Has anyone taken a spanish language program family vacation?

[disykat]

I've been researching spanish language schools for our next vacation - for two adults and two teens. (Most have classes 4 hours a day and then you do tourist stuff.) Has anyone been on one or have any recommendations?

I've found lots of websites, but places like tripadvisor.com etc. don't seem to have any info. on them. Any help appreciated!

I just realised I put this on the budget board, but it actually seems to fit since many of the programs are fairly inexpensive - kind of like hostel travel.

[minnie1928]

I can't help you, but that sounds really cool!

[winjos]

I did a summer program (1 month) in France. We spent the mornings in class (took the metro to classes --- cool commute) and then met up with our teacher/guide every afternoon. We went on a couple field trips and a weekend stay in the Normandy region. It was a fantastic experience. Our teacher/guide was the best. She took us to tourist areas, out of the way areas, chic areas, etc. The organization I went through was Accent (http://www.accentintl.com/index.html ) and I would use them again.

At the time, I thought the program was very reasonable. Lodging, classes, transportation, food, tours, etc. all included. We just had to pay for the airfare and spending money. Now, it was only myself that I had to pay for, four will add up.

The only thing I would do differently: I would stay in an apartment and not in the dorms. I would have rather lived in a little neighborhood, visited the local stores, and tried and "chat" with the neighbors.

We (my Mom & Sister went too) still talk about what a great time we had and we went in 1999.

Good luck in your research!

P.S. Have you tried looking at vacations where you volunteer? You might find some interesting opportunities to experience a different culture.