Overview
While many of our locations are closed for the actual day of Christmas, New Year's and other holidays, it is still certainly worth it to go and spend a week or two soaking up the amazing culture and celebrations that are rife this time of year.
About AmeriSpan Discounts & Promotions
All discounts not combinable with any other discounts or promotions.
Maximum discount is $200 unless stated otherwise.
Discounts are not valid for
one week programs, special
prices for groups traveling
together or certain other
programs. You
must include "January, Winter and Spring Discount"
discount code on your
application at the time of
booking. If you have already booked a program, you are not eligible
for the discount on your existing program. However, if you add more
weeks or another program, you can use the discount on the additional weeks or program(s).
1. Learn Spanish in Spain
In Spain, each region, city or comunidad autonoma celebrates the holidays with different festivals and traditions. The remarkable Christmas markets are scattered among villages and cities with piles of fruits, flowers, marzipan and other sweets, candles, decorations and hand-made Christmas gifts. Attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve with your host family, and then return for the late night meal. Christmas Day is spent at church, at feasts and in more merry-making. If you have time, stay through the Epiphany on January 6th, which is heralded with parades in various cities where candy and cakes are distributed to throngs of children. While the celebrations vary, you know that if nothing else, the Spanish can throw a fantastic party. Most of our locations are only closed on 12/25 and 1/1.
Study Spanish in Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, Marbella, Salamanca, Sevilla, Valencia.
2. Berlin & Bamberg Germany
Give yourself or a loved one a magical and educational holiday gift of German immersion in Berlin or Bamberg and experience the Christmas Markets. All over Europe there are many wonderful Christmas Markets to explore, it has been said that Germany is known to have the best ones! Berlin is the capital city of the German Christmas Markets; here you can experience sixty different ones! If you are seeking a less urban experience, take in the charm of the Christmas Market in the World Heritage City of Bamberg. The highlight in Bamberg is the popular “Route of Nativity Scenes” a special trail linking many churches, museums and places of interest with special Christmas cribs, a festive way to capture and enjoy the spirit of Christmas.
Learn German in Germany
3. Study Spanish in Cusco, Peru
La Novena are the nine days of prayer before Christmas day. In Cusco they are marked by celebrations, preparing of typical dishes and parades. The celebrations culminate in Santuranticuy, or the day before Christmas when everyone buys statues of the saints. Because the Catholic Church allowed them to celebrate their many gods as saints, the Inca easily accepted Christmas, and it is now one of the most important celebrations of the year. This is an excellent opportunity to see the blend of the Inca, Spanish and various indigenous cultures. The school will be closed on Christmas and New Years Day, but these classes can be made up. To celebrate there will be a small gift exchange between teachers and students.
Learn Spanish in Cusco
4. Christmas in Sorrento, Italy
Seek out "la dolce vita” and experience Christmas in Sorrento, Italy. From December 14- 26th experience the magic of Sorrento’s Christmas program. This special program includes 1-week of language classes, homestay with two meals per day, afternoon activities at school, visit of Sorrento Monuments, Churches and of the Correale Museum and 3 Cooking Lessons with the host family on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of December. Further participants can truly enjoy the spirit of Christmas with an excursion to Naples to visit the city and in particular San Gregorio Armeno, the street of the figurari, in reference to those who craft the popular figurines and sets used in the typical Neapolitan Christmas manger scene, the presepe. Christmas program package is $2085.00. *Does not include airport pick-up; this can be arranged for $130.00.
Learn Italian in Sorrento
5. Teen program in San Joaquin de Flores, Costa Rica
Parents, why not give the gift of education this Christmas? Send or even join your 14-17 year old teens on a fun and educational experience of language travel vacation over their Winter/Christmas break in Costa Rica, known as the Switzerland of Central America. San Joaquin de Flores, a typical "Tico" town offers the language traveler a great opportunity to experience the local culture. Here teenagers quickly learn in the relaxed environment through small classes, complemented by personalized attention and supervision from the bilingual onsite staff. Young students truly enjoy the exciting opportunity to live with a Costa Rican family and experience the tropical wonders of Costa Rica.
Learn Spanish in San Joaquin de Flores
6. Christmas in Paris, France
The streets of Paris will bustle with shoppers and strollers, filled with the good cheer of the holiday season. Attend Christmas Eve services in French; find cathedrals filled with choral music and Gregorian Chants…and be sure to get to Notre Dame early for the exceptional experience of Midnight Mass in one of the world’s great cathedrals. It’s a fine time to be in Paris, where you’ll get to greet everyone you see with “Joyeux Noel.”
Learn French in Paris
7. Chanukah in Netanya, Israel
Where better to experience Chanukah – the Festival of Lights – than in Israel, land of history, and crossroads of many cultures. Just think…you’ll be able to say, “A great miracle happened HERE!” Our partner school in Israel is open during Christmas and on New Year’s Eve, so you can arrange a full program of Hebrew language immersion during the holidays. It’s nice to think you can wish “Hag Sameach” (Happy Holiday) to everyone and be understood!
Learn Hebrew in Netanya
8. Venezuela, Jakera, Playa Colorada
Get away from the cold and go to the Caribbean this winter! Playa Colorada has a lot going on during the Christmas holiday and it is all included in the price of the regular program! From December 20th to January 5th you can have free salsa lessons every day and free cooking classes twice each week. On December 25th, celebrate Christmas at the school party, and on the 26th take a free trip to the Caribbean islands. If you love the beach, you don’t want to miss this offer.
Learn Spanish in Playa Colorada
9. Rabat, Morocco
An elegant colonial city, lovely residential neighborhood, excellent school, and wonderful teachers…an all-together exceptional experience awaits you at our school in Rabat. Open during the holidays, this is a great opportunity to begin or continue your Arabic studies with no interruptions. Well-situated for easy travel throughout the country, Rabat is a great holiday destination!
Learn Arabic in Rabat
10. Christmas in Cuernavaca
Blue skies, sunshine, poinsettias, posadas, piñatas and pastorales, Christmas brings out all the colors and culture of Mexico! The Christmas season in Cuernavaca promises a unique festive atmosphere, with many special holiday events. From the celebration for the Virgen de Guadalupe to the posadas and pastorales (street theatre & parties re-enacting the story of the nativity), Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) and Christmas Day, Dia de Los Reyes and El Dia de la Purificación the pageantry of the Christmas story offers an unparalleled experience in Cuernavaca throughout the holiday season.
Learn Spanish in Cuernavaca
11. Portuguese and Samba (Salvador, Brazil)
Salvador is a great place to celebrate any holiday, and Christmas is no exception. Known for their elaborate carnival celebrations in February, Salvador is a cultural hub with an exciting mix of Afro-Brazilian culture. The Portuguese and Samba program is ideal for people who want to add an element of rhythm and fun to best join in the holiday festivities. In addition to Portuguese group language classes, students can learn how to dance the Samba, Forro and Lambada. It also includes an introduction to the rhythms of Candomble rituals and Capoeira. This course offers one-hour lessons twice a week and is taught by a professional dance teacher. It gives a general introduction to different rhythms and dances and dance styles, history, tradition and development of Brazilian dance. Program is only closed on 12/25 and 1/1 during the holidays.
Learn Portuguese and Samba in Salvador
12. Volunteer in Thailand
While the Christmas holidays aren’t widely celebrated here, this means that you will be able to get an authentic experience and help out a local community in as short as two weeks with no program interruption. Our volunteer program invites you to explore this Southeast Asian paradise while contributing to local communities. There are placements in and around Chiang Mai (the gateway to the Northern part of the country with its lush landscapes and rice fields) and Bangkok (the cosmopolitan and business center of Thailand). You can work with disadvantaged children, in local health centers or assist in an elderly home. You can teach English in many places including a Buddhist temple!
Volunteer in Thailand
13. Christmas in Guanajuato, Mexico
Study Spanish in one of the most popular locations in Mexico while you experience the Christmas celebrations. Start on December 22nd and get all of the regular program offerings, plus daily activities to explain the local festivities as well as an optional excursion to San Miguel de Allende (additional cost). This extremely charming city is culturally very lively and exhibits an energetic, youthful feel. This is due in part to the 15,000 students attending the University of Guanajuato that is known for its art programs.
Learn Spanish in Guanajuato
14. Chinese in Taipei, Taiwan
One of the 78 islands off the coast of China, Taiwan offers beautiful scenery, whether in the city of Taipei or in the mountainous countryside. Our Taipei school will only be closed on January 1st, so this is a great option for those looking for an educational trip during winter vacation without interruption during the holidays. This city combines elements of traditional Chinese culture and modern skyscrapers. It is an amazing place for travelers to explore.
Learn Mandarin Chinese in Taipei
15. ILERI Panama City
Panama is one of the jewels of Latin America, often overlooked by travelers. It is for this reason a perfect destination to get away from the grind and enjoy the many sites it has to offer. Panama City is a modern metropolis in a tropical setting, with tall skyscrapers and Caribbean flair. Christmas in Panama City is about family and celebrating the birth of Christ. It is celebrated with lots of food and great company. Being in Panama City during the holidays will allow you to experience the culture in a truly enriching way. You can enjoy the annual school Christmas party on December 23rd, plus school is only closed on Christmas and New Years Day. Whatever classes are missed will be made up!
Learn Spanish in Panama City
