The goal of every Destino Abroad trip is to get students speaking and understanding Spanish as quickly as possible. We have found that the homestay experience is the best way for students to fully immerse themselves in the language and culture of the host country. Living with local families allows students to communicate with native speakers in a natural setting. Students are challenged to use the Spanish that they already know and to improve their language skills at an accelerated rate.
Our homestay families are fully vetted, screened and carefully selected. Many have been hosting exchange students for over 30 years. Most importantly, all of our host families are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment that promotes language learning.
In recent years, Destino Abroad has partnered up with two of the most experienced language institutes in both Costa Rica and Ecuador. Our students receive four hours of intensive Spanish language instruction per weekday at the language institute.
Upon arrival, each student’s Spanish proficiency is assessed through written and oral placement exams. Language lessons are then organized by skill level, ranging from Primario (Beginning) to Avanzado (Advanced). With only two to four students per class, students benefit from a uniquely personalized learning experience that focuses on conversation. University credit is available on some of our trips.
The scope of language learning continues far beyond the classroom. Each day, our students are challenged to use their Spanish conversational skills with native speakers in real-world language situations. Students soon discover how quickly language acquisition occurs when they need to order lunch in a foreign language! As they work alongside local children, bargain for souvenirs, and chat with their host families, our students are encouraged to apply what they learned in class to authentic language situations. It is during these meaningful interactions that some of the most valuable language learning occurs.
