What Former Students are Saying About Us...
General Program | Instructors | Facilities | Families | CLE
Courses | Medical
La
Paz | Guadalajara
General
I truly enjoyed this experience. You are so far ahead in your curriculum than the last school I attended - your format is more comprehensive, logical and easy to follow. I intend to return in the near future.
I expected that the school would be excellent (from recommendation) and I was correct! Thanks everyone for a great experience.
Loved everything. Loved the experience, incredible teachers and materials... it really changed my ability in a very short time. I was amazed that what I found in person was even better than on the webpage … thrilled!!! The webpage was very easy to navigate around, thanks.
Se Habla was recommended by a former Se Habla student who had attended several other Spanish language schools. That kind of recommendation is invaluable.
(The one thing that would have made your experience better) Staying longer!
I am very impressed with the balance between conversation and filling in gaps and the presentation of grammar structure. Just the right amount of review and good pace of introducing new information so that using what I learned the previous day served as a natural building block. The structure of each class and presentation was extraordinarily effective. Your warmth and friendliness and personal availability underlie the success of your school and set a tone for us estudiantes. This is a really professional offering. Random thought: Your exercise materials are great because they create a visual pattern that I can recall when trying to remember a group of verbs. Not too much on a single page. (As you can tell, I am/was a teacher… you are doing it right.)
"I want to thank you so much for the wonderful education and fantastic time I had with you all. I really felt like you were an extension of my own family. Everyday I was with you I looked forward to seeing all of your smiling faces and learning more in my lessons. I received more than I could possibly absorb in one month's time but I am thrilled that I now have a very well-rounded, functional knowledge of the language, not to mention the practical understanding of the Mexican culture and way of life. I strive daily to continue reading, writing and speaking Spanish. Thank you so much for giving me the tools to do so. Con carino, besos y abrazos a todos. Your most grateful missionary...
"The impressive thing about this whole program is the amazing detail and carefully thought out approach towards "customer service...you covered every base." (About the curriculum)"...really good! Especially due to the patience and the personal care provided! Very solid background - intelligent - good leaders and facilitators - nice people, too - and fun - excellent!"
(About the administration) "Top notch. If there is any room to improve, I didn't see it! (If the school could improve ONE thing) Have a weekend kayaking outing with Spanish/English speaking guides. I know, I have to come back for this."
I was referred by a friend but walked in off the street to a very warm reception. I had attended Spanish night school but found the structure at Se Habla to be more efficient in helping me learn more in a short period of time. The food was incredible; the staff very pleasant (esp. Mini the pup). The atmosphere was very relaxed but remained professional.
I think that the school is in a class by itself because the class that I was put it was exactly what I needed. Thank you very much.
Good website. Attractive and helpful about school and La Paz . The program was very well organized. For total beginners, the 1st week was hard but we were very impressed by how functional we became. Julie's enthusiasm and commitment is tremendous. This is the best adult-ed experience I have had. We will definitely be back!
Nice web page compared to the other 2 I looked at. You seemed professional, organized (and established) yet relaxed. The travel information was very clear. I appreciated you being able to accommodate my questions via phone and email without having to come in for a fact to face language eval of my level.
I was very lucky that the school had space when I arrived. (I was not organized before I left home). And am thankful for the variety of payment methods.
(About one thing that would have improved your experience) I know it sounds like a cop-out but I really cannot think of a thing. Had a great time and learned tons.
"...Everybody was so helpful - even before I came with answering questions about a piano, bicycle rental, detailed travel instructions from San Jose to La Paz . True to your mission statement, you do everything possible to ensure a pleasant stay. I had a great time."
One week is just not enough (I was warned!) But I did get enough to reconstruct what I did know and push me further ... I will be here 2 weeks next time!
The tone and promptness of our contact with Juli was professional and personable. Willingness to accommodate our late planning clinched it for us. We are clients for life now!
"Because I like this kind of feedback in my business, 'Se Habla...La Paz offers the finest Spanish school experience because of their professionalism, the quality of their teaching staff and their personal attentiveness. I will be back soon. Thanks a million, folks.'"
Small classes (3) accommodate a lot of flexibility in different levels of aptitude (of the students) and allows for the raising and resolution of any and all questions, whether directly related to the lesson or not. The casual and comfortable - yet competent atmosphere is wonderful - very non-threatening and supportive. I'm sure Antonio and other staff is already 'stretched' but the extra curricular cultural presentations are really special and are a pretty good 'test of the degree to which it’s all coming together'. I realize that not many Mexicans are as articulate as is Antonio, but it is still rewarding to come away from his presentations feeling like I actually understood what he was saying!
First encountered the webpage, then recommended by Chris C.; we visited and were impressed and then Shasta (another friend) said she was delighted with her program! The time and weeks flew by!
"Great concept! Great food at 10:30 break. Great secretarial support and administrative availability. Superb friendly and professional atmosphere...access to office and library with all kinds of extras. I heard about your school thru the grapevine...very impressed by the friendly professionalism and relaxed sophistication at 'La Casa Serena'. It's been a wonderful learning experience. Gracias! :>)
We would like to take the opportunity to thank you and your staff for what turned out to be a wonderful learning experience for us. As you know, we had taken Spanish classes before in Cuernavaca and Chile . Each student has a different way of learning and, I think, the method that works best may, in fact, change as the student's proficiency increases. We have not taken Spanish using four methods, including Berlitz, FIS, private tutors and Se Habla. We found that your methodology was far superior than others we have experienced to date. The curriculum and methodology, professionalism and friendliness of the staff and the ambience of the school made for a great experience. We came back super motivated to continue our studies.
"The web page is very inviting. What impressed me the most was the immediate responses and follow up. Incredibly personal and it made me feel pretty at ease about coming to La Paz by myself. (In summary) It’s been such an enriching experience, difficult to put in words how incredible it’s been."
"Overall, I thought this was a terrific program - very professionally run, well thought out and personable."
"A professional friend living in La Paz recommended Se Habla...La Paz to me...she knew this would be the place for me...Professionalism and safety demand that my Spanish skills are at a level of fluency where I can adequately translate in the classes [ with local Mexican and Mayan artists in the Yucatan Peninsula ] and outdoor environments....and I find it amazing that there is a school available to accommodate these specific skills...The facility is fabulous and sets the stage for readiness and receptivity for effective learning...Various intimate study areas are located indoors and outdoors throughout the facility and offer private and communal work zones. I settled into a routine of favorite study "nooks" utilizing rooftops, patios, poolside and comfortable living room/den areas. Passion and intent pervade the learning experience at Se Habla... La Paz . This is the atmosphere and level of commitment in which I sought to immerse. The director of education is an astounding individual well-skilled in teaching Spanish and tailoring programs to match individual needs...Everything about the program is geared for practical, positive and successful learning and infuses a desire to learn more...I look forward to continuing studies for myself and my staff at Se Habla... La Paz over the years."
"My husband Jon and I took about 18-20 hours of Spanish classes at Se Habla and we couldn't be more pleased with our ability to speak, read, write and listen in Spanish. We are cruising our boat for 2 years in Mexico and wanted to learn to speak Spanish correctly. We accomplished this in a few short weeks. The curriculum is first rate. We are retired teachers so this comment is not written lightly. Our professors were knowledgeable, personable, familiar with every aspect of their curriculum and sensitive to our level of understanding on a daily basis. They all seemed totally committed to helping us achieve success as quickly and thoroughly as possible. We also enjoyed the extra amenities: use of the house all day including the library and quiet patios with views. On several occasions, I climbed to the top patio and looked out over the bay while I studied or sketched. The [cultural] lectures and cooking classes were fun and useful. They helped us practice our skills on a controlled basis. Lastly, all of the staff and owners became friends who we want to return to see often."
"I have really enjoyed my time here. It has helped me feel more confident and relaxed about the language. I had a blast."
Instructors
Each teacher had a different style. They were all great teachers both in teaching and knowledge.
(About the curriculum)"I can't say enough about how enjoyable and helpful the information has been with the teaching star. Antonio's cultural class today, on Mariachis, exemplified the content, organization, creativity, inspiration, humor, personal interaction that I've experienced with all of the teachers. A very well managed place and very well taken care of. Juli does an excellent, flawless job. The home environment is very special and attracted me to spend as many hours as possible in the facility. The whole show is a "class act. The breaks and snacks added to the enjoyment of the experience."
Antonio is a master teacher. The world is a better place because of his skill, enthusiasm and patience.
(About Javier, instructor) Javier brought an elegance and richness of knowledge "cosmopolitan Mexico " that kept me spellbound. He is excellent in using real world themes in the lessons. I am very pleased with the professional manner the school exhibits - while providing a casual setting. Very good balance in all the aspects. The "interactive" quality of the instruction process was very rich with all 4 instructors. "Clone them all!"
(About Merit, instructor) Merit helped me a great deal - the class passed quickly each day because we worked hard and she had so much to help me with! One thing that would improve her teaching? It could not have been better unless she had a pill she could give me so I could say everything perfectly. Thanks very much... I will be back.
(About Pepe and Nadine, instructors) ... I wouldn't be able to say enough good things about Pepe! A great and natural teacher. Nadine was great. She managed to keep our interest and kept us on track even thought we started to fade near the end of the day.
"...(about Prof. Reynoso) Outstanding instructor - it is rare to meet such a talented teacher - he is one of the best that I have come across in my experience." [This student is fluent in 7 languages]
"With a language evaluation at the beginning and end of the course, I entered at a beginning-intermediate level and finished at an advanced level. I am afraid I cannot express well enough the satisfaction I experienced daily with my language progress. My teacher, Prof. Antonio Reynoso, was terrific in his teaching methods and organization of my studies. He knew all of my strengths and weaknesses as well as my preferred learning style within 1 or 2 days of starting classes and he structured my entire day, both in and out of class, to maximize my ability to learn quickly and hold my interest.
(About Jose, instructor) Pepe was playful and fun while keeping us on task. It was helpful to have 2 teachers with different styles and voice tone to last the full time. I loved Pepe exactly as he is. He added humor and challenged us to follow a faster pace. Together they provided a wonderful experience for us (about Merit & Pepe teaching team)
(About Merit, instructor) A great attitude. Very organized, moved at an excellent pace for my level of learning, able to adapt easily to my learning needs and offered variety, like going 'to the street' to maintain my attention ... I can't think of one thing to improve the experience.
(About Antonio): Needs to clone himself.
(About Maria Elena) Awesome instructor. I've had a lot of Spanish classes and instructors and I found her to be one of the best if not the best. She curved her instruction to meet our interests, I appreciate that. Another thing that was really important was her rate of speech and pronunciation. The combination of professionalism and leisure is extraordinary in this school. It made coming to school something to look forward to.
I enjoyed Merit's instruction and persistence in helping me improve my pronunciation. She uses humor to coach my through the learning process. I enjoyed the use of color in the educational materials - made it easier to understand. I felt welcome by Juli and really felt that she wants to help me learn and enjoy my experience in La Paz - super professional and on target!
I appreciated the way Javier formed his questions, he did not simplify them too much but rather spoke in 'normal sentences' - what we might encounter in daily life.
Marco was a pleasure and very patient as well. Funny and not too serious, very concerned with our learning our verbs.
"Antonio's cultural lectures are concise and easy to understand. Great information. (In summary) Everything was great! Lots of information."
"A very fine balance of friendly, professional. Good sense of making new students comfortable and yet making spoken Spanish supported. The emphasis on verbs and conjugation is "right on the money" - verbs are the heart of the language. This gives a framework to improve upon after returning to the states. (About Prof. Reynoso) Excellent teacher! If verbs are the heart of the Spanish language, Professor Antonio is the heart and soul of this program."
Facilities
The school is beautiful and welcoming. We felt so at ease there and were amazed to be taking classes at such an extra-ordinary place! Everyone who works there is wonderful - the teachers, admin and staff. They were so open to helping us and always smiling and encouraging us! And thanks ever so much for help with our travel plans!
You should have more pictures of the school on the website ... it is incredible! This is a very familiar atmosphere but that is what I liked!
Good, inviting web page; attractive, informative, and accessible. I had a great experience - would love to return for a longer period of time! The setting is wonderful and conducive to learning. Great organization!
What a great concept… to be in a home-like environment, an elegant one, with lots of bathrooms, roof-top views, patios and especially hot, fresh coffee every morning. WOW
Families
The homestay was an excellent match. Gloria has been very accommodating and we were able to share much about our personal lives. Thru her friends, many doors to cultural experiences and other connections were established. She was also very astute in reminding me when I 'crashed' a verb.
I really appreciated both the homestay match and the other student in my small group. We were the perfect level for each other; I also appreciate your accommodation to my special requests. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
The homestay was absolutely great! A wonderful cook and host.
We were fortunate to be placed with an exceptionally warm and open family. They provided excellent meals, advice about activities and a comfortable environment. I would recommend this homestay experience to anyone.
We would also like to thank you for organizing our homestay with the Pardo family. We thoroughly enjoyed their company and left La Paz with more friends than when we arrived.
The homestay was more upscale that I would have imagined. The cleanliness and friendliness of my family was such a comfort. And the food … I needed the exercise walking to and from school on the Malecon to work off the added pounds!
Legal Course Feedback
I needed to contact Juli Goff several times, prior to coming down here (re: travel issues/problems) and she always got back to me quickly, with very helpful + complete info.
All done via internet-no problem. Could not be easier or more convenient
All questions and concerns re: logistics were handled quickly, accurately and with good cheer.
Antonio is a first-rate language instructor. He is an excellent teacher who also manages to bring humor and fun to the classroom (which keeps everyone engaged)
This was all a little too hard for me, but that was a good pressure
Superb! Antonio is a master at developing the curriculum and educating his students. We worked hard, had fun, and learned a tremendous amount.
Antonio did an excellent job integrating language skills, legal topics and class discussion. Always interesting, clean and articulate, interested in each student, expressive. Good use of personal anecdotes + illustrate legal and cultural topics. Bravo Antonio!
(Antonio)Very kind about correcting basic stuff. For improvement…No se. His stories from life are wonderful, give a lot of reality to the day-to-day functioning of Mexican Law.
Antonio is truly an excellent instructor. He knows how to gauge the needs of his students and then effectively deliver.
Antonio makes learning fun. He is dynamic and entertaining, yet demanding. He adeptly adds new concepts daily. For improvement…Give him another 1/3 – 1 hour to teach each day.
(Antonio)Very amusing. He could have a program on television.
(Merit) I liked her building bock approach and her cheerful encouragement. For improvement… More verbal drills with actual phrases
(Merit) Outstanding!! I finally understand the subjunctive!!
(Merit) Outstanding – amazingly patient; made learning fun, very professional excellent methodology. For improvement…I have taught for many years, including a foreign language for a number of years, and I cannot think of one area where I would see she needs improvement. Continue what she is doing and build on it.
(Curriculum) Very well thought out. The topics were all of interest to me + have practical implication. I especially appreciated the focus on cultural bases for the law and instructors’ willingness to answer individual questions.
I had problems keeping up with the pace of instruction, but it was a result of my limited fluency in Spanish, not the curriculum otherwise.
As a business lawyer the presentation (night) of Ben Rosen was most useful to me and he was also receptive to business oriented questions during his general presentation (day).
Liked the practical aspects as well as the detail. The trip to the jail and court was a real bonus, as was the availability of the judges. The mayors’ appearance was very interesting, too. Having this available to us was remarkable.
(Ben) Good job! Articulate candid, knowledge also. Very responsive to questions posed by class. Always interesting to listen to.
(Ben)I think everything exceeded my expectations. We got through a great deal of info in a small amount of time. Ben was great, no problems at all.
(Ben) His material was pretty far from the day-to-day, but somehow still interesting. He speaks pretty fast, but he’s good at restating things more simply when asked, so he’s very effective.
Monica’s presentation was completely in line with my particular area of interest, and she gave a wonderful and thorough presentation. For improvement…To not let obnoxious students get the better of her; remember, US lawyers can be really obnoxious, arrogant, and confrontational- it’s not pretty, but it’s also not personal (she’ll know what I’m talking about)
(Monica) I really like her combination of abstract formal instruction, and specific case- based examples. A fast talker with, thank God, excellent pronunciation. For improvement…Hard to imagine. She’s a gem.
(Monica) Excellent presentation of some though topics.
(Monica) Also did a very good job. She spoke fast at times, but was very articulate and knowledgeable.
(Antonio / abogado) Again, great at peppering a general presentation with specific case material from his practice.
(Antonio / abogado) I liked Antonio’s passion and intensity as a lecturer. Also very articulate and responsive to questions.
(Antonio / abogado) Excellent content. His working knowledge of English is excellent.
(Antonio / abogado) I liked his receptiveness to question + answer approach throughout his presentation and relation of family issues.
Everything was perfect
Very well-run program, there were no “snafus” everything went well. There was a nice, happy atmosphere. The attention to so many details is appreciated.
Juli- great job! Comfortable setting. Nice registration of classes. i.e., many groups with almost no noise interference.
Juli and Sophia and everyone well very helpful and welcoming and nice.
Could not be better.
Outstanding program- You two are professional + approachable, Angel Azul is wonderful! Beautiful and friendly. I appreciate so much all that was done for all of us.
Liked Juli’s proactive follow up by telephone/email regarding class placement.
I loved La Paz – the people, the city, the food!!
What a great group of people! This course attracts such a diverse bunch in terms of their backgrounds and practices, and they all seem to add to the quality of the experience.
The visit to the CERESO (JAIL) and Ministerio Publico were very interesting and added a lot to the program. The visit by the mayor was a nice bonus.
The program more than met my expectations. I needed another week for down time. We were kept very busy! Friday afternoon session – kind of mixed feelings – want to go, but want to stroll, relax. Manny was a big help. Too bad about the evening at beach, but we had a good time anyway.
Incredible quality of content and talent of teachers.
I honestly can’t think of anything I would change!
(Suggestions for things to change?) Wish I could think of something. Other states need to discover this. It is not only excellent CLE, but also a great cultural service about Mexico to people who may deal with Mexicans in their practices….Se Habla should be recognized as a cultural consulate of something!
(Suggestions for things to change?) Can’t think of anything. I was very pleased and impressed with everything. The program exceeded my expectations. The setting was beautiful (both Casa Serena and La Paz ). It was a very comfortable, pleasant and fun learning environment. Everyone was so helpful and friendly.
(Suggestions for things to change?) Develop extension programs in other cities so students can continue and don’t lose their skills from non-use. I really liked the school. I would vote for all schools (course) to be here vs. traveling to some other city. It is very collegial here.
(Suggestions for things to change?) A little more free time to take advantage of the town / area. I wanted to attend all of the extra afternoon programs + evening events but found I had no time to shop for gifts for my family. Thank you very much. It was not just informative and educational but fun! The program definitely met my expectations.
Julie and Antonio were both very helpful.
Very good class, very good instruction on practical aspects of grammar.
We did exactly the conjugation I was ready to work on.
(Antonio Reynoso) Best Spanish instructor I’ve had. Excellent rapport with class, he was great at maintaining dialogue at the appropriate level. I thought his discussion of his history the last day was the highlight of our trip.
(Miguel) Excellent job especially considering different comprehension levels.
(Miguel) Very Good.
(Miguel) Miguel did a great job.
Great program; enjoyed the side trips very much. I would return anytime.
People are very kind. Plenty to do, interesting.
Get me more time off from my job to stay here longer; great job, thanks.
Medical Program
...Another aspect of the school that I felt was extraordinary was the ability to work in medical settings in the community...with directed activities from the school, I observed, listened and talked both with the nurses and doctors and with the patients. These wonderful opportunities were true immersion experiences, as the staff spoke no English. Since starting medical school, I have used my Spanish daily with a few classmates and especially with patients. I am proud to say that I am one of the few students in my class who can thoroughly communicate with monolingual Spanish patients...I am very conscious of my heightened sensitivity to cultural beliefs and feel that I address such issues with a clarity based on sound experience...I have great respect for the teachers and staff of Se Habla...La Paz and would not hesitate to recommend their program to student or physician alike."
(About the clinical setting) As a second year resident, I found observing for 2-4 hours at time very challenging and frustrating. Being used to "doing" instead simply watching/listening, was difficult almost boring during my sessions. Looking back over my 2 weeks, it was incredibly useful to listen to native patients speak then recount the stories the following day. I now am realizing the value of simply listening - more than just the words. It was an experience whose value will grow well beyond the ~20 hours that I spent.
La Paz
I loved La Paz – the people, the city, the food!!
I really enjoyed the field trip to the Orphanage. Having more trips like this one would be great! I really appreciate the quick turn-around time and quality of information forwarded in preparing for my trip.
Can’t think of anything. I was very pleased and impressed with everything. The program exceeded my expectations. The setting was beautiful (both Casa Serena and La Paz ). It was a very comfortable, pleasant and fun learning environment. Everyone was so helpful and friendly.
This was a return trip to La Paz after about 5 years. I had expected unfortunate/touristy changes but NO! It was the same, colonial La Paz that I loved but with an updated and slicked up look! The Malecon is fab, the people are genuinely kind and I still felt safe walking around. Everyone is so very helpful … what a gift this is to travelers who don’t want Cabo or the like. I want to move here!
Your maps and help about everything that I wanted to see and do were great. And the buses were a good cultural experience and I used my Spanish to get places. The city is clean and friendly and that’s what I was looking forward to.
The most marvelous sunsets! And the new statues are such a classy touch on the Malecon.
Good food, good prices still, easier to get to than several years ago … prices are going up but that is to be expected with the baby boomers like me coming to buy anything we can get our hands on!
Great seafood. Thanks for the restaurant recommendations.
A lovely place for 2 women traveling together … very easy to walk around and enjoy the Mexican hospitality.
Guadalajara
Professor Reynoso is a very, very good, fun and professional instructor. I learned more in 3 days than I ever thought possible!
I was very sad to leave Guadalajara and even shed some tears as the plane took off.
I really enjoyed my homestay and my studies...I would say that everything in my evaluation still holds true. It was an exceptional experience! The Se Habla 'familia' made my transition 'seamless'. I appreciate all efforts to make this learning experience enjoyable. Personalized and personable.
(About what would have made her experience better) Sorry I can’t be of more help. I am totally satisfied with my experience al Se Habla La Paz and my vacation in Guadalajara "
Se Habla in Guadalajara is a model that other schools would want to follow. The assistance of Miguel and Antonio helped me to get to see the things of GDL that I wanted to see - for sure I will be back some day.
All of the teachers brought difficult but excellent teaching to my experience. I am delighted to have met and had a wonderful experience with all of them.
All of my teachers were as good as I could have wanted ... like a family. (This is her 3rd experience with Se Habla schools and she says that she will return for more and more!)
Without the help of the administration I would not have had the easy experience of getting to know GDL. I appreciate the hard work of all of the staff!
As a group, Se Habla La Paz handled us well around the city. They offered great ideas about what to see and do… too many to choose from, actually. Great job.