Top 10 Spanish Schools in Granada Nicaragua By - Raúl Gavarrette O
Long has been the path since the early 80´s first Spanish language schools in Nicaragua opened in the northern Estelí Nicaraguan province. This self-sustainable clean industry has experienced a boom over the last years since late 90´s, particularly in Granada downtown, the first colonial city in Nicaragua. At the present, Granada has a growing network of independent Spanish language schools which through the years have gained experience and reputation among the increasing number of visitors that choose Nicaragua as a safe Central American country to visit. Studying Spanish is a good option while visiting the country. Those who are planning or have already decided to visit Nicaragua should explore the possibility to make a great combination of a vacation trip with a few days, a couple of weeks, or even months of Spanish language study in Granada.
With so many new schools opening every year in this colonial city, it is someway kind of difficult to choose a Spanish school in Granada to study. It depends on the interests or what you are looking for and how much you want to spend. In the city streets you will find people not necessarily teachers, offering Spanish lessons in Granada for a few cents mostly for economic reasons. You cannot expect good quality from them. Perhaps if you just want to learn some Spanish words by heard and do not want to spend much this could be an option.
Most of the Spanish schools in Granada offer a mixture of language instruction, volunteer opportunities and excursions to nearby destinations which include crater lakes, boat tours, cigar factories, and walking city tours. Lodging with local families in Granada is also included in the Spanish studies packets offered by the language schools. Each school has different prices for the Spanish courses ranging between $250 and $350 for a week. This mainly depends on the kind of course you choose and the quality of services they offer. The more weeks you take the cheaper you get. If you are seriously considering learning Spanish in Granada Nicaragua, having fun, experiencing the culture and enjoying the surroundings and the beautiful nature, you should have a look at these ten top Granada Spanish schools mentioned in this article. These are the Spanish language schools that have stood out for their reputation and experience, for their ethic and honesty, and the professionalism of the business.
1. Granada Spanish School (http://www.nicaragua-spanish-lessons.com) is an independent language school located in Granada downtown a few blocks from the Central Plaza, in the surroundings of Xalteva Church, formerly situated in Convento San Francisco. This school offers Spanish immersion courses, one-on-one lessons and in small groups from basic beginners to advanced superior levels. The courses are combined with amazing afternoon excursions to local destinations which include nature reserves, national parks, crater lakes, boat tours in Lake Cocibolca; visits to open markets, handicraft factories, active and dormant volcanoes. This Nicaraguan Spanish language school offers also Spanish and Ceramic courses; Medical Spanish courses; Spanish for College students; Spanish for High School teachers and Online Spanish lessons. Homestay with friendly families is included in the course packet; all included packets. Most of the teachers speak English but they use it only when it is necessary or requested. The maximum size of the class is four students but average size is one-two students per class. Class material is provided. Spanish instruction is usually Monday to Friday all year round opening every Monday but any student can start any day of the week according to personal schedule on arrival. Students are offered to study one week course as minimum length but can take as many weeks as desired. Airport pickup from Managua to Granada is available if requested. Volunteering is also possible previous request. The staff is very enthusiastic and dynamic. The Director and his Administrative Assistant are also very nice. This school has been providing job opportunities to its teachers since 2004 at the very early organization stage and promoted conservationist and reforestation small projets in Laguna de Apoyo along with its partner school in that area. Students are offered to volunteer.
2. Casa Xalteva Spanish School (http://www.casaxalteva.org) situated by the Xalteva church offers a packet stressed on volunteering. It is one of the oldest Spanish schools established in Granada. Located in a quiet location, this school offers intensive Spanish courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced language students. The class size is two-three students per class, sometimes one- to-one. Lessons take place for four hours daily from Monday to Friday. The Spanish lessons are emphasized on conversational skills. Most of the instructors at the school speak English but they use only Spanish since the first day of class to encourage the students to speak, write and read the language from the very first day in the program. Classes start every Monday all year round. Minimum length of a course is one week but students can study for weeks or months if desired. Transportation from Airport available if requested.
3. SOL Spanish School (http://www.granadanicaraguaspanishschool.com), a language school family owned, is located at a few blocks from Central Park and from Xalteva Church. The school offers Spanish courses from beginners to advanced levels. SOL Spanish School has a wide range of courses for the students: Spanish immersion classes; Spanish classes only; combo programs; online Spanish classes; Volunteering and Spanish classes. The standard program includes Spanish classes Monday to Friday, lodging with a host family, and local afternoon activities. The activities include visits to museums, clinics, artisan shops, local factories, farms, and NGO´s. Classes are usually 8-12m. The class size is 1-2 students per class. The school provides class materials. Some of the teachers speak English and use it in the class if requested by students. Transfer from Managua Airport to Granada can be arranged through the school.
4. Nicaragua Mia Spanish School (http://spanishschoolnicaraguamia.com) is situated on Caimito Street, near Central Plaza in Granada. It is operated by a cooperative of women who offer Spanish courses: one-on-one intensive, Spanish for travelers, business Spanish, and classes for children. The courses include class materials. The school is opened throughout the year 8-5 pm. Classes start every Monday. The basic week course includes Spanish lessons Monday to Friday in the mornings, afternoon local excursions, and homestay with Granada families. Transportation from Airport to school in Granada is provided by school at an additional cost.
5. Ave Nicaraguita Spanish School (http://www.avenicaraguita.com) offers immersion courses and opportunities for volunteers. This language school is situated in El Arsenal Street. The Spanish courses help the participants to learn about the local culture and to be able to communicate effectively. Operated by a family, this school has contributed to the local economy by bringing lots of students to the Spanish programs which contributes to the generation of decent employment. The school offers Spanish courses in accordance with the student needs and availability of time. Living with a host family, afternoon activities, and Spanish instruction Monday to Friday throughout the year is part of the packet offered by this school. Some of the instructors speak English but they use it only if necessary. One week is the minimum time for a course. Students have the option to study as many weeks as they want. Transportation from Airport in Managua to Granada is provided by the school if requested.
6. Granada Spanish Lingua, (http://www.granadanicaraguaspanish.com), located a few blocks from the Central Park in Granada, offers a structured Spanish language immersion programs. The basic standard program at the school is per week and includes family homestay Sunday through Saturday and Spanish instruction Monday through Friday. Classes start any Monday of the year. There are volunteer opportunities for students. Students can register at this school for one week minimum length up to as many weeks are needed by the participants. Some of the teachers speak English and use it in case of need during the Spanish sessions. Airport transportation service to Granada, excursions, extra language tutoring, and homestay services are available separately from the basic combined program for registered students at this Spanish language school.
7. Spanish School Xpress (http://www.nicaspanishschool.com) is located in Calle Guzman, a few blocks from Central Plaza. It offers a complete program of Spanish immersion. Classes are adapted to the student’s interest and to his/her level of Spanish. The staff is young and very enthusiastic. Some of the teachers speak English if needed in the class. The basic program includes 20 hours of Spanish classes, 5 days a week, in the morning 8-12m; afternoon local activities, lodging with local families. Class material is supplied, one-on-one instruction. This Spanish school also offers customized programs, Spanish and Dancing, and business Spanish. Airport pickup provided upon request.
8. APC Spanish School (http://spanishgranada.com) is situated across from Central Park and offers language immersion classes. The school is a project of the organization ‘The Association of Cultural Promoters’ (APC). Basically the school offers Spanish courses in the mornings, local daily excursions in the afternoons, room and board with local families. Students have opportunities to volunteer with local organizations through the school. Spanish courses for children are available at the APC School in Granada. Regular classes are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The school is opened every day all year round.
9. One on One Tutoring is a family owned Spanish school, located along the street that links the Main Plaza with the Lake. It is the second oldest established Spanish language school in Granada. The school offers Spanish immersion programs; weekly lessons, one-on-one; regular class schedule 4 hours daily 5 days a week; and afternoon activities. The instructors rotate every hour, in order that students are exposed to a variety of accents as they switch between grammar, conversation and pronunciation. For a little more money students have access to an air conditioned classroom. The programs are for beginners, intermediate and advanced students, short and long-term. Classes are adapted to the students’ needs and learning style. Spanish lessons start any day of the week including weekends and holidays; school is open 8 am. to 8 pm. Optional staying with local family can be arranged through the school as well as transportation from Airport.
10. Mombacho Spanish School is situated along Calle La Libertad a few blocks from Central Park. This school opened recently but it has fast gained popularity, it provides Spanish instruction for all levels and adapted to student’s needs. The basic program includes Spanish language classes in the morning, afternoon activities, homestay. Classes are Monday to Friday all year round. The school has contact with organizations in Granada where volunteering is possible. The staff of the school is young, and enthusiastic. Airport transportation through the school is available if requested.
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