Personalized Spanish immersion classes

Lesson plans are always tailored to your level of Spanish and your specific learning needs and interests, including children and professionals (medics, teachers, lawyers). We encourage you to communicate with your teacher or the administration team if you would like to make any adjustments, such as emphasizing a particular subject or activity. A common request is beginner Spanish for travellers. Classes are one teacher to one student, including children (see below). Please talk to us if you would like a different arrangement. We use a Spanish immersion system of teaching, which we recommend for anyone who is beyond the beginner stage.

Class Schedule

We recommend 4 hours of class time each day, Monday – Friday (20 hours per week). The majority* of classes are held from 8:00am to 12:00pm, with 2 hours focused on grammar and 2 hours on conversation. There is a 20 minute break between 9:50 – 10:10am. Please note that teachers as well as students need to recharge in between, so actual class time is 1 hour 50 minutes. Most of our guests take advantage of our activity program or volunteer work for the other half of the day. However, you can also opt to take classes for 6 hours or a really intensive course of 8 hours per day (see Prices page).

*Note – Most students doing volunteer work have classes either in the afternoon, as the projects tend to operate in the mornings but this is variable. 

Begin classes whenever you want and stay as long as you like.Joining mid-week is fine, though students generally find it helpful to arrive on the weekend and have time to settle in. You are very welcome to book classes for as little as a week, but please note that learning Spanish is a long-term process and we cannot guarantee that you will learn much beyond the very basics in a short amount of time.

Courses run 52 weeks per year, though we do charge a little more for classes on Xmas Day and Good Friday, for example! We can organize Saturday and Sunday classes – see Prices page for cost.

Class Descriptions

Grammar Class

Grammar classes are structured around six levels, from complete beginner to advanced. First, your teacher will access your Spanish proficiency to determine your level. Classes are held in open-air classrooms lit by natural light that overlook lush gardens. Watching a butterfly for a moment or two can be a helpful way to reflect on that tricky “por” or “para” problem! We are very flexible and you only need to tell us if, for example, you do not wish to cover the rules of grammar in a formal way, but would rather spend your time learning enough Spanish to help you in your travels around Nicaragua. 

Supplies Needed – something to write with and a notebook. These can be purchased in town if you choose. Flashcards may be useful to bring if you find that method helpful. Other materials (dictionaries etc) are available in the school library. La Mariposa has written workbooks at the different levels reflecting Nicaraguan Spanish for sale. These are optional, though many students find them very useful.

Conversation Class

Conversation classes cover general topics to ensure sound vocabulary acquisition and grammar practice. Conversation teachers generally change every week to ensure variety. They are happy to tailor conversation topics to your interests. Popular subjects include family, cultural practices, food, hobbies, movies, articles, sports, etc. This class does not require a classroom. It can center around activities and exploration, such as discussing the day´s news, (we provide a national newspaper), playing games like Spanish Scrabble, strolling around the grounds learning about the flora and fauna, taking the microbus to town, and visiting the local health clinic or schools. The choice is yours and we’re sure to have a teacher who’ll share your interest! Conversation teachers change every week to ensure variety.

More Opportunities to Converse – All of the people who work here, whether on the farm, in the kitchen, taking care of the animals, are happy to spend time talking with you and helping you practice. Even if you don’t want to do volunteer work in a formal way, you’re always welcome to spend an hour or two helping out and using the opportunity to practise. This is also an excellent way to get used to different accents! The activities also offer possibilities to practice and pick up extra vocabulary.

Spanish for Children

Spanish lessons for children are specially designed to include a mixture of activities and interactive teaching methods. Some children want more serious Spanish instruction, others prefer more games and fun activities. We figure out the balance in consultation with the children and parents. Our teachers are given specific training in working with children. Some of them speak English, have worked in public schools with children, and all have considerable experience teaching children and young people. With younger children, the abundance of animals (dogs, parrots, monkey, etc.) living at the Mariposa helps enormously to keep them entertained and learn new vocabulary!

Spanish for Professionals

We have worked with numerous professionals seeking to interact more effectively with Spanish speakers in their work environments. Lessons can focus on vocabulary and phrases specific to almost any career, including medicine, nursing, social services, education, business, law, engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, environmental sciences, and more. You just need to let us know!