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Schedule with Leslie for: 

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Schedule with Rory for: 

  • Adult Trips
  • Family Trips
  • Medical trips

The best Spanish Immersion Volunteer Programs for Students, Professionals, Adults and Families

Our mission…

To make your Spanish come alive and give you the Spanish speaking tools you need to have an impact in the communities where you live, work and volunteer. Learning Spanish as a second language is crucial for expanding job opportunities and promoting cognitive development. Participants gain Spanish fluency through structured language instruction, cultural understanding, volunteer experience and an adventure of a lifetime on these immersion trips.

For those looking to enhance their language skills while making a positive impact, Spanish immersion volunteer programs offer a unique opportunity. These programs are designed to provide participants with an immersive experience, combining language learning with community service. Whether you are a student, a professional, an adult, or a family, there are programs tailored to meet your needs and interests.
Spanish-speaking countries offer a variety of potential destinations for Spanish immersion programs, emphasizing opportunities for learning Spanish and volunteering. Immersing oneself in a Spanish-speaking country is crucial to effectively learn the language, as it allows for constant practice and engagement in real-life situations.
Additionally, you can learn Spanish abroad in destinations like Costa Rica and Ecuador, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the unique regional accents and dialects.

High School Info Meeting: Sept 18th, 2024

(5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central & 8pm Eastern)

Register here
Adult & Family Info Meeting: Sept 19th, 2024

(6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central & 9pm Eastern)

Register here

Specialized Spanish Immersion Trips

Some Spanish immersion programs cater to specific interests or professional needs, offering tailored experiences that go beyond general language learning. Participating in these programs in a Spanish-speaking country provides an immersive environment where learners can practice Spanish in real-life situations, significantly enhancing their language acquisition.
These programs focus on Spanish as the target language, enhancing language acquisition. Developing Spanish language skills through immersive programs and structured lessons is crucial for practical application and cultural immersion.

Medical Spanish Programs

Designed for healthcare professionals, these programs teach medical terminology and cultural competence. Participants can communicate more effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and colleagues, enhancing their professional capabilities.

Teaching Spanish Programs

These programs train classroom teachers, dual language immersion teachers and Spanish as a foreign language teachers who want to improve their communication with Spanish-speaking students, parents & guardians.

Family Programs

Catering to families with children, these programs offer language classes, cultural activities, and family-friendly excursions. They provide a unique opportunity for families to learn Spanish together and immerse themselves in Spanish-speaking cultures.

Click below on the Spanish Immersion Program that best suits your age, stage and interest. We specialize in Spanish immersion programs for students, adults & families, and professionals. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, contact us for a customized immersion program.

Adult Spanish Immersion Programs

Adult Spanish Immersion

For adults of all ages & stages of life

Adults wanting a Spanish immersion experience guided by expert Spanish instructors and with embedded community service.

Highlights

  • 20 hrs. of Spanish classes per week
  • Host family stay – live like a local
  • Community service projects
  • Cooking & dancing classes
  • Weekend excursions to beaches, volcanos, rain forests and more!

Dates & length

1 to 6 weeks:

  • January – March 
  • June – August
View trip details

Family Spanish Immersion Programs

Family Spanish Immersion

For families with young children & teens

Families wanting a Spanish immersion vacation including host family lodging, language classes, and local volunteer opportunities.

Highlights

  • 10 – 20 hrs. of Spanish classes per week
  • Host family stay – live like a local
  • Community service projects
  • Cooking & dancing classes
  • Weekend excursions to beaches, volcanos, rain forests and more!

Dates & length

1 to 6 weeks:

  • January – March 
  • June – August
View trip details

High School Spanish Immersion Trips

High School Immersion Trips

For individual students

High School students who want to improve their Spanish. Similar to a mini study-abroad experience during their spring and summer breaks.

Highlights

  • 15 hrs. of Spanish classes per week
  • Host family stay – live like a local
  • Community service projects
  • Cooking & dancing classes
  • Weekend excursions to beaches, volcanos, rain forests and more!
  • Accredited for college level Spanish credit

Dates & length

1 to 4 weeks:

  • January – March 
  • June – August
View trip details

High School Spanish Class Trips

High School Spanish Class Trips

For schools, classes & teacher-led programs

High School Spanish classes, clubs and groups interested in a Spanish language travel program in addition to adventures and cultural immersion is welcome.

Highlights

  • 10-20 hrs. of Spanish classes per week
  • Host family stay – live like a local
  • Community service projects
  • Cooking & dancing classes
  • Weekend excursions to beaches, volcanos, rain forests and more!
  • Accredited for college level Spanish credit

Dates & length

1 to 6 weeks:

  • January – March 
  • June – August
View trip details

Medical Spanish Immersion Trips

Medical Spanish Immersion Trips

For healthcare students & professionals in all stages of training & careers

Healthcare professionals wanting a Spanish immersion experience guided by expert Medical Spanish instructors with embedded community health projects.

Highlights

  • 20 hrs. of Spanish classes per week
  • Host family stay – live like a local
  • Community service projects
  • Cooking & dancing classes
  • Weekend excursions to beaches, volcanos, rain forests and more!
  • CE, CME, CEU’s available.

Dates & length

1 to 6 weeks:

  • January – March 
  • June – August
View trip details

Medical Spanish
Rotations

Medical Spanish International Rotations

For healthcare students that have elective time in the clinical phase of their training

Healthcare students wanting a Spanish immersion rotation with expert Medical Spanish instructors and with embedded community health education projects.

Highlights

  • 20 hrs. of Spanish classes per week
  • Host family stay – live like a local
  • Community service projects
  • Cooking & dancing classes
  • Weekend excursions to beaches, volcanos, rain forests and more!

Dates & length

1 to 6 weeks:

  • January – March 
  • June – August
View trip details

Study Abroad
Programs

Study Abroad Programs

For universities and individual students

Students wanting a short term study abroad program that teaches Spanish for their degree track and future career.

Highlights

  • 20 hrs. Of Spanish classes per week
  • Host family stay – live like a local
  • Community service projects
  • Cooking & dancing classes
  • Weekend excursions to beaches and volcanos
  • Accredited for college level Spanish credit.

Dates & length

1 to 6 weeks:

  • January – March 
  • June – August
View trip details

Teachers Spanish Immersion Programs

Teachers Spanish Immersion

For classroom teachers, subject area teachers, administrators & Spanish teachers

Classroom, Secondary teachers & Spanish teachers wanting to improve their Spanish to communicate with their students and families or reach that near native proficiency.

Highlights

  • 20 hrs. Of Spanish classes per week
  • Host family stay – live like a local
  • Community service projects
  • Cooking & dancing classes
  • Weekend excursions to beaches and volcanos
  • PDU’s, CEU’s or graduate level credit available.

Dates & length

1 to 6 weeks:

  • January – March 
  • June – August
View trip details

Online Pre-departure Courses

Pre Departure Course

For all immersion travelers with Common Ground International

How do I prepare for my Spanish Immersion trip with Common Ground International?

Proper preparation is key – arrive ready to soak in all the benefits of Spanish Immersion.

We value every second you have in-country; so you’ll spend 10 hours in a specifically designed online pre-departure course for your immersion program. This will help you hit the ground running when you arrive and maximize your language growth and cultural experiences while on immersion.

View trip details
Common Ground International Immersion Trips
Common Ground International Immersion Trips Compound Rating 
4.976 out of 5 based on 365 customer ratings

Why Learn Spanish by Immersion?

Learning Spanish by immersion is one of the most effective ways to acquire language skills and cultural understanding through a structured language course. These tailored language programs provide immersive experiences that are designed to meet the specific needs of students.

By immersing yourself in a Spanish-speaking country where Spanish is the primary means of communication, you can develop fluency in Spanish and gain a deeper understanding of the culture. These programs can be found in various settings and can be tailored to meet the needs of individual students. Whether you’re looking to learn Spanish for personal growth, travel, or career advancement, an immersion program can provide a comprehensive and enriching experience.

If your goal is to become a better Spanish speaker then you’ve landed in the right place. Our objective is Spanish and cultural immersion.
These 4 program elements guarantee you walk way more fluent, with greater cultural understanding, more mature and independent:

Host Family

HOST FAMILY LODGING
Spanish only

Host families keep you speaking Spanish 24/7 so that you learn cultural insights that you would never pick up if you stayed in a hotel. Additionally, the host families go through a rigorous vetting process as they are an integral piece of this program.

Community Service

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
Completed in Spanish

Spanish and humanitarian work mix to create the ultimate learning opportunity, not just about Spanish but about life! This is a fantastic way for you to lend a hand to those in need while speaking Spanish to meet real objectives.

Spanish Classes

SPANISH CLASSES
Taught by native Spanish speakers

When you participate in a true immersion program, you need daily Spanish classes. It’s difficult to make sense of everything as it comes, so we integrate classes into your Spanish immersion program in order to maximize all the day-to-day learning you’re doing.

Exploring

ADVENTURE TRAVEL TO HOTSPOTS
in Spanish

Every Spanish immersion trip should include some experiences at the beach, visiting volcanoes, trekking through the rain forest… We add to those experiences by integrating Spanish language into every aspect of our adventures!

Why travel with Common Ground International (CGI)?

Our immersion programs cost more than a DIY (do it yourself) trip, and possibly even more than other travel companies.
This begs the obvious value question… Why travel on Spanish immersion with Common Ground?”

Learn more Spanish

You learn more Spanish with Common Ground

If your goal is to learn as much Spanish as possible, we’re definitely the best program for you. We’ve specifically designed every aspect of our Spanish immersion programs to support your language acquisition all day, every day and to help you meet ACTFL’s World Readiness Standards.

Planning and Coordination

Your trip planning and coordination is easier

DIY trips are possible, but neither convenient nor do you have complete confidence that your plans will become reality. We’re a language company based in Colorado. You can dial us up and speak English to us at any time! (303) 684-5557

Arrive to country prepared

You arrive to the country more prepared and more ready to learn

We’ve spent countless hours building out pre-departure preparation courses for you. We don’t want anything to get in the way of your experience. Spanish Immersion realities like culture shock, unmet expectations, situational realities can derail you from learning all you can.

Community

You don’t just live in a community, you get integrated

Yes, you’re a tourist, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be treated like an outsider! Living in a Spanish-speaking country offers a more immersive experience, allowing you to engage deeply with the language and culture. Any program can throw together a host family experience, but we take it further. Your host family is invested in you. You will get to know them and their values. You will also partner with local organizations to work on projects in Spanish and rub shoulders with everyday people.

You have confidence that the community work you participate in is ethical, sustainable, and actually needed.

One common complaint of international volunteering is that the work Americans do abroad is more about them feeling better. The purpose should be the community they’re serving. This happens with one-off activities that have no long-term longevity. Furthermore, sometimes work is irrelevant to the true needs of the community. Our team of well-seasoned leaders take care to satisfy the highest standards for international volunteering on our immersion trips.

Testimonials

Nhora Mosquera

My son did the 3 week Spanish Immersion trip. There are no words to describe the amazing experience. Leslie and her team are super professional. Every detail and activities are very well planned! They kept us updated with daily pictures and summaries of their activities. The host family was out of this world. His Spanish improved significantly. We highly recommend this immersion program!!

Nhora Mosquera
(High School Program)

Stacey

One of the best experiences of my adult life. The program was well run and organized & exceeded my expectations on every level. The Foster family treated us like family, and no detail was missed. I will do another trip in the future and would recommend this to anyone with a desire for fun, adventure, knowledge and getting outside of your comfort zone. I can’t say enough about how wonderful this program is.

Stacey
(Adult Program)

Pat H

Wonderful Program! Rory and Leslie were able to accommodate our large group (2 adults & 5 kids) and we thoroughly enjoyed the family atmosphere of Common Ground. Our 1 week stay in the Central Valley was truly immersive: meals and conversations with our host families gave us the chance to get to know individuals personally, the Spanish lessons allowed us to explore a new language, & the excursions and community building provided greater cultural awareness each day.

Pat H
(Family Program)

Sonja

I participated in the medical Spanish immersion program in Costa Rica for 3 weeks between my first and second year of medical school and cannot recommend the program enough!! It was the perfect amount of adventure, coursework, learning, and flexibility to get exactly what I had hoped for the summer. I feel so much more confident after the experience and will definitely participate again!

Sonja K
(Medical Program)

Pauline

I read these before I came and thought, no way could these reviews be real. So, um, they are. This program was incredible. I stayed for 5 weeks with an incredible host family, had 3 passionate spanish teachers who absolutely love their jobs, and got to travel the country on weekends with an extraordinary group of folks. I highly recommend this program. I can speak with my student’s families with a whole lot more confidence and ability, and the journey to speak Spanish will continue.

Pauline Katz
(Teacher Program)

Geneva

It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. I met so many amazing people and got to step outside my comfort zone by speaking more Spanish than I ever had before. I loved learning about another culture and of course all the great activities. Everyone involved was so nice and accommodating, I felt right at home.

Geneva
(High School Immersion)

More reasons to travel with Common Ground International

Guides

We’re more than Guides

Program leaders are onsite 24/7 leading, guiding, debriefing this incredible culture experience! Our trip leaders have decades of experience, so we can focus completely on the student’s safety, Spanish development and cultural experiences!

Outcomes growth

We offer the best language and cultural outcomes

Students develop their Spanish skills through immersive environments, gaining confidence in speaking Spanish, acquiring independence, and an awareness of the global possibilities for Spanish in their futures. We guarantee Spanish growth more than any other program available!

Home

You know where we live

We’re a Colorado-based family business with a clear track record of amazing Spanish immersion programs. You can call us any time and get your questions answered immediately. We have a LONG track record of combining safety, fun and learning to offer the best personalized Spanish Immersion Programs since 2003.

Prepared

We prepare you before you travel

We prepare you before you depart! There is no guesswork, you can hit the ground running to avoid cultural and language learning obstacles and maximize your travel experience!

What about volunteer work on Immersion?

How do you make sure that the community work you do is actually relevant, helpful, ethical & sustainable?

Great question! Our guiding principles for Outreach Work on Spanish Immersion are extremely important. Watch the video to learn more about our guiding principles that are our framework for vetting volunteer opportunities on our immersion programs.

What can you expect from the host family lodging aspect of the trip?

Family Meals

You’ll share breakfast and dinner with your host family. ¡Buen provecho!

Private Bedroom

Average homes in most of Latin America aren’t large, but all of our host families have a private space for you to sleep and keep your things (even valuables) safe. You’ll most likely share a bathroom with others in the family. Your host mother will probably clean up a little while you’re out during the day in an effort to help you feel comfortable and well taken care of.

Lots of Conversation

This is the main reason we want you to stay with a host family while on our Spanish immersion program. Engaging in spoken language with your host family will significantly enhance your language acquisition. Your family will want to know all about what you did on a given day and what your plans are for tomorrow. They will help you learn different ways of saying things and more importantly, provide you with a cultural experience that can’t be “learned” – it must be lived to understand.

Host families - Immersion trips - Common Ground International
Here are a few of the common optional excursions that our students and professionals take while on Spanish immersion:
Manuel Antonio - Spanish Immersion Trips - Common Ground International
3 days and two nights at the beach on the Pacific coast. Manuel Antonio boasts a national park with monkeys, sloth, and many other interesting critters.  This is a must!
Register Here
Arenal Volcano - Spanish Immersion Trips - Common Ground International
3 days and two nights in La Fortuna with active Arenal Volcano. Join the zipline canopy tour, bathe in thermal pools, there is very little more relaxing.
Register Here
Tortuguero Turtle Preserve - Spanish Immersion Trips - Common Ground International
3 days and two nights out at Tortuguero National park. See amazing wildlife abound, and turtles laying eggs.
Register Here
Isla Tortuga - Spanish Immersion Trips - Common Ground International
A beautiful island off the port town of Puntarenas. This is an all day tour, about 12 hours total. Take a catamaran ride out to the island for an elegant meal on the beach and spend the rest of the afternoon snorkeling, playing soccer, volleyball, or just relaxing in the shade of the palm trees.
Register Here
Poas Volcano - Spanish Immersion Trips - Common Ground International
Enjoy a day trip to Poas volcano just outside the Central Valley. This tour lasts about 5 or 6 hours, and you get a chance to hike up to the vista points to see down into the crater.
Register Here
Café Britt Coffee tour - Spanish Immersion Trips - Common Ground International
If you like coffee, this 3-4 hour excursion in Heredia is an absolute necessity. Learn the process of cultivating, harvesting, and roasting coffee – and the history of coffee presented by entertaining actors. It’s a wonderful tour and a great spot to stock up on coffee to take back home.
Register Here
Sibu Chocolate Tasting - Spanish Immersion Trips - Common Ground International
Costa Rica has been producing cacao for centuries – but only in the last decade has it actually been producing fine chocolates. Sibú Chocolates is one of the pioneers in organic, sustainable Central American chocolate, and it’s some of the best chocolate you’ve ever tasted!
Register Here
Toucan Rescue Ranch - Spanish Immersion Trips - Common Ground International
The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a great 2-3hr experience to see endangered animals in Costa Rica that have been rescued. The owner is a wonderful lady and personally takes you around her rescue and introduces you to her birds, owls, sloths and other animals that she is rehabilitating.
Register Here
Cajas National Park - Spanish Immersion Trips - Common Ground International
Explore the mountains surrounding Cuenca, Ecuador on an optional day trip to Cajas National Park! This is an all day guided excursion in which we’ll hike in the Parque Nacional El Cajas for a few hours, enjoy a gourmet lunch and experience the “gateway to the snowy mountains”.
Register Here
Ingapirca ruins - Spanish Immersion Trips - Common Ground International
Day trip to Ingapirca – one of the most important Incan ruins in Ecuador. Ingapirca is a word in Quichua that means “wall of the Inca”. It is estimated that this area was constructed in the early 1500s before the Spanish arrived to this zone.
Register Here
Avenida de los Volcanes - Spanish Immersion Trips - Common Ground International
3 day adventure from Quito to Cuenca on the famous Avenida de los Volcanes! One of the most scenic routes in South America. We will pass through Andean Valleys, view 20,000 ft. glaciated peaks, spend the night at the headwaters of the Amazon basin, feel the spray of tremendous waterfalls, and soak in volcanic hot springs.
Register Here

Benefits of Spanish Immersion Programs

Spanish immersion courses offer numerous benefits for students of all ages by providing intensive and immersive experiences. Spanish is a widely spoken language globally, making it an important skill to acquire. Here are some of the key advantages:

Improved Language Skills

Immersion programs allow you to develop fluency in Spanish and significantly improve your language skills through constant practice and real-life interactions.

Cultural Understanding

These programs provide a deeper understanding of Spanish culture and way of life, enriching your overall learning experience.

Career Opportunities

Knowing Spanish can open up career opportunities in various fields such as business, education, and healthcare, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market.

Personal Growth

Immersion programs can be transformative, promoting personal growth and self-awareness as you navigate a new cultural environment.

Networking Opportunities

These programs offer the chance to meet new people and make connections with native Spanish speakers, expanding your social and professional network.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Spanish Immersion Program

Ready to join us? To maximize the benefits of your Spanish immersion program, consider the following tips:

Immerse Yourself in the Language

Surround yourself with the Spanish language as much as possible. Speak with native speakers, watch Spanish TV shows and movies, and listen to Spanish music to enhance your learning experience.

Be Open-Minded

Embrace new experiences, including trying different foods, participating in local activities, and adopting cultural practices. An open mind will enrich your immersion experience.

Practice Consistently

Regularly practice your language skills, including speaking, writing, and listening. Consistent practice is key to developing fluency and confidence in Spanish.

Take Advantage of Opportunities

Seize every opportunity to practice your language skills, such as engaging in conversations with native speakers and joining cultural activities. These experiences will deepen your understanding and proficiency in Spanish.

Spanish Immersion Programs for Different Age Groups

Spanish immersion programs are designed to cater to students of all ages, from children to adults, offering a variety of spanish courses to meet different needs. Here’s how they are tailored for different age groups:

  • Children: In our Family Programs, we promote language acquisition and cultural understanding through fun and interactive activities for children. These programs often include games, songs, and hands-on projects for the little ones that make learning Spanish enjoyable and engaging.
  • Teenagers: Our High School Programs for teenagers are designed to enhance language skills and cultural understanding while providing opportunities for socialization and personal growth. These programs often include group activities, excursions, and volunteer opportunities that help teens practice Spanish in real-world settings.
  • Adults: Programs for adults aim to improve language skills and cultural understanding while offering opportunities for professional development and networking. These programs may include intensive language courses, cultural workshops, and business-related activities to help adults achieve their specific goals.

Spanish Immersion Program FAQs

7 thoughts on “Spanish Immersion for Adults, Students, Families: Study Abroad & Student Travel”

  1. Andre Cooper

    Is the Spanish spoken in Ecuador different from the Spanish spoken in Costa Rica? Most of my students come from Mexico.

    Reply
    1. Vanessa Hernandez

      Hola Andre!

      Mexican native here 🙂 I can tell you that both countries have very similar Spanish to the one we speak in Mexico. They have neutral accents so they are both great options to learn and improve your Spanish. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  3. Kathleen Torquato

    I’m very interested in your Teacher Spanish Immersion trip. Will you please send me a brochure or catalog about your program?

    Also, pls include info about your adult Spanish immersion trips as well.
    Thank you!

    Kathleen Torquato
    1750 Cumberland Green Dr
    Unit 66
    Saint Charles, IL. 60174
    USA

    Reply
    1. Alexandra MacPhee

      Hi Kathleen, I’ve forwarded your comment to Leslie in Colorado to see if we can send you something! Happy to answer any other questions you might have!

      Reply

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