LITA: A Unique Approach to Language Immersion in Spain

My sumer with LITA was an experience I will never forget. Before the trip I was super nervous because I was the youngest student with the least experience on the trip. The program directors were very clear and communicative every step of the process and made me feel very safe. As soon as I showed up at the airport, all of the students and group leaders welcomed me and we bonded quickly. One thing I would say about the experience was that you got from it what you put into it. I, along with my fellow students, was very dedicated to speaking only Spanish and this program helped me immensely with that. My host family was incredible and so understanding of the time I needed to adapt to the difference in culture. They taught me so much history of the town we were staying in as well as the country of Spain. Everyday was a new adventure and it was everything I wanted and more.

I can't say enough great things about LITA! Going into it I didn't know what to expect, but I saw such a huge improvement not only in myself but in the other students. I felt so much more confident in my speaking abilities. I made amazing friends, had once in a lifetime experiences and got to see a non-touristy side of Spain that most people don't get to see. I had an incredible family and I'm still talking to them almost every day. Overall, I would recommend LITA to anyone who wants to have a fun summer and improve their Spanish!

When I first decided to sign up for a full emersion program, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had thought I would not be able to speak a lot of Spanish, and I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the family that I was staying with. However, it ended up being the complete opposite.
This summer, my experience in Spain with LITA was like no other. The friendships I’ve made (with those who’d lived in Spain and fellow students), and the activities in which we partook, were unforgettable. In this experience, students are pushed out of their comfort zones, and are able to truly immerse themselves in a Spanish culture.
With the guidance from the programs leaders and other students, I was able to feel a lot more comfortable when speaking, which allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, and improve my speaking ability by practicing with conversation.
Looking back to before my experience with LITA, my growth as a student learning Spanish has been phenomenal. I feel much more confident now speaking in class at my school, and have developed an obsession with the language.
Overall, this trip was an incredible experience, and I highly recommend this to high school students who are obsessed with the language, and truly want to test their ability of speaking, as well as having an incredible time.

This entire trip EXCEEDED all of my expectations. I went on the North 5 week trip and met some of the coolest people! The group was perfectly curated by the Lita Director and everyone was avidly speaking and immersing each other in Spanish. My homestay was perfect. The family completely accommodated all of my needs, was avidly helping me learn spanish, and I felt like became part of the family. I took the classes and everyday we would walk around the town and interview someone or be actively involved in the community. Also, as a person who doesn't eat meat, the entire trip I had many options and accommodations. I felt safe the entire time, but also had the freedom to walk around the town with my host sister by ourselves and venture as pairs in many cities. I went from not being able to speak spanish, to understanding and speaking it fluently! I would HIGHLY recommend this trip to anyone who wants to attend, it truly was the best summer of my life:)

Only speaking Spanish for three weeks was a feat I once thought to be impossible. However, my greatly improved Spanish skills are not the only thing I took away from LITA. The trip not only allowed me to immerse myself in a beautiful language but in a beautiful, unique, culture in an authentic way. From our hiking trips through beautiful Spanish mountains to forming deep connections with each community we stayed in, I came away from this experience with a sense of complete fulfillment. I think that every Spanish student should have the chance to experience LITA-- to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity!

This past summer, I spent 5 weeks in rural Spain as part of LITA's immersion program. Venturing from the heart of Andalucia to the remote Casas Rurales of Alájar, a group of about 15 other kids and I were exposed to the magnificent cultures and traditions of the Spanish people. We learned to love the nuance and discomfort of adapting to a new world of language and customs, and at that, we became the best of friends. Between the laughter shared and days spent with a constant smile, I cannot recommend this immersion experience enough. At the end of the day, you will get out what you put into this experience; and should you apply yourself and engage in all that Spain has to offer, you will find yourself ineffably changed for the better.

This past summer I went on the LITA five-week North Program. The program involved a weeklong stay in Galicia, a three-week homestay in Castilla y León, and a week of hiking and exploring in Los Pirineos. Each part of the trip was culturally unique and special that uncovered much of Northern Spain’s beauty.

Homestay — The three-week homestay was the best part of the program. Initially, I was anxious about living with another family and needing to communicate with them in a foreign language. However, my anxiety was dispelled the moment I stepped off the bus and was welcomed by my family with open arms. After adjusting to my new family and new routine the first day, the following three weeks went by in a blur of enjoyment and learning. By the end of my stay, I felt as though I was a part of the community. I still talk with my host brother daily.

Immersion — One of LITA’s great aspects is that their programs are completely immersive. Every interaction with my group leaders, fellow students, and host family was in Spanish. Because I was not able to fall back on my English, the first few days in Galicia were difficult. But once I adjusted to the entirely Spanish environment each day felt easier and more natural than the last. I have found that my confidence in speaking Spanish has improved drastically because of the immersive experience.

Jordan — I had planned to travel to Spain with LITA two years ago but Covid unfortunately altered those plans. Over that two-year span, Jordan was in constant contact with my family and me, updating us on LITA’s plans and availability for the upcoming summer. During the trip, Jordan jumped between LITA’s four groups in Spain. It was always a highlight when Jordan joined the group. From preparing for the trip to helping the group adjust and navigate Spain, Jordan was fantastic. Jordan truly is the cornerstone of the program. His expertise, passion, and care for the program were impressive to watch.

Not only has my Spanish improved immensely but I have made some of my best friends. I highly recommend LITA!

After my trip was canceled in 2020 due to Covid, I finally was able to join LITA South 3 week program this summer. I was nervous at first to be leaving the country for the first time, thinking it would feel awkward going to a place with complete strangers, but I could not have been more wrong. The leaders in my group helped to create such a comfortable and safe environment, while only communicating in Spanish. They were patient, kind, and extremely helpful.

Jordan and his team could not have placed me with a better host family. I had the best time getting to know about the daily lives of my host parents and sister. Even after the trip I still continue to keep in touch with them and call them often. They fully took me in as their own and brought me to hangouts with friends, family dinners, and to the beach for a weekend getaway.

The itinerary was packed with the most exciting and enriching activities. I was a bit worried about being an outsider in a different country, but it didn't feel like that at all. At every place, we went we were greeted with hospitality and kindness. I learned so much about the culture in such a fun and immersive way.

If you are looking to learn about Spanish culture, improve your Spanish, and create long lasting memories, this is the program for you. I was worried that people might not want to speak in Spanish the whole time but everyone on my trip was there because they wanted to learn and wanted to improve their Spanish speaking abilities. I think the thing that impressed me the most was how my entire group was able to become so close and build such strong relationships entirely in Spanish. One of my favorite memories with the group was when we went on a long hike and to pass the time we all started singing songs acapella style together. It made for an unforgettable trip, one that I will never forget.

Words can't even express how grateful I am to have been able to go on this trip. I'll forever be thankful for the unbelievable memories LITA has given me. 100% recommend!!!!