Picture this.
You’re at a Chilean vineyard, sampling Casillero del Diablo and flirting (in Spanish) with the fashionably dressed server.
Or…you’re at La Bombonera, the famous soccer stadium in the heart of Buenos Aires, bantering (also in Spanish) with the passionate local fans.
Or…you’re putting in a volunteer day at Peru’s Casa de Madre Teresa, helping orphaned street kids learn valuable life skills.
Once again…YOU are communicating in Spanish . With absolute confidence.
Each year over 1,800 people from 43+ countries come to Argentina, Chile, and Peru to learn Spanish with Ecela.
They study in a “Spanish everywhere” environment...360 degrees of Spanish.
Some are mature high school students.
Others are adventurous seniors - some well into their 80s.
Many are absolute beginners, barely able to pronounce “hola”.
Others are already Spanish teachers themselves – looking to perfect their craft.
Together they learn Spanish at Ecela - in a learning environment not like a stuffy lecture hall, but like a casual lunch with old friends.
Then they take their Spanish "out in the field", the very same day they learn it – at the corner fruit vendor, at the neighborhood salsa club, over dinner with their host family.
In the process they reach levels of Spanish far greater than any previous attempt with self-study books, CDs and apps.
Even more than in advanced classes at prestigious universities.
Many become quite fluent, something they didn't even think was possible for someone "not good at languages".
They experience new cultures, eat new foods, dance new dances, and bond with new friends from around the world.
What they do is called a Spanish immersion “eduvacation”.
Immerse yourself deeply in one location, or have a multi-culture (and multi-accent) experience by combining schools.
Let Ecela's 125,000 plus hours of teaching experience bring your Spanish to a level you probably can't now imagine.
...while at the same time exploring the sights, sounds, and tastes of new cultures and sharing your adventure with other culturally-curious language learners from around the world.
Of course the amazing thing is that you will learn to speak Spanish with absolute confidence yet it will seem relatively effortless.
The Ecela Spanish Fluency Pathway is structured so you advance very rapidly, yet without the frustration and boredom of traditional methods.
We have carefully designed our course to get you rapid improvements in your Spanish communications with only four hours of class time per day, leaving you lots of free time for cultural explorations.
"Is it expensive?"
Let's just say your wallet will be happy too.
You'll pay 80% less than a private university, despite having only 1/5 the class size.
All this with results (and your thorough enjoyment) 100% guaranteed.
"I love it here. It's so cool and the class sizes are perfect...I wish I could stay forever."
"I knew absolutely zero Spanish when I got here..."
"Living with a host family here is just like living with my family back home."
(testimonial - German)
(testimonial - Korean)
"I'm so glad I came. My speaking and listening skills have improved so much. It was a great cultural experience."
"The teachers are all very different...all very interesting in their own ways."
"We've gone out a lot...too much to be honest."
"The teachers are amazing - they really know what they are doing and they really care about you."
Press the button below to get our free Spanish Immersion Destination Guide and start planning your "edu-vacation".
Already know your dates and location(s)? Check availability (no credit card info)
In each country you have two Ecela choices: One in the country's cosmopolitan capital, another in a smaller, more relaxed city.
You can spend your entire program in one city, getting a very in-depth living experience. Or you can set up a multi-location program, taking advantage of the different accents to sharpen your ear.
Ecela schools are designed so you can have a multi-culture (and multi-accent) experience. There is no extra charge for "school hopping".
About 1/3 of our students study at more than one school.
You can begin the conversation about a multi-culture program here.
As part of our "Cinco Estrella Garantía" you always have the right to switch to any other Ecela school - at no extra cost.
The classes are consistent across schools, so you can design your own program without worrying about repeating (or missing) content.
Below are your six choices to learn Spanish in Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
Buenos Aires, Argentina Regional center of tango, futbol, fashion, theater. Often called "the Paris of Latin America".
Mendoza, Argentina Gauchos and wineries in the Argentine Andes. Argentina’s “most liveable city”.
Santiago, Chile A modern city at the foot foot of the Andes, Santiago was named world’s top tourist destination by NY Times.
Viña del Mar, Chile A top beach resort and famous for its gardens, “Viña” is only a two hour bus ride from Santiago.
Lima, Peru The “City of Kings”, Lima is widely considered to have South America’s best food, plus surf and salsa.
Cusco, Peru The capital of the ancient Incan Empire and the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s modern wonders.
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Ready to book a course? Check availability (no credit card info).
I think I’m living proof that ECELA is useful for everyone, no matter how old you are. I’m 75, and I’ve learned a lot in such a short time.
I’ve had a great time. My wife and I had an exceptional homestay. The woman we stayed with was really generous with the food and with her time speaking with us in Spanish
My summer in Cusco was one of my most memorable vacations ever. I enjoyed staying in the beautiful city, getting to know both Peruvians and other international students.
The teachers and staff in Ecela were very good and fun at the same time. I will without doubt recommend the school to anyone!
Newly arrived in a big city, from a diverse range of countries, ages, backgrounds, staying for varying periods of time to gel and get along?
Most people would find this a nearly impossible task but they seem to manage it at ECELA Buenos Aires with the fantastic range of activities on offer and the care they take to attend to students needs.
Having taught English as a foreign language myself I can appreciate the quality of the Spanish teaching at ECELA BA.
All of the teachers used the most up to date L2 techniques and as well as having a passion for their native language the general atmosphere was one that seemed to be designed to foster active communication wherever possible. Many of the teachers speak 3 or 4 languages themselves and have a fervent interest in linguistics.
"When I decided to study at Ecela, I was looking for a school that had good classes and a comfortable environment.
"But when I got there, I had a better experience than I ever could have imagined. The class structure was organized, and the small classes helped me learn quickly.
"The school’s staff was really kind and professional.
"Also the school’s excursions are a great opportunity to learn outside of the classroom. The salsa classes and the barbecues were the most fun."
"My time at Ecela was wonderful – in fact so good I came back the following year!
From knowing no Spanish at all when I first joined the school I have reached a level in Spanish that I am delighted with and in all honesty never thought I’d reach!
The professionalism of the teachers is outstanding and the classes are interesting and fun and you can really tell the teachers enjoy their jobs.
For me the only thing I didn’t like about the school was leaving!!!!
"Wow, it was an amazing and unforgettable time at ECELA. I came with only a few words of Spanish and left with so much more than expected: I learned so quickly and easily the language because of the very good and friendly teachers who make learning Spanish fun and interesting.
"I also met some absolutely great people from all over the world and found some new friends.
"I enjoyed my time so much that I spontaneously decided to stay 2 weeks longer than originally planned and I wouldn’t hesitate one second to come back if I had the chance to.."
"I’ve been a student at Ecela twice and can say that their teachers and classes are excellent. I never thought I’d be able to communicate so well in Spanish.
"Now, I can converse with people in their own language in so many countries.
"At this school they realize that each student learns at his own pace – there’s no pressure or stress. Learning a language is a challenge, but there’s no reason why it can’t be fun."
Our Spanish Immersion Fluency Pathway lets you progress rapidly, yet without the usual headaches and frustrations associated with intensive language learning.
The Fluency Pathway is simple but extremely effective:
1. Fundamentals (grammar) that lay your foundation.
2. Conversation Guided practice using what you've learned to the point that it seems natural.
3. "Field practice" Getting out of the classroom, with or without classmates, to test your skills.
4. (optional) Homestay Get even more practice by living with a patient local host.
All of the above are supported by a supportive environment of like-minded students, our friendly but professional staff, and, of course, our "rockstar teachers".
Begin with the Fundamentals (2 hours)...
Peak inside a Spanish fundamentals lessons.
Take a 20 minute "recreo"...
Continue with Conversation (2 hours)...
Conversation class to practice in a supportive environment.
Then Try your Spanish "in the field"...
Living with a local host is an optional, but highly recommended, way to get even more language practice.
Since they are used to speaking with Spanish learners, they have more patience than most people you will meet.
Cultural exposure opportunities you may have with your "nueva familia":
By the way....if you are wondering if you are too old for a homestay, you will be happy to know that many students are older than their "host parents".
Receive program details right away.
Ready to book a course? Check availability (no credit card info).
I’ve been to four of ECELA’s schools, and as a Spanish teacher I applaud their efforts in creating an enjoyable atmosphere for learning Spanish at all levels from beginner to advanced.
ECELA’s schools are more than just language schools, they are learning communities that support the sometimes challenging process of learning another language. The teachers and support staff are the key to the success.
If you are interested in learning Spanish and experiencing the wonders of Peru, Cusco is the best place for you.
In addition to getting personal attention in classes at ECELA and using materials designed to help you progress, the staff plans activities that allow you to come in contact with the nature and history of the country.
We had an excellent time at ECELA Spanish School in Cusco, Pero. Before we arrived, Mima and I didn’t speak Spanish, but after two weeks we know so much more.
"Mima will never forget her first pisco sour (haha) and I’ll never forget the first time I rode a horse!! Thanks for everything!! Besos, Ina and Mima, the Slovak girls."
My experience in Chile with ECELA was the best experience of my life. The school is very good, and the staff is very friendly, kind, and professional.
I really liked all of the school trips, meet-ups, and parties that I went to while I was there. I studied at Ecela for six weeks, and I learned quite a bit of Spanish with all of the instructors, who were really good.
My experience at the school was nearly perfect. I met a lot of nice, friendly people, students and instructors alike. The instructors are fun, dynamic, and really smart, and they have so much patience!
The school is really organized and hardly ever has any problems. The people at the school always want to help. They’re friendly and fantastic!!
My experience at ECELA was great! I asked for specific, personal lessons directed at improving my business vocabulary in Spanish and received just that.
"Gabriel had lessons planned for each day and he adjusted them to my level.
"He also answered the many questions I had from reading the local newspapers everyday.
"The building (Ecela Lima) is in a good location and the staff is very friendly and helpful. The facility was clean and the coffee always ready."
I want to thank Ygor for all the different activities during the time I spent at the school.
I hope you keep finding new places to ride horses because that activity is INCREDIBLE!!
Weekday activities and weekend excursions give you a chance to experience the culture and to spend more time with other students.
Everything is optional and here are some of what you'll see on the calendar during your "360 degrees of Spanish" experience...
You'll be in class four hours a day...enough to make substantial improvements, but also leaving you time for out-of-class cultural experiences.
Day-trip excursions to nearby attractions can be either done with the school or on your own:
"I met my new family yesterday. They have a little kid that's 10, my new brother."
(Testimonial - frances)
"My homestay made my experience so special. They made me so comfortable and...they're just the sweetest people."
(testimonial frances)
(testimonial portugues)
"..eight months in Buenos Aires!"
"I met so many people...new friends from Switzerland, Germany, Australia."
Press the button below to get our free Spanish Immersion Destination Guide and start planning your "edu-vacation".
Already know your dates and location(s)? Check availability (no credit card info)
(Overview of all 6 Ecela Spanish Schools)
Our free Spanish immersion planner includes overviews of all six of our locations, plus glimpses into out-of class activities and excursions.
Reviews and advice from students who have participated in the program.
Your housing, class, and school combination options.
Plus dozens of photos of the Spanish immersion experience.
Ecela Spanish immersion programs are recommended by language travel specialists around the world:
You might be scared to ask, but it's less than you probably think.
By now you're probably wondering..."how much does this cost?"
After all, if you were to take enough courses to get fluent at a private university, you'd spend up to $52,000. Plus books.
Fortunately at Ecela you won't pay anywhere near that amount. Our standard class is only $300/week - even less if you study multiple weeks (typical program is 4-5 weeks, though many stay for several months).
Class prices are the same at each of our schools. The prices below are the maximum cost per week. Discounts up to 33% apply for multi-week programs.
There is also a small once-lifetime administration fee of $100. That covers you at all Ecela schools now and in the future.
Holidays....National holidays are not made up and are factored into the pricing. Contact us if you want to know the how holiday schedule lines up with your plans.
10 group lessons weekly
10 Hrs Fundamentals (max 8 students)
-OR-
10 Hrs Conversation (max 4 students)
No credit card required.
20 group lessons weekly
10 Hrs Fundamentals (max 8 students)
-AND-
10 Hrs Conversation (max 4 students)
No credit card required.
10 private & 10 group weekly
10 Hrs One-to-One Private Tutoring
-AND-
10 Hrs Conversation (max 4 students)
No credit card required.
* Discounts from 5-33% available for programs 2+ weeks. Contact us for details.
Accommodations through Ecela, either Homestays or Shared Flats, are only available to active students.
Housing through Ecela is optional and you can alternatively find your own housing.
To keep the reservation process simple, housing is arranged AFTER booking a course.
Homestay w/ Breakfast & Dinner: $209/week
Shared Apartment (no meals): $169/week
(no credit card info)
Now, you absolutely don’t need us to learn Spanish.
You can try passive methods like home study courses, college lecture classes, apps on your smart phone, and simply hope that Spanish eventually “sinks in”.
You can skip learning Spanish altogether, passing up all the social and professional benefits that come with advanced Spanish abilities.
You can go on a leisure vacation instead, relaxing instead of seeking improvement.
Or…
You can come to South America and take our Spanish immersion course designed specifically for people who want to learn quickly and enjoyably.
It’s 100% guaranteed and has been proven by thousands to be wildly effective!
Ana and Adora explain class structure.
Testimonial - Italian
"I really felt like I could finally converse in Spanish. I recommend it to everbody."
"Overall it's a fantastic experience and well worth it."
An Ecela student from Switzerland thanks her teachers on her final day.
(testimonial frances)
(testimonial portugues)
"no Spanish when I arrived...just me and a dictionary"(trans)
"We've found many good restaurants and gone wine-tasting on multiple occassions."
Testimonial - Swedish
Testimonial - Belgian
"It has been an incredible experience. I've learned a phenomenal amount and have made many great friends."
Press the button below and take a quick 3-minute questionnaire so we can send you customized information for your unique needs and preferences.
Includes photos and descriptions of each Ecela destination plus recommendations from past-students.
Ready to book your course? Check availability here.
There is a lot of confusion these days surrounding selection of a Spanish immersion course. We want to give you 3 criteria you absolutely, positively must have before you invest in any program:
ONE: Risk-free guarantee While not all schools will be as generous as our “Cinco Estrella Garantía”, at the very least you should receive a free week of classes any time you feel you are not happy with your progress or are not enjoying the class.
TWO: Option to switch schools It is impossible to predict when there is a “bad fit” or you simply would like a refreshing change of scenery. You need the ability to easily change locations without penalty
THREE: Extra small conversation classes We cap our conversation classes (50% of the course) at a maximum of four students. This is essential as continual participation is the engine to your progress.
"I had a great time from the very first day: the teachers were nice, their classes were really entertaining, and I learned a ton of things.
"I also met a lot of people (other students) from different countries at ECELA. Also, I really liked all of the activities that ECELA offered every week: excursions, cooking classes, soccer games…I wasn’t bored for a second.
"Now, Spanish is like a second native language to me, thanks to ECELA and the instructors (I’m still in contact with some of them). The months I spent at the school have been some of the best months of my life!!"
"Going on one of these trips is absolutely one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. It’s better than just traveling or vacation because you actually gain some skills from it.
I’ve met about 200 people, ranging from 19-75 yrs old. There were students, pilots, dean’s of universities, teachers, VPs of companies, small business owners, lawyers, etc. from all over the world."
"My name is Kjell and I’m from Norway. My wife Bjorg and I have been here for 3 weeks. When I got here, I could say: “una cerveza por favor.”
Now I can say more; for example: “tres litros de Quilmes por favor”; ” Tengo dolor de cabeza”...
Many thanks to Elizabeth, Leila, and everyone at the school for three interesting and educational weeks. Hasta la vista!!"
"I spent one month in ECELA Viña del Mar and could not have been more pleased with my progress in Spanish, and happy with my experience in general. Both the excellent staff and instructors were professional, kind, and helpful.
"The feeling they were able to convey was that they not only wanted to help with the advancement of the language, but that students felt comfortable and confident navigating a new city, language and culture.
"Thank you again for this experience. Thank you for making me feel that I was more than just a language student."
Although at Ecela we are open 52 weeks/year, there are several peak seasons where spots fill up fast. We urge you to begin your reservation process early:
No credit card information required.
Want to know more? Get the Free Destination Guide here.
Our five-star guarantee promises you an exceptional educational experience every week of your program, or you get TWO extra weeks absolutely free.
We guarantee…
“Our goal is to help you have “one of your best experiences ever” and we will want the chance to “make it right” if we fall short.
"If you feel that we failed at any of the above, at any time during your program, just let me know and we will give you two extra weeks of classes, to be used at any of our schools, absolutely free – no questions asked.”
Cecilia Quezada Director of Services
"I have made good friends and gone places that under normal circumstances would not have been able to. I would recommend this for anyone looking to live in Santiago and experience a slice of life in Chile.
"The teachers at the school are helpful and very easy to talk to. My Spanish has improved with every day I have attended classes. The things I have learned in Chile will outlast the time I have spent here.
"The students you meet seem to come from every corner of the world, some I’ve never even heard of before! I am glad that I have participated in this program and know that I am a better person for doing so."
"Today is my last day at Ecela. I’m a little sad because I don’t like saying goodbye.
I spent two very educational and fun weeks here. I’ve learned a lot of Spanish, and made many new friends. I really love Buenos Aires. Now it's time to return to the dark winter in Sweden.
A huge thank you to everyone at Ecela and above all to Pablo, my class’s excellent instructor!!"
"After retiring, I decided to try and learn Spanish. I researched the available programs in Central and South America and found that Ecela was uniformly rated as excellent. I decided to attend Ecela’s school in Cusco because I wanted to combine a spectacular vacation with my language studies.
I took introductory Spanish for three weeks in Cusco, combining my classes with tours of the city and the area’s many Incan archeological sites. It was incredible! I received one-on-one instruction from Erik, who is the most patient, kind, supportive, and excellent teacher I can imagine.
Every morning with Erik was a delight, and in the afternoons, Ecela arranged great adventures for me: horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and touring.
My accommodations at an apartment with other students were great, and I got to practice my nascent Spanish with my fellow students and our neighbors.
All this at a very, very reasonable price."
"Before I came to Chile, I was really afraid. Afraid of this new experience, afraid of being far from my family, friends, and all of my loved ones. But life always surprises us, and I met people here who became family. They’re friends now, and I’ll keep them in my heart my whole life. I love them so much that it now makes me sad to think that I’ll be far away.
Without a doubt, this was the best experience of my life. All that I experienced, all those I met, and all that I learned will stay in my memory forever. Ecela is a family, and the people there are really kind, loving, and charming. Thank you for everything and I’m so grateful for this experience.
I love you guys so much, I’ll miss you.."
Listen in as Veronica Vilski, host of Planeta Ecela, interviews students to get an in-depth report of their experiences and to hear what advice they for future students. Each talk is about 15 minutes long and well worth it if you are considering a Spanish immersion trip.
Dominic Boyle (Glasgow, Scotland) is our first Planeta ECELA guest who made it to each of the six ECELA Spanish schools, and in only eight weeks!
He shares his insights into how to do an immersion program in the most cost-effective way while still making it to Machu Picchu the fun way on the Inca Trail.
Dom’s attitude is refreshing, and he gives advice on being serious about learning Spanish abroad while having fun with new friends.
Shelley Flenniken, an international business student from Maryland, previously attended ECELA’s school with Buenos Aires, Argentina.
We hear from her in this interview during her time studying Spanish in Lima, Peru.
She has a spunky approach to language learning, especially coming from learning Spanish in frustration, and Shelley will make you smile while you visualize Lima and all it has to offer.
Tabea Högger from Güttingen, Switzerland has made her way to Buenos Aires before she moves to Mexico.
She is working on improving her Spanish-speaking abilities, and she shares some frustrations and joys in her program.
Tabea gives good insight into what activities are like after classes and on weekends, and she shares her favorite Argentinian cuisine.
Jonathan Brenner spoke to us during the final week of his Spanish immersion program with ECELA in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Jonathan and his wife Heather, along with their two dogs, made the trip from California to brush up on their Spanish, learn to tango, and sample the local culture.
He gives good insight into finding a private place to live and how his many years of formal Spanish education brought him to where he is in his Spanish-learning journey.
Andrew Jablonski, a well-traveled gentleman from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, took the time to share his Spanish immersion program with us.
This is an interview to which you will pay attention and feel inspired to get out from your daily routine to experience life anew.
Andrew has a practical, well-balanced approach to studying and traveling abroad, and he draws fellow adventurers — young and old alike — to get out and integrate with another culture.
Brittney Carrio of Moreno Valley, California, studied at five of our six schools over a period of twelve weeks.
Having grown up with Hispanic parents and speaking Spanish in the home, she wanted to fine-tune her skills for both her family and career life.
Brittney will inspire you to begin planning your immersion program, and she offers a positive insight into how meeting people from around the world will change you for the better.
Lucy Jones, a future interpreter, takes us to Lima, Peru to learn about Ecela’s immersion program in comparison to many others.
Lucy also details her story of bonding with new classmates, trusting her Spanish professors, and exploring Peru.
Come to listen and be amazed at the ambition of such a young university student!
Kieran Rooney of Belfast, Ireland has all aspects of sound advice for travelers.
It reaches from deciding whether or not to visit Argentina in the first place to return visits and hobby-specific trips to learn tango, visit Iguazu Falls, or relax while enjoy Mendoza’s wineries.
Learn from Kieran’s mistakes and where he got it right in his travels, and you’ll feel more ambitious and confident when you are done listening!
Dave and Lue Armbrechtd, a retired couple from Colorado, are a delightful Spanish-learning duo that will make you yearn for high altitudes and an adventure-packed retirement.
At the time of the interview they were studying at our ECELA school in Cusco, Peru, and they offer a lot of insight into learning a foreign language, finding good food after class, and how to get the most out of a Spanish immersion program.
Stephanie Hellemans of Brussels, Belgium, gives us a good view of being one of our younger students at the school and how our Lima, Peru school stands up in regards to safety, finding friends, and enjoying the surrounding areas.
Stephanie is on her way to speaking many languages, and she has big travel plans to enjoy South America’s many countries.
Press the button below and take a quick 3-minute questionnaire so we can send you customized information for your unique needs and preferences.
Includes photos and descriptions of each Ecela destination plus recommendations from past-students.
Ready to book your course? Check availability here.
