Why study Spanish in Spain when you can immerse yourself in the vibrant “Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera” (City of Eternal Spring)?
Medellín is not only recognized for its ideal climate and warm people but also for its growing international prestige. Over the past 20 years, this Colombian gem has racked up numerous awards, including the title of Best Getaway Destination in South America in 2016, 2020, and 2021, and the Best Destination for Meetings and Conferences in 2014 and 2015. And what about being crowned the most innovative city in the world in 2013?
In the 29th edition of the World Travel Awards, known as the “Oscars” of tourism, Medellín shone once again, being hailed as the Best Emerging Destination in South America. Moreover, its global presence is affirmed by being nominated in seven categories that include cities from all over the world.
But it’s not just the accolades that make Medellín an exceptional choice. The city also stands out for its affordability, especially when considering the favorable exchange rate to the dollar. This not only makes your experience more cost-effective but also allows you to enjoy more opportunities and experiences in this vibrant metropolis.
We know that choosing where to expand your horizons is a crucial decision. That’s why we invite you to consider Medellín, a place where culture, innovation, and accessibility come together to offer you an unforgettable experience.
Welcome to Medellín’s Premier Spanish Academy! ★★★★★ 5/5
Embark on an Academic Journey with us, Medellín’s top-rated Spanish language academy, as acclaimed by Google Reviews! With two dynamic campuses in Medellín – one in Estadio and the other in El Poblado – we’re excited about our upcoming expansions to Santa Marta, Cartagena, Cali, and Bogotá.
At the heart of our local community, OLSA International is recognized as a front-runner in language education. We’ve established key partnerships with EPM, Medellín’s public utilities, and the National Police, and have participated in English-centric projects with the Colombian government.
We proudly offer a comprehensive range of services: Certified Spanish courses, immersive Conversational Spanish and English, captivating Latin Dance lessons, our vibrant Restaurant, engaging Nightly Language Exchanges, cultural Day Excursions, and essential Student Visa Services.
We uniquely specialize in fostering Spanish fluency beyond theoretical learning. Our rigorous Certified Spanish University courses are meticulously aligned with the U.S. university curriculum (Spanish 101, 102, 201, 202). What sets us apart is our practical approach – blending accredited curriculum with immersive conversational practice with native speakers, a luxury not afforded by traditional academic settings.
Our intensive courses span nine weeks, comprising four three-hour classes each week, culminating in 111 hours of transformative classroom experience. Each session equates to an 18-week university course, fulfilling both a three-unit Spanish course and an additional two-unit language lab requirement.
OLSA International isn’t just about language learning; it’s an experience enriched with cultural engagements:
Our campuses host a complimentary weekly language exchange every Wednesday (and Friday at Estadio), a perfect setting for practical language application. Each session is uniquely themed, ensuring a comprehensive cultural and linguistic immersion.
Embracing Spanish and Latin culture is integral to our ethos. We collaborate with top-notch tour operators, offering unparalleled insights into Medellin’s, Antioquia’s, and Colombia’s rich history and culture. These adventures are typically scheduled for Wednesdays or Saturdays.
Enhance your experience with Latin dance, offered as a one-credit physical education course. OLSA’s dance program covers salsa, bachata, merengue, and kizomba, meeting twice weekly for invigorating one-hour sessions.
Volunteering opportunities abound, offering authentic interactions with the local community and culture. In partnership with trusted agencies, we facilitate a range of volunteer programs for our students during their free time.
What does the OLSA International Study Abroad Program encompass?
Our comprehensive package includes both tuition and accommodation. Tuition-only options are also available. Liaise with your university for credit transfers. Below are the complete program details and pricing.
Visa processing, orientation packet, and placement test upon enrollment
Airport pick-up and an introductory Medellín class upon arrival
Enrolled tuition sessions covering both Certified Spanish University courses and Conversational Spanish, tailored to your proficiency
Accommodation: Private bedroom in a shared residence, complete with common areas, utilities, hot water, and Wi-Fi. Private housing available for an additional fee
Weekly Meal Plan: 250,000 Colombian pesos credit at OLSA’s in-house restaurants
Monthly excursions as per the selected package
Themed language exchange evenings
Scheduled one-week breaks for mental rejuvenation and exploration (refer to our annual calendar)
Lo que dicen nuestros estudiantes
Our family of six could not have been more happy with our entire experience at OLSA. Quite honestly, we credit Shane and his amazing team of teachers and staff, for creating our incredible two week stay in Medellín. From the very start, Shane was very responsive to find out what our needs and interests were and set up a really fun, customized itinerary and schedule for our family. We did daily private Spanish classes followed up by a diverse range of expeditions and adventures including a trip to Guatapé, a bike tour, a fruit market tour, a visit to a flower farm in a chiva bus for the Feria de las Flores, a professional soccer game, a coffee tour, and even paragliding! The best part is that we felt safe and secure with all of his recommendations since he personally vetted every tour and expedition to ensure they they were all high quality, authentic, and with incredible guides. We highly recommend OLSA for excellent and fun Spanish instruction, delicious food, amazing adventures, and a warm, caring environment. Hope to be back again soon!
This place is excellent, from the beginning they make you feel like part of a family, they are very kind, respectful, and their classes are great. It’s amazing how fast and effective you learn thanks to their methodology, which is not like the others where you have a book and are made to do endless pages. If you want to learn English properly, you must come to OLSA. What I like most about OLSA are Wednesdays, as there is a language exchange, and I can meet a lot of people from different parts of the world and spend a pleasant time with them. You can also enjoy the delicious Mexican restaurant: “ANDALE”, where they sell delicious food (quesadillas, nachos, etc).
Olsa is a great language school that offers personalized service to their clients. My 8 year old son and I attended private classes in Laureles, Medellín. The school is so cute, the staff is extremely welcoming and the teachers are well prepared. My son and I learned more about the Colombian culture while strengthening our Spanish linguistic abilities. Shane (the owner) is quick to respond to every email and phone call. He truly has established a language school that provides quality service to foreigners. I’m in awe of how responsive he is to the needs of his staff, clients and Colombian community. My son and I loved the entire experience. We hope to be back soon!!🇺🇸🇨🇴
EXCEPTIONAL VIRTUAL SPANISH PROGRAMS
Can’t visit Colombia? Engage with our certified courses online! In addition to our in-person classes, we offer robust virtual programs. Inquire about the following online opportunities:
Virtual Homeschooling Courses
Virtual Middle/High School Courses for Public, Charter, and Private Schools
Online University-Level Courses
Virtual Substitute Teaching
Personalized Virtual Tutoring/Private Classes
SPANISH IN MEDELLÍN
Our Spanish courses are accredited by Colombia’s Ministry of Education and qualify for a Colombian student visa. They align with both the Common European Framework (A1, A2, B1, B2) and the U.S. university system (Spanish 101, 102, 201, 202).
Our Conversational Spanish classes may also count towards a Spanish lab credit, subject to university policies. Student visas are contingent upon Colombian government regulations.
1 session – 9 weeks – 3 months of lodging – meal plan – 2 excursions = $4,550 USD
2 sessions – 18 weeks of tuition – 5 months of lodging – meal plan – 4 excursions = $6,950 USD
3 sessions – 27 weeks of tuition – 7 months of lodging – meal plan – 6 excursions = $10,950 USD
4 sessions – 36 weeks of tuition – 10 months of lodging – meal plan – 8 excursions = USD 13,550
5 sessions – 45 weeks tuition – 12 months lodging – meal plan 10 excursions = $15,950 USD
6 sessions – 54 weeks tuition – 15 months lodging – meal plan 12 excursions = $19,550 USD