Location
  • Panama
    • Panama City
Length
1 to 52 weeks
Language
Spanish
Health & Safety

Program Details

Language Level
Beginner
Immersion Level
Intensive Standard
Class Size
Small Class (1-7)
Weekly Classroom Hours
20
Housing
Apartment Guesthouse Host Family Hostel Hotel
Age Min.
15

Pricing

Starting Price
195
Price Details
Cost of each week of Small Group Intensive Course varies depending on the number of weeks you sign up for. The prices for the course are from $249 to $195 per week for the 20 hours depending on the number of weeks you sign up for.
What's Included
Activities Classes Wifi
What's Included (Extra)

Free Daily Social Activities (Sunset Bike Tour, Salsa Class, Happy Hour, Beach Volleyball)

What's Not Included
Accommodation Airfare
Nov 22, 2023
Apr 14, 2025
8 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Located in the UNESCO world heritage site of Casco Viejo, the safest neighborhood in Panama City and one of the coolest in Latin America. The Small Group Intensive is the school’s most popular course and the fastest way to learn Spanish in the shortest time possible.

Small class sizes, avg. 2 or 3 students per group and max of 4, ensure you get personalized attention and can practice speaking. From total beginners to advanced speakers we offer groups at all levels. The classes are very interactive and focused on conversation, to ensure you have the confidence to speak the language.

The course includes a workbook/textbook, free coffee, tea, wifi, and all the material we use in class as well as free daily activities such as sunset bike ride, brewery tour, salsa lessons, and volleyball. These activities are a great way to meet other students and practice your Spanish outside of class.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

Casco Antiguo Spanish School recognizes the importance of culturally responsive teaching, recognizing and addressing systemic biases in education, fostering inclusive classroom environments, and providing access to resources and opportunities that promote equity and diversity. As language educators we aim to contribute to creating a more equitable and inclusive educational system that uplifts BIPOC communities.
Casco Antiguo Spanish School actively supports LGBTQIA+ causes in Panama (our founder is a board member of Panama's "It Get's Better" foundation) and aims to create a welcoming and safe environment for all of our students. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals, creating a safe space where all students can express their true selves while learning a new language.
At Casco Antiguo Spanish School we are dedicated to providing inclusive and supportive learning environments for neurodivergent individuals. Our experienced instructors are trained to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring that every student, regardless of their neurodiversity, can thrive in our language programs. We offer personalized support and resources to help neurodivergent learners excel in their language studies and achieve their language learning goals.
We are dedicated to ensuring accessibility for all. We provide a range of accommodations to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities, including accessible facilities, materials in various formats, and support services. Our goal is to make language learning an inclusive experience, where everyone can participate fully and thrive in their language studies.

Impact 🌎

Casco Antiguo Spanish School is deeply committed to sustainability. We integrate eco-friendly practices into our operations, from using energy efficient bulbs to recycling and reducing waste. By fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, we aim to not only teach languages but also inspire our students to become global citizens who contribute to a more sustainable future.
At our language school, ethical impact is at the core of our mission. We prioritize responsible sourcing of materials, fair employment practices, and community engagement. Through our programs, we aim to empower students with not only language skills but also a strong sense of ethical responsibility and social awareness, fostering a positive impact both locally and globally.

Program Highlights

  • Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Casco Viejo, the safest neighborhood in Panama
  • Guaranteed small group size, average of 2 to 3 people and maximum of 4 students per group
  • Free daily social activities included, Sunset Bike Tour, Salsa Class, Happy Hour, Beach Volleyball
  • Volunteer placements at local non-profit organizations offered free for students
  • Social Enterprise, percentage of your tuition supports local non-profits, and 100% of Homestay fees go directly to families

Related Programs

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 83 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Instruction 4.95
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.8
  • Value 4.95
Showing 65 - 72 of 83 reviews
Default avatar
Cristina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

6-Weeks Spanish Lessons

Great experience for my daughter. The school was very accommodating and responsive. I appreciate the fact that the learning style was a combination of classroom learning and then applying the concepts to the real world by adventuring out and about. There were opportunities for my daughter to have both group and 1:1 classes which I also found very beneficial. The 6 week immersion period definitely gave her the boost that she needed. Location of the school is in Old Panama which is perfect! Highly recommend the school!

74 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Magnus
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great one week experience

I spent two and a half weeks in Panama this summer and of that time I spent one week learning Spanish at Casco Antiguo Spanish School. As a Norwegian teacher of English myself, it was both inspiring and a lot of fun to be in the student seat again😊 My teacher Silka was a fun and enthusiastic teacher, my class was also observed by another Panamanian who was training to become a Spanish teacher himself I believe. This allowed for a lot of varied group work in class where we often were playing games in teams of two where one student would mime a word to his or her team mate and the team mate would try to guess the word. After just one week of classes, I feel that my "entiende"(understanding) has improved quite a bit. I particularly liked the extra-curricular activities after class in the afternoon where I was both taught a beginner's class in salsa and taken for a scenic bike ride around Cinta Costera. I definitely recommend taking a course at Casco Antiguo Spanish School, just make sure that you stay for a few extra days after so you can practice your skills as you immerse yourself in this beautiful country and its beautiful people👌

Pros
  • Varied teaching with a focus on fun learning
  • Excursions to local museums and extra-curricular activities
Cons
  • English level in teachers could be slightly better for improved understanding through a reference language when students have questions
71 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Phil
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Overall Experience

I had a great experience with the school. Small class sizes and patient instructors. They really create an extremely welcoming family like atmosphere.

I spent the first week of an extended mission trip to Panama refreshing on some old high school Spanish skills that I had not used in 20 years. Tricia from the school was very easy to communicate and coordinate with via WhatsApp and email before I arrived in country. They really go out of their way to be a complete resource for people traveling in Panama. The welcome email included useful tips on transportation and local tipping culture.

They provided an online placement test to try and get me in the right class. They started me at a pretty basic level based on my results. My instructor asked if I wanted to move to a higher level by break time of the first day. I didn't change right away, but I let Tricia know after the end of the first day and they easily accommodated moving me to a higher level starting with day 2. They seem to have a basic lesson plan, but my instructor was willing to go a little off plan to answer any of my questions. With only limited time available, I felt like I was able to get a really good refresher. Classes included getting out and walking around the neighborhood to practice.

My wife was pretty much starting from scratch with Spanish and she had a very good experience with her beginner lessons as well. One week is obviously not enough to go from novice to fluent Spanish speaker, but she found it very helpful to practice hearing and understanding basic vocabulary.

They also have evening activities in the area and will help link you up with other local activities. Circumstances did not allow me to participate in the extracurricular activities, but I think it is a great service and I definitely would participate if I did not have other commitments.

I would definitely recommend Casco Antiquo Spanish School to anyone in Panama looking to improve their Spanish skills.

Pros
  • Great support
  • Small classes
  • Very flexible and easy to work with
Cons
  • None
77 people found this review helpful.
Kaila
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Program

This was my first time taking an intensive Spanish course, and I had a great experience in Casco Viejo. From my initial contact with the school, everything was well organized and clear. I was able to arrange a homestay for the duration of my time, which was a great way to continue to practice Spanish and a very welcoming environment. The classes were well organized, and my group of 3 blended very well together despite spanning 3 different decades.

As a solo traveler, the activities after class (happy hour, salsa class, bike riding, and beach volleyball) were a great way to meet other travelers and continuing practicing my Spanish. One of my favorite parts about the class was how it embedded the history of Panama through museums and other outings. I felt as though I came away with a strong appreciation for the history of the Panama Canal to say the least. Additionally, I enjoyed the incorporation of other Latin American countries through different songs that we listened to and learned about in class. Overall, I would highly recommend this program.

Pros
  • Great Location
  • Fun Social Activities Outside of Class
  • Well Organized
72 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Luh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fun Learning at Casco Antiguo Spanish School

I had the best time learning Spanish at Casco Antiguo Spanish school. The class was structured well, and the teachers, Hector and JJ, were enthusiastic and very helpful. They pushed us to learn but were always happy to answer our questions. I took an intensive course for two weeks with four hours of class each day. There were 3 students in the class. I thought four hours would seem a long time, but time just flew by. We learned sentence structures, grammar, and vocabulary through games and conversations. We had three field trips where we had the opportunity to communicate with the locals who were so friendly. I am definitely more confident communicating in Spanish now. Also, they provided ‘after-school’ free activities: bike tours, salsa classes, beach volleyball, and happy hour at one of the rooftop bars in Casco. These were always fun.

What impressed me most is when they said that they are your host for your trip to Panama, they meant it. David (the owner) and Tricia made sure my burner phone worked since my regular one was not compatible with the local SIM card. When I mentioned that this was my first time using Uber, they made sure the experience went smoothly. They arranged a homestay with the nicest lady, Ana Gloria, who went out of her way to make sure I had an enjoyable stay in Panama. The school also arranged for Roberto, to pick me up on arrival and drive me back to the airport on departure. Everyone in the school was friendly and helpful.

I was worried about traveling solo, but I am glad I did. Panamanians are the nicest people. Learning at the Casco Antiguo School was an amazing experience, and I would recommend it to anyone considering an immersion program in Spanish. If I had an opportunity, I would love to return to Casco Antiguo Spanish School and further my Spanish skills.

Pros
  • Excellent instructions
  • Wonderful and helpful staff
  • Located in an interesting part of town, where there are many fun things to do after school
Cons
  • None
100 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Gene
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Small, Intensive Intermediate Level Spanish Course at Casco Spanish School

My intermediate level Spanish class (small intensive, 3 students, 4 hours per day for 5 days) with Javier Villa was fantastic. Rather than simply forcing us into a template, it was obvious that Javier had taken the time to review our placement exams and immediately started with material that was appropriate at our level. Javier made a point of mixing outside activities, like a local scavenger hunt and a short tour of the Canal Museum, with the classroom language learning exercises, such as short reading and comprehension exercises and musical exercises for listening comprehension. I'm an American whose Spanish is largely self-taught - I found the class very engaging, interesting, and challenging. I'd highly recommend this class during an extended visit to Panama as a very useful tool for improving your Latin American Spanish skills.

Pros
  • Excellent instructor and staff
  • Good location for travelers/tourists
  • Excellent travel support, for example arranging transportation from airport
Cons
  • I can't think of any issues that I encountered during my work with the school.
64 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lisa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience!

Great team, great teachers! I would recommend it for every level. The classes with JJ were very interesting and never boring. I took a 2-weeks-course and I feel like I improved a lot. The classes are in the morning from 8-12 or in the afternoon from 1-5. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The school is in the oldtown with a lot of great restaurants nearby. the school is small but absolutely sufficient. they also organize afternoon/evening activities, so it will never be boring. I would recommend the school!

73 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jonathan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great School

The Spanish school had great staff who were very knowledgable. They had a lot of very helpful tips that helped me learn more Spanish. I️ would recommend taking a few courses from them in order to increase you vocabulary from them. Overall I️ had a great experience with them and would recommend this program to anyone who is not fluent in Spanish.

65 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers