alumni testimonials

Below is a list of student testimonials and comments about their experience abroad and with going with Spanish Por Favor, the Spanish division of Think Abroad.

Name: Barb F.

State and Country: Illinois, USA

Course taken: Regular Spanish (2-weeks)

Program: San Pedro, Costa Rica

Testimonial: "My immersion experience in San Jose was fantastic from beginning to end! Although I only stayed 2 weeks, I learned so much and was amazed at how I was able to communicate. It had been 38 years since I had studied Spanish in college! I'm definitely planning to go back and stay for at least a month.

I loved the teachers, and the staff was so helpful in assisting with arrangements for tours on the weekends and afternoons. The homestay was fabulous and I really felt that I was a member of the family.

I really appreciated the support I got from Peter, at Spanish Por Favor. He answered all of my questions and made all of the arrangements for me so that I had nothing to worry about. He even gave me suggestions on trips to take during the 10 days I traveled around the country when my classes were over.

I was very impressed that he called me several times at my Costa Rican home to see how things were going. I felt very secure knowing that he was there for me. Having that US connection was so important.

Awesome experience! I'd HIGHLY recommend it! Love that gallo pinto!"

Name: Mary F.

State and Country: California, USA

Course taken: Regular and one-on-one Spanish (2-Months)

Program: San Jose, Costa Rica

Testimonial: "The evening I arrived in San Jose, I was suddenly terrified by my inability to communicate with anyone and the knowledge that I would go for 2 months without any familiar faces! But within 12 hours, all of that changed. Peter at Spanish Por Favor called to check that I'd gotten in safely, so I knew he was looking out for me. He really took care of everything and I knew that I had someone to take care of business and make sure everything went smoothly.

My homestay family welcomed me with open arms, and I found that we could get along easily even before I'd really broken the language barrier (and that part came surprisingly quickly!). During my stay in their house, I really felt like I became a part of their family.

My first day of school, I found that all of the teachers were equal to my mama-Tica in their enthusiasm, openness, and skill. I had taken Spanish in college, but classes in the US couldn't compare to a real immersion experience, where every moment I was forced to use what I'd been learning. By the end of my first two weeks, I was reading Harry Potter in Spanish and having conversations about politics and religion!

As my time in Costa Rica drew to a close, I experienced the opposite emotions I'd had upon arrival - I was sad to leave my family, teachers, and friends, and nervous about returning to the US! I use the skills I gained all the time now - at work, at home, even asking someone to move their car in a parking lot! Spanish is incredibly important here and becoming more so, and I'm thankful that I had such a simultaneously nurturing and challenging environment to learn it in. I definitely plan on returning!"

Name: Jen M.

State and Country: Illinois, USA

Courses Taken: Spanish for Healthcare Professionals and Regular Spanish (3-months)

Program: San Pedro, Costa Rica

Testimonial: "When I arrived in Costa Rica I could pretty much just say hello and thank you and ask where the bathroom was, yet after just four weeks of total immersion I was having rather sophisticated conversations about things like medicine, politics and the environment.

Isabel and Jorge, the family I stayed with, were the most amazing people! They were so patient with me when I could barely say anything, and they helped me learn so much more than I ever could have by just taking classes. And I simply cannot say enough about Isabel’s cooking!

The medical Spanish program was incredibly thorough. We didn’t just learn vocabulary; my professor and I would act out patient-doctor scenarios and devise strategies for communicating with patients.

I was even able to spend a day at a clinic to talk with real patients and to even help out a bit where I could. It was such a great learning experience, I can’t wait to go back!

Peter, the Spanish Por Favor director, was so helpful in planning my trip; I didn't need to do much of anything besides show up at the airport! I really felt taken care of, and I knew that on the off-chance that anything were to go wrong he would be able to quickly resolve it.

I would highly recommend Spanish Por Favor to anyone who wants to learn Spanish quickly and with no hassle."

Name: Norma D.

State and Country: California, USA

Courses Taken: Regular Spanish Course (2-weeks)

Program: San Pedro, Costa Rica

Testimonial: "Immersion education two weeks left me drained with excitement! When I got there I could not speak any Spanish and in my last conversational class I spoke on politics and women. Now sometimes I can't remember how to spell English words. If I hadn't gone abroad, I would still be in Spanish one.

Peter, the Spanish Por Favor director, made the transition to Costa Rica less frightening because I went all by myself. He was able to verbally comfort me to let me know that my experience would be some thing I should not miss and he was right!"

Name: Kamelia H.

State and Country: Illinois, USA

Courses Taken: Regular Spanish (3-weeks)

Program: San Pedro, Costa Rica

Testimonial: "I had a fantastic time!. At first, I found that I wanted the teachers to speak English to me when I didn't know the right words to use in Spanish, but then I realized that it was for my own good. The staff planned multiple weekend excursions for me, which made my experience very well rounded. I even got the opportunity to volunteer at an orphanage to help the children with art projects, which was so much fun.

My host family was really sweet and treated me like I was a part of their family. Throughout my time in Costa Rica, Peter, the Spanish Por Favor director, stayed in contact with me to make sure I was ok and having fun, which I really appreciated. It was nice to have a contact person who had been through the program and knew what challenges I might be facing. I would highly recommend Spanish Por Favor to anyone who is serious about learning Spanish!

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Name: Angie W.

State and Country: Illinois, USA

Courses Taken: Regular Spanish (3-weeks)

Program: Samara, Costa Rica

- Question: What did you enjoy most about studying Spanish through immersion education?

Answer: "Feeling like I was in a different country; realizing that learning another language is more difficult than it seems; and salsa dancing is a lot of fun"!!!

- Question: What did you like most about living with a home stay family and did you feel that there were any drawbacks to this living arrangement?

Answer: "I enjoyed having someone cook for me! It was a great way to experience the culture. Who knew you could have fried cheese for breakfast"?!?

- Question: How satisfied were you with Think Abroad’s communication with you prior to and during your immersion experience?

Answer: "I am very satisfied with Think Abroad’s communication. They took care of everything, before, during and after my trip and they gave me a information that really helped me while I was abroad. Lauren was always there if I had a question or concern".

Testimonial:
"Studying in Samara was an amazing experience. It is truly a “tico” town with howler monkeys hanging out in the trees and the ocean at your back door. I literally would go for a swim everyday during our break between classes. I really enjoyed the daily yoga classes. If you are a surfer, or want to learn…this is your school"!

Name: Dr. Hakan C. H.

State and Country: Florida, USA

Courses Taken: Intensive Spanish and one-on-one Spanish (2-weeks)

Program: San Pedro, Costa Rica

Testimonial: "I enjoyed the rapid increase in cultural knowledge and the rapid expansion of vocabulary and speaking skills. The host family stay was superb. Jorge and Isabel are fantastic people with very big hearts! They, more than anything else, made the stay worth while. They are the primary class and in some respects as important as the school. They were extremely patient and helpful and like your own family there".

Spanish Por Favor was very available and concerned about everything regarding my trip. They called and checked on me and made sure everything was great with me and my stay, both regarding the school and home stay".

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Name: Melissa A.

State and Country: Pennsylvania, USA

Courses Taken: Regular Spanish (3-weeks)

Program: San Pedro, Costa Rica

Testimonial: "I really enjoyed working with Spanish Por Favor. I was surprised with how much Spanish I learned In just 3 weeks I was able to understand most conversation's with my host family without looking at my dictionary. I also improved with speaking Spanish, I was able to hold basic conversations. When I got home I was able to communicate with my boyfriend's Spanish speaking family! It was a great experience and I would do it again!"

Name: Ann P.

State and Country: Washington DC, USA

Courses Taken: Regular Spanish (4-weeks)

Program: Samara Beach, Costa Rica

"You guys made planning the logistics for this trip easy. I appreciated all of your help, professionalism and friendliness. Peter, in the utmost sincerity, you have been a wonderful resource and liaison. I appreciated the check ins. The timing was always good. I felt confident that I would have a wonderful experience bc you were such a helpful and knowledgeable liaison. I felt that you were in tune with my needs--you gave me enough space to have my experience but at the same time checked in at the appropriate times.

I went to Samara, Costa Rica hardly able to speak full sentences. After a week, I could converse with my host family. I took classes for one month. The school is situated right on the beach. It's tempting to want to skip homework and spend the time instead at the beach. However, you can do both. It's not uncommon for students to be studying on the beach. The classes are intensive but it's all about the effort you put into learning especially speaking.

My host family was wonderful and supportive. They only spoke Spanish so I practiced with them everyday. Also, my host family helped me with my homework. I had a close relationship with my host family. I attribute it to their caring nature and my willingness to keep an open mind. A flexible and curious mind-set helped me move pass fear and build wonderful experiences.

The school provides a good balance of social activities. I participated in yoga regularly, tried the cooking classes, and took salsa lessons. All these activities were free, part of tuition. Weekend trips are organized by the school as well. I went to Monteverde/Volcan Arenal, Barra Honda, and Rio Celeste. All trips were amazing, but my favorite was visiting Rio Celeste in Tenorio Park. It's not in most of the guide books, but it's gorgeous. The minerals in the water create a beautiful turquoise laguna and waterfall. We also got a chance to swim, soak and play in the natural hot springs.

Would I return? Resoundingly YES! I would love to see my family again and advance even more in my journey to learn Spanish."

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Name: Sharon A.

State and Country: Brooklyn, NYC, USA

Courses Taken: Regular Spanish (4-weeks)

Program: Mexico City and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Thank you for your help and quick response to any questions while studying in Mexico. This was my first time traveling alone abroad. I spent two weeks in Mexico City and one week in Playa Del Carmen. I had a great experience, both schools are excellent although I prefer the school in Playa Del Carmen to Mexico City personally because it had more activities to offer after class, it was laid back and the staff was very friendly. Also the location of the school is great. The teachers are all very helpful, friendly and fun. I really felt at home in both places.

The group learning level in both Mexico City and Playa was a bit lower level than mine and the next group available was too advanced for me. I found the private classes to be a lot of fun and I was able to speak more with the teacher. I decided to take 3 hours only private classes the last week of my trip in Playa, instead of the original group +2 hour private class. I was able to enjoy the beach studying in the morning and went to class from 2 to 5 in the afternoon. I enjoyed being in a Spanish environment after class as I was able to practice my new skills with the natives.

What I enjoyed most is meeting new people and exploring Mexico City and Playa del Carmen.
Thanks for making it happen!! I truly had a wonderful experience! Most of all I left Mexico speaking Spanish with confidence. I only had 3 weeks to learn, if I had more time I would have stayed on."

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Name: Candi J.

State and Country: Texas, USA

Courses Taken: 1-week Intensive Spanish

Immersion Program: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Testimonial: "I enjoyed the overall set up of the course offered by Think Abroad to include the home stay. What I felt was lacking was the need for a true beginner’s class that introduces the basics of Spanish. I.E. colors, animals and days of the week. This would have been great for extreme beginners like me, but I pushed through the offered class. What I liked the most about my host family was Analy the host, she was great! Her hospitality was superb, the food was great and her patience was outstanding! The only drawback was the lack of Air conditioning but after a day or so of adjusting, I was good to go.

If I could have stayed longer I would have. Living with the host family seemed like home and provided me with the atmosphere that I needed to learn more and practice more. To rate my overall experience with Think Abroad I would rate my satisfaction as an 9 out of 10. Peter was very helpful and very interactive with us."

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Name: Leslie A.

State and Country: Washington D.C.

Course taken: Regular Spanish (3-weeks)

Program: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Question: What did you enjoy most about studying Spanish through immersion education?

Answer: "Meeting new people from around the world at the school. Peter of Think Abroad, was very helpful with all of the arrangements and followed through even when I was in Argentina. Just being in Argentina was a lot of fun. Great people and great food.

Question: How satisfied were you with Think Abroad’s communication with you prior to and during your immersion experience?

Answer: Very satisfied. Like I mentioned above, this was probably the best reason to use Think Abroad again.

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Name: Kiera B.

State and Country: Pennsylvania, USA

Course taken: Regular Spanish (2-weeks)

Program: Samara Beach, Costa Rica

Studying abroad in Playa Samara, Costa Rica was the ideal experience for me. I felt it was the perfect combination of education and leisure. The complete cultural immersion allowed me to improve my language skills in a relaxing and non-threatening environment. The workload given did not at all interfere with extracurricular activities. I went to class everyday for 4 hours and then had the rest of the day free to learn how to surf, make local friends, try the local food, or learn to dance salsa.

I came back feeling refreshed and thrilled with my much-improved grasp of the Spanish language. Overall, I was very satisfied with my Spanish immersion program thru Think Abroad. With the type of work I do, I rarely have the time or energy to plan trips. I felt that Think Abroad made the whole experience extremely easy. I was able to trust the agency to do all the legwork for me so all I had to do was send a check. The communication between Think Abroad and me was extraordinary. The e-mails were promptly responded to so that I always knew exactly what was going on. Contacting Think Abroad by phone was also very easy and I felt everyone was friendly and informative.

I think immersion is the best way to learn a language! I very much enjoyed staying with a family and having to use Spanish practically all day every day.

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Name: Ryan J.

State and Country: Texas, USA

Course taken: Regular Spanish (1-week)

Program: Guanajuato, Mexico

Testimonial: "A great big thanks to Peter and Think Abroad for their help during my attempted immersion stay. Sadly, I acquired food poisoning before I was able to even begin my course. Worse, I had family problems at home that needed attention. In the end, I had to cancel the course and take an earlier flight home. I was greatly surprised and pleased when Peter refunded my deposit costs. In addition to all of that, he gave me information and updates along the way to keep me posted and prepared for my course. I'm highly impressed with this program and will not only recommend it to friends and family, but have every intention of using Think Abroad when I try immersion studies again in the future. Cheers".

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Name: Veronica T.

State and Country: Florida, USA

Courses Taken: Intensive Spanish and one-on-one Spanish (2-weeks)

Course taken: Regular Spanish (2-weeks)

Program: San Pedro, Costa Rica

"My immersion experience was very good. I have no complaints. Isabel and her family were very friendly and hospitable. The school and the teachers were also great. I liked how flexible the teachers were and were able to teach me in pace that I preferred. I appreciate all of your help and effort. I only wish I had more time to learn! I will definitely try to come back again. Peter, thanks again."

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