Accredited Spanish University Program

Welcome to the Official Language School of the Americas (OLSA) Certified Spanish University Program. This accelerated program is certified by the Secretary of Education of Medellin and the Ministry of Education of Colombia, qualifies for student visas and is an excellent choice for gap-year students, university students and/or professionals looking to gain Spanish fluency in an accelerated immersive environment.

At OLSA, we do more than just provide the minimums (10 hours per week of grammar), we focus on teaching you to speak Spanish at a conversational level. At 14 hours per week + the optional weekly language exchanges, socials, excursions and other activities, our students experience Spanish and the Latin culture.

Our Accredited University Program consists of three sub-programs which may be taken individually, or concurrently.

Certified Spanish University Courses – Spanish Grammar and Conversational courses combined (qualifies for student visa)
Spanish Daily – Spanish Conversational classes only (does not qualify for student visa)
South American Cultural Immersion programs – Salsa (and other Latin rhythms) dance classes, Immersive Excursions, Language Exchanges, Socials, Chivas, Meals, Lodging

Here is a brief description of what you can expect with OLSA!

Certified Spanish University Courses – Grammar Courses – Included in Spanish University Courses
We use the United States university-accredited Vistas and Facetas systems as the foundation of our SUP grammar classes. These two systems are used by more than 100 universities across the United States for Spanish 101, 102, 201 and 202. We have adapted these systems for an international Spanish certification through the Common European Framework for levels A1, A2, B1 and B2. Our SUP grammar classes meet four days per week for two hours each day. With OLSA, students can complete all four levels in as little as one year! This gives our students the opportunity to complete two years of university Spanish in just one year abroad at OLSA.

Certified Spanish University Courses – Conversational Spanish Classes – Included in Spanish University Courses
Spanish Daily is a Spanish conversation curriculum designed to help foreign students, expats and/or full-time students learn, understand and speak colloquial Spanish. This program, written, recorded and taught by native Spanish speakers, uses themed conversations, stories, videos and other multimedia to present the living Spanish language outside of the grammatical restrictions of a textbook. This is the actual Spanish students will hear and use on the street, in the market, making new friends and participating in events with native Spanish speakers.

Certified Spanish University Package – includes Spanish University and Spanish Daily classes. These package meets for a total of fourteen hours per week.

Certified Spanish University Program Logistics, Costs, Discounts and Bonuses

All courses are 14 hours per week (8 grammar + 6 conversation).
Courses A1 / A2 = 2 months each ◊ Courses B1 / B2 = 4 months each.
See multi-course discounts below

Group Courses: $1.250.000 per month
Group classes are the most economical way to gain your Spanish education. OLSA’s group classes offer the best price per hour of any certified academy in Medellin. In addition, with OLSA, it’s all about gaining a practical skill from your investment. So, OLSA courses focus on speaking Spanish, not just learning Spanish grammar.

Or, if you don’t need a visa, pay by the month (as long as there is a class in session) for $1.500.000 COP per month

Partner Courses: $1.600.000 per month
Partner classes are a great way to experience the flexibility of the private classes, but the also the economy of the group classes, plus, you will have a study-buddy! So, learn Spanish with a friend with OLSA’s Partner Courses. Check with the OLSA administration team for your schedule necessities.

Private Courses: $2.600.000 per month
Private classes offer the student one-on-one attention and a more flexible schedule. Check with the OLSA administration for your schedule necessities.

Discounts and bonuses for multiple courses:
5% discount when you purchase two courses
7% discount when you purchase three courses
10% discount when you purchase all four courses

Pay for a minimum of six months of Certified Spanish University courses and OLSA will gift you one week (four hours) of Salsa classes AND our visa agent will gift you a 10% discount (15% discount for twelve months) on your student visa.

Group Course Schedules 2021

As OLSA’s focus is conversation, group classes are the most beneficial, plus they are the most economical. See the Group Class Schedule below.

A1 & A2 course dates:

January 12 – March 05
March 08 – May 07
May 10 – July 02
July 06 – August 27
August 30 – October 22
October 25 – December 17

B1 & B2 course dates:

January 12 – May 07
March 10 – July 02
May 10 – August 27
July 06 – October 22
August 30 – December 17
October 25 – March 11 (2022)

Certification and Visa Requirements
OLSA International is certified to offer up to 12-month+ visas with our operators license #201950072145 and our Spanish program license #201950077394 through the Secretary of Education of Medellin and the Ministry of Education of Colombia. According to the Colombian consulate, a student must take a minimum of six months of classes to qualify for a student visa.

To acquire a Colombian student visa through OLSA International, the student will need to take the following steps.

pay for your courses at OLSA International (the Colombian government will not consider a student visa until the courses are paid in full)
submit a valid original passport with at least two blank pages
present the last stamp of entry to Colombia or document that shows that you immigration status is confirmed
present one photo 3 x 5 cms with a white background
present bank statements for the last six months for the person who assumes the economic responsibility of the student
proof of health insurance (minimum $100,000 USD coverage)
OLSA will take care of the rest (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia reserves the right to request additional documents).

Extra options in addition to the Certified University Program. As us about pricing!
EXCURSIONS – To really learn a language, you must immerse yourself in the culture. Every Wednesday our students have the opportunity to leave their books at home and participate in OLSA-guided excursions to local museums, parks and activities, historical tours and nearby historical cities, nature tours, adventure destinations and more as part of our unique South American Cultural Immersion program. See the Weekly Excursions tab above for more information.

DANCE SALSA – Another key component of our Cultural Immersion program is our Salsa dance school called, Latin Masters. Apart from the great exercise, these Salsa classes bring a new level of understanding to what it means to be part of a Latin culture. For more information see Salsa Dance Classes.

LANGUAGE EXCHANGE – To accompany our school motto, «Put it into Practice», OLSA International hosts a free weekly language exchange on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 9:00. Every week is a different theme and it is a great way to make new friends/contacts from a variety of countries.

PRE-PARTY – Every Friday night OLSA (in cooperation with Latin Masters) offers our students and community the opportunity to come together for a fun-filled language exchange/dance lesson/social event from 6:30pm – 10:00pm at which time, those interested go out to the official discotecas on the 70 or the 33. This gives our foreign students the chance to meet locals in a smaller event, make friends, learn Salsa and Bachata, then go out as a group where they can introduce you to more of their friends. Kind of an inner-circle short-cut, if you will.

ONE-WEEK COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN EXCURSION – Once per year, students interested can take an OLSA-led group trip to the north coast of Colombia. During this excursion students will explore and practice their Spanish skills on the beaches of Cartagena, Barranquilla, and finally, Santa Marta before flying back to Medellin. Ask our reception for the current Caribbean package pricing.

HOUSING – If you are in need of housing, OLSA International has excellent relationships with the owners of private housing, rooms for rent, and hostels; all of which are within walking distance to the school.

MEAL PLAN – OLSA International also offers a meal plan (breakfasts and lunches) for interested students. Our kitchen/restaurant has international meals and special meal days mixed in.

Program summary:

• Accredited Spanish University Courses
• Spanish Daily Conversational Classes
• Weekly Excursions
• Salsa Dance Classes
• Language Exchanges
• Pre-Party
• Colombian Caribbean Vacation
• Housing
• Meal Plan

Our focus is that our students don’t return home with just Spanish grammar, but with strong Spanish speaking skills, rich experiences and skills that they can share with family, friends, and colleagues and that will improve their lives.

Pre-registration is highly recommended to secure your place in an OLSA Spanish University Courses. Pre-registration may be done by Skype, by email, or in person. Your place is secure once payment is processed.

We want to thank you for considering OLSA as your Spanish language immersion school! Your future really is important to us and we are excited to share this experience with you. So, invest in your future. Improve your marketability. Join us at OLSA!