Latino Schools - Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia
LatinoSchools has three campuses in the Andean region: Quito, Ecuador; Cusco, Peru; and Sucre, Bolivia. Spanish courses offered through LatinoSchools accommodate a complete Beginner through Advanced level approach, by operating year-round and offering open enrollment dates. The meticulous testing program gives students access to lagnuage immersion and engages their performance weekly through evalutations to adjust language levels when necessary, allowing students to work at their own pace.
Academic Year
Classes start every Monday, except for the weeks of Easter and Christmas, or if a local holiday falls on Monday. This program is set up on a weekly basis, making it very easy to work with tight or irregular schedules. MSUB students generally study at LatinoSchools for an entire semester, bringing back around 15 Spanish language credits. Students also can choose to study in the summer from several weeks to 3 months.
Courses
LatinoSchools campuses in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia offer immersive Spanish language programs characterized by small class sizes, generally around five students, which allows for focused instruction and a supportive learning environment. Students benefit from 20 hours of Spanish classes per week, with intensive options available for those aiming for rapid progress. A key advantage is the fast-paced learning environment that involves four hours of daily instruction. Beyond language acquisition, schools emphasize cultural immersion, providing ample opportunities to explore the local culture and interact with native Spanish speakers. For a more personalized and accelerated learning journey, students can also opt to combine group classes with individual Spanish lessons.
Peru Campus
One of the popular LatinoSchools campus is located in the heart of Cusco, Peru. The campus in Cusco offers a supportive environment for Spanish language learners with classes typically available in the mornings, though afternoon classes may also be available. The Cusco campus provides students with convenient access to explore Peru's fascinating archaeological sites and bustling city life, allowing for a rich cultural immersion alongside their language studies. Cusco is the ancient Incan capital and is a short trainride away from the world famous and one of the Seventh Wonders of the World - Machu Picchu. Peru is a country brimming with ancient history and vibrant culture that attracts tourists from all over the world.
Ecuador Campus
The main LatinoSchool campus is nestled in Ecuador's capital city, Quito, which is also the highest capital in the world. In Quito, students can immerse themselves in Spanish while being surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Andes, and only hours from the Amazon rain forest and the beautiful Pacific coastline. The Quito campus generally offers class schedules in both the morning and afternoon. This location presents students with unique opportunities to combine their language learning with adventures in nature and exploration of Ecuador's distinct cultural traditions. Ecuador is a country of incredible natural diversity and is home to the world famous Galapagos Islands, for which LatinoSchools can arrange visits upon request.
Bolivia Campus
The third LatinoSchools campus is located in Bolivia's most beautiful city, Sucre. Bolivia is a country with a strong indigenous heritage, relaxed mentality, and breathtaking scenery. Sucre is filled with white-plastered Hispanic, colonial architecture, giving it the name of the White City and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List for its historical facades, buildings, and plazas. Students studying in Sucre will take classes in the city's center either in the morning or afternoon. This campus provides an authentic cultural experience, with easy access to explore Bolivia's unique customs, vibrant markets, and impressive natural wonders, all while developing their Spanish language skills.
Accommodations
Homestay Options
MSUB students studying with LatinoSchools will stay with local host families that
have been thoroughly vetted by LatinoSchools. Staying with local families offers an
unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in Latin American culture and practice
Spanish in a natural setting. This homestay experience, carefully arranged by LatinoSchools,
provides a supportive and authentic environment where you can directly engage with
daily life, customs, and traditional cuisine, fostering a deeper understanding of
the local way of life.
Choosing a host family provides invaluable support and enhances your learning journey by exposing you to the beauty of local culture, values, and traditions. Conveniently located near each respective campus, most families offer two daily meals and weekly laundry service, ensuring a comfortable and integrated experience. LatinoSchools strives to accommodate requests for friends or family members to stay together.
Student Residence (Bolivia only)
In Bolivia students have an option of staying in LatinoSchool's Student Residence, which offers a vibrant community living option, ideal for connecting with fellow students and exploring nearby commercial and entertainment areas. While this option doesn't include meals or laundry, it provides a different kind of immersive experience focused on peer interaction and independent exploration. For a smooth arrival, airport pick-up can also be arranged upon request.
Costs
The Intensive Spanish Course at LatinoSchools has a base weekly rate starting from $180. However, the total program price varies depending on the chosen duration, with the benefit of a reduced per-week cost for longer stays. For a 14-week Intensive Spanish Course, the estimated total cost would be $2,520 (14 weeks x $180/week), but this figure could be lower if a discount for longer durations is applied.
Accommodation costs also vary, refer to the below table:
| Accommodation | Cost per week | Est. cost/sem (14 weeks) |
Included Amenities & Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestay (Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia) | $210 |
$2,940 |
Private room (most likely), laundry service (weekly), meals (2 daily with host family) |
| Student Residence (Bolivia) |
$126 (double) / extra $133 (single) |
$1,764 / $2,450 | Shared living spaces, access to common areas |
Visa
Students do not need a visa to enter and study in Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia for less than 6 months. However, students must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Latin America (either to return to your country or to go to another country). Your U.S. passport must be valid for a minimum of one day from the day you enter any campus. If students study in these locations for longer than 6 months, they will need to apply for a visa. Please consult with the Study Abroad Manager for guidance. There is no visa requirement for less than 6 months of stay.
Health Insurance
To ensure comprehensive and quality coverage, all study abroad students are required to enroll in insurance that is provided through the designated Montana University System insurance provider. Please consult with the Study Abroad Coordinator for further information. This insurance is affordable with a typical semester averaging about $250.
