The PERFECT Spanish School 🏫

I found Spanish Adventure after searching for a Spanish Immersion School to spend my summer at in Latin America. When I first saw the school and read the reviews, I thought to myself, “this is too good to be true.” But based on so many positive reviews and the ability to learn Spanish while in the middle of beautiful nature, I nervously booked 5.5 weeks in Colombia with Spanish Adventures. Based on my limited and biased American perspective about Colombia, I really over prepared for this trip. I got a cheap phone, cheap clothes, and made sure to prepare for the worst. However, once I arrived at Spanish Adventures and San Carlos, I realized that almost all of my fears were unfounded. Spanish Adventures and San Carlos are SO SAFE. I felt more safe here than I do back home in Oklahoma. San Carlos is now one of my favorite cities. As an example: one day I was riding a Mototaxi to an adventure with the school and accidentally left my bag in the Mototaxi. When I realized my mistake, I tried to run after the Mototaxi but wasn’t fast enough. A local saw me running and asked me what had happened. I responded “mi bolsa está en este Mototaxi” and without hesitation he left on his motorcycle and returned with my bag. This is how great the people of this town are. EVERYONE is so kind, helpful, and friendly in San Carlos. This makes it the perfect town to learn Spanish in because everyone is truly willing to speak Spanish to you.
As for the school—in one work I would say excellent. In my 5.5 weeks, I had every teacher (Rafa, Joan, and Camilo) and they were all excellent. I entered the school with basic Spanish knowledge and am leaving being able to have full conversations in Spanish. I still have a long way to go in my Spanish journey, but I’m so much further along than I could have ever imagined before coming to Spanish Adventures. I think my favorite part of the school was the adventures. These activities provide a time to both be in nature and practice your Spanish. In my time here, I had so many incredible experiences with the adventures. Sure, there are other schools where you can technically take my hours of class per day, but once you include the time talking in Spanish during the adventures, you’ll see that Spanish Adventures is superior in every way. I honestly think that this is the best combination of fun and learning that you’ll find anywhere in the world. I absolutely loved my time here and can’t wait to come back.
A few tips for future visitors of Spanish adventures:
1. Bring less things than you think you’ll need. While San Carlos is a small town, it still has all the essentials that you could ever need—soap, shampoo, food, clothing, and so much more. I would recommend bringing less stuff and buying what you need when you arrive since everything is soooooo cheap here.
2. Bring Deet mosquito repellent. I used the Sawyer brand 30% deet lotion and had great success at avoiding mosquito bites when I used it correctly. It’s hard to find deet in Colombia so I would recommend bringing this from your home country.
3. Plan adventures outside of the school that you want to do! The school provided so many amazing adventures, but they simply can’t provide everything in the limited time that you are at the school. While I was at the school, I went hammocking over a valley, tubing, hiked La piedra del Tabor, and repelled 1,000ft down a waterfall. Don’t be afraid to book extra activities in your free time to do even more incredible things during your stay here. The 1,000ft repelling down a waterfall is now one of mummy highlights of my life. I recommend using EcoGuias for all of your extra adventure needs.
4. Put yourself out there! You’ll only be at Spanish adventures for a limited time—make the most of it. Become friends with other students, speak Spanish a lot. Try new things, push yourself. For me, Spanish Adventures was a time of personal growth because I put myself out there and tried new things. Don’t let your experience go to waste!
5. If you like privacy, book a private room. I booked a private room and loved the privacy it allowed me. My friends who stayed in the shared rooms also had a great experience, but if you know you enjoy more privacy, don’t be afraid to stay in a private room. The school is VERY social, so even with the private room you’ll still have ample time to make friends.
6. Don’t forget to have fun! Learning a language is a FUN adventure. During your time at Spanish Adventures, lean into the fun. If you find yourself getting stressed, back up and breathe, meditate, do yoga, max recenter. This school is a stress free zone and encourages learning in a stress free way. I know you learn better when you’re not stressed and this school provides the perfect stress free environment—let te environment take you on a journey.
7. Use Jerry for all of your Motocarro needs (his number is out front of the house.)
In summary, I booked this school wondering if it could live up to its reviews. After the first day, it absolutely blew all of the e reviews out of the water. I said many times during my stay that, “today’s another day in paridles” and I truly believe that. Spanish Adventures is paradise for those who are willing to explore. I 100% recommend coming here and I hope to return myself in the future. Nos Vemos!