Chispa Inmersion

Specialties

We provide summer Spanish immersion programs for high school students in Spain. Our programs are designed to integrate social, recreational, and cultural activities with language courses and home stays to deliver an experience that is both fun and challenging.

We also offer cultural immersion programs for adults with trips focusing on specific regions of the country and themes that capture the essence of Spain.

History

Established in 2012.

Founders Ana M. Quintana and Laura Hortal are passionate about Spain, Spanish culture and study abroad. As parents of bilingual and bi-​cultural children, they understand the benefits of living and learning abroad and seek to offer these same opportunities to others.

«Laura and I met by chance in North Carolina in 2001 and became friends. Our families would get together and share interests and plans. We shared a common bond and love for Spain. Since we both had lived there and were raising bilingual children, we knew how important it was for them to grow in a multicultural atmosphere. When we could, my husband and I took our children to Spain in the summer and to visit relatives. Laura and her husband did the same.

It was then we realized we could offer other students the same opportunities our own children had. Living in a foreign country and experiencing different situations: the fun, flavor, variety and people of Spain in a nurturing and safe environment.» –Ana M. Quintana

Meet the Business Owner

Ana M. Q.

Business Owner

Ana M. Quintana was born in the north coast of Spain where she grew up and later moved to the U.S. to finish her studies. Ana and her husband James settled in North Carolina in 1993. They travel to Spain every year with their three children. Their second son is currently studying in Santander, Spain. Ana loves to travel and has visited countries throughout Europe, Central and South America.

Ana has a business background and is in charge of Chispa’s day-​to-​day management. She also leads the summer programs to Spain.