Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
select your question below
- Airport pick-up service?
- Benefits of SSLS registration?
- Change my program after I have registered?
- Classes on Holidays?
- Communication while in Nicaragua?
- Deadlines for registration and payment?
- Extend my program?
- Find a convenient/economical flight to Nicaragua?
- SSLS Spanish teachers?
- SSLS supports local development in Nicaragua?
- How to plan and register?
- Homestay?
- Immersion program?
- Money?
- Need a visa?
- Need special immunizations?
- Teaching method?
- Volunteer work?
More questions? Contact SSLS
What are the benefits of SSLS registration?
As a registered SSLS Student you can use our lodging, transportation and excursion services (as well as our language program), with no additional registration fee required for a full 12 months. You can visit our school administration office for travel information and assistance such as money changing and medical referrals, and you can call us for help in emergency situations.
Note: guaranteed lodging and school programs require advanced reservation and payment and may not always be available to non-students in the busier times (June-August & Jan-Feb); some restrictions may apply to non-students for participation in particular Spanish-language only activities and excursions.
How does the SSLS immersion program work?
The weekly SSLS immersion program with homestay run from Sunday to Saturday with classes Monday through Friday from 8AM-12PM. However, you can start your program any day of the week by reserving extra tutoring by the day/hour and extra homestay days to fill in before your first Sunday or after your last Saturday. Your program starts at school with an individual assessment of your Spanish speaking level and subject interests. The instructional process is an ongoing dialogue between teacher and student with the student being challenged and supported in using and expanding their Spanish communication skills. Class size is limited to 2 students of the same level, or 3 for members of a group which allows for individualized attention, but many times students will have their own teacher if the school is not too full. Additional individual tutoring is also available in the afternoons for more intensive learning. Outside activities are sometimes integrated into your morning class and optional afternoon activities facilitated by SSLS teachers, such as cultural classes or visits to local social, political, artisan and cultural organizations, allow students to interact, listen and learn in the context of social and professional settings. Weekend guided excursions to sites of interest expose students to Nicaragua's natural and cultural experiences. Room and board with a supportive Nicaraguan family allows you to integrate easily into the community and use your Spanish everyday in varied real-life situations.
What kind of a teaching method do SSLS school use?
SSLS school use an interactive, conversationally-based, all-Spanish method of direct learning, called the Functional Method, which customizes instruction to the interests and abilities of each individual student. The SSLS Functional Method facilitates a natural and continuous conversational exchange between student and teacher (both orally and with reading/writing) on topics of personal interest determined by the preferences of each student. Teachers monitor and guide the dialogue process and encourage and support the student in expanding their communication skills to the level they are willing to reach withing the given time frame, which are explored at the appropriate to their reading, writing, speaking, and oral comprension abilities, at their level of competency. The actual curriculum is flexible because each class is planned according to the competency level, learning aptitude, and personal interests of each individual student, but is still guided and motivated by the experience of a well-trained teacher who uses ongoing evaluation of the student's progress to intervene with grammatical lessons and skill building drills as necessary. The varied curriculum includes elements of reading and listening comprehension, speaking, pronunciation and accent, grammar and vocabulary, and writing style. Classes consist of conversation, demonstration, explanation and interaction with teacher and students using visual, auditory and kinesthetic materials, as well as activities which may include visiting Nicaraguans. Students who want a truly "intensive" program can also receive extra one-on-one tutoring in the afternoons in addition to the basic morning classes. SSLS learning materials are created by school staff under the direction of SSLS's Executive Coordinator drawing upon Nicaraguan materials as well as texts from the US and Spain such as "Curso de Español para Extranjeros ELE".
Are SSLS Spanish teachers trained and experienced?
SSLS teachers are native Nicaraguans chosen for their suitable educational background, knowledge of Spanish grammar, knowledge of Nicaraguan history and culture, teaching and organizational ability, human relations skills, and positive attitude. They are continually trained in SSLS's proven second language "Funcional" teaching method and participate in the creation of school teaching materials and ongoing training year-round. The SSLS teachers have among two to five years teaching experience. Each teacher's abilities are evaluated regularly via our student feedback process.
What is an SSLS homestay like?
SSLS homestay families are generally middle-class, well known by the school and have experience hosting students. SSLS Homestays have to meet standards of cleanliness and security. They have indoor plumbing and tiled floors. You will have a private room that you can lock, but most students feel secure with their family from the start. Laundry service is available or you can do your own at the "pila". Nicaraguan families are very hospitable by nature and the whole family willingly engages the students and welcomes them into their home. If you have any special dietary or personal preferences, they can usually be accommodated. SSLS students are usually overwhelmed by the warmth of Nicaraguan hospitality. However, you can request to change homestays after you are placed if you have a problem with a particular setting.
*What kind of volunteer work is available through SSLS?
Nicaragua has few large institutions for social service work. Most volunteer work is done through small local community programs, so it is more personal. SSLS school has connections with a variety of local organizations, public, private, and non-governmental non-profit (see school descriptions for details). Once you arrive at your school, either your class, afternoon activities or your school director can introduce you to organizations that might be of interest to you for volunteer work. If you want to stay on working after your SSLS program is over, you can extend your homestay with your family (space permitting). *Apply a small placement fee
Do I need a visa to enter Nicaragua?
Visitors with a valid passport from the USA, Canada and most of Europe (Denmark, Finland, Holland, Ireland, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, etc.), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Korea get a tourist card upon entry to Nicaragua (costs $5). Those from other countries should contact the Nicaraguan Consulate nearest them or call Nicaraguan Migración at +505-244-3989 for current entry requirements. Tourist cards are issued for 30 to 90 days and visas for 30 days. Both can be extended another 30 days at a time up to 90 days by visiting the Migración office in Managua and paying a $20 fee (per 30 days extension) or by leaving the country (to Costa Rica or Honduras) for a few days and then returning.
Do I need special immunizations to visit Nicaragua?
The Nicaragua government does not recommend nor require any special immunization to enter Nicaragua. Unless you are planning to go out to the campo and deep jungle, you don't need any special shots or immunization to be able to enjoy yourself safely in Nicaragua, but make sure your normal innoculations are current. Practicing good personal hygene and being careful about what and where you eat outside of your homestay is your best defense against catching a tropical illness. If you do get sick, there are plenty of experienced doctors who can treat you at affordable prices.
What are the Nicaraguan Holidays and are there classes on those days?
SSLS school observe the more important Nicaraguan holidays; there are no classes on those days, but activities and homestay are not affected, and the missed class hours are made up the following Saturday. The Holidays are: January 1st, Catholic Holy Thursday or Good Friday in March/April, May 1st, July 19th, August 1st, August 10th, September 14th or 15th, and December 25th.
What's the best way to plan and register for my SSLS program?
You can e-mail SSLS to ask about availability of your planned program at the school and dates of your choice. The "Learn Spanish in San Juan del Sur and in Granada" weeks run Sunday to Saturday with classes Monday through Friday. We suggest that you plan your SSLS program and flight to Nicaragua together and make your reservation for your flight as soon as you are sure about your program dates. Then e-mail your application to SSLS, wait to receive your Acknowledgement form from SSLS (usually 24 hours) and make us your reservation payment by Money Gram http://www.moneygram.com (directly to YAJAIRA JIMENEZ, the Director of the school in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua) as soon as you can to reserve your place (For those who confirm the reservation by sending 20%, we will credit to you the cost of the transaction and will give you a 5% additional discount). You can also register in advance and then look for a convenient flight before the deadline (if you use our airport pick-up service you must give us your flight arrival info no later than one week before your pick-up date). Saturday afternoon or night and Sunday morning/noon are the most convenient times to arrive, but don't worry if you can't find a flight arriving on a Saturday or Sunday daytime; you can reserve additional tutoring and homestay days to start any day of the week or you can start a day late and make up the missed class hours on Saturday.
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What are the deadlines for registration and payment?
Registration forms and reservation payment must be received by 2 weeks before your program start date (For those who confirm the reservation by sending 20%, we will credit to you the cost of the transaction and will give you a 5% additional discount). If you miss the 2 weeks deadline, you can still pre-register and pay (the reservation) a few days late by including the late payment fee (there is additional $25 - individual applications / there is additional $35 - group applications) with your reservation payment. You can also register and pay anytime (space permitting) directly at SSLS school. Direct registration in Nicaragua requires full payment in US cash in good physical condition only. It is best to register and pay for your program reservations 4 weeks or more in advance of your planned program start date. See Study programs page
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Can I change my program reservation after I have registered?
In most cases, you can change your program with no penalty up to two weeks before the start date of your original program. Changes made after the two week deadline are treated as cancelling and re-registering for a new program.
see Study programs page
Can I extend my program after I am in Nicaragua?
You can always extend your program for more weeks by registering and paying at the SSLS office in San Juan del Sur (in US cash in good physical condition only). You can get the extended volume price by paying before the beginning of the last basic week of your original program.
Can you help me find a convenient/economical flight to Nicaragua?
Get a free quote for plane tickets!
When comparing prices, coming from your own search, you will notice up to 20% less in the price we offer -including after taxes!
SSLS students using this service will receive additional 5% discount on school total fee and even on an already discounted fee.
Contact us!: info@sanjuandelsurspanish.net
(NOTE: HELP NOT AVAILABLE TEMPORALLY)
How does SSLS's airport pick-up and transportation service work?
We recommend our airport pick-up service (see photo) for everyone, but especially first time visitors to Nicaragua. After a long flight, it's nice to be received and taken care of. You can relax and enjoy the scenery during your comfortable ride with a friendly SSLS chofer, and you don't have to worry about cost, inconvenience, and insecurity of taxis, crowds, and bus stations. Even if your flight arrives late, SSLS will be there at the airport to pick you up and bring you to our school.
Note: You will be picked up at the airport by an SSLS associate (the associate will be holding a sign containing your name and logo of SSLS). You must accept to pay the USD $85 dollars in cash at the time of being picked up at the airport in Managua for the ride Managua-San Juan del Sur.
The SSLS associate must give you a payment receipt right at the moment. Always ask for a receipt as a proof of your payment. // **Pick-up service is one-way only. You reserve and pay your return taxi services directly at SSLS school.
How can I communicate with my family when I'm in Nicaragua?
Your family and friends can get in contact with you through your school' addresses and phone numbers provided by SSLS or through your family homestay. You can make long-distance calls from the local CLARO office (Before TELCOR) in the city. Economical e-mail and webphone service is also available near where SSLS school are located. When you are settled in your homestay, you can contact your family and give them your homestay phone number and e-mail contact address. Also the school provide for all our students internet services for free.
How should I take my money and how much will I need?
We suggest you take your money in US dollars in the form of small cash bills and American Express traveler's checks and also bring a credit card. You can change American Express traveler's checks into dollars or córdobas at some banks near where school are located. US dollars in small denominations are accepted as readily as córdobas for many transactions. You will usually get your change in córdobas. You can get US cash from "Credomatic" in San Juan del Sur with your credit card and córdobas from ATM´s available in in the city. All banks change US dollars into córdobas. As of this update (Sep 2008),
US$1 = C$19.50 (You can get current exchange rate at www.xe.net/currency).
What kind of local development does SSLS support in Nicaragua? SSLS school are a successful model for locally-run self-sustaining productive industry that trains and employs local professionals/families/service providers whose much needed incomes then circulate through the popular economy. In addition, SSLS school directly supports non-profit activities and development programs based in Nicaragua through our Proyecto Donación SSLS.
(volunteer opportunities are available).
More questions? Contact SSLS
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