Some testimonials and photos of our students at class...

What to say about La Rubia (Maria)? How does anyone make learning verbs fun? Well, she has mastered it. I went to Bariloche, not really knowing what to expect, just desperate to improve my rather pathetic Spanish. She met me at the airport, whisked me off into the wilderness, had me reciting verbs on the hiking trail (& useful ones to boot!!!), studying by the lake side, drinking mate in the campground & welcomed into the homes of her friends, all whilst surrounded by nature's paradise. She then, with all her genuine warmth, opened her home to me & gave me freedom to relax whislt luring me into study with lessons on the beach or in a mountain hut followed by the best ice cream on earth. This meant so much to me as I am a guide & am on the road 10 months of the year. La Rubia has the natural empathy, skill, patience & quality of character that one looks for in a teacher & indeed, a friend. I find it hard to study & get frustrated easily but she found ways to get me back on course & feel good about my progress. Her 5 year old daughter, Azul, should also be mentioned as a wonderful 'teacher in training' - bless her, she took time to help me & correct pronunciation, explain words to me. By becoming apart of their lives for a couple of weeks, Argentine osmosis also set in & I heard only Spanish. It was the perfect combination. I came away richer for having met Maria & her family & able to converse well in Spanish. I spent a further 2 months in Chile & Argentina & thanks to her, my confidence & communication grew immensely. Simply put, I cannot say good enough or recommend her & her school strongly enough. Thank you from my heart!
- Lu Sutton, Worcestershire, UK

Enjoyable classes in a beautiful setting! I feel that I can travel and work with much more confidence in Spanish-speaking countries after spending time at Spanish in the mountains, thank you!
Jamie Wood - Alaska USA

I have had the occasion to work on my Spanish in immersion schools with homestays like this one two other times. Spanish in the mountains is hands-down the best and most inviting of the schools that I have been a student at. Highlights are the phenomenally friendly host families and getting to know Maria and Jorge, who are perhaps the kindest hosts I have had the pleasure of knowing. Muchas gracias!
Jeremy Wood - Alaska USA

We had a fantastic time studying at “Spanish in the mountains” and would recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent Spanish school in a great location.
We had already studied Spanish in Buenos Aires and I was worried we would end up studying the same topics, but, after our assessment, our teachers knew exactly what we needed to study and we started on new and more advanced subjects.
I got on very well with my teacher, Laura, and all our lessons were structured very well. We had fantastic accommodation, organized through the school, in a beautiful house in the mountains.
Spanish in the mountains was the best value school we found in Bariloche and it was a great experience studying there.
Barry - Scotland - UK

We had a great three weeks of Spanish classes with Silvi. She was a great teacher and we appreciated her patience and guidance. We wish we had more time in Bariloche to continue the classes with her. Thank you also for your help before, during and after the classes. It definitely made our stay in Bariloche easier and more enjoyable. We will definitely spread the word that Spanish in the mountains is a great place to take lessons and maybe come back again one day.
Chris Reid- Perth, Australia

A great experience! Friendly and experienced teachers who quickly understood what I wanted to learn. Lessons were challenging but fun and I learnt a lot in one week. The teachers were also very helpful in answering questions about hikes in and around Bariloche.
Ruth - Wales - UK

Ene schule fuer indiidualisten, die das ausser-gewoehnuche suchen. Im winter super skiort, aber achtung, das wetter wechselt hier sehr schnell, und es kommt vor, dass man einge-schneit wird. Also genügend zeit fuer einen aufenthalt in Bariloche im winter einplanen.
Susan Roth - Switzerland

I was able to take only 4 days of classes, but those four days sure were worth it! The teachers were excellent and classes were creative and fun. Also the school showed amazing flexibility because I contacted them at the last minute (the day before classes begun!), and within an afternoon they had a host family for me and everything. I cannot say enough about the entire experiences. Everybody is so nice, helpful, interesting... thank you Spanish in the Mountains!
Erin - United States

The people I met in Bariloche were the most friendly, warm and welcoming people I met in all of my travels through Argentina.
Spanish in the Mountains is a great way to not just learn about the language, but also the mountain culture of Bariloche, the people, places, and natural environment. It's young and full of fun energy.
Ryan Hokanson, Alaska USA

Laura was such a patient and thoughtful teacher. I can’t believe how much she taught me in two weeks. She always took great care in answering my questions and her lessons evolved so naturally.

I also appreciate that she spoke about the history of Argentina and took and active interest in my well being.
Marielle Ramsay, California, USA

I came to Bariloche for a week and stayed for eight. I can not put my finger on any one thing that kept me here. Was it the Spanish lessons by candle light in a remote Refugio after a cross country ski trip and horse ride. Maybe it was the fantastic skiing at Catedral or ski touring to remote locations with fellow students, Spanish professors and friends. It could have been the legendary food and wine, or the lessons at La Cruz with a pint in hand. When I think about it, what kept me in Bariloche was all the above plus the wonderful friends for life I have made of the incredible 'chicas' from Spanish in the Mountains. Thank you Maria, Sylvie and Marissa I may not have been your A student but your friendship, sense of fun and adventure will remain in my memory forever. Salud, & hasta pronto.
Lesley Dunlop, Merrijig, Australia

As we are backpacking for a year and our plans are not fixed, we do not know where we are going to be at what time. After traveling for two months we discovered that our Spanish was insufficient. We managed to get classes at Spanish in the mountains at very short notice, which was very convenient! We stayed the whole week in the log cabin where we got classes. This was not only convenient but the mountain hut was also very cosy. The teachers were able to pick up the lessons where we had finished before at another Spanish language course.
I would recommend this school to everyone who wants to learn Spanish without having to stay in busy cities.
Maarten Boers, The Netherlands

If you like the outdoors combined with learning Spanish, Spanish in the mountains is perfect. Being a bit outside Bariloche you are really in the outdoors!! And with really good, nice teachers it is a good place to learn Spanish. It was great to be in the mountains while getting lessons, and the lessons are very varied and good fun. After class, what better place to do your homework than on the top of a mountain overlooking the lakes!! There is so much to do in and around Bariloche- a place not to miss!
Nanja Verkuyl, The Netherlands

Maria met me at Frey and was excited to ski, which was perfect for me because it allowed me a great ski touring partner. The school is a great concept in that the instructors are excited to teach in alternative settings. Great work.
Mark Dalpes- Alaska

I can highly recommend “Spanish in the mountains” to all of you gringos, like me, who want to learn or improve your Spanish. The teachers are excellent- very flexible, friendly but professional. Organisation of classes and extra activities is outstanding and Bariloche is absolutely beautiful. What more could you ask for than to learn Spanish surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes? The hospitality shown to me in the private home I stayed in was also excellent – I was made to feel as if I were one of the family and was able to practise and improve my Spanish every day.
Trudy Worme

The combination of “actividades” and “clase” made it most valuable and enjoyable stay for me here in Bariloche. All the team in Spanish in the mountains fulfilled their task with “Mucho corazón”- I greatly appreciate their dedication!.
Andrea de Bruin- Germany

"What is better than overlooking the snowy tops of the Andes and learning Spanish at the same time? For me it has certainly been a great experience. From the moment I arrived in Bariloche untill the point where I had to move on to visit other beautiful places, Maria of Spanish in the Mountains made sure I was enjoying every minute of it. We started with classes in her house, had lessons in restaurants and tea rooms and toured around the Bariloche area to visit the sightseeing spots. The three day hiking trip to Frey-Jacob was an amazing experience (thanks for getting me back down safely. ;0)). Friends and family were introduced and I was most welcome to attend dinners and cook empanadas at her place. When Maria wasn't able to do the class, replacement was arranged in no time. And besides all that, my knowledge of Spanish went from next to nothing to being able to have the necessary conversations during my three month trip through Argentina and Chile. Maria was my teacher, tour guide, driver and most of all (and still is) a very good friend. I would recommend everyone to sign up for a course there before traveling South America! Un beso grande y bueno gracias! "
Sandra Koning - The Netherlands

"The teachers at Spanish in the Mountains have created the perfect language and cultural immersion program in one of the most enchanting places in the world. My teacher, Maria, tailored our classes according to our individual learning styles to ensure that we thoroughly improved our Spanish. She also went out of her way to make sure we were completely comfortable in Bariloche, and thanks to her we essentially became "locals" for our brief stay. One day we would have classes in a local mountain refugio, another day by the lake, yet another in the class room. The diversity of the class locations, and of the exercises she prepared, made the learning process incredibly enjoyable. I wish I could have stayed forever! If you are looking for an opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Argentinean Lake region (including INCREDIBLE hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and of course sun bathing by the lake!!),and a way to learn (or improve your) Spanish, you could not find a better program. The awesome chicas of Spanish in the Mountains could not be more friendly, energetic, and professional! If you have any other questions about the program I would be happy to email with you: anniecc222@hotmail.com"
Annie Carmichael, 24 years old, California, USA

'The classes were fun, the instructors very welcoming and you couldn't ask for a more beautiful location. The instructional style is modern - the instructors are professional teachers and it shows. I was looking for more than just rote learning and found it here. I learned enough in a few weeks to meet people and travel confidently (although I had a hard time leaving Bariloche because I was having so much fun with Anna, Silvi and Eugenia!). The instructors are part of a great mountain culture of interesting, fun and inspirational people. Bariloche is beautiful, the skiing is great, the climbing remarkable. Spanish in the mountains is a total experience and you won't be disappointed!'
Kelsey Furk, Revelstoke, BC, CAN. kfurk@hotmail.com.

My time in Bariloche was the greatest, the scenery of the lakes and mountains were breathtaking. My daily classes with my instructor Maria were comfortable and informative. It's a great way to learn about the culture of the people and on one of the classes we hiked to in the mountain, it really gave me a greagter appreciation for nature. Maria assisted me in finding hiking trails and going on a horse riding excursion and cook outs. An the accommodation at the bed and breakfast were excellent. thanks Spanish in the mountains for all the great memories..
Brian Hollingsworth (Miami, Fl.)

"Spanish in the mountains was a great experience- if you want friendly, fun teachers to make learning Spanish easy and enjoyable."
Lucie, UK

"Had a fantastic time in Bariloche, the teachers at "spanish in the m..." with all their hospitality, humor, energy and passion for the students made all the difference! To combine spanish lessons with hiking in the mountains with a great techer (thanks Eugenia!) was an excellent way to learn the nature, culture and the Argentinian people. In total, Increible bien!
Christer Veijalainen- Sweeden

Fueron vacaciones inolvidables. Aunque no estuve mucho tiempo en Bariloche, visité muchísimos lugares. Las profesoras son muy amables y abiertas, como amigas. Disfrute muchísimo este tiempo. Gracias por todo.
Daniela Koppermann- Alemania (Germany)

If you want to see more photos check our blog!

Nanja and Marteen playing with children at local primary school	Nanja and Marteen at spanish in the mountains Cabin
Some good ice cream in El Bolson after hiking out of Rio Turbio Valle	Lu, Martin and Adrien hiking along Rio Turbio Valley (Lago Puelo)
Trudy at an asado with Spanish in the mountains teachers	A good spot for Spanish lessons by Lago Puelo. Lu and Adrien had a lot of mate!
Vanessa at Meiling mountain hut	Chris, Stu, Beth having lunch - trek to Tronador
Lu getting ready for hiking at Tronador surroundings	Spanish language students tasting local cholocates "Mamushka"
Andrea hiking with Spanish language teacher	Ryan climbing up a couloir with his always useful dictionary
Mark and his "papelitos" on the ridge of Cerro Catedral	Philip and Annie studying at Playa Bonita
Stu developing his "asado skills"	Sandra and 'after lesson empanadas'
Sandra having lessons at Frey - Catedral	Leon having lessons at Colonia Suiza
Brooke and Shane having Spanish lessons in Bariloche	Annie writing past tense verbs on the beach in Playas Doradas
Beth doing community work	The teacher also doing community work
Spanish lesson at a Bariloche local brewery	Thomas and "after lessons beers"
Annie at pottery class showing her art work	Chris having lessons at Pampa Linda
Spanish language classes at Valle Encantado	Getting ready for a winter horseback riding tour
Susan from Switzerland at class in "Spanish in the mountains" cabin	Jamie and Jeremy Wood from Alaska taking classes with Spanish language teacher by the lake shore

Spanish in the mountains Language School
Isla Victoria street - Villa Los Coihues - San Carlos de Bariloche - Patagonia - Argentina
e-mail: info@spanishinthemountains.com - Phone: (++54 - 2944) 467 597 / 15573936
with skype: spanishinthemountains - http://www.spanishinthemountains.com