By Raúl Gavarrette O.

Long has been the path since the early 80´s first Spanish language schools in Nicaragua opened in the northern Estelí Nicaraguan province. This self-sustainable clean industry has experienced a boom over the last years since late 90´s, particularly in Granada downtown, the first colonial city in Nicaragua. At the present, Granada has a growing network of independent Spanish language schools which through the years have gained experience and reputation among the increasing number of visitors that have chosen Nicaragua as the safest Central American country to visit.  Studying Spanish is a good option while visiting this tropical country. Those who are planning or have already decided to visit Nicaragua should explore the possibility to make a great combination of a vacation trip with a few days, a couple of weeks, or even months of Spanish language study in Granada language schools.

With so many new schools opening every year in this colonial city, it is some kind of difficulty to choose the best option and what Spanish school in Granada is the best for studying. It mostly depends on the interests or what you are looking for and how much you want to spend. In the city streets you will find people not necessarily teachers, offering Spanish lessons in Granada for a few cents mostly for economic reasons. Academic and effective quality should not be expected from them. Perhaps if you just want to learn some Spanish words by heard and repetition and do not want to spend much this could be an option not the best yet.

Most of the Spanish schools in Granada offer a mixture of language instruction, volunteer opportunities and excursions to nearby destinations which include crater lakes, boat tours, cigar factories, and walking city tours. Lodging with local families in Granada is also included in the Spanish studies packets offered by the language schools. Each school has different prices for the Spanish courses ranging between $280 and $350 for a week. This mainly depends on the kind of course you choose and the quality of services they offer. The more weeks you take the cheaper you get. If you are seriously considering learning Spanish in Granada Nicaragua, having fun, experiencing the culture and enjoying the surroundings and the beautiful nature, you should have a look at these best five Granada Spanish schools mentioned in this article. These are the Spanish language schools that have stood out up to 2020 for their reputation and experience, for their ethic and honesty, and the professionalism of the business.

1. Nicaragua Spanish Schools (http://www.nicaragua-spanish-lessons.com) is an independent language school located in Granada downtown a few blocks from the Central Plaza, in the surroundings of Convento San Francisco Cultural Center. This school offers Spanish immersion courses, one-on-one lessons and in small groups from basic beginners to advanced superior levels. The courses are combined with amazing afternoon excursions to local destinations which include nature reserves, national parks, crater lakes, boat tours in Lake Cocibolca; visits to open markets, handicraft factories, active and dormant volcanoes. This Nicaraguan Spanish language school offers also Spanish and Ceramic courses; Medical Spanish courses; Spanish for College students; Spanish for travelers, Crash courses, and Online Spanish lessons. Homestay with friendly families is available; there are also all-included packets. Some of the teachers speak English but they use it only when it is necessary or requested. The maximum size of the class is four students but average size is one-two students per class. Class material is provided. Spanish instruction is usually Monday to Friday all year round opening every Monday but any student can start any day of the week according to personal schedule on arrival. Lessons available in the morning and afternoon. Students are offered to study one-week course as minimum length but can take as many weeks as desired. Airport pickup from Managua to Granada is available if requested. Volunteering is also possible previous request. The staff is very enthusiastic and dynamic. The Director and the Administrative Assistant are also very nice. This school has been providing job opportunities to its professional teachers since 2004 at the very early organization stage and promoted conservationist and reforestation small projects in Laguna de Apoyo along with its partner school in that area. Students are offered to volunteer. Recently the school has been chosen as the best school for training volunteers and cooperants from Asian and European countries who volunteer in Nicaragua.

2. SOL Spanish School (http://www.granadanicaraguaspanishschool.com), a language school family owned, is located at a few blocks from Central Park and from Xalteva Church. The school offers Spanish courses from beginners to advanced levels. SOL Spanish School has a wide range of courses for the students: Spanish immersion classes; Spanish classes only; combo programs; online Spanish classes; Volunteering and Spanish classes. The standard program includes Spanish classes Monday to Friday, lodging with a host family, and local afternoon activities. The activities include visits to museums, clinics, artisan shops, local factories, farms, and NGO´s. Classes are usually 8-12m.; but they also offer afternoon lessons. The class size is 1-2 students per class. The school provides class materials. Some of the teachers speak English and use it in the class if requested by students. Transfer from Managua Airport to Granada can be arranged through the school.

3. Casa Xalteva Spanish School (http://www.casaxalteva.org) situated by the Xalteva church offers a packet stressed on volunteering. It is one of the oldest Spanish schools established in Granada. Located in a quiet location, this school offers intensive Spanish courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced language students. The class size is two-three students per class, sometimes one- to-one. Lessons take place for four hours daily from Monday to Friday. The Spanish lessons are emphasized on conversational skills. Some of the instructors at the school speak English but they use only Spanish since the first day of class to encourage the students to speak, write and read the language from the very first day in the program. Classes start every Monday all year round. Minimum length of a course is one week but students can study for weeks or months if desired. Transportation from Airport available if requested.

4. Spanish Dale School (http://spanishdale.com) is situated across from Bancentro Bank and offers one-on-one language Spanish lessons.  The school was part of APC former Spanish school for many years. They became an independent school a couple of years ago. This school is associated with a local hotel in the city and offers an optional combination of lessons and lodging. Classes are usually 8-12m.; but they also offer afternoon lessons. Local afternoon excursions are also offered by the school. One of the teachers speaks English and uses it in the class if requested by students. The school is opened every day all year round. Transfer from Managua Airport to Granada can be arranged through the school.

5. Spanish School Xpress (http://www.nicaspanishschool.com  is located in Calle Guzman, a few blocks from Central Plaza. It offers a complete program of Spanish immersion. Classes are adapted to the student’s interest and to his/her level of Spanish. The staff is young and very enthusiastic. Some of the teachers speak English if needed in the class. The basic program includes 20 hours of Spanish classes, 5 days a week, in the morning 8-12m; afternoon local activities, lodging with local families. Class material is supplied, one-on-one instruction. This Spanish school also offers customized programs, Spanish and Dancing, and business Spanish. Airport pickup provided upon request.