Spanish Immersion Program for Adults and Families

Agualivar is very special place. Magical in my memory and in truth I almost don’t want to write this review because I’d like to keep it small and secret. But it deserves more: more than the 5 stars I gave it; more than I can describe in the words allowed for this review. But I’ll try.

Imagine sitting on a terrace overlooking an infinity pool and the Mediterranean Sea with a cup of espresso in front of you and a white board to your right. The other three students gradually find their chairs and Fani stands in front of the whiteboard. It is 9:15 on Monday morning and two really special weeks lie ahead. That is the Agualivar classroom.

The classes themselves are a balance of lecture, exercises, games, presentations by the students to each other, occasional videos (think Antonio Banderas, born nearby), and tongue twisters. Many of the exercises and presentations are related to the region’s culture and history. And of course there are many suggestions for improvement tailored to each of the students.

The days are structured and full: wake up, breakfast, class, break, class, break, lunch, break/siesta, a walk or exploration of the local area, dinner, free time, sleep. ALL IN SPANISH, INCLUDING CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER STUDENTS!! By the second week, I even dreamed in Spanish!

The “sobremesas” at lunch and dinner along with the daily “paseos” were as important as the classes for actually using Spanish in conversational settings. If you stay for more than a week, the weekends too are opportunities to explore a bit farther away, or just hang out at one of the local chiringuitos.

The food was fantastic and really deserves a review all its own! We often helped set the table and with clean up after, and sometimes with preparation, all the while improving our food and kitchen-related vocabulary.

The home is amazing and my room was spacious, clean and comfortable. The internet was fast. I slept well and felt secure throughout my stay. The house is set among orchards, with fencing, remotely operated gates, and a modern security system. In the afternoons you could hear goats bleating as they returned home from their daytime pastures.

Getting to Agualivar was an adventure. I took the local bus from Málaga and was picked up at the Lagos bus stop. Total round trip cost: about 7 euros. Others took cabs. If you elect to take a cab, I’d recommend organizing through Agualivar so you get a cabbie who knows exactly where he or she is going.

While at Agualivar I felt like part of a very special family. An outgoing and welcoming family that included the other students. A family with enormous pride in this beautiful part of the world, its people, and its many thousands of years of history. Above all, they are fantastic and patient (in my case very patient!) teachers of the Spanish language. If your goal is learning or improving conversational Spanish, I highly recommend Agualivar.

One caveat--this school is fun, but it isn't a "party" school. If you want to spend your week day evenings drinking and dancing, there might be something more suitable in Barcelona or Valencia. But without the magic!

Agualivar is the perfect Spanish immersion experience. The school is serious about teaching and the setting could not be more lovely. Formal lessons are mixed with real world and fun use of the Spanish language that incorporates cultural experiences. The accommodations are elegant, clean, and comfortable with spectacular views a short walk away from swimming in the sea. The hosts are gracious and kind. They also prepare delicious, healthy food. I felt a part of the family and will return at every possible opportunity.

I spent a week at Agualivar Spanish School in May. It was a great experience in such a relaxed and beautiful environment. We spoke Spanish 100 percent of the time in a small group setting, a perfect opportunity to get to know my fellow students at the same time. Our instructors, Elisabeth and Fani were great, not to mention their mom, Carmen, who prepared three fantastic meals a day for us. Not only did we have classroom instruction but we went on some great outings to practice our new skills. I can’t thank them enough for their kind and welcoming hospitality. I left with improved speaking skills and desire to return and pick up where I left off!

AGUALIVAR ESCUELA DE ESPAÑOL – UNA EXPERIENCIA VERDADERAMENTE MEMORABLE

Después de una extensa búsqueda en todo el mundo, elegí el programa de inmersión en español en Agualivar, pasando cuatro (4) semanas allí en abril y mayo de 2023. Resultó ser más que un programa de inmersión, pero también una experiencia cultural y familiar.

Elisabeth (Eli) y Fani son excelentes profesoras. Eligen los mejores temas necesarios para la conversación diaria. Son dedicados, pacientes y amables, siempre haciendo todo lo posible para que te sientas cómodo en la escuela y quedándote en Málaga y su hogar. Una de las ventajas de Agualivar es que combina la vida cultural con la experiencia educativa. Por ejemplo, las visitas a ciudades hermosas e históricas están incluidas en el currículo. Preparas proyectos o presentaciones en español de antemano para que las visitas sean más significativas. Otras actividades incluyen conversaciones a lo largo de la playa, cenas en restaurantes locales, juegos en español, tours de fincas / granjas españolas, conversaciones con otros, etc. Su enfoque es único, una forma divertida y desafiante de mejorar tu español. Por estas razones, mis habilidades para hablar y escuchar han mejorado y he ganado la confianza para hablar con otros.

Te tratan como de la familia. Cuando llegué por primera vez, Fani me dio un gran abrazo, que fue genial. Me hizo sentir como en casa. Su madre, Carmen, es una persona muy amable y una cocinera fantástica. La echo de menos – ella es una persona especial. Comes auténticos platos españoles, que ningún turista experimentará nunca. En mis cuatro (4) semanas allí, nunca cocinó la misma comida dos veces. ¡¿Puedes creer eso?! También tienes tu propio dormitorio y baño con vistas al Mediterráneo. ¡Es impresionante!

Otra gran ventaja es explorar la hermosa y segura provincia de Málaga. Fani y Eli recomendaron lugares que no están en guías turísticas. Asegúrate de visitar Nerja, Frigiliana (mi favorito), Mijas Pueblo, Ronda, y muchos otros pueblos.

Si quieres una gran experiencia educativa y cultural, no busques más. En mi opinión, Agualivar es la mejor opción. De hecho, planeo volver el año que viene. Fani, Eli, Carmen, ¡un fuerte abrazo!

IN ENGLISH
AGUALIVAR SPANISH SCHOOL – A TRULY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

After an extensive worldwide search, I chose the Spanish immersion program at Agualivar, spending four (4) weeks there in April and May 2023. It turned out to be more than an immersion program, but also a cultural and family experience.

Elisabeth (Eli) and Fani are excellent teachers. They choose the best topics necessary for everyday conversation. They are dedicated, patient, and kind - always going out of their way to make you feel comfortable in the school and staying in Málaga and their home. One of the advantages of Agualivar is that it blends the cultural life into the educational experience. For example, visits to beautiful and historic towns are included in the curriculum. You prepare projects or presentations in Spanish beforehand to make the visits more meaningful. Other activities include conversations along the beach, dinners in local restaurants, Spanish games, tours of Spanish “fincas”/farms, conversations with others, etc. Their approach is unique – a fun and challenging way to improve your Spanish. For these reasons, my speaking and listening skills have improved and I have gained the confidence to speak with others.

You are treated like family. When I first arrived, Fani gave me a big hug, which was great. It made me feel at home. Their mom, Carmen, is such a nice person and a fantastic cook. I miss her – she is a special person. You eat authentic Spanish dishes, which no tourist will ever experience. In my four (4) weeks there, she never cooked the same meal twice. Can you believe that?! You also have your own bedroom and bathroom overlooking the Mediterranean. It is breathtaking!

Another big advantage is exploring the beautiful and safe province of Málaga. Fani and Eli recommended places that are not in tour guides. Make sure you visit Nerja, Frigiliana (my favorite), Mijas Pueblo, Ronda, and many other pueblos.

If you want a great educational and cultural experience, look no further. In my opinión, Agualivar is the best option. In fact, I plan to go back next year. Fani, Eli, Carmen – big hug!

I had a truly wonderful experience at Agualivar in October 2022. I was a bit nervous before arriving. My Spanish tests at around an A2/B1 level, so I wasn’t sure how I would manage 2 weeks in only Spanish. But Fani and Eli are such great teachers, I was able to relax and thoroughly enjoy my time there. Carmen is a great hostess, and the house is beautiful. How can you top studying on the patio with a view of the pool and Mediterranean? 😊 The lessons are designed to encourage speaking, with grammar and pronunciation as well. In addition, they do an excellent job of creating content that is practical and interesting, as well as lots of information about Spanish culture and history. It was exactly what I wanted! From my time at Agualivar, I gained confidence that carried me through an additional week being a tourist. I came away with refreshed motivation to continue studying the language. I hope to go back in 2023.

We had a wonderful stay at Agualivar Spanish School! Elisabeth, Fani, and their mother were excellent instructors and hosts. (And the food was amazing). Our days typically started with a delicious breakfast, lessons until lunch, and then a fun activity or outing until dinner - all 100% in Spanish! Even though I was initially daunted at the thought of only speaking in Spanish, over the course of the week, I felt more confident in my Spanish speaking and comprehension, and Fani and Elisabeth were very kind and patient. The school is located in a beautiful area by the ocean, surrounded by mango and olive trees - they even have a pool! I would highly recommend Agualivar and hope that I can come back soon. Muchisimas gracias, Agualivar! Hasta la proxima vez :)

What an amazing place!! I absolutely loved my time at Agualivar. The lessons are fun, interesting, challenging and you feel like you’re learning by accident as you get to know other students & the teachers.
Elizabeth & Fani are amusing & lively teachers - they flex to the needs and interests of the student group. Nothing is too much trouble.
The food is amazing - Carmen (Mum of Elizabeth & Fani) makes putting a meal together look effortless. Sharing meals with this fabulous family is a highlight every day.
The area is lovely - little beach down the road & a beach bar, the house has a pool - but if you’re looking for muchos vino & nightlife - this is the wrong place for you!
Honestly wish I could spend at least a week a month here.

Amazing experience!

My husband and I have been learning Spanish on and off and for an embarrassingly large number of years. We've used apps, studied grammar in workbooks, watched movies in Spanish (with Spanish subtitles), listened to podcasts, read stories out loud to each other, and even attended an informal online conversation group by zoom. We were still at a very elementary level. We wanted to build our confidence and knowledge with immersion and we definitely did at Agualivar!

Our week at Agualivar was so much better than we anticipated it would be. The family is SO warm and welcoming and cheerful. Fani and Eli (the sisters who run the business and are the teachers) are so fun and funny. Carmen, their mom, is so sweet and kind and is an amazing cook. The whole family is fun and friendly. The home is grand, surrounded by mango tree farm and olive groves, hills, and the Mediterranean sea. The family is environmentally conscious. The food we ate comes from their gardens and local vendors and it was all delicious and fresh.

Classes were held out on the veranda every morning, overlooking the pool and sea. Stefi and Fani are great at making learning a language fun, not like high school spanish at all! Both my husband and I gained confidence and knowledge, which helped us a lot for the two weeks we had to travel around Andalusia after our time at Agualivar. A couple of months before our stay, we had a zoom call together so they could asses our level and learn how we best like to learn, in order to tailor their teaching style with our needs.

In the afternoons, we had a choice to go out for a little excursion, or relax by the pool. We went for a walk with Fani along the coastline to a marina and beach bar, where we learned how to properly order a beer one afternoon. Another day Eli brought us to the dreamy little pueblo blanco called Frigliana. We toured the olive grove and Fani taught us all about how olive oil is made, how to read a label, and the differences between different olive oils. Then we had a tasting right under the shade of an olive tree, overlooking the hillside and the sea - pinch me! One afternoon we decided to take our car to a beach Fani recommended, and we loved it so much! One afternoon we had a cooking lesson (all in Spanish of course!) We learned to prepare Pallea Negro, using a variety of fresh seafood, including squid and its ink.

It was a dreamy mix of classroom time, excursion time, and rest time.

We loved having the freedom a rental car provided, but I think we would have been fine without one. The home and grounds and pool are so lovely, it would have been nice to spend an afternoon just doing nothing at Agualivar!

We agreed to the house rules to only speak Spanish the entire week, even with each other in our room and off the property. We weren't 100%, but we do understand that is the best way to train your brain.

We felt so comfortable, and everyone was so friendly and accommodating. We wish the greatest success to this family. This is hard work to open your home to strangers all the time, but they do it together and they do it all so well.

You will be so glad you chose Agualivar!