the top-rated options in both the city and the country. I reached out to Shane many times during my planning, and he was always available for a phone call or text to assist with logistics—or just to help calm some travel nerves. His overall transparency, kindness, and dedication sold me on the school, and I am so happy with my choice.

I studied at OLSA for several months, and during that time my Spanish absolutely exploded in terms of progress. I feel so much more confident than when I arrived, and now back in my home city, I no longer hesitate to strike up conversations with other Spanish speakers. At OLSA, they focus on both grammar and conversation. For me, this is what sets them apart. Having a resource to practice grammar in a group of peers at a similar skill level—under the guidance of a native speaker skilled in teaching—was instrumental to my development.

Everyone at OLSA is incredibly friendly and welcoming. Class often felt less like school and more like hanging out with friends… friends who just so happen to be excellent at correcting your grammar mistakes and misuse of ser vs. estar. This type of environment was vital for me as a new speaker. It helped build my confidence while navigating the inevitable beginner mistakes that come with learning a new language.

Whatever your intentions—whether you're planning a year of study or just stopping by for a week—I can’t encourage you enough to attend OLSA. My time there was incredible, and I’m sure yours will be too.

Thanks for reading!!

And to everyone at OLSA, Sincerely thank you all so much for your help during my time in Colombia. Every single one of you made my trip so special and I will cherish it forever!