Former Students
Ellen Finn, Seattle
I have spent almost 2 weeks in Copan, living with Nelly and Tunino Espinoza and their marvelous family! They are warm , friendly, genuine people who really made me feel like part of their family. They showed me around town and brought me on their excursions outside of town, and were extremely helpful in making sure my needs were taken care of. I couldn’t ask for better hosts!!!
Nelly is an excellent teacher and I chose to study with her 4 hours a day. My Spanish soared and within a week I was conversing way beyond my expectations.
By the way, the food was delicious!
My experience was so wonderful, that now, 5 months later, I am moving to Copan!
Kristin and Mhali Higgins, Edmonds, WA
During 2005 we took a year to travel and volunteer in Central America and Mexico. For six months we lived in Copan Ruinas, Honduras. As we spoke absolutely no Spanish, I was very eagar for my seven-year old daughter and I to learn as much as possible.
Several people recommended Nelly Espinoza as a private tutor. During our time in Copan, Nelly taught my daughter Spanish an hour a day every weekday and was often kind and generous enough to take care of her on several afternoons and evenings while Ihad work commitments.
After a few weeks my daughter called Nelly and her husband “Mama” and “Pappy” and was virtually a part of their family. From studying with Nelly regularly for about three months, spending alot of time with her family and playing with local children, my daughter could carry on near fluent conversations with native speakers by the end of the year.
Unfortunately due to work commitments, I had to cancel several lessons and didn’t get the chance to study consistently. Despite this I loved studying with Nelly and could really feel myself making progress after each lesson.
Being a trained ESL teacher myself, I appreciated her grasp of Spanish grammar and how well she could explain it to a beginner like me.
When we left Copan, Nelly asked if I could help her find student so study Spanish with her when I got back to the States. Although it took me a while, I finally put together this blog/website and hope anyone who is interested in studying there will get in touch. I am more than happy to answer questions and help make arrangements as best I can.
While there are literally hundreds of Spanish language schools and homestay programs in Central America, if you are looking for an affordable, unique way to learn Spanish while getting to know a truly lovely Honduran family — either alone or with your family (including children!) I can’t recommend this wonderful opportunity enough.
