LITA: A Unique Approach to Language Immersion in Spain

Our rising high school junior participated in LITA's three week Southern Spain program. We were really impressed by the leadership, beginning from our first interaction. From the start, communications from LITA were timely, sharp, thoughtful and intuitive. This would prove to be consistent throughout the planning process, the actual abroad experience and the post-return follow-up. It was very clear to us that LITA's leadership has an extraordinary knowledge of Spain (geographies, culture, food, transportation, language etc). This proved to be very valuable when it came to the programming that our kid would experience. We also never had any worries about safety. This is an established program that has deep roots and great connections with local resources. On the trip, the days were packed with enriching experiences. Each day was different. The diverse activities were both fun and educational. We followed along on a private instagram account and looked forward to daily updates. I want to empress upon the families that are considering LITA that this is a FULL IMMERSION experience. The students are expected to speak Spanish EXCLUSIEVELY throughout their time abroad. Parents should have very candid conversations with their students to be sure that the students are willing to honor this. Anything less is a missed opportunity and a detraction from others who are serious about this type of program. Perhaps the best part of the trip for our kid was the homestay community. Incredible bonds were forged and our student continues to stay in touch with their host family. It's wonderful for us to know that this trip was in many ways life changing. We hail from a major US city. The opportunity to send our kid to a rural area in Spain was really valuable because of new perspectives absorbed. Having a positive, and mind-opening world view was what we were hoping for, and LITA delivered. We thought the LITA staff was great, the accommodations were very good, the activities were great. We have nothing but positive things to say. It was not inexpensive but it was worthwhile and the experience was truly priceless.

Our son chose LITA because he wanted a Spanish immersion program, he researched programs, and chose this one. Everything about his 5-week LITA experience in southern Spain was wonderful! First, he was paired with a family that was warm, loving, and made him feel at home from the start. It's clear LITA puts a lot of effort into finding solid families to host students. Our son still Facetimes with his family weekly, two months after being home. Second, the group leaders were all great, very responsible and yet bonded well with the kids. And Jordan, the head of LITA, is a smart, hands-on person, giving attention to every detail of the program. He knows Spain like no one else, since he lived there. And he was always available when we had questions before the trip. Then once the students were in Spain, their group leaders were great about keeping in touch, answering questions through What's App. Third, the focus on rural Spain is great for students and this is what sets LITA apart from other programs. The students really learn about the Spanish people and culture by spending most of their time in small cities and towns. Fourth, the itinerary to see Spain was great, focusing a lot on the countryside and little known gems of towns and villages, that only someone like Jordan knows about. Finally, one of the things our son loved about his experience is that every evening, the American students and their Spanish "siblings" did activities together, so it gave our son the opportunity to really get to know Spanish teenagers and he made close friends with some of them. I could go on and on, suffice it to say LITA is a great organization.

My time in Spain was a life-changing experience that taught me a plethora of new information about Spanish culture, language, and life, as well as myself. At first, I struggled greatly in speaking Spanish. I was slow, stuttering, and terrified of making mistakes, but as we completed the memorable cultural activities, I was able to practice speaking in a welcoming environment. Everyone in my group (students, monitors, and Spaniards) was always there to support me and others throughout our journey. They all helped me feel comfortable while trying to get used to the foreign Spanish life, and I am eternally grateful for my Lita family. Each activity was interesting and unique in it's own right, whether it was visiting an olive farm, doing yoga in a sanctuary, watching a private flamenco show, or learning all about the process of harvesting cork from trees during a hike. Our projects allowed us to practice speaking and understanding during interviews with locals while researching a topic of interest. This program offered me a view into Spanish life through the perspective of small towns and tight-knit communities, though we also spent time exploring grand cities, like Seville and Granada. I will never forget this amazing opportunity and extraordinary experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a rigorous language challenge and a chance to experience the Spanish lifestyle.