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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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