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.
(Español) Stephanie Nekoroski
My stay in Madrid with INESLE changed my life. The multitude of new experiences I shared with incredible people opened my eyes to another culture in a profound way, in a relatively short period of time. The program is very well organized, and jam-packed with opportunities to get to know Spain. My Spanish improved dramatically, but most importantly, I made life long friends and developed a fresh mentality that I can only credit to my experiences in Spain. ¡Viva España!
(Español) Alexandra Donovan
INESLE helped me grow and learn both as a Spanish student and as a individual who strives to learn as much about the world as he can. My favorite aspect of the trip was living with my host family. I will cherish my new friendships and memories for the remainder of my life.
(Español) Hirsch Chitkara
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’.
(Español) Catherine Haut
My host family was absolutely incredible. Staying with them was the highlight of the trip. Davis.
(Español) Davis Rogers
INESLE gave me the opportunity to try new things, make new friends, and it gave me a second family.
(Español) Marcela Martinez
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 tenía éxito para mí. Aunque sólo duró por tres semanas, estoy segura de que yo he mejorado. Cuando me iba a dormir cada noche, estaba pensando en Español. Además de mejorar al Español, ¡yo tenía un rato muy divertido! La familia anfitriona era útil, de apoyo, y divertida, y he hecho amigos que voy a recordar amablemente. Estoy contenta de que había elegido este programa.
(Español) Alexandra L. Decker
Este verano he disfrutado durante 3 semanas de las actividades ofrecidas por INESLE Madrid, lo que me ha permitido conocer personas fantásticas de las que han salido grandes amistades, tanto americanas como españolas.
Hemos compartido interesantes actividades culturales que me han permitido redescubrir Madrid y alrededores, divertidos juegos y actividades deportivas. Hemos disfrutado de grandes e inolvidables experiencias vividas durante el Camino de Santiago y sobre todo de grandes momentos de risas y fiestas…
Es una actividad con la que me gustaría contar siempre que sea posible.
(Español) Álvaro Morales
“Para mí, INESLE Madrid, me ha ofrecido la oportunidad de tener a una estudiante americana en casa, pero no sólo eso. Para mí, Jada ha sido como una hermana más en la familia. Hemos hecho juntas mil cosas, desde ir de compras o a la piscina, a comer con mis amigas, cuidar de mis primos pequeños, pintarnos las uñas y ver películas o compartir gustos musicales. Estoy muy contenta esta experiencia, porque nos ha ayudado a todos a comprender otra cultura y a abrirnos a los demás.”
(Español) Marta Morales
"Estos veintidós días han pasado a una velocidad increíble. Dicen que cuando disfrutas el tiempo pasa rápido, y en ésta ocasión el tiempo ha ido más que rápido. Los dias han sido horas, las horas minutos y los minutos segundos. Pero a pesar de la velocidad, INESLE nos ha dado la oportunidad de quedarnos con unos preciosos recuerdos. Unos recuerdos llenos de sonrisas, nombres, excursiones y momentos muy intensos. Pero sobretodo, INESLE, nos ha dado la oportunidad de conocer magnificas personas imposibles de olvidar, tanto personas de otro país y otras costumbre cómo personas de nuestro mismo país."
(Español) Lucía Cano
Para mí, participar en éste programa como hijo anfitrión español ha significado mucho: Además de compartir mi casa, mis cosas, mis costumbres, mi cultura y mi tiempo con un amigo americano, he ampliado mi grupo de amigos con todos los anfitriones españoles y los alumnos americanos. Destaco cómo un gran momento de unión, diversión y reflexión los días compartidos en el Camino de Santiago. Recordaré estos días con alegría y me encantaría poder repetir la experiencia.
(Español) Luis Fernández-Vitorio