Online Spanish Classes | 1-on-1 Live Lessons with a Master Teacher

Spanish School Nicaragua

Online Spanish Classes, Live and 1-on-1

See exactly what a live online Spanish class looks like — the platform, the format, and how a real session runs from start to finish. 29+ years of experience, one-on-one, at a schedule that fits your week.

Rafael Castillo - Master Teacher

Meet Your Teacher

I’m Rafael Castillo, a professional Spanish instructor with a Master’s Degree (MA) in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language and over 29 years in the classroom. Based in Estelí, Nicaragua, I’ve taught students from dozens of countries — online and in person.

Every class is planned around you: your level, your goals, and the mistakes you actually make — not a fixed textbook path.

Inside a Live Online Class

No mystery — here’s exactly what happens in a standard 60-minute session.

0-10 min

Warm-up conversation

We talk — about your day, your week, whatever’s on your mind — entirely in Spanish, at your level. This is where I hear how you’re really doing.

10-20 min

Review what tripped you up

We go back over the errors and questions from your last class before moving forward, so nothing gets lost.

20-40 min

New material, tied to your goals

Grammar, vocabulary, or structures introduced through real examples relevant to you — not a generic textbook chapter.

40-55 min

Guided speaking practice

You use what you just learned out loud, live, with corrections in the moment — this is where it actually sticks.

55-60 min

Wrap-up and short homework

A quick recap of what we covered and a light, specific task for before your next class.

What’s Included

  • Free 30-minute trial class
  • 100% private, 1-on-1 sessions
  • Flexible scheduling across time zones
  • Custom materials for your level
  • Direct WhatsApp support from your teacher
  • Safe payments: Zelle, Wise, Remitly, Bank Transfer

Pricing

Prepaid packages, monthly plans, and intensive programs — pick what fits how you like to learn.

From $145/month · Packages from $200 · Full Bootcamp $1,190
See Full Pricing & Packages →

Not Sure Online Is Right for You?

Both paths use the same teacher and method — the difference is where you are.

💻 Online, From Anywhere

Learn from home on your own schedule. Ideal if you can’t travel right now, or want to build a foundation before an in-person trip.

See how a class works ↑

🏡 Immersion in Estelí

Live with a host family and study 1-on-1 for several hours a day in a real Nicaraguan town, off the typical tourist path.

Explore Immersion Programs →

Common Questions About Online Classes

What platform do you use for online Spanish classes?

Classes are held live over video call, usually on Zoom. If Zoom doesn’t work well for you, we can also meet on WhatsApp video or another platform you’re comfortable with.

Do I need any special software or equipment?

No. Just a phone, tablet, or computer with internet access and a camera — no downloads or special equipment required.

Are online classes effective for complete beginners?

Yes. Every class is one-on-one and built around your current level, so beginners get the same structured, personalized attention as advanced students.

Can I take classes across time zones?

Yes, students join from many different time zones. We work together to find class times that fit your schedule.

How long is each class?

Standard classes are 60 minutes, giving enough time for conversation practice, grammar, and review in every session.

How often should I take classes?

For most learners, 2-3 classes a week keeps momentum without feeling overwhelming. If you’re on a tight timeline, daily classes speed things up significantly.

What does a typical online class actually look like?

Each 60-minute class opens with a few minutes of warm-up conversation, moves into review of anything tricky from last time, introduces new material tied to your goals, then closes with guided speaking practice and a short homework note for next time.

What Our Students Say

Real reviews from our students on Google.

EXCELLENT
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Based on 40 reviews
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Douglas profile picture
Douglas
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This is a fantastic Spanish school – if you’re thinking about getting some lessons then DO IT! Rafael is the most amazing teacher. He makes the lessons relentlessly fun and engaging, he’s very patient, he has incredible knowledge of English as well as Spanish, and he effortlessly adapts the pace and the content of the lessons to best suit your needs. I’m a beginner, and took a one-week course, and I’m so glad that I did. Estelí itself is an authentic and calm place, very different from the other touristy destinations in the country. If you want to escape the crowds and really focus on improving your Spanish then this is the place to do it.
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Nell Whitman profile picture
Nell Whitman
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I just spent a phenomenal week studying Spanish with Rafael Castillo at Spanish School Nicaragua in Esteli, Nicaragua. I *highly* recommend his classes to anyone who wants to study Spanish and learn about Nicaragua. I've studied several different languages,and speak 2 well (plus English). I think that Rafael is one of the two best teachers I've ever had. Here are the details: I could already communicate in Spanish, but knew that I was making tons of errors. He had exercises to start conversations on various topics, and made notes while we conversed - this helped me catch careless errors,as well as errors I didn't even know about. And, he always did this with good cheer and encouragement. He also identified my biggest language weaknesses, and had specific lessons on those concepts, including practice & homework. In between, he answered many questions I had about life in Nicaragua. I can't believe how much I learned! Finally, he helped me find accommodations for the week (I chose not to do a homestay), and provided delicious coffee during the break each morning. And, Esteli is a great place to spend a week. I can't recommend him strongly enough! Nell, Portland, OR, USA
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Thane Cole profile picture
Thane Cole
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Rafeal is a fantastic Spanish teacher! My spanish has definitely improved! Each class we do conversation with corrections as we speak (best way to practice, learn and reinforce a language in my opinion), followed by a structured lesson on grammar. Very highly recommend!!!!!!
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Joann Noll profile picture
Joann Noll
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Rafael Castillo is an excellent and engaging teacher. Our conversations have become more interesting and FUN as my Spanish has improved! He is a fine human being and and a very intelligent person
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Susan Mitchell profile picture
Susan Mitchell
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I have been a student of Rafael's for 18 months. I have learned a great deal about the Spanish language. The focus is on understanding not just speaking and writing. This is important because it will help prepare you for any situation. He is always available via email and promptly answers any questions, concerns, and schedule issues. Topics that are confusing to me are explained in a variety of ways until they become clear, catering to my learning styles and abilities. Study guides are also provided for extra help when needed. Sessions are comfortable and productive whether I have done well on the lessons or not. I will continue taking lessons because they are helpful. fun. and very reasonably priced. Check it out and you will not be disappointed
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Tyson Wright profile picture
Tyson Wright
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My son and I spent a week studying at the Spanish School Nicaragua and staying with a host family. My only regret is that we could not stay longer. Rafael custom structured our daily classes to focus on our weak areas, and really challenged us to improve our Spanish language skills. His unique teaching style made the time we spent in class fun and exciting. He didn’t just focus on the language, but also emphasized the cultural differences offering tips on effectively communicating like a native speaker. He helped us organize our afternoons to experience Estali and the surrounding area. Our accommodations were awesome! Miriam, our host, went out of her way to ensure we were comfortable. She was friendly, interactive, and a culinary expert! I would strongly recommend Spanish School Nicaragua for anyone looking for a true Nica adventure.
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Englishsessions profile picture
Englishsessions
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Rafael is a total legend! I did a 5 day course with him back in March and had an amazing time. The lessons really helped grow my confidence speaking Spanish. We would often chat in Spanish until I got stuck on something, then Rafael would explain it to me. We also did a couple of lovely field trips - one to the countryside and one to a cigar factory. It was great to mix a bit of culture with the learning. Esteli is off the beaten Gringo track too, so it’s really a breath of fresh air. I was set up with a wonderful host called Miriam, who was super sweet and served delicious Nicaraguan food. If you’re on the fence about doing this, do it!

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