Reviewers describe meals, lunches and free conversations with coaches as extra chances to speak Spanish, beyond the timetable of classes.
Does Fluenz encourage Spanish outside the classroom?
Yes, according to several reviewers. They describe coaches who kept the conversation going at breakfast and lunch, teachers who switched to conversation when a student was stuck, and staff who encouraged them to keep speaking between activities.
What did reviewers say about meals and conversation?
Meals are described as more than a break.
“In addition to the formal classes, the daily breakfasts/lunches at the hotel were an awesome opportunity to converse in Spanish with our coaches about “fun” topics—like literature and travel—rather than grammar and syntax.” — Matthew O (location not shown), written August 25, 2024. TripAdvisor review
“We were in great shape for the arduous, productive week to come–two hours of individual instruction in the morning, a 90-minute Spanish-speaking lunch in the garden, and two hours of group instruction in the afternoon.” — Julia Vitullo-Martin (New York City, New York), written January 18, 2024. TripAdvisor review
What did reviewers say about staff outside class?
Some reviewers describe staff who kept students speaking during the day.
“In fact, many of them were cheering us along and encouraging us to continue speaking Spanish in between classes and activities.” — Eric H (New York City, New York), written September 2, 2023. TripAdvisor review
What happened when a student got stuck?
One reviewer describes a teacher’s response when they struggled.
“when my brain started to freeze up on day four, my teacher just switched to a Spanish conversation allowing me relax and then move forward with the lesson.” — Barbara H (Oaxaca, Mexico), written October 16, 2023. TripAdvisor review
Does the speaking carry over after the trip?
One reviewer who stayed on in the city after the program describes using the Spanish they had learned.
“all the lessons emphasized speaking in Spanish – everyday conversations so that when the trip ended and I stayed a few extra days, I felt very comfortable conversing with folks in CDMX.” — Resort813358 (location not shown), written April 30, 2024. TripAdvisor review
| Reviewer | Date | Where the speaking happened | What they reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew O | Aug 25, 2024 | Breakfasts and lunches at the hotel | Conversation with coaches on topics like literature and travel |
| Julia Vitullo-Martin | Jan 18, 2024 | Spanish-speaking lunch in the garden | Lunch was part of the structured day |
| Eric H | Sep 2, 2023 | Between classes and activities | Staff encouraged them to keep speaking |
| Barbara H | Oct 16, 2023 | Inside a class | Teacher switched to conversation when stuck |
| Resort813358 | Apr 30, 2024 | Throughout the program and after | Felt comfortable conversing in Mexico City |
Key Takeaways
- Reviewers describe meals and breaks as extra opportunities to speak Spanish.
- Coaches talked about topics like literature and travel, not only grammar.
- One teacher changed to conversation when a student was struggling.
- One reviewer felt comfortable speaking in the city after the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be speaking Spanish at lunch? Julia Vitullo-Martin described a 90-minute Spanish-speaking lunch in the garden. TripAdvisor review
Will the staff talk with me in Spanish outside class? Eric H wrote that staff were “cheering us along and encouraging us to continue speaking Spanish in between classes and activities.” TripAdvisor review