A group of students studies in the common room at a Spanish school in Costa Rica
Well, I’ve done this all backward.
More than six months after coming to Central America, I’m finally taking a long-term shot at Spanish school. I decided on the school I’m at – Sol Latino in in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala – after hearing good feedback from some travelers I met.
Before this, I spent one week at a school in Costa Rica, then left after I didn’t like it. I’ve also investigated several other schools. It’s difficult to classify what makes a good Spanish school. The variety (Xela alone has a gaggle of ‘em) makes it almost impossible to know what to go for. That being said, here’s a few tips from my experience:
Does the school have certified teachers? Instructors who are solely native speakers are great for conversation. However, they may not be prepared to address different learning styles. They also may have trouble helping a person who learns by the rules of grammar (like me). Actual teachers are more qualified for both.
How does the school decide which teacher you will have? My roommate in Xela goes to a different school than I do. She filled out a questionnaire when applying, and the school used the information to put her with a teacher that seemed suited to her personality. It’s worked out great for her. My school doesn’t have this, and I think it’s an excellent model. My first teacher at Sol Latino was good, but low-energy demeanor was not for me. Obviously, such a test wouldn’t guarantee a good match (online-dating sites, anyone?), but I think it’s a good start.
How much does it cost and how do you pay? The first point is a no-brainer: Can you afford the school? What’s more important is how the school makes you pay. One school in Panama I liked, for example, had prices that went down the more time you spent there. However, it asked you to pay up front. If I didn’t like it, I’d have lost a lot of money. I prefer to pay week by week. That offers the freedom to change if needed.
Sometimes, it all comes down to luck: Hate to end on this point, but it’s true. So much of the experience will depend on factors you can’t control. The teacher you get. If you click with the other students who attend the school. The temperament of your homestay family. The first choice you make in a school will be a risk, no matter what. But, whether you stay for months or bounce after the first week, it will be a learning experience.
And that’s what school’s all about.
Kent most recently left his post as an English teacher in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica and is currently traveling. To see what he’s up to, check out his blog or follow him on Twitter.
Latest posts by kentgreen
- The Centries: Handing Out Awards to Central America - August 9th, 2010
- Sub-juncting Myself to a Test of Generosity - August 4th, 2010
- Nobody (At Least Not Me) Knows the Trouble Guatemala's Seen - August 2nd, 2010
- Oh No, Ojos! (or, Why Gringos Don't Make Eye Contact) - July 28th, 2010
- We Dance If We Want To (so why don't we?) - July 26th, 2010
- Guatemala's REAL Danger: Not Wanting to Leave - July 19th, 2010
- Living the High Life (and not even knowing it) - July 14th, 2010
- The Devils of Panama City - July 7th, 2010
- Paging Maintenance, We Have a Crisis in Aisle 4 - July 5th, 2010
- Bye, Bye, Bias - June 30th, 2010
