FAQ

Are placement tests required?
Some schools require a placement test to gauge your level of Spanish, this helps them find the best teacher and class for you. Other schools will simply assign you a teacher and they will determine what topics should be covered in your lessons based on your speaking ability.
What does an average class look like?
There is no blueprint for a class. Teachers evaluate your Spanish level and tailor classes around that. They will also cover topics that you would like to review, whether it is verb tenses one morning, vocabulary, or speaking comprehension.


What level of Spanish should I be?
It doesn't matter if you have studied Spanish all through college or only know how to say thank you. Spanish schools in Latin America are for all levels.

Can I get college credit for Spanish?
Some schools do offer college credit for Spanish. The ones that do proudly list this on their website. Where available, I have included this info about the school.
Do I need to purchase class materials books?
No, these will be provided by your school. Most often, you will work from handouts the teacher has given you.
Do the schools offer airport pickups?
Yes and depending on the location of the school in relation to your arrival, this option can be very expensive but takes out all the guess work of transportation. Most schools will hire an outside transportation company to pick you up.
Do they take credit cards at the school?
Most schools do not take credit cards and some prefer for you to pay in US dollars.
How do you know how good a school is?
Do your research! Most schools will have student recommendations on their sites and lots of travel forums discuss the best Spanish schools. Schools with credit programs usually can be trusted to give top notch teaching but can be costlier than those offering private lessons. Because schools are so flexible and in some cities, you have several to choose from, you can always move from school to school if you find a school with sub-par quality.

*Please email me at megan@spanishschooltours.com, if you uncover a Spanish School that was a disappointment or one you highly recommend.
How many hours a day can I study Spanish?
You can study as little as 2 hours up to 8 hours a day. Classes can be either with private teacher or in classroom setting with no more than 4 students at similar levels.
What if I don't like the teacher I am assigned?
Great thing about most of these Spanish schools, they are very flexible. If you are unhappy with a teacher, contact the administrator, or whomever checked you in, and they will find you another teacher.
What types of education do the teachers have?
All teachers are native Spanish speakers and some do carry teaching certificates while others reference teaching materials provided by the school. Feel free to email your school about the accreditation of their teachers but note that most Spanish teachers teach Spanish as a way to supplement their families income and many won't have a formal college education.
When do classes start?
Most Spanish schools in L.A. are very flexible in their class start/stop times. Most always begin on Monday and end on Friday. Please plan to arrive the weekend before classes being to get registered and settled in with your host family or hotel.

Classes also start either early in the morning 8 or 9 am or in the afternoon around 1 pm.

*Note that some schools offer a discount to those students that take afternoon classes instead of morning ones.

How much on average do Spanish classes cost?
The price depends on several factors: country, hours per week, home stay v. hotel stay, and group v. private lessons. For the sake of simplicity, all prices listed on this site include roughly the same package: 20 hours of Spanish a week and 6 days/7 nights of home stay that include 2-3 meals a day. Based on my research prices range from $150 to $850 for the week. Some schools do have registration fees that are not included in my prices. They range from $50- 100 and are 1 time fees.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes, most schools require a registration fee that is anywhere from $50 to $100. Some schools do run specials and will wave this fee.

What country has the cleanest accent to study Spanish?
I have heard over and over that Mexico, Guatemala, and Columbia have some of the clearest accents in L.A. Of course, everyone has their opinion but countries that have some of the hardest are Cuba and Argentina.
What is the cheapest place to study Spanish?
Guatemala in my experience is one of the cheapest countries to study Spanish and is easy to get to from the United States. Schools can range less than $100 per week.

What if I don't want to stay with a host family?
Even though staying with a host family is the best way to improve your Spanish, schools only offer this as a choice and you are welcome to book accommodation through them or on your own.
Where can I live during classes?
Most schools have the option of a home stay where you will stay with a family that speaks little or no English. These families will cook 2-3 of your meals a day and provide you with either a private or shared room depending on your request. Home stays are 7 nights/6 days accommodation. Arrangements with hotels and hostels can also be made by the school for your arrival if you prefer. This choice is usually a pricier option depending on the city in which you study.

Do schools offer tours or trips in addition to Spanish lessons?
Yes, many schools offer a wide variety of social activities such as salsa lessons, cooking classes, and day/weekend trips to local markets, the beach, mountains, or neighboring cities.
Is volunteering possible?
Yes, many schools offer a volunteering program for those students interested in helping the local community.