INESLE Madrid & Santander – Spanish Summer Language Immersion Program (SPAIN)

Testimonials (32)

• Dar las gracias a todos los que hab'eis estado organizando Inesle Madrid. Sin duda os hab'eis superado este a~no. Las im'agenes son fant'asticas y hablan por s'i solas. In'es y Zoe lo han pasado genial, han hecho un grupo de amigos y han quedado los fines de semana. Deseamos que sigan conservando esta bonita amistad que ha comenzado con vosotros. Enhorabuena a todos y feliz verano. Os lo merec'eis.

  - Familia Porr'ua-Galindo, Madrid (Espa~na) - September 15, 2022

• Much'isimas gracias a todos por vuestro trabajo y dedicaci'on. El programa est'a fenomenal y los chicos han disfrutado mucho. Gracias por este diario semanal tambi'en, pues es la forma de tener su recuerdo y saber todos lo que han ido haciendo. Gracias y saludos, Mercedes Calzada Burgos

  - Familia Calzada, Madrid (Espa~na) - September 15, 2022

• Thanks for confirming! Anna had a fantastic time in Spain. Her host family couldn't have been more of a perfect fit and the El Camino trip at the end was the icing on the cake! Thank you so much for this wonderful program. This experience will stay with Anna forever. Thanks, Nancy

  - Nancy Naber - Madison, WI - Natural Mother (Phillips Academy, Andover)) Andover - September 5, 2022

• I enjoyed my experience at INESLE Madrid very much. Meeting students from around the world, and the rich exchange of both language and culture was a fantastic experience that the INESLE program provided me. The opportunity to fully immerse myself in the culture of Spain - while learning to live like a Spaniard, such as living with my host family, I will treasure indefinitely. It was an honor to be part of the 2022 INESLE Madrid program, and I wish the best for future students.

  - Quinn Novick - Phillips Academy Andover, Andover, MA - August 25, 2022

• My experience with INESLE has been very positive. From the moment I arrived, my family made sure to include me in everything they did, from going out to dinners to concerts and the pool. My host brother always invited me to hang out with his friends or go to the movies. Both the Spanish and American kids (as well as the monitors) were friendly and outgoing. The classes were taught by knowledgeable teachers, the discussions we had were interactive, and the trips we went on were engaging.

  - Alex Goldfarb - Northern Highlands Regional High School, Allendale, NJ - August 22, 2022

• Muchas gracias por la oportunidad a participar en INESLE. He tenido una gran experiencia y nunca voy a olvidarla. Mi espa~nol ha mejorado mucho y puedo atribuirla a tu programa.

  - Zoe Fallah - Phillips Academy Andover, Andover, MA - August 20, 2022

• It has been an absolute pleasure to participate in INESLE. INESLE has bestowed me a newfound appreciation and drive for learning Spanish. I will be entering the next academic year with this attitude, and I possess nothing but gratitude for those who organized this.

  - Rory O'Donnchu - Sandford Park School, Ranelagh, Dublin - August 15, 2022

• I love traveling and this was an experience of a lifetime. I got to visit many interesting places with a rich and beautiful History. My favorite place was Segovia because of the Roman Aqueduct and massive castle. The host family was warm and welcoming and helped to provide an amazing experience.

  - Noah Wizda -Joel Barrow High School, Redding, CT - August 15, 2022

• The best part of my INESLE was becoming best friends with my host sisters. I loved spending time with them in the pool, watching TV, baking, cooking, and just talking. My family took me to cool places in Madrid and I learned so much about Spanish culture, lifestyle, and colloquial phrases. My favorite excursions were the water park, amusement park, and, of course, the Camino de Santiago where I made friends with other Spanish people and deepened connections with my American friends. Overall great experience.

  - Isabell Luo - Phillips Academy Andover, Andover, MA - July 30, 2022

• I really enjoyed INESLE Madrid, and I definitely would consider it a once in a lifetime experience. I really connected with my host family to the point where I truly felt like a member of the family. I strengthened existing friendships and made countless new ones, forging friendships to last a lifetime. I love going on excursions to museums, historical sites & amusement parks, laughing with my host sister late in the night and getting to know the beautiful country that is Spain

  - Emmie Cutler - Phillips Academy Andover, Andover, MA - July 28, 2022

• Izzy had a wonderful time at INESLE, the cultural events and field trips were educational  and fun, and her Spanish improved a lot during her participation in the program.  We would highly recommend this program for anyone wishing to improve their Spanish and learn more about Spanish culture. It is an amazing program! Thanks Meerie M. Joung (Mother)

  - Meerie M. Joung (Mother) - July 31, 2018

• My experience with INESLE Madrid has been incredible and has had a lasting impact on my life. I have made friends from all over that I am still in contact with and would love to visit again, I have a broader knowledge of global history from the classes and excursions in INESLE and my Spanish has improved dramatically from before the trip, even after having  spoken it for 13 years now. It was a trip i will never forget and I made so many lasting memories. I hope as many people as possible take this wonderful opportunity to get to know a new part of the world. Gracias a todos de INESLE que hacen que este programa sea posible, especialmente Carlos! Thank you,

  - Allison Steele (Sammamish High School - Bellevue, WA) - July 31, 2018

• We are so grateful for the opportunity for Bella to visit Madrid this summer. You were  interactive, responsive, supportive and consistently displayed a positive and welcoming&attitude. We had only confidence in this experience. Thank you for opening up Bella’s world  and allowing her to feel safe while being curious and adventurous. Much Thanks. Piper Sangston and Tad Buhman (Parents)

  - PIPER SANGSTON & TAD BAUHMAN (Parents) Arabella Sangston (Newport High School - Bellevue, WA) - July 31, 2018

• I had an amazing time with INESLE in Madrid. All of the teachers and staff were so nice and welcoming, and they helped my Spanish grow more than I thought possible. I would definitely recommend this program to any student who would like to improve their Spanish language skills and, at the same time, become immersed in authentic Spanish culture.

  - Allison Steele (Sammamish High School - Bellevue, WA) - July 31, 2018

• I had an amazing experience with INESLE and made friends and memories to last a lifetime. I improved my Spanish through immersion in Madrid's vibrant culture and my interactions with my host family. My favorite part was the Camino del Santiago, which was an exciting adventure through rural Spain, I enjoyed the chance to be out in nature and admire the Spanish countryside, and the 30-kilometer hike left me feeling energized proud of my physical accomplishment. Thanks!

  - Riley Gillis (Phillips Academy - Andover, Massachusetts) - July 31, 2018

• Gracias por todo. Tuve un tiempo incre'ible con INESLE y escrib'i unas palabras para describirlo. De nuevo, gracias. INESLE Madrid was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Over the span of one month, I was able to fully immerse myself in Spanish culture— whether it was cooking paella in the classroom or exploring Burgos with my host family. We went on fun excursions after school, such as the Camino de Santiago and visiting Toledo. In addition, my fluency in Spanish greatly improved during the trip, and I am excited to continue practicing at my high school. All of the teachers and Spanish students were encouraging and helped me become more proficient with my pronunciation and grammar. Most importantly, I met an incredible group of Americans and Spaniards that welcomed me with open arms. From day one, my host family took me in and treated me like a son. We went to many family celebrations and trips together. Furthermore, the students in the program were funny, enthusiastic, and kind. I will never forget the love, laughter, and memories that we all shared together during this incredible month. I certainly hope to return to Spain and the program in the future. Tenga un buen verano!

  - WILLIAM LAM - Phillips Academy (Andover, Massachusetts) - July 31, 2018

• I had a lot of fun visiting the castles and exploring cities that I never thought I’d get the chance to see. I also enjoyed creating new friendships with people from Spain, America, and France. Photo!!

  - Bella Sangston (Newport High School - Bellevue, WA) - July 31, 2018

• Sami had a wonderful time. It was the experience of a lifetime. She loved learning Spanish, living with her host family and meeting new friends. Thank you for all you and your staff did.

  - KAREN IGLER (Mother) Samantha Igler (Austin Prep School - Reading, MA) - July 31, 2018

• Before arriving in Spain, I couldn’t help but harbor some reservations. This trip to Madrid has been my 3rd visit to Spain, however, I couldn’t help feeling nervous and anxious to spend a month in a foreign country. I assumed that it would be hard to have genuine friendships with Spanish kids, as I was overwhelmed with the differences I perceived within the two cultures. Not only has being in this program improved my Spanish so much, but I got to learn and know Spanish culture: its people, food, and customs. Everyone was so friendly, and I made international friends! I had a lot of laughs and smiles, are definitely lots of learning  opportunities. I can’t express how beneficial living in Spain was as an opportunity to improve my Spanish. Much love to INESLE!

  - Carolyn Han (Newport High School - Belleview, Washington) - July 31, 2018

• Thank you so much for your amazing program! Livia had the time of her life! I cannot say enough about the experience my daughter had through INESLE Madrid 2018. She made new friends from across the US, Spain and France. She was immersed in the Spanish language and culture through classes, school trips and her loving host family. She became more confident in her conversational Spanish while she experienced the life and culture of Spain. The program was positive and rewarding!

  - Elissa Iwanicki (Mother) - July 31, 2018

• "INESLE was a transforming experience. Taking spanish in school, I had always learned about Spain and my desire to go there grew with each passing year. When I found out about INESLE, I was thrilled because I had finally found the opportunity to travel to Spain. What I will remember the most about my time is not how to conjugate verbs in the imperfect subjunctive form, but what I learned about myself through immersion in the Spanish culture. My host family opened up their lives and home to me so I could live as a Spaniard. Although I got to see all of the museums and landmarks, what I value more is the personal aspect of Spanish life that I got to experience. Through my time in Spain, I was able to explore new types of foods and meet Spaniards that although I often had difficulty talking to, were the best part of the trip. I formed friendships with people from a foreign culture but we got along like brothers. I learned that you can never fully experience a language without experiencing the culture that comes along with it. I am truly blessed to have gotten the opportunity to pursue a language I love in its native setting and live the life of a Spaniard for 30 days."

  - Student - Phillips Academy - Andover , MA - September 5, 2017

• "A belated note to say THANK YOU so much for the amazing experience that our son had in INESLE Madrid this summer. Truly unforgettable and life-altering. We still talk about his experience there all the time, and I cannot say enough about the warm and generous hospitality he received from his amazing host family."

  - Mother 1 - August 15, 2017

• Through the INESLE program, I was able to improve my Spanish skills in reading, writing, comprehension, and speaking. Classes were taught exclusively in Spanish, and sticking to the program's "no English" policy allowed me to truly develop my fluency in the Spanish language. I was so happy throughout my time in the program, and I am still proud to see how much my Spanish improved this summer. It was a great experience for my personal development as well, as I learned to live in a new place and adapt to a new culture. I loved my host family, and I am grateful for the amazing summer I had. I will always treasure the INESLE experience, and I'm excited to hopefully return as a teacher and keep in touch with the friends I made during the program

  - Student - Regina Dominican High School - Chicago, IL - August 10, 2017

• INESLE Madrid fue una experiencia que voy a recordar por toda mi vida. Mi familia anfitriona era mejor de lo que podr'ia haber esperado. En s'olo un mes se convirtieron en familia para m'i. Antes de INESLE, mi espa~nol apenas hablaba. Ahora, estoy seguro de hablar, entender, leer y escribir. Las excursiones culturales eran tan importantes para m'i como el tiempo en el aula. Aprend'i mucho sobre la cultura espa~nola, lo que me hizo apreciar a'un m'as Espa~na. Hice muchos amigos americanos y espa~noles a trav'es del programa que todav'ia mantengo en contacto con hoy. Las conexiones que hice en Espa~na son algunas que guardar'e para siempre. Por INESLE, pude aprender sobre el lenguaje, la cultura y la amistad. La experiencia fue incre'ible. S'olo tengo buenos recuerdos de mi estancia en Espa~na, y espero poder volver pronto!

  - Student - Phillips Exeter Academy, NH - August 5, 2017

• I just want to start off by saying thank you for allowing our daughter, to participate in this lovely program. She arrived back in the United States eager to share all she had experienced. We are still hearing stories about her host family, her friends, and the places she visited. My husband and I thank you for placing her with such a great family who treated her as their own. She still texts and communicates with her host family and her Spanish friends. We are very grateful that she was able to make friends, learn, and tour Spain with such a wonderful group of people!

  - Mother 2 - November 12, 2015

• For my daughter, INESLE Madrid 2015 was a wonderful experience. She enjoyed herself very much and dramatically improved her Spanish. I cannot rave enough about the excellent program you have developed. Her host family was very kind and helpful to her in every way. My daughter will remember the Summer of 2015 forever. Thank you for everything.

  - Mother - October 15, 2015

• There are not enough words to describe how amazing my INESLE experience was. From spending time with my wonderful host family, to studying in intensive and engaging Spanish classes, to sightseeing around Madrid with my new Spanish and American friends - it is needless to say that INESLE provided me with the opportunity to experience Spain through the eyes of a globally-aware citizen. Through the Spanish classes I took in the INESLE program, I was able to improve my linguistic and comprehensive ability. The constructive feedback I received in class from my professors was constructive, and their passion for teaching inspired my own desire to learn. Additionally, the "one-on-one" conversations I had each day with my teachers contributed greatly to my ability to hold a profound and interesting conversation in Spanish. However, more importantly, these one-on-one conversations generated a confidence within myself to speak Spanish without the fear of making mistakes - an essential type of self-esteem that is necessary to have in order to succeed in any foreign language. On the afternoon excursions, I had the amazing opportunity to visit famous and historical sites in Madrid. Not only was I able to learn about the history of a city as beautiful as Madrid, but I was also able to experience Madrid as a local with the company of my new Spanish friends. Through these friendships, I began to realize certain cultural differences that exist between these two cultures. Thus, INESLE presented me with the invaluable opportunity to broaden my perspective on a more international level. I had such a phenomenal time in Madrid and I made so many amazing friends that I hope to keep in touch with in the future. I will never forget the wonderful memories I've made during my time in INESLE. Studying abroad in Spain was an experience that truly changed my life and I could not thank INESLE enough for all that it has given me.

  - Student 1 - Phillips Academy - September 24, 2015

• Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity, I really enjoyed my time in Spain. INESLE 2015 was full of lasting memories that I hope I will never forget. When I first arrived in Spain I was immediately welcomed into my host family's house. My host sister told me all about their family and friends that I would be meeting and getting to know that month and the places we would be visiting. The first day of excursions, I was immediately greeted by a group of people that would soon become my great friends. As the month progressed I found myself laughing with everyone, as we told stories and took pictures together. The whole time with my host family was filled with smiles laughter as I giggled about shared secrets, bonded over how much we loved chocolate ice cream or sang our hearts out to songs in English and Spanish as we drove back from classes. INESLE was an immersion program in the best kind of way for me personally. By the end of the program I found myself playing charades with my host siblings and holding a new friend's hand as we started up the track of a rollercoaster, and talking with people that I never would have met.

  - Student 2 - Phillips Exeter Academy - August 3, 2015

• "INESLE has given me three of the most valuable and treasured weeks of my life.  My Spanish improved dramatically and I now have a fluency and vocabulary that can only be gained by the total immersion this program offers.  The academic program was interesting and engaging and I learned a great deal about Spanish history, art, grammar, communications, and culture while improving my listening skills.  The afternoon excursions were well planned and offered a perfect mixture of Spanish culture and fun.  I was warmly embraced by my host family and I know I will always be welcome in their home as a member of the household.  I enjoyed friendships with both the American students and the exceptional Spanish hosts, and hope to maintain these special relationships for many years to come.  I cannot fully express my gratitude for the wonderful teachers, monitors, and directors of the INESLE program.  Most importantly, this program has given me confidence in my speaking ability but also in my interactions with everyone that I meet.  I highly recommend this program to students with a strong desire to study Spanish and 'vive la vida española’.”  

  - Catherine Haut (Andover High School) - July 31, 2012

• I knew that when I signed up for INESLE that I would be committing myself to learning Spanish intensely for three weeks, but what I didn't know how utterly life-changing this program would be.  The places we visited were stunning, such as Toledo and Santiago de Compostela, and my Spanish rapidly improved.  However, without the companionship of my amazing new friends, none of this would have mattered.During my three weeks in this program, I have made unbreakable friendships with people from the United States but also across the Atlantic in Spain. The memories, laughs, and smiles that the group shared quickly bonded us into a family. The whole trip we never wanted to be without one person.  We wanted to stay together as a whole, as a family.  The final days were tough, filled with tears and kisses, but we all promised each other that this would not be the last time we see each other. Without INESLE, all of these friendships would never have formed, and it would have been just a regular summer. But with INESLE, it was an unforgettable adventure.

  - Stephanie Nekoroski (Phillips Academy Andover) - July 31, 2012

• The INESLE program was a success for me. Even though it only lasted three weeks, I can definitely tell that I have improved my Spanish. When I would go to bed at night, I would find myself thinking in Spanish. In addition to improving my Spanish, I also had a fun time! My host family was very helpful, supporting, and fun, and I have made friends through the program that I will always remember fondly. I am so glad that I chose to go on this program. El programa INESLE para mi Aunque por tres semanas, estoy segura de que yo he mejorado. Cuando me iba a dormir cada noche, estaba pensando en Espa~nol. Adem'as de mejorar al Espanol, un rato muy divertido! La familia anfitriona era -cute- de apoyo, y divertida, y he hecho amigos que voy a recordar amablemente. Estoy contenta de que haber elegido este programa.

  - Alexandra L. Decker (Phillips Academy Andover) - July 31, 2012

• Julio se presentaba aburrido, pero un grupo de americanos ha dado un vuelco a otro pequeno grupo de espanoles. Nos han ensenado a tener paciencia, a ser generosos, a estar pendientes de los detalles, a pensar en los demas, a razonar cuestiones que nunca nos habiamos planteado... No solo ha sido un programa que queria mejorar el espanol de jovenes estudiantes, ha sido mucho mas; ha creado amistades que jamas se podran romper aunque el tiempo pase, ha fomentado valores que parecian haber desaparecido, en general gracias INESLE, gracias y gracias porque habeis resultado ser un programa excelente con gente excelente.

  - Ana Garc'ia (Colegio de Fomento) - July 31, 2012