Outdoor Activities and Tour

Learn Spanish in Nicaragua

Although there are many places where Spanish is taught, Nicaragua is one of the most incredible.  Not only is this an amazingly beautiful country with warm-hearted people but there are also outstanding schools.  The goal is to choose wisely so you get the quickest and best results for the money.  There are many benefits of studying Spanish lessons in Nicaragua but above all, you will be immersed in the culture, living and eating with the local, Spanish-speaking people on a daily basis.
By studying in Nicaragua, you will soon be confident in your ability to speak a foreign language.  There are some things we recommend you consider to ensure your trip is the best it can be.  The following are a few suggestions of things you should research before you make any firm reservations.

• The size of the classes is important.  The finest schools in Nicaragua will have small classes, which mean you get more one-on-one Spanish lessons and time with the teacher.  Additionally, the smaller class size allows you a more comfortable setting so you can learn Spanish at a pace that works for you.  Yes, there will be a scheduled curriculum but with the smaller class, you do not feel that same rush that would be a part of large classrooms.
• The accommodations offered by the school are another important decision that will need to be made.  Now, most schools in Nicaragua where Spanish is taught give people two options.  The first is staying at a nearby hotel so you can get to and from class quickly and easily.  However, an even better option would be to find a school that can set you up with a host family.  The advantage here is that when you stay with a local family, you are in a home where Spanish is the spoken language.  This means in addition to what you are learning in the classroom, you also get further education simply by being with a native family.  In addition to language, a host family situation also gives you more insight into the beautiful culture so you appreciate the people and the language even more.
• Then, there are the activities that go along with a trip to Nicaragua. Again, most schools will provide a list of places to see and things to do that they recommend as interesting, fun, and most importantly, safe.  However, some schools will also have group activities so you can see the sites of the city where you travel to but in a more controlled setting.  As you scout around for the right school, ask about the way in which activities are handled.

Remember, people of all ages, lifestyles, and skill level travel to Nicaragua every year to learn Spanish.  This means as you get into the classroom, you will see a variety of people that may include healthcare professionals, high school students, eco-tourists, church workers, doctors, and just everyday moms and dads interested in gaining control over the Spanish language.  No matter the reason for learning Spanish or your current level of speaking this language, visiting a Nicaraguan school offers you the best opportunity for advancing and speaking better.
Many students who come to study at Viva Spanish School just want to take classes, and that’s great! Others are interested in getting involved in other activities, such as tours of local attractions. Our school offers activities for those who are interested, three afternoons each week. Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday the school escorts students on tours. The schedule includes six tours on a two week time-table, starting over every two weeks with the same schedule. See the cost along side of the particular activity that you are interested in taking. Since the school takes no profit for activities, the costs are very low for each one. Please let Miriam or Lyndon know that morning if you are planning on going. The following activities have no minimum number of people who can go so we will go even if only one person is interested.

Monday (1st and 3rd of the month) Take a bus with a staff member to see the Colonial city of Granada. The architecture of the buildings dates back to the 16th century when the Spaniards conquered this part of Central America. You will leave the school at 1:00 in the afternoon and return sometime around 5:00 PM. You’ll see the old cathedral and Central Park, as well as the San Francisco Museam. The cost of this activity is $10.

Monday (2nd and 4th of the month) Take a bus with a staff member to San Juan Del Oriente. There you will visit the Mirador in Catarina. It overlooks the Laguna De Apoyo and the view is beautiful. You will also see some “artesenia” and do a little walking around. You will leave the school around 1:00 PM and return around 5:00 PM. The cost of this activity is $6.

Wednesday (1st and 3rd of the month)  You will go with a staff member to the new Catholic cathedral in Managua and take a tour. It is a very modern-looking structure with interesting statues inside. Most people find it very spiritual just to enter and walk around. Next, you will go to the museum at the National Palace. There is some interesting history on display there. You should leave the school at 1:00 and return before 5:00 PM. The cost for this activity is $4.

Wednesday (2nd and 4th of the month) You will go with a staff member to Roberto Huembes Market, a typical shopping market for the average Nicaraguan family. There they sell everything from fruit and other food to electronics and furniture. You will leave the school and take either a bus or taxi to the market, just a couple of kilometers from the school, and return to the school by 4:00 PM. The cost for this activity is $2.

Thursday (1st and 3rd) Leaving the school at 1:00 PM, you will head to Masaya, about a half-hour bus ride from Managua. There you will go to the Old Market (Mercado Viejo) which is also known as the Artist’s Market. You will walk around and look at some of the shops that display and sell local artist’s work. Then you will go to the “Mercado Nuevo” in Masaya, which is a more typical market in Nicaragua.  You should return to the school around 5:00 PM.
The cost for this activity is $5.

Thursday (2nd and 4th) You Leaving the school at 1:00 PM, you will go with a staff member to Masaya to do a tour of the four churches/cathedrals of Masaya, including; Iglesia San Jeronimo, Catedral de Masaya, Iglesia San Miquel and Iglesia Monimbo’. You will return to the school by 5:00 PM. The cost for this activity is $5

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Last update: Jan 27, 2011