Your schedule while studying abroad will likely be packed.

Classes can be mentally draining, adapting to your host family can be a challenge and you might find yourself out late taking in all the fun and entertainment Latin America offers.

A “strong work ethic” mindset can cause you to feel guilty or lazy about taking some afternoon to time rest and rejuvenate with a siesta.

In fact, the people of Latin America have been taking siestas for hundreds of years.

Cats nap more than nearly any other animial  - but how good is their Spanish?

Benefits of a Siesta

The human body is actually designed to crave a nap sometime in the afternoon hours, due to Circadian Rhythms within the body telling it when it’s time for a rest.

During a siesta your body refreshes itself, resulting in more energy, clearer thinking and greater productivity.

Regular naps can even reduce your risk of heart disease.

You might even consider adding a second siesta later in the day if you are planning to stay out late.

However, if you’re going to indulge in a siesta, you’ve got to do it right.

The Best Way to Siesta

According to the experts, prime napping time is between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. when melatonin levels in your body drop.

When classes and lunch are over and completing homework seems like a major feat, it’s the perfect time to take a siesta.

1. Arrange your environment so it’s peaceful, quiet and dark.
2. Use an eye pillow to blacken out all light if necessary.
3. Breathe, relax and snooze for 10 to 30 minutes.

When you wake after a light siesta, you’ll feel alert, energized and ready to tackle the rest of the day.

Your Ecela Spanish instructor will expect you to show up well-rested each day.

Planning a late night out? Schedule a strategic second evening siesta as well.

Go ahead and schedule an afternoon siesta (or two) into your daily routine in Latin America.

Not only will you be doing what the locals do, your Spanish will probably improve because you’re giving your body and mind a much needed break.

Ecela Cinco Estrella Garantía

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…

1. Your right to change schools If you feel a change of scenery would be beneficial, simply let us know a few days in advance and you can switch - at no extra cost.
2. Significant Spanish improvement  You will make substantial advancements in your Spanish each week, by YOUR standards.
3. Thorough course enjoyment  You will look forward to class each day and to spending more time with your instructors, your classmates, and the Ecela staff.
4. Comfortable environment  Your will find our school facilities comfortable, clean, and inviting – more like a home than a language institute.
5. Friendly treatment by staff  As a welcome guest of ours, we don’t consider you just another language student. You will be treated like part of the Ecela family by all of us.

“Our goal is to help you have one of your best experiences ever, but...

"We are real people and, as a consequence, we DO make mistakes, we DO have bad days, and we DO sometimes fail to give your our best.

"If you feel that we failed at any of the above 5 points, 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

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