Common Ground International

I absolutely loved my experience in the CGI immersion program in Ecuador! The CGI team is incredible, and you learn so much about the culture. The focus is language acquisition, and this is the place to practice what you've learned. There are so many places to visit, and Cuenca was such a beautiful city full of wonderful people. I think I will always hold a little piece of Cuenca in my heart. So, if you want an immersion of a lifetime, travel with CGI and let your ability to speak Spanish shine!

My trip to Costa Rica with Common Ground International exceeded my expectations. My goal in attending was to be able to speak and understand Spanish on a beginner level. Prior to the trip I knew some Spanish vocabulary but couldn't form sentences. After two weeks I was having simple conversations in Spanish. The organization is well run with friendly, helpful, welcoming leaders. The excursions were great. A plus was volunteering with underserved kids at a community center. I will go again

"I went into this program with limited prior exposure to Spanish, but a desire to understand my patients more effectively. I am now able to discern the content of a conversation, my written Spanish skills have improved, and I have uncovered areas in my spoken Spanish that would benefit from continuing improvements. Staff was highly supportive and provided pre trip preparation, not found in other similar programs. Apart from linguistic knowledge, I also gained in sight into local culture, and the medical system of Costa Rica"

What a fantastic experience! I recently traveled with CGI in the Ecuador program (adults) and not only did I improve my Spanish skills, but I was able to absorb a new and wonderful culture. The people of Ecuador are kind, generous, and thoughtful. Ecuador is a gorgeous with a temperate climate, impressive cities, and stunning natural beauty. What I loved about CGI was the professional nature and organization of the program. I was also really happy to discover that my fellow participants were fun, funny, outgoing, and willing to roll with changes (as are bound to happen in any situation like this). Rarely can I sit down with a group of strangers and feel comfortable chatting with them right from the start. Highly recommend to those wanting to improve Spanish and are open to adventure.

This is a program crafted by teachers that provides very clear goals, objectives, and activities for someone seeking a valuable learning experience. Rory and Leslie's commitment to a complete Spanish immersion experience is not only defined on their website, but it is intentionally, thoughtfully, and authentically practiced throughout your experience. Their mission of building bridges through language and community involvement is one felt every step of the way. The Common Ground team is full of talented and experienced teachers. But it is also full of people that whole-heartedly believe in a complete immersion experience and who are ready to guide, support, encourage, and motivate you along your journey. Through Common Ground's detailed pre-departure classes, I felt ready and more importantly ,equipped with valuable information and insight that properly prepared me for this unique experience. Every detail of this program is carefully considered and planned; no stone is left unturned! My husband and I were welcomed with love and care by our host family; our Spanish classes were creatively designed to meet our needs, improve our conversation and listening skills, and to have fun; the community service activities gave us a great appreciation for the partnership that Common Ground has developed with the city of Santo Domingo for the bast two decades; and the excursions/activities were light and fun and full of laughs...and still all in Spanish! We came back home so grateful for this experience that delivered on all of its promises. You will have a rich, real, and truly gratifying time with the Common Ground Team!

I have participated in several immersion programs and CGI is one of the best. The thoughtfully structured program provides a unique experience of Spanish immersion combining family stays, connection to the local community and intensive Spanish classes. If you are an intermediate/advanced student, you will be placed in stimulating classes that raise your level of speaking. If you are a beginning student, you will receive the attention needed to launch your Spanish learning. I obviously enjoyed my stay in Costa Rica and look forward to enrolling again, maybe in Ecuador next time.

Common Ground international was an excellent program. It was exceptionally well ran and organized. My mother , 3 children (ages 19, 12 and 9) and I had an amazing time learning Spanish and immersing ourself in the Costa Rican "Pura Vida" way of life. My children are asking to participate in the program again despite taking 4 hours classes everyday. That is very impressive