Learn Spanish a lo Boricua: APPLICATIONS OPEN- 2026 Spanish Immersion Retreat in Ponce, Puerto Rico
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: Kerry Brennan
Introduction to the 2026 Spanish Immersion Retreat
In the latest episode of Learn Spanish a lo Boricua, host Kerry Brennan enthusiastically announces the opening of applications for the second annual Spanish Immersion Retreat set to take place in Ponce, Puerto Rico from March 14 to March 21, 2026. This retreat is designed for individuals eager to immerse themselves in the unique Puerto Rican dialect and culture, building upon the success of the inaugural retreat.
Reflections from Year One Participants
Kerry begins by sharing heartfelt testimonials from participants of the first retreat, highlighting the transformative impact of the experience:
- Participant A described the retreat as "life affirming, nourishing and challenging in all the right ways" (00:02).
- Participant B shared, "Transformative words can't capture the magic of my immersion trip to Puerto Rico with Spanish with Kerry" (00:02).
- Participant C praised the program, stating it was "the essence of Boricua, inviting us to immerse not just in the language, but in the rest of my beloved cultura Puerto Ricania" (00:03).
These testimonials underscore the retreat's ability to foster deep linguistic and cultural connections among participants.
Meet the Team: Kerry and Annette
Kerry Brennan introduces herself and her co-organizer, Annette, providing insight into their backgrounds and roles:
-
Kerry Brennan: Holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish and has been living in Puerto Rico for five years. Coming from a non-Latino family with roots in Ireland and Italy, Kerry is a testament to achieving full bilingualism despite starting from zero Spanish at home (00:10).
-
Annette: The communications manager and Kerry's right hand, Annette is Boricua by heritage. Growing up in Florida with summers in Puerto Rico, she represents many Boricua students who navigate their Spanish journey while reconnecting with their cultural roots (00:13).
The duo ensures a balanced representation of participants with and without Puerto Rican heritage, fostering an inclusive environment.
Participant Demographics and Community
Last year's retreat hosted 15 participants, divided equally between those with Puerto Rican heritage and those from the United States passionate about the language and culture. This balance allows for rich cultural exchanges and mutual support among diverse backgrounds.
Boricua Perspectives: Overcoming Language Barriers
A group of four Boricua women shared their experiences, emphasizing the retreat's role in overcoming language-related insecurities:
-
Boricua Participant: "As a Puerto Rican who grew up hearing and understanding Spanish, but for some reason never speaking it, there's a sense of shame and embarrassment that comes from not speaking and being a no sabo kid" (00:17).
-
She further highlighted the retreat's supportive environment: "This retreat provided a safe space to learn and grow without shame or embarrassment" (00:17).
These insights reveal the retreat's importance in fostering confidence and fluency among Boricua participants reconnecting with their heritage.
Detailed 2026 Retreat Itinerary
Location:
- Elotel Belgica, Ponce, Puerto Rico: A boutique hotel situated near Plaza Las Delicias, offering vibrant Spanish-style architecture and a personable atmosphere (00:20).
Daily Activities:
-
Conversation Classes: Small groups of four to five students engage in Spanish conversations in the hotel's business lounge, ensuring personalized and effective practice (00:21).
-
Yoga Class in Spanish: Initiates the retreat with mindfulness and physical relaxation, setting a compassionate tone for the week (00:21).
-
Cooking Class and Grocery Trip (Monday): Participants shop for ingredients and learn Puerto Rican cuisine entirely in Spanish, enhancing practical language use (00:22).
-
Historical Walking Tour (Tuesday): Guided by Nori of Isla Caribe, participants explore Ponce's rich artistic and musical heritage, deeply rooted in the local culture (00:23).
-
Dialect and Dance Classes (Wednesday):
-
Community and Environmental Tour (Thursday): Visit to Casa Pueblo in Adjuntas, learning about community activism and environmental protection efforts (00:24).
-
Beach Day and Cleanup (Friday): Engage in environmental stewardship at Playa Santa in Guanica followed by relaxation and a picturesque farewell dinner at Panorama Sientochenza, enjoying sunset views and local cuisine (00:25).
Included Amenities:
- Meals: Breakfast and dinners are provided daily.
- Midday Breaks: Time allocated for rest or independent activities.
- Transportation: All retreat activities and transfers from San Juan Airport to Ponce are covered, ensuring convenience for participants (00:26).
Application Process and Requirements
Kerry outlines the vital details for prospective applicants:
-
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: Must be 21 years or older.
- Language Proficiency: Intermediate to upper intermediate comprehension of Puerto Rican Spanish is required to fully benefit from the Spanish-led activities (00:28).
- Connection to Puerto Rico: Applicants should demonstrate a meaningful connection or appreciation for Puerto Rican culture.
-
Application Steps:
- Apply Here: Follow the link provided in the video description or podcast notes to access the application form.
- Deadline: Submit applications by Friday, June 6 (00:30).
- Review and Interviews: Applications are reviewed from June 9 to June 16, followed by interviews between June 16 and June 27 to ensure applicants have genuine intentions (00:31).
- Notifications: Acceptance, waitlist, or rejection emails sent around July 1. Accepted participants must secure their spot by paying deposits by July 15 (00:32).
-
Selection Criteria:
- Basic Requirements: Age, language proficiency, and cultural connection.
- Application Strength: Demonstrated passion and the potential for meaningful engagement are critical. As Kerry emphasizes, "Show us that this will be a meaningful opportunity to you because that's the energy we're looking for" (00:34).
-
Additional Notes:
Mission and Values
Kerry concludes by reaffirming the retreat's core mission:
- Deepening Connections: Enhancing participants' ties to the Spanish language and Puerto Rican culture through immersive experiences.
- Focus on Fluidity and Connection: Emphasizing communication and cultural understanding over linguistic perfection.
- Bridging the Diaspora and Puerto Rico: Creating meaningful interactions between those of Puerto Rican heritage and others passionate about the culture (00:35).
The retreat aims to enrich understanding of Puerto Rican history and cultivate Spanish learning with purpose, fostering a vibrant community of learners and cultural enthusiasts.
Closing Remarks
Reflecting on the success of the first retreat, Kerry expresses gratitude and excitement for the upcoming year: "Our first retreat this year was an incredible experience... It was incredibly nourishing to see the impact that this community has had on students" (00:36). She invites interested individuals to apply and join the growing community dedicated to celebrating and learning the rich cultural tapestry of Puerto Rico.
For more information or questions, applicants are encouraged to email Kerry directly at email@spanishwithcarimail.com, ensuring timely and direct communication.
Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Boricua spirit and elevate your Spanish skills in one of Puerto Rico’s most vibrant cities. Apply by June 6th to secure your spot!