Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Top 5 Best Beach Spanish Immersion Programs for Winter

Beaches of Uruguay
Many of our students study during the Winter break in order to best take advantage of the amazing weather that Central and South American can offer during the months of December and January. Many families also have the advantage of the school break, in order to combine their Family Vacation with a Spanish immersion program. 

Central America is moving out of their rainy season come mid-November, and it is Summer in South America, so overall you can't beat the differential in weather, especially for those of you living in the Mid-West, North, or East Coast. 

Not all beach location are ideal for every student, so it is important to consider your options and choose the one that best fits with your interests. We have provided 5 top choice beach locations to consider for your winter Spanish Immersion program. These locations are known to book up in advance so start considering the right location now to ensure availability. 

1. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Great North Pacific Beach location with an outstanding Spanish school only 5 minutes walking distance from the beach. Three major beaches close by and a great nightlife. Offers host family, onsite residence, and private bungalow housing. Full service family programs for adults and children. This program attracts all ages and also offers an amazing surf program. Easy transfer options from Liberia Airport. 

2. Bocas del Toro, Panama
Enchanting island location off the Caribbean coast of Panama. Great beach area for those looking to vacation in  a quaint rustic town and lower cost program prices. Host family, Student Residence, and hotel options. Amazing snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sport activities within the vicinity. There are also water taxis to visit the various islands in the chain. Easy connecting flights from Panama City.

3. Malaga, Spain 
Close to the Southern tip of Europe right on the Mediterranean. Birthplace of Picasso and houses one of his museums in the city center. Within close distance to some of the cultural hot spots of Spain including Sevilla, Granada, and Cordoba. Close proximity to Morocco by ferry and a decent bus ride to Gibraltar. The city provides world class golf courses close by and is a stones throw from the top rated resorts of Marbella. Malaga is a moderate sized city, which is great for Spanish immersion. 

4. Playa del Carmen, Mexico 
With the many bad headlines hitting Mexico, Playa del Carmen which is 45 minutes South of Cancun has proven to be a bastion of safety for our students looking to learn Spanish in Mexico. Laying claim to the 2nd largest reef in the world, you can find some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. This beach location on the Mayan Riviera has long been a popular spot for Spanish immersion and a cultural gold mine given its Mayan roots and amazing ruins within close distance to the town.  

5. Montevideo, Uruguay
Perhaps a little off the beaten path, but this is a much overlooked option that offers an amazing immersion experience, as it is far less touristy than its neighbor of Buenos Aires, Argentina. We receive many students that are 30+, since they know it will attract less of a college crowd. There are some great city beaches within close proximity to the school and some more stunning beaches further afield in more natural settings. You are also a quick ferry ride for a weekend excursion to the big city of Buenos Aires that dwarfs this South American Capital. 

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