Montanita Program - Surf, Spanish and Volunteer

Montañita is a very special place. Feedback comes from our students all the time that 'it is safe,' 'it is friendly' and it is 'genuine'. Students often call it an 'Oasis'. It may be famous, but it's uniquely small. The houses and restaurants are still largely constructed of bamboo, and until recently thestreets were still sand!

Montañita is small, so it's not long before you get to know many people and make friends with other students and the locals. Everyone seems to carry a smile, and be happy to say hello.

The school and our teachers are relaxed, professional and friendly. The school building is right on the beach and was one of the original large homes in town, so it has a nice, intimate, friendly and peaceful feel to it.

Montañita is a brilliant beach, has great surfing and lots of activities nearby. These activities include wildlife tours to Isla de la Plata, the Galapagos Islands, many beaches, horse trekking into the cloud forest, massages, spas and much more.

Our greatest recommendation is that so many students tell us they want to come back, and many do! The record so far is 7 times…. Maybe we need to change our logo to 'I'll be back!'

 

Intensive Mini Group Spanish

Montañita Spanish School provides small mini-group Spanish. We pride ourselves on the quality of these courses. There are 4 lessons per day, 5 days per week. With 6 different ability groups you wil be with others also keen to learn at the same level. The levels follow the standard European Educational system of A 1 to C 2. By having others in your class it is an excellent way to stay motivated, practise what you are learning and meet other students.

Classes consist of 2 hours of largely grammar-based learning. We still try to make it fun! Then there are 2 hours of more conversational or activity-based Spanish, to put into practise what you have learned. We have found this approach to be extremely effective.

The groups are very small, normally 2-4 persons. In fact, the maximum per class is only 4! So you will get lots of attention, and your learning needs are catered for. Occasionally we will not meet our minimum numbers per class in your ability group. In this case your lessons will be replaced with 15 hours of private one-on-one lessons.

 

Private One on One

Some people learn best with individual attention. If this is you, then we suggest our private classes. With our teacher only focused on your needs, you can guarantee that you will learn quickly and efficiently. This is often the best route to take if you are limited on time, if you have specialised Spanish to learn or just because it suits your learning style best. The teacher will be following a well proven course syllabus, but is free to concentrate on any weaknesses you have or to discuss in conjunction with you and areas you want to improve. Our teachers are all qualified professionals and with private classes your Spanish will improve rapidly.

 

Spanish and Surf

Montañita is the home of surfing in Ecuador and known as one of the best surfing sites anywhere in South America! If you can already surf, just take some of the Spanish and head for the break! If you can't surf, but always wanted to, or are a beginner, why not combine your Spanish by taking surfing lessons? Montañita is one of the best places you could possibly find to start your new surfing passion!

First, there are very CONSISTENT waves ALL YEAR! The waves are very manageable at low tide for beginners and are bigger and more powerful at high tide. Also, the closer to the point you go, the bigger the wave sets are. Therefore you can choose your level of surfing very easily. This makes Montañita perfect for all levels and abilities from beginners to very experienced.

Montañita also 'eats and breathes' surfing. It IS the culture. So you will very soon become immersed in surfing. Lastly, there are hundreds of miles of other breaks all along the coast. If you want a deserted first class break, you can easily find it! AND, surf boards ARE allowed in local buses.

 

Spanish and Volunteer

There are several Spanish and Volunteering options in and around Montañita.

The main options are:

1. Elementary/Primary School

This is a typical poor village school. The children are super friendly. It is not long before the local children are coming up to you in the street to say 'Hola'. You will be helping the teacher, especially with teaching some English (don't worry, expectations are not high, and you don't need experience).

You can also be helping with arts, crafts or sports if you wish. Please note that the school is a 5-minute bus trip (25 cents each way) from our school.

2. Local Children's Nursery

You can help at a local nursery for half a dozen local poor children. There is strong community spirit and the local community encourages you to become involved. This is often extremely rewarding, making friends and helping the local children. There are very few resources and help is really needed. Your input is appreciated.

3. Local Veterinary

Volunteer with the local veterinarian Otta, as he takes care of the local animals, many of which have been neglected. Be fully involved in the day to day life at a veterinary in a small town. Work often includes travelling out to local small fincas (farms).

4. Ecological Project

Just 12 miles (20 km) from Montañita is an amazing project. Tucked in a valley is a very proactive ecological program. Designed to replant and replenish the trees around this area, the project has been very successful. Your day will be spent helping out with planting, pruning and the daily life of a farm passionate about restoring nature to its pristine, feeding animals and helping with bird watching. There is also a local remote elementary school where you can teach English. This project is part of an award-winning organisation (world's top Eco Lodge 2007) and is highly regarded.

The program includes:

1-week intensive Spanish at Montañita. 20 hours per week and includes dorm accommodation.

4 weeks volunteering at the project. This is residential and includes 3 meals per day and dorm accommodation.

 

Accommodation

Cabanas:

We have made a big effort to be ecologically friendly. This includes much of the building materials being ecologically friendly, using recycled water to feed our large and growing garden (please bring biodegradable soap and shampoo if possible), solar outside lighting, rainwater collection for swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a recycling system, all to help the environment.

Our accommodation is a perfect combination of location, quietness and luxury! The main are also includes a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and large communal kitchen.

Cabanas! (seven only)

They are large and extremely attractive. Full ensuite (private bathroom) facilities. Single or double occupancy, and therefore perfect for those solo, couples or when with a friend.

Cabanas with kitchen. (two only)

We have one cabana, a little larger than most of the others, that has been outfitted with a kitchen. Great for a couple wishing to do their own cooking in private. Tastefully decorated.

Suite/Family Cabana (one only)

Large kitchen, private bathroom. This is perfect for those wanting extra space or for a family.

Shared Mini Dorm

These are large, private and quiet. A maximum of only four per dorm allows you plenty of space. They are perfect for the traveller on a low budget!

Home Stay

With your Ecuadorian host family you have the opportunity to be fully immersed in Ecuadorian life. It is important to understand that you will be located in the local village. It is quite poor and won't have the conveniences you will be used to. It is full immersion in Ecuadorian life. There will be a flush toilet and your own bed. You will be roomed by yourself (unless you are a couple). The families are very friendly, but the facilities are basic by western standards. The families all enjoy chatting with you (they are used to people not speaking much Spanish!) to find out about your home,family, what you like, etc. These chats normally after dinner are a highlight for many students and the perfect way to practise the Spanish you have learned.

 

 

Dates
Ongoing. Please contact us to check avaialability Please contact us at mail@swaptravel.org for more information. Bookings can be made through our website once Montanita school has been contacted and the placement has been confirmed.