Student Comments
One of the key indicators for good language teaching is the frequency of use of the target language - I really appreciated the minimal use of English en in the beginners calss. I thought that I might find 4 hours per day too much, that I might be "watching the clock". In fact, the time flew past and this is a testament to the preparation and hard work of the teachers.
I liked the size of the classes as this gives each person plenty of time/opportunity to speak. I appreciated the personal touch and felt that my needs were taken seriously by Wouter and the teachers. My first week was perfect and allowed me to make a good start. The second week was tough but both teachers were encouraging and were concerned that I was comfortable. I appreciated the extra home work that the teachers gave me to help fill in some gaps in my knowledge - this was also extra work for them.
Occasionally you hear about a private school that just wants to get money from its students - the opposite is true here. We felt that the value was excellent and the whole staff made us feel very welcome. We also thought that the value of the extra activities is very good. We really enjoyed the Bustamante family. Overall - Great experience. I look forward to using my new Spanish in the next 2 months. We´ll be back.
Tony Rainbow, Surrey, BC, US.
(February 2008)
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Wow - what a great week. I have felt very stupid at times but am excited for all I am learning and know this week has propelled me forward. The teachers are superb maestros. They alll have great personalities and wonderful teaching methods. I would recommend your school to anyone. Thanks so much. Alicia is a wonderful hostess. She´s a great cook and very helpful and "simpatico". We would stay with her again!
Monica O´Sullivan, US.
(January 2008)
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I enjoyed my classes and especially the teachers. Wouter is a delightful administrator and very helpful in trying to fit on figure out my needs. Thanks for the experience.
Rebecca Dare, Seahurst, WA, US.
(January 2008)
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I enjoyed the format of the class where conversation was encouraged and we discussed a variety of themes and subjects. I also appreciated the opportunity to participate in events with other students/teachers outside of the classroom such as playing pool, the walking tour of Tlaquepaque, going through the market, conversation club at La Vid. It is great that you offer information about the Tequila Tours, going to Lucha Libre, going to Tonala and we took advantage of these. I learn by doing, so having the opportunity during the home stay, in the streets, bars and restaurants was a great experience. The school has a lot of wonderful talented teachers who care about their students and helping each student learn in the best way possible. I appreciated the creativity of the different teaching techniques that were utilized by the various teachers.
Mischelle Muck, Aurora, Colorado, US.
(October 2007)
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It was great to have the class so small. I really enjoyed and appreciated how each teacher was very patient and really listened to what we were learning and what we needed help on.
Mischelle Muck, Aurora, Colorado, US.
(October 2007)
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Everyone was very patient and helpful. Our family (Bustamantes) was very accomodating and friendly. The class was great. The size was perfect and the teacher was very knowledgable. His style was very flexible. We couldn't have asked for a better teacher or family to stay with.
Adrienne Prince, Parker, Colorado, US.
(October 2007)
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Wouter and his staff are extremely helpful, very attentative to the needs of students. I would recommend GLC to any foreign student wishing a tranquil city atmoshpere with a top notch teaching crew.
Terry Richard, North Little Rock, Arkansas, US.
(July 2007)
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The home stay was perfect! The teachers are very knowledgeable and willing to adapt to the needs of the students. They are patient y muy agradable. We learned a lot and we will highly recommend this institute to our friends.
Bernhard Hennig, Kentucky, US.
(June 2007)
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The school is in a great location. We have been living in Mexico and now Tlaquepaque is one of our favorite cities. The teaching and practice was excellent. We are going home with a better knowledge base and have many more ideas from the classes of how we should study and learn faster.
Josh and Stephanie Horvath, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico.
(June 2007)
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The teachers were well organized, very patient with my Spanish and well able to answer my questions and explain things in more then one way. I very much liked having no textbook-this forced my attention on the teacher and helped me improve my listening comprehension. The Bustamante family was just wonderful - lovely home, great food, good conversation - a really nice experience. I thought it was great that the teacher spoke only en Español. Again this greatly helped my listening comprehension.
Ellie Minich, Albuquerque, New Mexico, US.
(May 2007)
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The school and it's staff are incredible. When I arrived I spoke in "Caveman" Spanish. I have learned an incredible amount while here and I now have a solid base in which to continue speaking Spanish. I hope to return and will recommend the school to others.
Julia Buckstead, Amarillo, Texas, US.
(May 2007)
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My host family was extremely friendly and welcoming. I enjoyed discussing current events in class with newspaper articles as the vasis for the ciscussions.
Jonthan Huie, Colorado Springs, Colorado, US.
(May 2007)
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The staff was extremely helpful in all areas. The school and the culture together made for a fantastic experience! The class for me was just what I wanted and needed.
Tere Daniel, Longmont, Colorado, US.
(May 2007)
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Everyone was so helpful and friendly. The school functions as a community which can be hard to find.
Leo Lamanna, Arizona, US.
(May 2007)
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Our experience has been really good. We loved the school and especially the teachers who are very committed and have a great teaching method which helped us learn a lot. We also appreciated the helpfulness of the school staff who has always been very much willing to help us.
Cinzia Ferri and Gabriele Pastorino, Italy
(April 2007)
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I liked to practice my Spanish a lot with my host family. I'm very happy. Thanks.
Kathleen Debroux, Geel, Belgium.
(February 2007)
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I feel like I really learned a lot in two weeks. I liked the activities that were set up by the school; trip to Teuchitlán, Conversation Club on Saturday nights, playing pool. Craig and Wouter are good people. I had a great time, even though I was by myself and I'm really glad I came.
Anne Tobey, Cripple Creek, Colorado, US.
(February 2007)
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The classes I attended were exceptional. The teachers were more than exceptional. They made the class fun and we had interaction exercises. I have not been in school in years and had no trouble in this immersion program. I would recommend it. I will be back next year.
Ginger Somers, Pinetop, Arizona, US.
(February 2007)
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The staff were great. They made efforts to discover my needs and deficiencies, then approach those areas. They also kept the curriculum and pace moving forward to ensure all areas were covered.
Don Garcia, Lakewood, Washington, US.
(January 2007)
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The teachers are awesome and combined with a homestay you can really learn some Spanish. The Bustamantes (host family) are great hosts! Javier and Teresa really helped with my Español.
Don Graham, Newport Beach, California, US.
(January 2007)
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I'm so glad I came here. The city is so safe. I have absolutely no complaints about the teachers - every single one of them is great. I'm defintely coming back one day. I had a great time. Thanks Wouter and Craig for making the transition into a new country and language so much fun.
Anne Sebastian, Sydney, Australia.
(December 2006)
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I enjoyed all of my teachers - Laura, Miguel and Julia - all very professional, friendly, patient, kind and helpful. I appreciated the field trips on Friday afternoons. All in all a great experience and did manage to learn some Spanish as well. All the best for the future.
Linda Ronlund, Parksville, British Columbia, Canada.
(December 2006)
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My two weeks of individual instruction at GLC was exceptional. All my teachers thoughtfully designed my classes with an effective balance of encouragement and challenge in all classroom activities and assignments. Compared to my experience of individual instruction at a well known language school in Cuernavaca, GLC easily won the match!
Jessie Ewing, Chicago, Illinois, US.
(December 2006)
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We have been to other language schools and are ourselves language teachers. We felt that this school was very effective. We feel comfortable in Tlaquepaque and enjoy the extra-curricular activities arranged by the directors. Our homestay was delightful, a place where we could practice our Spanish with the family, children and visitors.
James & Marilyn Stark, Seattle, Washington, US.
(December 2006)
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The center's informal setting really works to students' benefit. The classes are customized to students' needs.
Tony also made a small movie of his time at GLC. Watch it here on YouTube
Tony, Long Beach, California, US.
(December 2006)
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The school location is close to the basic essentials - bank, market place, shopping malls. The neighbourhood is absolutely safe and not noisy and for cultural diversity it's the place to be. Conducive atmosphere for learning Spanish and patient teachers. GLC is the cultural school to visit.
Samuel G Nyagah, Mombasa, Kenya
(November 2006)
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Good school, very good teachers
Don Helgerson, Phoenix, Arizona, US.
(October 2006)
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We started knowing almost nothing of the Spanish language and after just 5 days of lessons we can read the Spanish newspaper!
Linda Borsodi & Paul Bouten, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
(October 2006)
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Anyone can build a website these days, but here at GLC, my wife and I had all of our expectations met or exceeded!
The teaching staff was attentive, organized and helpful. The family we met through the homestay option were in turn transportation guides teaching assistants, "local colour" commentator, cook (or rather, grand chef of regional specialties!) and concierge.
We felt comfortable, relaxed, and well looked after, all prequisites for providing a great learning environment !
Brian and Donna Caldbeck, British Colombia, Canada.
(October 2006)
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The school is very well run and both my Spanish teachers were excellent. The homestay too was excellent.
Richard Ostrofsky, Ottowa, Ontario, Canada.
(October 2006)
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The school is located in the heart of Tlaquepaque. Everything is very convenient. My host family was nice and friendly. I had a wonderful time and a memorable experience in Mexico. The teachers are very professional and explained the cultures of Mexico very well.
Sarah Cheung, Los Angeles, California, US.
(October 2006)
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"I really enjoyed the small class size and the willingness of the teachers to explore any questions the students had, even when they had to abandon the curriculum to answer it! Very friendly and helpful and everyone seems to go out of their way to enjoy each others company."
Chanie Long, Surrey, British Colombia, Canada.
(October 2006)
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"GLC is doing a great job - the teachers are excellent and highly willing to tailer the lessons to what you need. Administrators are helpful and friendly. ¡Gracias!"
Joy Lockard, Pasadena, California, US.
(September 2006)
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"Everyone associated with the school has been so friendly, helpful and just plain fantastic! I felt like I got exactly what I was hoping for during my time with GLC."
Jennifer Miller, Pasadena, California, US.
(September 2006)
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"I had a great experience. I especially appreciated proper placement when I felt I was in a class too advanced for me. I feel I have several new friends - Wouter, Aiko, Craig and the teachers - Julia, Miguel & Laura. I felt very safe on the streets at night. I also appreciated the security of the hotels and Wouter's apartment. The cooking class with Aiko's mother was excellent. This was quite an adventure for me, travelling alone and being in a strange city. I feel more confident now. Thank you!"
Bonnie Tetzlaff, New Berlin, Wisconsin, US.
(August 2006)
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"Studying at GLC was really worth the investment! I am using languages professionally and I had decided to add Spanish to my language combination. Thanks to GLC - mission accomplished. I combined group classes (for grammar and vocabulary) and private classes (to practice and become more fluent). The professors were very qualified and helpful, and since the group classes are small, they adapt the course to what the students really need. The staff is very flexible and always ready to assist you to find the solution most suited to your expectations. I am amazed to see how much I have learned. Muchas gracias GLC!"
Celine Werner, Berlin, Germany
(August 2006)
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"It was great to have a one-on-one experience with my two teachers. The experience was great. The school was a big plus. The existence of an open office and available computers made adjustment to life in Tlaquepaque very easy. The home was truly wonderful. The rooms were comfortable and the food excellent."
Mark Mills, Dallas, Texas, US
(August 2006)
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"I've taken a lot of Spanish immersion courses and this was one of the best. The GLC staff was incredibly helpful - from the initial email exchange in setting up the course and hotel arrangements - to getting settled in Tlaquepaque. The teachers were friendly, organized, flexible and willing to cover any area of student interest. Classes were small enough that even in a week I felt as if I covered a lot of language territory. Furthermore, Tlaquepaque is beautiful, safe and mellow - a great place to relax whilst exploring. I would definately come back and will recommend it to others. Thankyou!"
Maya Smukler, Los Angeles, California, US
(August 2006)
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"An excellent experience. I learned an incredible amount of Spanish. There aren't enough words to say how good my teacher was. She adjusted lessons when necessary to fit the situation and to fit my needs and wants. The school was helpful and convenient. Thanks for the internet and space to study outside of class. The Bustamantes were also very hospitable and helpful. They provided good food, great stories of Mexican culture and were more than willing to exchange Spanish help for English help."
Jason Brunt, Austin, Texas, US
(August 2006)
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"Miguel is a very good teacher. He is patient and was able to identify areas where I could improve my Spanish. He was very knowledgeable, seemed happy to share that knowledge and seemed to enjoy teaching it. The Bustamante family (homestay) was very hospitable and very helpful. They were nice and Javier made very good food! There wasn't a dish I didn't like. He had lots of information and suggestions on things to do. Overall this was a very good experience and a great boost in my confidence for continuing to improve my Spanish. I also liked the informal family-like atmoshpere at the school. Thanks!"
Clarissa Brunt, Austin, Texas, US
(August 2006)
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"Classes are small and teachers are very good."
William Veeder, Albuquerque, New Mexico, US
(August 2006)
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"You guys are organized, friendly and have created a great atmosphere of professionalism and for learning. Our teachers were enthusiastic, friendly and smart - all very important traits."
Dr. Jonathan Cartsonis, Phoenix, Arizona, US
(August 2006)
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"The Bustamantes (homestay family) are incredible hosts - great language practice, authentic Mexican food and lots of space - I loved every minute. The teachers were excellent and very helpful. I really appreciated access to the internet and Skype. Craig and Wouter were always accommodating and helpful."
Sharon Hendricks, Pasadena, California, US
(August 2006)
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"Private lessons were a big plus for me. I enjoyed the casual atmosphere with enough time to see the area and activities. I appreciate the communication abilities and was able to call and email home an a frequent basis."
Robert Wallace, Columbus, Ohio, US
(August 2006)
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"I enjoyed my second visit to GLC very much. The teachers and staff are always helpful and the environment is very relaxed. I learned even more by adding a few hours individual instruction."
Douglas Reeve, Ventura, California, US
(July 2006)
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"I quickly gained confidence to use the knowledge I already had and built on it. In a short time I can already see improvement in my speaking skills. Teachers were excellent, a great learning environment."
Elizabeth Riccomini, Toronto, Canada.
(July 2006)
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"The teachers were very helpful, supportive, friendly and really tried to help us learn. I like that it feels like a 'friendly home' atmosphere, because everyone from the administration, teachers and students all interact well. Thank you for all your help. If I decide to study Spanish again in Mexico, I will come back here."
Angela Valdez, El Centro, California, US.
(July 2006)
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"Everyone has been very hospitable. I would definately return and tell others about the program."
John Gunningham, Riverside, California, US.
(July 2006)
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"The personal approach is very pleasant and effective. The teachers take personal goals of students seriously and know how to work towards them in class. The internet facility is a bonus. Friendly staff - nothing but good comments."
Jacqueline Witschge, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands.
(July 2006)
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"Everyone is positive and helpful with good ideas of how to learn Spanish and what to see and do in Guadalajara. This is a language program I would take again! The atmosphere of the school makes students want to spend time there and the methodology of teaching beginner Spanish through verbs is effective and useful."
Gaia Marsden, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
(July 2006)
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"Everyone at the school was positive and friendships were easy to make. When we had problems with the accommodation every possible thing was done to improve the problem. The teacher was easy going but challenging and attampted to make the program suit our individual needs - I appreciated the small class-size."
Deborah C.Love, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
(July 2006)
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"The program was excellent - I learned a lot. The teachers are well prepared and patient. My hotel was wonderful - I felt at home. Tlaquepaque seems to be a lively and relatively safe environment."
Victoria Patterson, Redwood Valley, California, US.
(July 2006)
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"The school couldn't be better. The teachers are great. I got a chance to learn and practice a lot. Thanks to the school for being so attentive and taking care of any problems that arose."
Gail Trumble, Ventura, California, US.
(July 2006)
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"The teachers were very good. Staying at the family hotel was great. Martha was a superb hostess - very helpful and pleasant to be with."
Mike Winslow, San Antonio, Texas, US.
(June 2006)
"Teaching staff was very friendly and helpful. School facilities are very nice."
Sally Koch, Sikeston, Missouri, US.
(June 2006)
"Enjoyed my stay in your school and probably will be back."
Dale Reinhardt, Santa Barbara, California, US.
(June 2006)
"The classes were great - tailored to what I wanted to work on. The activities in class helped and pool(billar) nights helped to get to know more people in the school"
Leah Rode, Mankato, Minnesota, US.
(June 2006)
"My host mom took me to Tonala on the bus. I couldn't have asked for a better family. The food was great! The teachers were very enthusiastic and helpful. I felt very safe and comfortable in Tlaquepaque."
Richelle Raabe, North Mankato, Minnesota, US.
(May 2006)
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"The overall experience was enjoyable and the balance of structured and non-structured discourse was really what I needed at this stage. I felt the teachers were committed to the students individual levels and interests. The staff was helpful and made efforts to make it fun and communicative."
Madeline Lacques-Aranda, Berkeley, California, US.
(May 2006)
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"These weeks have been so much fun. I learned a lot about the history, culture and music of Mexico. Thanks a lot to all the teachers – Laura, Miguel, Liliana and Adriana. I enjoyed all of my classes with you all. Thanks a lot to Wouter and Craig for the great administration, homestay placement with the Mexican family and the level of my class. Finally, thanks to Lamberto (the school dog) for protecting the classrooms. I hope that the school continues to grow and improve!"
Anne Nguyen, Memphis, Tennessee, US.
(April 2006)
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"The teachers were really good. I've learned a lot during my 6-week stay. I really liked the different methods used by the teachers. Also changing them every week was a good way of getting used to different accents. Will definately come back next year!"
Bethnie Dorsainvil, Montreal, Canada
(April 2006)
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"I liked the changing of the teachers - it gave us a chance to learn in a different way. Being in the mission field, I have many friends that need to learn Spanish and I will recommend this school to them"
Ty Thurman, Dallas, Texas, US.
(April 2006)
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"I had an excellent experience overall and feel that I am leaving with a strong base on which to proceed in both spoken and written Spanish. I would recommend GLC to anyone of any level and plan to return myself. The location is superb! - Tlaquepaque is a very non-threatening place to a foreigner and its proximity to the city makes it ideal. You're doing a great job!"
Gregory Cooper, Calabash, North Carolina, US.
(April 2006)
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"Outstanding! In 1 week I was able to expand upon the little Spanish retained from college and began speaking more Spanish than I imagined. In addition, since the teachers knew I was in Medical School they began incorporating Medical Spanish with ease. I now feel confident in my ability to communicate with patients which I hope makes a better medical provider. Needless to say, the staff, the teachers and my host family met and exceeded my goals for the week."
CJ Culp, Seattle, Washington, US.
(March 2006)
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"I'd very much like to come back to GLC. Both Miguel and Adriana are intelligent, friendly teachers that helped me a lot. Hasta Pronto!"
Emily Patch, Portland, Oregon, US.
(March 2006)
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"The experience here at GLC has been 100% positive for me. The teachers, the family, the classes were all first class. The Saturday evening 'intercambios'(Spanish/English student exchange conversation club) are especially nice to break the ice and get to know one another. You have a great program and I wish you the best of luck. Hope to return someday."
James Parker, Minneapolis, Minnesota, US.
(January 2006)
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"Friendly atmosphere and helpful staff. I like the free internet"
Jeanne Burnham, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
(January 2006)
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"The location of the school is great. It is near a historic market and in a safe area of town. The staff was very helpful and the accommodations with a local family made the trip. Thanks GLC. I learned a lot."
Robert Kerr, Florida, US.
(January 2006)
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"Coming to GLC was a very positive experience. I will definately recommend GLC to friends who want to learn Spanish. Will hopefully be back some day."
Evan Oates, Florida, US.
(January 2006)
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