Students
Megan
Frye: I embarked on a solo two-month backpacking trip of Nicaragua with no
agenda other than exploring a beautiful country. The one goal I did have while
in Nicaragua was to improve my Spanish skills. I hadn't conversed in Spanish
in several years and wanted to brush up on my everyday speaking skills before I
hit the road on my own. Dariana Spanish School was my first stop in Nicaragua
and I couldn't be happier with my choice. I had classes one-on-one with Rolando
and immediately noticed an improvement in my comfort level in the country. We
spent all of our time having conversations in Spanish, specifically about
Nicaragua's history and daily life in the country. After taking a week of class,
I set out on an incredible adventure in the land of Lakes and Volcanos and the
best part of my trip was that I was confident in conversing with people, whether
out of necessity to find the right bus or hostel, or just to make pleasant
conversation. It gave me a far deeper appreciation of the country. I plan to
return to Nicaragua in the future, and will most certainly make another stop at
Dariana Spanish School for a refresher course. I was most impressed with the
school's ability to cater to beginning, intermediate and advanced students. I
would recommend this school to anyone traveling to Nicaragua.
Keith
Haviland: I attended the Dariana Spanish School for one month to
improve my Spanish proficiency. It lived up to all my expectaions as a program
and a city. The teachers were all excellent and had a very good understanding of
all aspects of teaching and were interested in seeing the students succeed. They
were very knowledgeable and were able to share stories about the country and
their lives that made the classes all the more interesting. The afternoon
activities were great for rounding out the cultural immersion and learning a
tremendous amount about Leon and Nicaragua. Leon is a colonial city in the
truest form and it hasn't become infiltrated with too many tourists, so it
really allows a full Spanish immersion. I definitely enjoyed my time at DSS.
Michael
Hendrick: I have just
finished a two-week course of intensive Spanish at DSS. This was a great
experience. I learned a lot of Spanish and also many things about the people,
history and culture of Nicaragua. My experience at Dariana Spanish School was
also fun for me. It would be a pleasure to answer any questions about my
experience in León.
Justin
Trzasko: The Dariana Spanish School
provided me with one of the best experiences of my life. I enrolled in a month
long immersive Spanish language program. The school arranged for me to stay
with a family for the duration of the program. The family was one of the
highlights of trip. They were fun, engaging, I felt as though I was part of the
home and made friends that I keep in contact with to this day. The city of Leon
is worth seeing even if your just passing through Nicaragua. Its safe, vibrant
and most of all is conducive to exploration without having to deal with a
tourist atmosphere. The schools curricula was solid if not fast paced. In
combination with living with a family and going out in the city I believe helped
my learning process. Questions and comments are welcome.
Carpe Diem Group 2009
Carpe Diem Group 2010
