VIERNES NEGRO

Para planear. Para practicar. Para probar.

Black Friday, pero make it Spanish. Low-friction, high-touch momentum para que hables más y struggles menos: three phases of deals, tres opciones fantásticas, and un paso adelante towards progreso real.

Offers open Thanksgiving Thursday, Nov 26. Sign up for La Chispa today so you don’t miss a thing.  Join La Chispa →

Jennifer Colestock, Chief Spanish Officer at Gringo Language Academy

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome!

Whether you’re starting from step one or picking up where you left off years ago, this is your sign to stop lurking and start speaking. We’re a community of real, imperfect language-lovers who swap perfection for progress, and we believe language is meant to be used in community, so that’s how we learn it. Pick your path, take the leap, and let’s habla más and struggle menos together!

— Jennifer, Chief Spanish Officer, Gringo Language Academy

New here? Gringo Language Academy is a Spanish-learning community for adults in Bend, Oregon as well as online: small-group classes, 1-on-1 coaching, and real conversation practice with native speakers. This Black Friday we’re opening three short windows, one for each way people like to start: some need to plan (Nov 26–27), other just want to jump in and practice (Nov 28–29), and some really need to try things out before they commit (Nov 30).
Pick the verb that is right for you!

All offers on this page are for first-time students.

Próximamente

Para planear • Nov 26–27

planear (v.) — to plan

Voy a planear mi semana. — I’m going to plan my week.

Solo 15 spots, total. Book your strategy call by Dec 31.

Monthly Plan

$179One month membership

  • A 30-minute kick-off session to get things started off right
  • A quick diagnostic check to see where you really are with your Spanish.
  • An actual book, matched to your level, sent to your door (US only)
  • Walk away with a structured plan for your success
Don't miss out - get on the list!
Mejor valor

6-Month VIP Pass

$8346 months, paid upfront (Save $240)

  • Two 60-minute meetings: one initial planning session and a 90-day progress check
  • An actual book, matched to your level, sent to your door (US only)
  • Let's map out a plan you can stick to and make sure that, this time, the language sticks, too.
Don't miss out - get on the list!
Próximamente

Para practicar • Nov 28–29

practicar (v.) — to practice

Quiero practicar contigo. — I want to practice with you.

2×conversation credits

Double Your Chat Time with Double the Conversation Credits

Real humans, real conversations, real confianza. Habla más, struggle menos.

Credits expire after one year. Choose 8 x 15-minute or 4 x 30-minute conversations; we'll confirm and assign yours personally.

Requires at least a one month membership committment ($179).

Don't miss out - get on the list!
Próximamente

Para probar • Nov 30

probar (v.) — to try; to taste

Quiero probar algo nuevo. — I want to try something new.

$179/mo→$129/mo

OK, we get it. Sometimes you just want an awesome discount. How about the first two months at $50 off each (save $100 total). Pruébalo sin drama.

Don't miss out - get on the list!

★★★★★

“Gringo Language Academy is the BEST. I have learned so much and had so much fun doing it. They bring a level of professionalism and fun that is unmatched. It is always new and interesting oh and you are learning a new language. You should for sure sign up and start learning Spanish and so much more!”

Katie Richards, Bend, OR · Google review

Not a newbie to Gringo Language Academy? Ready to jump back in? Reach out to see what specials we might have waiting just for you!

BEND, Oregon
·
HALF day

Cuevas y conversación

¿Cómo se dice 'lava tubes' en español? Let's find out.

Step inside a wild, undeveloped lava tube with Wanderlust Tours—the only outfit permitted to explore this subterranean wonder. Free from boardwalks and crowds, this intimate adventure is capped at just seven participants, leaving only headlamps and our bilingual guide, Isaac, to illuminate the path forward. In one of the darkest, quietest places on Earth, you'll discover how ancient volcanic forces carved these tunnels while learning about the unique (and hopefully small!) creatures that still call this cave home.

The interior of a lava tube cave near Bend, Oregon.  Chaney Swiney - Wanderlust Tours
Wait, was that a murciélago?

Isaac will lead the full two-hour journey in Spanish (weaving in English and Spanglish as needed) so you can learn terms like stalactite and steam vent in real time rather than off a worksheet. Once you surface and blink back the daylight, we will head straight for tacos to satisfy that post-spelunking hunger before wrapping up the trip with a safe journey back to our starting point.


Group size: We are limited to only seven participants for this tour, with a minimum of four.

Provided: Professional guide, helmet and headlamp, roundtrip transportation from Wanderlust Tours offices in Bend

Please bring: Warm layers, closed-toed shoes, water, your camera, and a few pesos for tacos once we are done

Change of plans? Prior to 48 hours, full refunds available minus a 10% booking fee. Within 48 hours, you may apply your payment towards a future Gringo Destinations event or Gringo Community membership


BEND, Oregon
·
EVENING

Monarchs and Marigolds: Paint and Learn

Paint the magic of Día de los Muertos

Step into the history, heart, and vibrant art of Día de los Muertos, right in the middle of downtown Bend. Your evening begins with a 30-minute talk hosted by Jennifer, Chief Spanish Officer at Gringo Language Academy, exploring the deep cultural magic behind monarchs and marigolds. Discover why millions of mariposas arrive in central Mexico each November and how the glowing cempasúchil flowers guide loved ones home during this sacred celebration.

Paint the spirit, story, and soul of Día de los Muertos.

With a fresh, deeper connection to the tradition, you’ll pick up your brush as Sarah from Let's Paint guides you step-by-step through creating a canvas filled with meaning. No painting experience is needed—simply sip your favorite beverage or wine, laugh with friends, and let every stroke tell a story. More than just a paint night, this is an unforgettable journey through culture, connection, and creativity. You'll leave with a gorgeous piece of art for your home and a heartfelt appreciation for one of the world's most beautiful traditions.


Group size: Only 20 spots have been reserved for this special event, so book early!

Provided: All materials and instruction needed to create - and truly appreciate - your masterpiece

Please bring: Your creative energy (again, no skills required) and a few dollars for the snacks and beverages of your choice.

Change of plans? A full refund is available if cancelled at least 48 hours before the event; a partial refund of 50% is available with less than 48 hours notice.


TLAQUEPAQUE, MEXICO
·
FIVE days

Días de los muertos en México

Sights, scents, and sugar skulls in the heart of Mexico—todo en español.

Tlaquepaque comes alive for Día de los Muertos like nowhere else in Jalisco. Pedestrian-only cobblestone streets are transformed with radiant marigold displays, intricate ofrendas, and monumental Catrina installations. From our home base at a charming family-run hotel, you’ll experience Mexico’s most cherished holiday at an unhurried, local pace—immersing yourself in the culture, music, and flavors that make autumn here so magical.

Join us for one of Mexico's most iconic celebrations.

Designed specifically for intermediate Spanish speakers, though open to all, this small-group getaway balances cultural discovery with casual, real-world language practice. Whether you’re browsing artisan workshops along Calle Independencia, chatting with local makers, or taking in candlelit evening processions, every moment offers a fun, low-pressure way to build your conversational confidence en español.


THE LODGING

Charming accommodations just steps from Tlaquepaque’s central plazas and artisan streets. Unpack once and relax in an intimate, historic setting.

THE MEALS

Daily breakfasts and select group meals included. You’ll also have ample free time to explore Tlaquepaque’s incredible culinary scene independently.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

A curated mix of hands-on cultural activities—from walking tours to tequila tastings—with real-world Spanish practice woven seamlessly throughout.

THE LOGISTICS

Complete ground coordination, guided outings, and hosted group experiences—all taken care of. Plus, enjoy complimentary 1-on-1 travel advising to help you book flights or extend your stay.

Group size: Capped at a small group of six adults (2026) for optimal conversation and flexibility.

Provided: Boutique lodging (double occupancy), daily breakfasts, select group meals, multiple hosted experiences

Please bring: Comfortable walking shoes, an open mind, and enthusiasm for practicing your Spanish! Additional packing notes will be sent closer to departure.

Not included: Airfare to Guadalajara (GDL), airport transfers, personal shopping, tips for guides, and certain meals

Change of plans? Prior to 30 days, full refunds available minus $250 deposit. Within 30 days, credit can be applied toward a future Gringo Destinations experience