I have been speaking and using Spanish informally for years but never had any formal training in it. I took classes for 7-8 weeks off and on with ISLA and the experience was really amazing.
I had a variety of teachers and they were all dedicated, fun, and experts in language learning - something a lot of schools don't actually have. These are teachers with experience teaching foreigners a new language - so they focus a lot on what are important and foundational things. These were primarily conversation and grammar fundamentals.
On top of those you learn vocabulary of course, and culture, but these are elements you can continue to learn more of on your own once you have the building blocks of grammar down and once you are comfortable conversing.
I feel like a lot of language schools just have teachers who "know" the language but don't really know how to teach the fundamentals of language. ISLA are experts in teaching. You are in good hands. All of the teachers are bilingual English/Spanish, have college degrees, and many also speak other languages.
They can also tailor private classes for you as well.
As a solo traveler it was also a great place to meet other people who are studying Spanish in Puerto Rico. They came from all over and were all there for different reasons and I made a lot of great friends.
The school is close to a ton of restaurants for lunch too. And stores. And cafes. And hot dog stands (shoutout to Maria!).
Most weeks the school also provides a free group excursion that was a really cool way to learn more about Puerto Rico, meet other people from other classes, and have fun (dance, drink, paint, hike, etc. etc.).
You can't go wrong with ISLA. And like anything - what you put in matters. Like any teacher they can't transform you without your participation - so do your homework and show up on time!!
Also I had a HUGE crush on every single person who works there jaja. Gracias ISLA nos vemos! read more