clara luna

839AshleyL839

This is one of the most meaningful experiences I had the fortune in taking a part of! Paola is amazing and the work she does in her community is so special and important! She needs volunteers to make this happen! The town itself is small, safe, and a very authentic taste of a normal Ecuadorian beach town. The ocean is beautiful and the food is good! The house that Paola rents at a very fair price to the visitors is beautiful and very comfortable! I cannot recommend this place and experience more!!

Scott_in_Ecuador

Nice enough place but visited only once. I took a Spanish lesson (more like a one-on-one) from an instructor that spoke no English. Two hour lesson: $8.http://www.claraluna.com.ec/

katrinaebern

I spent 4 weeks at Clara Luna, volunteering as an English teacher and helping with club de niños and language exchange. I enjoyed working with kids, teens and adults alike and it was a great experience for me. Working with Paola and her kids was fun - Paola, who coorinates all this really does a great job!I learned a lot about Ecuador, and, of course, I also improved my Spanish, although I was not taking any lessons while staying at Clara Luna. The accomodation is simple (a bit noisy and there's no hot water), but homely - I especially liked the balcony, which is also used as a classroom.Puerto Lopez is a great place to stay because it's located next to the Machalilla National Park. There are a lot of options for day trips, e.g. to Isla de la Plata or the Cloud Forest.I can definitely recommend volunteering at Clara Luna's. My advice is, bring a lot of ideas, maybe even material, not only for the teaching, but also for the craft lessons at club de niños!

Santiagotovarm

I visited Clara Lunas and I saw the work they do, teaching english to the locals and the activities with the kids in Club de niños. I think it is a great opportunity for travellers who wants to volunteer in Ecuador. Plus it is located in a really beautiful place. I met the owner and she is really friendly and talktative.

weild

I spent 4 months living and volunteering with Clara Luna. I can't be more happy with the experience I had there. I taught English in local schools, helped with the Club De Ninos, and installed a garden, all while greatly improving my Spanish and having a fabulous time in the awesome town of Puerto Lopez. The work load isn't heavy and the hours are flexible. Paola and her two sons are so fun to be around, and the friends I met there will be friends for a very long time. Overall amazing time :)

U1737LOmarym

I have had two experiences at Clara Luna now, have referred one of my nieces to them AND plan on going back. I can't say how great it is to see an organization with such heart offering programming to the community in many and various ways- from teaching english to after school programs and more, Clara Luna seems to collect like-minded travellers with an array of talents.The location itself is fantastic- the house is spacious with a nice kitchen, a cute back balcony and even a view of the coast line. (some recent unsavoury neighbours make for some nights of roosters though!)Beautiful place, warm people and a great organization.

PaulFlyin

My search for a Spanish school in South America was satisfied when I found Clara Luna. I enjoyed the location being so close to the beach and was able to practice what I was learning in the quiet fishing village. I took intensive course for 3 weeks, yet was able to progress at my own pace. Because the organization offers so much I was able to help with language exchange program and teach some English classes too. I really enjoyed our dinners every night. Each person cooks for the house 1 night per week, so you get to try many different dishes from everyone's different culture. Paola was always friendly, helpful and informative. Thanks!

Doug4321

Paola is hard working and flexible with the work, you can work 15 hours minimum a week or you can do as much as you want. You can be busy but always have the time to relax, chill with the other volunteers and feel like you are making a difference.

Kierita

I had a fantastic time at Clara Luna. I spent 5 weeks there volunteering as an English teacher and helping with other activities. If you are interested in helping children, go here! It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot too. Paola, the coordinator, is great!

856kenj

I studied with Paola at Clara Luna and progressed in my Spanish and learned about Ecuador and South America. Paola recognized areas that I needed to improve and tailored our lessons to my level and learning style. I enjoyed Puerto Lopez and the area as well.I hope I can return and study again in the future. Ken J.

vagabonda2011

After much experience with this wonderful group of dedicated people, I can suggest there is something for everyone at Clara Luna! If you would like to learn Spanish in a great convivial atmosphere, Clara Luna give you the opportunity to enjoy lessons in a friendly homelike setting!If you are interested in kids, and what activities and learning is available for the local children, tune into the Book Club twice a week. Also, there are special activities and events going on all the time which you can choose to get involved with. Interact with locals in the intercambio sessions, where you can develop your language skills in a fun and challenging environment.Drop by anytime to chat with the volunteers, and Paola and her family! They will welcome you!

Malabonita

Claraluna is the best place for learn and live a language. we have met people from different countries and we learned about its culture in a fun way. ..and by the way its coffee is the best of puerto López. I recommend this spot as a highlights.

BarbS128

I volunteered with Clara Luna/Cafe de Lenguas in July 2013 and am going back in February/March 2013--that I am returning says a lot! As a volunteer, I helped with a Spanish reading program in the elementary schools, an after school Kids Club, and an adult English-Spanish language exchange, plus taught English to adults, and am looking forward to doing it again. Paola, the coordinator, is organized, friendly, smart, and is really making a difference in her community. I highly recommend Clara Luna/Cafe de Lenguas as a place to volunteer and learn Spanish!

Doug4321

There are various choices of activities and work to be done in Puerto Lopez. Things are flexible in the volunteer work and communication is carried out and ensures tasks are managed by the week and commitments are made. The organization runs smoothly and has a lot of potential.

bpak01

This will be my fourth season in Puerto Lopez and I have known Paola from day 1. Her and her staff and Family are now very special Friends of mine. I have know the majority of students that have come to her either to brush up on their Spanish or start from day 1. After talking to her students I have come to realize that she is very professional in her teachings. She takes her work seriously and with great pride. She is known for her patience and fun ways for everyone to learn a new language. Her staff also holds her traits. Paola is also a great help to the community children and she holds English classes for them. She holds numerous Birthday parties at her school as well as important community functions. If you will be in Puerto Lopez for one week, month or the season. Stop by and take a few lessons, or just drop by for a cup of coffee and chat.