Agualivar Spanish School

Program Reviews

Barbara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Agualivar - a Unique Learning Experience

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.

What would you improve about this program?
I did a test prior to coming to the school to determine my understanding of Spanish so they could plan the lessons. I would have like to have repeated that test at the end of the week and then gone over it with the teachers.
Response from Agualivar Spanish School

¡Hola Bárbara! Muchas gracias por tus palabras. Thank you so much for your words. We are very happy to know that you enjoyed your Spanish immersion with Agualivar. And thank you so much for your recommendations about the level test. We have already incorporated your improvement! And I will send you an email these days with the level test besides a Skype appointment to discuss your progress! :) We are sure your proposal is going to be a great improvement for Agualivar! Thank you!! ;)

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Paula
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One Week stay in Andalucia

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.

Response from Agualivar Spanish School

Thank you so much Paula for your words!! We are so happy to know your experience was great with us. We all hope you find well and hope to see you again very soon! :)

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Elizabeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Better Than I Could Have Imagined!

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!!

What would you improve about this program?
I honestly don't know!
Response from Agualivar Spanish School

Guauuuuu Elizabeth!!! ¡Muchas gracias por tus palabras! Sabes que Carmen estará muy contenta de que hayas ganado un poco de peso... ;) Te echamos de menos en nuestras partidas de rummy por las noches... ¡Esperamos verte muy pronto!

Thank you so so much! I don't have words in English to thank you all the thing we learnt from you, the great experience to share those 2 weeks and your help with your review! Thanks!!

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Sandra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic week with two amazing teachers

Our family, including an 11 year old and a 10 year old, spent a wonderful week at Agualivar. From the pick up at the Malaga train station we spoke only Spanish and we learned an enormous amount informally and during the lessons over just one week. The teaching and learning environment was supportive, well structured and fun (especially for the kids) and the extracurricular excursions to Nerja and Frigiliana were fascinating as well. The physical environment in the home of our teachers was faultless. The entire family was welcoming and friendly. We had privacy, we had company, we had a pool, we had wifi, we had kids' games in Spanish, we had down time, we had meals all together enjoying fabulous homecooked meals, vegetables from the extensive garden and recipes typical of the region (some of which we learned to cook ourselves). Our teachers were both really skilled and really lovely. The lessons were pitched at exactly the right level for our two groups: kids and adults. We switched teachers midway through the morning so there was variety of material and approach. Our children went into the week with next to no Spanish and made enormous progress and clearly had fun doing it. We all laughed continuously throughout the week and could not have asked for a better Spanish homestay immersion experience. One of our outings was to the wonderful Inacua 50m pool in Malaga so our daughter could have a proper training sesson - that was much appreciated and very generous and kind. The conversations we managed to have in Spanish were broad ranging and interesting and we learned a lot about Spanish culture, politics, history and economy. We cannot recommend Agualivar more highly.

What would you improve about this program?
This program exceeded our expectations.
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Gloria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Agualivar

Excellent in all respects. A very relaxing and well located environment where the classes are tailor made to your needs, interests and abilities. There is a good balance of formal lessons and activities with learning taking place throughout. Very comfortable accommodation with delicious fresh produce and a very kind, welcoming approach from all the family. The perfect place to improve your Spanish.

Response from Agualivar Spanish School

¡Muchas gracias Gloria! :)
Toda la familia de Agualivar ha aprendido algo de ti. Eso es algo maravilloso. Te deseamos todo lo mejor, que sigas hablando mucho español y gracias por tu receta de mermelada ¡Ñam ñam!

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Hans
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Quality time in Agualivar!

My homestay at Agualivar was a real eye-opener for me.In a perfectly serene environment I could improve my Spanish and at the same time enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Together with my guide and Spanish teacher we visited National park Torcal de Antequera and later that week El Cielo.Two hiking routes with a variety of natural treasures.Back home ,a casa Agualivar, I had the feeling of being a member of the family.We cooked together real Spanish dishes and talked about Andalucia and Málaga provincia.
The mix of learning Spanish and being active all day is for me perfect.
There is no better place to learn a language with the comfort of a beautiful guesthouse and good teachers .Very close to the beach and within half an hour in Málaga city.The best of both worlds.
This stay was a perfect start of 2016 and I know one thing for sure.
Hasta pronto.

Response from Agualivar Spanish School

¡Gracias Hans!

Ya eres uno más de nuestra familia. ;) Así que siempre serás bienvenido.

¡Te esperamos!

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Michelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Paradise on the Costa del Sol

I experienced paradise for two weeks this past August. I was embraced as a family member into the Agualivar fold from the moment I arrived. My beautiful room overlooked the terrace, garden, Infiniti pool and the breathtaking Mediterranean view. All meals were a highlight due to the fresh locally grown produce, from their own farm, and the engaging conversation. I enjoyed participating in the daily ritual of gathering eggs and then learning how to prepare some local dishes. I never ate so well in my life nor felt so healthy. Art lessons fed my inner artist and Spanish classes focused on culture and gaining a native like fluency. Agualivar is truly a unique language school concept. Having studied in Mexico, Ecuador and other schools in Spain I recognize the value of Agualivar. This is where I will return. The search for the perfect Spanish school has ended.

What would you improve about this program?
No wasps in the garden please! ;)
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Peter
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fabulous Spanish language immersion program

This is a wonderful program that far exceeded my expectations. The language instruction was well planned, focused on my needs, and thorough. The instructors were patient, humorous, and intelligent. The immersion was total with Spanish only being spoken throughout my stay. The family was extremely friendly and accommodating. The food was unbelievable and the setting is spectacular. The house is situated on a hill in the countryside with a view of the Mediterranean. There are plenty of opportunities for excursions that combine language instruction with sight-seeing. I cannot recommend it more highly and hope someday to return.

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Kristina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Casa Agualivar was the perfect way for me to improve my Spanish!

I wanted to improve my ability to speak and understand Spanish through a homestay immersion, and I'm so glad I chose Casa Agualivar. The morning classes were customized for my level and interests, and I learned so much. The teaching materials are great - lots of variety including games, videos and exercises that really facilitated my learning. I also enjoyed the "homework" and learned a lot by correcting it with the teachers the next day.
The homestay part of the program is equally great. The family was very kind and understanding about my ability to speak. The house is large and beautiful with a lovely pool and garden, and they grow lots of fruits and vegetables. It was lots of fun and really delicious to eat my meals with the family.
I made several enjoyable trips to nearby sights with the teachers, and learned a lot about the history and was able to practice my Spanish. I highly recommend Casa Agualivar!

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Fannie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Heaven does exist

Most people would visit Barcelona or Madrid when they go to Spain yet I had chosen to go to the Southern part, Andalucia, for spending a week in a Spanish School by the Mediterranean Sea. My major purpose of the trip was to learn as much Spanish as I could, and running away from the touristic spots and let yourself completely immerse in the Spanish-only environment wasn't a bad idea.

So I did my research online. Among 100+ schools online I found Agualivar Spanish School, and it immediately stood out from the rest - I could feel the heart in it. And, how could a school be as beautiful as Agualivar Spanish School like a heaven?

I got a chance to do what I had not done when I was at middle and high school - staying in a host family for learning a language (Home stay program). The school is right inside of this 4,000 sq ft mansion. I was so lucky to have Elizabeth as my tutor, who is professional and very experienced. She is also very patient in both trying to understand you and get you understand her in Spanish for beginner-students like me. Most importantly, she pays attention into details. She knows your level and progress and she will use her creative ways to strengthen your weak and new parts. She cares about your progress more than you do.

For the rest of the time outside of the classes, Spanish only. The host parents during meals, the news on TV, the songs on the radio as well as the cute toddler...they would only communicate with you in Spanish. You will soon get used to it and will realize how much you have improved after few days here, specifically your confidence in speaking in Spanish.

You could also choose to join the local tours provided by the school. We have visited Sevilla, Granada, Malaga, Frigiliana and Nerja together. I was surprised by their capability in explaining the history of the areas. I did not have a map nor a travel book with me. I just had my mind focusing on learning Spanish and they took care of the rest. While enjoying the beautiful scenes, the churros with chocolate, the tapas and the Mediterranean Sea, Elizabeth didn't forget to give me some little challenges by playing vocabulary games with me... haha, again, you will be surprised by how much you have learnt!

And the bonus part is the 5-star food and environment! they have their own farms and orchards, an outdoor swimming pool, a beautiful garden, dozens sets of Spanish DVDs in the comfortable TV room that you will never get bored! I love what they offer in meals! My favourite dis is definitely the home-made Paella! and the fresh salad, tortilla...every meal was a surprise because they seldom repeat it during your stay!

End up I couldn't tell whether I was here for study or holiday. Maybe that's exactly what they mean to let you feel. Even my Spanish friends have asked how did I find such a good school. I said, this is fate.