Our Students are our Best Advertising
Yanapuma Spanish School works hard to make sure every student enjoys their time here in Ecuador while providing what we believe is among the most effective Spanish learning programs in Quito. But we know there are many Spanish schools in Ecuador and in Quito, and it's hard to decide which one to attend. So we have added this page to our new website as a way for prospective students to see comments from our past students.
If you would like to contact any of these people for more information about their experience here, we will be happy to ask them to contact you. Please use our information request form to let us know. We do not post their e-mails on this page to protect their privacy.
Following are unedited testimonials from some of our students. All future students will be asked to write something about their experience here, and we will post as many as possible on this page. We will try to maintain our most current comments on this page.
"I can wholeheartedly recommend the Yanapuma Spanish School to anyone interested in private Spanish lessons in Ecuador. The teachers are by and large great- and if you do have a chemistry issue (your teacher-student relationship is incredibly important for private lessons), the school will work with you and my friends have always been very happy with their new teachers. They have activities in the afternoon that are a lot of fun, and frequently arrange great weekend trips. It is a pretty casual environment, for example, you can sit down in the main office at any computer that is free or have your own computer on wireless, or if you want to go on a trip it is no problem to rearrange your hours or have less hours one week. There aren’t a lot of students, but it isn’t lonely because there are a lot of great people involved in the Yanapuma foundation. One thing I love is that the teachers stick around and often go out to lunch or dinner with students and foundation members. It really feels like a community. The pricing is very reasonable, and Yanapuma really never overcharges for anything. They can also set up volunteer opportunities around Quito and in communities all round Ecuador, which is a great way to give back (and improve your real life Spanish!)." -Rebecca W., Hawaii, USA June 2007
"I came to Yanapuma to work as an intern in the Foundation, but during my first few weeks, I found I couldn’t speak Spanish that well. Thus I decided to take some Spanish classes: ten days of classes, two hours each day. I enjoyed it very much. Vinicio (they call him chiquito, because of his appearance) was a very good teacher. He taught me the things I really needed to express myself more clearly and to start with my work in the Foundation. During classes we talked about history, culture, society, nature and environmental issues, things that really interest me. On some days, we went out of the office to visit the university and the Santa Clara fruit market, to learn more about the different fruits Ecuador has to offer. I heard from others that they liked their Spanish classes too, probably because the teachers try to put you at ease, by treating you like an old friend and by talking about things the student is interested in. And indeed, that way you learn how to speak Spanish very fast . I think you’ll like it too."
- Veerle V.H. (dutch speaking Belgian), Belgium, June 2007
"I really enjoyed my time at Yanapuma. All of the people at Yanapuma were very friendly and likeable, and I feel I’ve learned much more here than just Spanish. The conversations I had with my teachers, the personnel of Yanapuma, the students and volunteers were always interesting and always made me think. I’ve really learned much, and feel fortunate because I will be practicing my new skills in the following months. Thanks to everyone, especially Vinicio who was a marvelous teacher." - Leigh M., New Zealand, June 2007
"Shortly after starting my classes at Yanapuma, I felt so much at home that it seemed like I´d been here for much longer than a week. While looking for a Spanish school, I had difficulty deciding on one. When I came across Yanapuma, the feeling I got from the information given was that it would be a place where I could not only learn the language but also engage in cultural activities beyond the surface level. In addition, I felt that the work that the Yanapuma foundation does made me want to take part in what turns out to be much more than just a Spanish school. After being here, taking classes, meeting the staff and other students, and seeing how it all works, my expectations have been beyond fulfilled. The staff and teachers are incredibly knowledgable and more than helpful. The layout of the school is warm and inviting. There is a feeling of family and a shared mentality of not only learning, but improving the world in many different ways. Yanapuma truly is outstanding in the vast world of Spanish schools." - Steph D., United States, July 2007
"Je suis enchantée de la semaine de cours que j'ai passée a la fondation, le cadre de travail est idéal, l'accueil tres sympathique, l'ambiance chaleureuse et la pédagogie adaptée, notamment a la débutante complete que j'étais en arrivant ici. Je recommande vivement cette école, je m'y suis sentie bien, j'ai fait des rencontres intéressantes et je pense que bien d'autres partagent mon sentiment." - Audrey, France, August 2007
"Where else can you get a professional, yet friendly and fun place to learn spanish. No scribbles on papers to explain spanish to you, but an organised study book, where you work through lessons, progressing in greater detail at each stage. And what's more you can take what you learn outside the classroom if you wish. In the second week I had several lessons outside the classroom. You also have the flexibility to dictate areas you wish to focus on. For example for one hour a day I decided what topic of information I wanted to know. The school has a good social life, with weekly cook clubs, cinema, etc. There is a good mix of foreigners who come to this school. And whether you are on a gap year, taking a break between jobs, travelling, or immigrating to Ecuador you will find a good balance and mix of people to socialise with." - Herjinder G., UK, October 2007
"Everyone at Yanapuma was really very friendly and helpful; Andy and David promptly responded to my many questions and flexibly arranged a teaching plan and schedule to my time requirements. Elisabeth spent an exceptional lot of her time teaching me (she also has plenty of other duties in the Yanapuma organization), giving me a very intensive, enjoyable, and productive course. The school has good method, complete supporting material, and an effective learning atmosphere. Moreover, the staff organizes a host of other interesting activities, really getting the students into contact with the local culture and reality. Interaction with the many volunteers involved with the foundation makes the experience all the more interesting. After spending ten (very intense) days at Yanapuma, I feel that, beyond making good steps forward with my Spanish, I have met a group of really interesting, dynamic, and motivated people. Thanks so much for the enriching, unforgettable experience!" - Giovanni S., Italy, November 2007
"Yanapuma was the best choice I could have made. Having a language school that works closely with a foundation gives the opportunity to meet Ecuadorians from communities all over the country. My 2 intensive weeks in Quito, a week in Estero de Platano with my teacher and another week in Chichico Rumi was one of the best experiences in my life. And I speak Spanish now!" - Rafal G., Poland, January 2008
"My Spanish lessons at Yanapuma were awesome! I learned Spanish very easily and at a pace that was set specifically for me. Yanapuma has a great learning environment with amazing staff and many opportunities to meet other people. I would recommend Yanapuma to anyone!" - Neika M., US, January 2008
"A perfect interaction between activites and Spanish classes. Never boring, I had a good 'study' time with all of you. Thanks!" - Muriel M., Holland, February 2008
"My experience with Yanapuma was wonderful. I took 3 weeks of Spanish lessons and I really loved it. My teacher Cecilia was so great and I really felt comfortable with her. During the Spanish lessons you don't only learn how to speak Spanish but you also learn a lot about the country of Ecuador. I also enjoyed the excursions that you make during the Spanish lessons. It's really a pleasant and great way to learn a language. Yes, I really enjoyed my Spanish classes!" - Lindsay M., Belgium, March 2008
"Studying Spanish at Yanapuma for several days before touring in South America is a great idea. Whether a bacpacker or a retired person, language confidence in Spanish lets you travel at leisure without the 'rules' of group travel." - Mary Jane H., US, April 2008
"I really enjoyed my time studying at Yanapuma. The school was small enough that I felt appreciated and known by everyone who worked there, but there wer also a lot of other students that I became friends with during the school activities after class and on the weekend trips. The trip to Otvalo with Vinicio was awesome!" - Anon, US, March 2008
"Yanapuma es una buena experiencia para ser totalmente en inmersión. Después de una semana de clases de español me sentí más cómoda para comunicarme. Además, pude trabajar en una guardería en el sur de Quito que me permitió mirar los problemas reales, económicos y sociales del Ecuador. Ahora, entiendo más las necesidades de un país en desarrollo y todo el trabajo de una organización no gubernamental. Los ecuatorianos son muy amables y no lamento el haber venido." - Celine C., France, April 2008
"I had an amazing experience at Yanapuma! I started with Spanish lessons ant the teachers were fantastic, and I ended as an intern. Everyone was helpful and really nice. I will remember my experience at Yanapuma forever!" - Neika M, Canada, June 2008