Simon Bolivar Spanish School
Simon Bolivar Spanish School
5
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Simon Bolivar is the ideal place to learn Spanish in Ecuador. Break your language barriers with our experienced professors who take on students from beginner to advanced levels. Take part in the many activities our school also offers like cooking, dancing, and cultural lessons. On the weekends, feel free to join a fun trip to one of Ecuador's four regions, Galapagos, Andes, Amazon and Coast!
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
139 reviews
Excellent
125
Very good
9
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
2
L C
Chicago, Illinois, United States5 contributions
Feb 2020
I took a 2 week course comprising 1:1 classes for 4 hours in the mornings and 2 hours of group cultural excursions in the afternoon with 2 of my friends and one teacher. We all had a great time and learned huge amount of Spanish. This school has a long tradition of teaching Spanish to students from US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. My teachers had 15-20 years of teaching experience. The entire day was spent speaking Spanish, which I was very surprised to be able to do. Our culture excursions included local markets, fruit tasting, the Old City, parks, museums and various neighborhoods around Quito. The school also offered free activities in the evenings like Salsa lessons! Highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn Spanish in Quito.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas E
Zurich, Switzerland1 contribution
Mar 2023
I am so amazed how this school after 20 years is still a great place to learn Spanish and much about Ecuador in a very fun way. Profit from the event and excursions! Even now still with the same outstanding teachers and organizers. I took 4 weeks private lessons with Julio 20 years ago. Julio took me from allmost zero to Advanced level and even he was amazed as me what we achieved. Also the private stay, shared appartment with students in Torres de Almagro, was outstanding! Muchissimas gracias!
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline P
4 contributions
Sep 2016 • Solo
I came to Quito to volunteer. Before volunteering I was taking Spanish classes for two weeks. Exactly as I read before coming to Quito, the staff at the school really help you with everything and they make you feel so welcome. They have arrangements almost every day and every week - even different trips in the weekends. This give you a really good 'base' when visiting a country for the first time. You meet other volunteers and it is easy to socialize. It was nice to have a place to go if any help was needed. Furthermore I was staying with a host family. For me - the best host family I could wish for! I would definitely recommend this to other travelers or volunteers. Even after finishing the classes and the volunteering, you're still welcome to participate in their arrangements and come to the school.
Thank you for a great experience! I will be back as soon as possible :)
Thank you for a great experience! I will be back as soon as possible :)
Written May 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abbiekealy
Reisterstown, MD29 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
Simon Bolivar Spanish Language School knows how to make learning fun and meaningful! Staff are super friendly, professional & helpful, they foster an intellectual atmosphere that’s as committed as you are (Full disclosure: I was kinda serious) and are a great resource for all-things Ecuador. I enjoyed the homestay they set up & would recommend their program — and I’d do it again! Enough said.
Written May 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill Y
1 contribution
Jul 2016 • Solo
I highly recommend Simon Bolivar Spanish School! I moved to Quito from California in October 2013; I’ve been a student at Simon Bolivar for about a year and a half. At first my Spanish was very basic but I’m now speaking, understanding, reading and writing at a much higher level and with greater confidence, thanks mostly to the efforts of my teacher. (As you may have read, Spanish as spoken and taught in Quito is usually easier to learn and understand than in many other Latin American countries or even along Ecuador’s lowland regions.) Also, my knowledge of the culture of Ecuador in general and Quito in particular has steadily increased, again thanks to Simon Bolivar. I’ve learned so much about Ecuadorian politics, food, weather, history, geography, customs, and traditions.
As my Spanish has improved the discussions in my (one-on-one) classes have become more interesting and challenging. Recently, for example, we’ve discussed everything from anarchism to infant development to cosmology to the fiction of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. When my homework entails using subjunctive verb forms I might have to write a composition on what I would study if I went back to the university, or what I would say to my mother today if she were still alive.
My teacher has been an invaluable help, not just in learning the language but also in helping me adjust to my new life as a Quiteño. (All of Simon Bolivar’s teachers are Ecuadorians and university graduates.) She has provided my family and I with terrific information about attorneys, schools, doctors, the legal system, and other important aspects of life here. After my new granddaughter was born, my teacher (a former practicing obstetrician) accompanied me on two occasions to La Maternidad, Quito’s (excellent) maternity hospital, where she visited with my wife, daughter, and granddaughter and gave us all some excellent post-partum suggestions. Moving to a new country for most of us is stressful; it’s great that I have my teacher and school as coaches and supporters during this often challenging process.
Simon Bolivar School has shown itself to be flexible and considerate, given my sometimes unpredictable work schedule (I work online for clients in biotechnology), and has supported me in other ways as well; the director even came with my wife and me to the immigration office to assist in the renewal of my visa.
Whether your stay in Ecuador lasts for one week or for the rest of your life, I cannot say too many good things about Simon Bolivar School. For non-native speakers, the single most important tool in making the most of your time here will be your ability to use Spanish, and the skilled and dedicated teachers and staff at Simon Bolivar are certain to help you on this journey.
As my Spanish has improved the discussions in my (one-on-one) classes have become more interesting and challenging. Recently, for example, we’ve discussed everything from anarchism to infant development to cosmology to the fiction of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. When my homework entails using subjunctive verb forms I might have to write a composition on what I would study if I went back to the university, or what I would say to my mother today if she were still alive.
My teacher has been an invaluable help, not just in learning the language but also in helping me adjust to my new life as a Quiteño. (All of Simon Bolivar’s teachers are Ecuadorians and university graduates.) She has provided my family and I with terrific information about attorneys, schools, doctors, the legal system, and other important aspects of life here. After my new granddaughter was born, my teacher (a former practicing obstetrician) accompanied me on two occasions to La Maternidad, Quito’s (excellent) maternity hospital, where she visited with my wife, daughter, and granddaughter and gave us all some excellent post-partum suggestions. Moving to a new country for most of us is stressful; it’s great that I have my teacher and school as coaches and supporters during this often challenging process.
Simon Bolivar School has shown itself to be flexible and considerate, given my sometimes unpredictable work schedule (I work online for clients in biotechnology), and has supported me in other ways as well; the director even came with my wife and me to the immigration office to assist in the renewal of my visa.
Whether your stay in Ecuador lasts for one week or for the rest of your life, I cannot say too many good things about Simon Bolivar School. For non-native speakers, the single most important tool in making the most of your time here will be your ability to use Spanish, and the skilled and dedicated teachers and staff at Simon Bolivar are certain to help you on this journey.
Written June 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gracias Bill por tu lindo comentario. Tu eres un excelente estudiante que has aprendido muy rápido el Español. Gracias por ser parte de nuestra familia Simón Bolívar!
Written June 28, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JLCharlton
Laguna Woods, CA7 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
I attended Simon Bolivar Spanish School for 3 weeks - the 1st week participating in the cultural program - 4 hrs in the mornings individual instruction with my fantastic profesora, Sandra, and 2 hrs in the afternoon with Diana, exploring the city and learning all sorts of practical Spanish words and information!
Although evening classes (1 hr) of cooking, dancing, and Ecuadorian history were included in the cultural package for the first week, I did not participate. Not being a "spring chicken" anymore, I found that 6 hrs of intense learning (8:30 - 3:00) and then another hour (5-6) of cultural classes, all in the first week, was more than I could manage, physically and mentally! Learning a new language is challenging and extremely exhausting, giving me a new appreciation of the term "brain drain"! It would have been much better to have the option to space the cultural classes out (if participating in more than 1 week of classes).
My individual lessons continued the 2nd and 3rd weeks with Sandra, who provided me with a solid foundation of grammar and sentence structure and was incredibly patient with my stumbling and slow comprehension of mastering the Spanish language!
Everyone at the school - students and teachers alike were so interesting and fun to be with! With the help of the school staff, a couple of fellow students and I spent a weekend in Mindo, a welcome respite in tranquil and peacefulness from the noisy hustle and bustle of Quito! A day trip with Sandra and a few fellow students to Saquisili and the indigenous Indian mercado was incredibly interesting and only one of the memorable highlights of my Spanish immersion experience!
Thank you Sandra, Diana, Sofia, Danielle and all the other wonderful staff at the school! See you next year!!!
Although evening classes (1 hr) of cooking, dancing, and Ecuadorian history were included in the cultural package for the first week, I did not participate. Not being a "spring chicken" anymore, I found that 6 hrs of intense learning (8:30 - 3:00) and then another hour (5-6) of cultural classes, all in the first week, was more than I could manage, physically and mentally! Learning a new language is challenging and extremely exhausting, giving me a new appreciation of the term "brain drain"! It would have been much better to have the option to space the cultural classes out (if participating in more than 1 week of classes).
My individual lessons continued the 2nd and 3rd weeks with Sandra, who provided me with a solid foundation of grammar and sentence structure and was incredibly patient with my stumbling and slow comprehension of mastering the Spanish language!
Everyone at the school - students and teachers alike were so interesting and fun to be with! With the help of the school staff, a couple of fellow students and I spent a weekend in Mindo, a welcome respite in tranquil and peacefulness from the noisy hustle and bustle of Quito! A day trip with Sandra and a few fellow students to Saquisili and the indigenous Indian mercado was incredibly interesting and only one of the memorable highlights of my Spanish immersion experience!
Thank you Sandra, Diana, Sofia, Danielle and all the other wonderful staff at the school! See you next year!!!
Written August 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Querida Jean, we are missing you already! I know sometimes 6 hours per day of study can be too much for some students, but I'm glad you were able to enjoy the lessons in the mornings only and the nice cultural trips we organized. We will be always ready to help you in any way we can, bienvenida cuando quieras!!
Written August 30, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sealizis
Seattle, WA108 contributions
Apr 2014 • Solo
Would definitely NOT recommend this school. Rude, unhelpful, took my $ and didn't return it. VERY inflexible. It was my holiday and I mentioned how I would be 30 minutes late the next day. They were not flexible about this at all. Had an instructor the first day who just started bossing me around and not helping me learn the basics. I was exceptionally disappointed (and out over $200).
Written September 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As you can imagine it's totally sad for us to have a client unstatisfied with our service. We offer our apologies for any inconvenience you had during your time here. We are sure this was an isolted case and we feel very bad that it happened to you. We work everyday to improve our offers and while a business, like a person, will hardly ever be perfect, we are pretty confident that what you experienced will never be repeated.
Written September 15, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J B
46 contributions
Jul 2014 • Solo
If you really want to learn Spanish Simon Bolivar is the school to choose. There are different programs and levels. I chose the language and culture program. That is 4 hours classroom instruction in the morning and 2 hours of culture in the afternoon. The afternoon session consisted of visiting local attractions with a teacher and sometimes just walking around town and talking. It is a good time to practice the Spanish that you learned and to ask questions.
Many students choose a home stay but the school directed me to a local Hostal which was great. Very clean, private baths, and breakfast. I had a 5 minute walk to school and was located near a lot of good restaurants.
The 6 hour a day program can be intense but beneficial if you really want to learn a Spanish.
Many students choose a home stay but the school directed me to a local Hostal which was great. Very clean, private baths, and breakfast. I had a 5 minute walk to school and was located near a lot of good restaurants.
The 6 hour a day program can be intense but beneficial if you really want to learn a Spanish.
Written August 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are very happy that you enjoyed the Language and Culture Package, a great opportunity to learn the language and much more about our culture. Gracias!
Written August 11, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Skúli M
2 contributions
Jan 2020
I signed up for a program of two weeks at the outset but decided (having the opportunity) almost right away to add two more weeks. I did supplement that with learing a trip to the Amazon which was a true adventure. The SB offers afordable face-to-face private lessons which are focused and adapted to each and every student. This means coasting is impossible and your brain will be put on overdrive - something that you will not get in a class of 5-25. I (at the age of 50) found four hours pr day of lessons ample and would recommend supplementing it with the generious cultural program on offer. The people at the school are both professional, sympathetic and helpful. Muchas gracias a Monica, Marta, Julio, Sandra, Alexandra, Daniela, Cecilia y Daniela. I hope to be back one day!
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew215
Louisville, KY155 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
I took classes so that I might be able to brush up my Spanish which had become very rusty. The teacher I had was extraordinary. We spent some time at the very beginning with her seeing what my strengths and weaknesses were, so that we could work on them during the classes. I think that's a very good approach rather than a one size fits all this is what we do.
I talked to several other people and noticed that their programs also had been designed to meet their needs as well as levels of Spanish comprehension and knowledge.
They also offer after class activities like salsa dancing class and a cooking class with something almost every day on a rotating schedule so as to provide more activities over like a 2 week period. Weekend tours and activities were also available but at I thought very reasonable costs.
I talked to several other people and noticed that their programs also had been designed to meet their needs as well as levels of Spanish comprehension and knowledge.
They also offer after class activities like salsa dancing class and a cooking class with something almost every day on a rotating schedule so as to provide more activities over like a 2 week period. Weekend tours and activities were also available but at I thought very reasonable costs.
Written December 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amdajula
Rochester, New York25 contributions
Would you feel this school is appropriate for a college student traveling alone?
Also, how far is the homestay from the school?
Thank you for your help!
Heidi Kraj
1 contribution
I did lessons at the same school in Cuenca, instead of Quito and felt very safe in that city. Also did a homestay which was a great experience.
R K
1 contribution
Hi! I am also a serious student looking for a school Quito, so I appreciate your review. I'm wondering: did you do group or individual classes? Did you by any chance do the Language & Culture Package or know about it?
Thanks!
JaneinOakland
Oakland, CA, USA56 contributions
Hi, I'm so sorry I didn't see your question until today. Forgive me.
I did individual classes in Quito and the Amazon. In Cuenca, I had classes with a friend. The Amazon program had something every day, a tour to an Animal Sanctuary on the Napo River, a visit to a family compound where they make pottery, etc. The other 2 locations had activities available but I did not participate in them.
latoya1991
Wilrijk, Belgium6 contributions
Hello,
I'm another week in quito after my Galapagos trip and i was wondering if it would be possible to do a week of spanish at your school, as much hours as possible during the day :) do you also have like a price list ? Thank you
latoya1991
Wilrijk, Belgium6 contributions
Hello,
I'm another week in quito after my Galapagos trip and i was wondering if it would be possible to do a week of spanish at your school, as much hours as possible during the day :) do you also have like a price list ? Thank you
Daniela B
Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador22 contributions
Hola! Thank you for your interest to study at Simon Bolivar Spanish School in Quito- Ecuador. Of course we can help you with Individual or Group lessons. Please let me know which week are you interest to come? Individual lessons you can choose how many hours you want to study per day. I can suggest 6 hours per day. The price is $7.00 per hour. The week of 30 hours, total $210.00 And for group lessons is for totally beginners, from Monday thu Friday from 1-5pm. The week of 20 hours is $90.00. But we have to check if we have a group starting on the week you want to come. For futher information you can check our web page.
Saludos;
Daniela
Jan117Baragar
Monument, CO17 contributions
I am possibly interested in studying for 6 to 7 weeks in Ecuador. How would I go about signing up for Quito, Cuenca and the coast to study. Would I need to take a bus from Quito to Cuenca to the coast and are you able to arrange that La Selva lodge sounded great as well, do they have shorter hikes or could I do something else in place of the 3-4 hour hikes. Also do you have host families that are free of dogs and cats, due to my allergies? I did study Spanish in Argentina for 6 weeks a couple of years ago. I was wondering if the 1 week language and culture program would still be beneficial for me if I signed up for that. Also was wondering about the weather and if there is a better time of the year to study for nicer weather. Thanks so much. Also I appreciated reading through all of the comments from other students. What great comments and testimonies about your school. I first heard about SB from an expat who was living in Cuenca. Sincerely, Jan Baragar
Daniela B
Quito, Ecuador17 contributions
Hola!! Thanks for your message and sorry for the delay. Six to seven weeks is a very good time to achieve a pretty good level of Spanish! The Language and Culture package can be an excellent way to start. You will not only be learning the language but having a better grasp of our people, flavors, expressions... It's very fun. I can also find a homestay for you without pets, no problema at all. Quito has a crazy weather, but it has a spring-like temperatura all year round. It's usually warm in the mornings, rainy in the afternoons and chilly at night; but you never know! We do have a dry season from June to August. In order to help you with your questions regarding the programs, please you can contact us through our webpage. Many thanks!! We'll be happy to help. Muchos saludos.
CSummer
Canada357 contributions
For a single person (50s) would you recommend the homestay or hostel while going to this school in Quito or Cuenca or both places? Did anyone sign up for the Ecolodge Selva/Jungle school-how was it? Does the school partner you with another student to share accommodation at the Ecolodge?
Daniela B
Quito, Ecuador17 contributions
Hola! We've had many students 50+ that have chosen to live with a host family. It is a very nice experience for all ages, in both schools. Yes, we do have some students that have attended a week of lessons in the wonderful La Selva Lodge. The place is magical by itself...just imagine it adding it up with some Spanish courses : ) Depending on availability at the lodge we accommodate students of the same gender in a double cabin. Or if they are separate genders there might be a supplement for single accommodation, but again it all depends on availability.
Please let us know if you have any more questions! Muchos saludos.
mHarboe
Aalborg, Denmark3 contributions
Hi there.
I would like to know which place and/or school is the best to choose between. Cuenca or Quito?
Thanks :-)
Daniela B
Quito, Ecuador17 contributions
Hola!! That depends on your preferences, both cities have its own charm! Quito has an amazing colonial center, dozens of activities to do, a starting point to travel around the country, but also the rush and traffic of a city. Cuenca is more quiet, more cozy, a beatiful place to relax. Why not to study in both cities? :)
Christena I
Spruce Grove72 contributions
Hi, My husband and I Canadian seniors and we are planning a trip to South America for early next year. We would like to take some initial Spanish lessons to get us started as we travel. We are wondering about the intensity of the courses and if the homestay program would be appropriate for us.
Daniela B
Quito, Ecuador17 contributions
Hola! Thanks for contacting us. Such a nice idea to take some Spanish before you start to travel. Whie the recommended program is an intensive course of 4 hours per day, you can choose to take less hours per day/week, not a problem. Maybe start with 2 hours per day and see how it goes. Homestay is the perfect option to complement the immersion experience. You will love it! Please do not hesitate to contact us for any more questions you might have. Saludos,
Sofia Valdivieso
250AlyssaB
Boston, MA
Hello! I'm a sixth grader who lives in the U.S.A. I have to do a spanish presentation on a school in a spanish speaking country. So far, I am missing the following for my presentation:
- how kids arrive/go to school
- school size, # of students
- in a town or city
- what grades are in the school
- what the discipline is like and consequences for breaking rules
Thank you for your help -- reply as soon as possible, my presentation gets closer as you read!
Daniela B
Quito, Ecuador17 contributions
Hello! Thanks for contacting us. We would be happy to help but as I can understand you need information about a local school for kids. We are a Spanish School that receives foreigners, adults mostly, I'm sorry for not being able to help you this time for your presentation. Saludos!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Simon Bolivar Spanish School
- Simon Bolivar Spanish School is open:
- Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Simon Bolivar Spanish School:
- (0.01 mi) Kapawi Lodge
- (0.01 mi) Hostal del Piamonte
- (0.01 mi) Orange Guest House
- (0.01 mi) Hostal Titisee
- (0.03 mi) Holiday apartment Quito for 1 - 5 persons with 2 bedrooms - Holiday apartment
- Restaurants near Simon Bolivar Spanish School:
- (0.01 mi) Tres Gatos
- (0.03 mi) Foch Burger
- (0.03 mi) Gin Gin Plaza Foch
- (0.03 mi) Jerry´s Chiquitito
- (0.13 mi) Laboratorio
Simon Bolivar Spanish School Information
Excellent Reviews | 125 |
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