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Language Schools
in Nicaragua
A Growing Network
Because Nicaragua was and currently still is one of the poorest
countries of Latin America, its education system has suffered
greatly. Much of the current problems really started before the
Sandinistas came to power in 1979. It was under the Somozas that
education was thrown aside to make way for other political issues.
Because of the limited spending on education in Nicaragua, many
adolescents were forced into the labor market. ON the other hand,
this also limited educational opportunities for the majority of the
population. As a result, only 65 % of primary school children were
enrolled in school. Of those who made it to first grade, only 22 %
finished the remaining six years of primary school.
Three quarters of the rural population was illiterate and rural
schools only offered one or two years of schooling. Secondary
educational institutions were private and too expensive for the vast
majority of Nicaraguans. Some 8 percent of the population enrolled
at university and some upper-class families sent their children
abroad where education standards were considered to be higher. There
was a lot of work to be done in order to improve current deplorable
education standards.
However there is hope on the horizon as young people in this country
are becoming increasingly more interested in receiving a better
education in Nicaragua. Currently 65% of the population is younger
than 25 and both elementary and high school education are now
mandatory and free. Several Nicaragua universities have formed an
affiliation with various universities in the United States. To add
to this, the Nicaraguan government is increasing funding to improve
the education available in the country. Promotions have also gone a
long way to increasing the level of enrolment in tertiary
institutions.
On the other hand, Nicaragua boasts a strong and growing network of
independent Spanish language schools. With few exceptions, most
schools follow the same basic structure that involves a combination
of language instruction and cultural immersion activities. That
means two to four hours of class in the morning, followed by
community service activities or field trips in the afternoon. Here
are some of the best language schools that you will find:
Spanish Schools in Granada
Granada is a natural choice for many students who love the city's
aesthetic as much as its central location on the tourist trail.
Roger Ramirez's One-on-One Spanish Tutoring Academy has received
rave reviews and a constant stream of students since its humble,
one-room beginnings.
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