Our story

More than Spanish. A home in Sucre.

We're Elizabeth and Fernando, a Bolivian couple driven by the belief that learning Spanish is, above all, about building bridges. What began as a dream is now Me Gusta: a space to truly experience the culture of Sucre and feel at home while you master the language. We don't just teach grammar; we open the doors of our community to you.

Meet us in Sucre →
Elizabeth and Fernando, founders of Me Gusta Spanish Elizabeth & Fernando, Sucre 2011
"
If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.

— Nelson Mandela

Meet the Founders

Me Gusta Spanish was built on a simple belief: that learning a language should feel personal, joyful, and deeply human. Elizabeth and Fernando are both from Sucre, and their deep love for their city, its culture, and its beautifully clear Spanish shines through in every part of the school.

Elizabeth, co-founder Elizabeth, Co-founder

Elizabeth

Co-founder & Administrative Director

Originally from Padilla, Elizabeth's path in education is rooted in her studies in Social Communication at the Universidad de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca. As our Administrative Director, she is the pillar of organisation at Me Gusta; her systematic approach ensures that every detail of the school runs seamlessly.

Beyond her efficiency, Elizabeth possesses a natural empathy that allows her to connect deeply with students from all over the world. She believes that a well-organised environment is the foundation for confidence, ensuring that every student feels both supported and truly seen from the moment they arrive.

Fernando, co-founder Fernando, Co-founder

Fernando

Co-founder & School Director

Born and raised in Sucre, Fernando's mission has always been to share his city and language with the world. A graduate in Pedagogy and Educational Sciences from USFX, he realised early in his career that learning Spanish could — and should — be simpler and more enjoyable.

This insight led him to co-develop a unique methodology with Elizabeth that serves as the heartbeat of our school. Under his leadership, Me Gusta has become the only Spanish school in Bolivia to develop its own comprehensive textbook series covering six levels of proficiency. Fernando blends this academic excellence with a contagious energy and humour, making every student feel like part of the family from day one.

How we got here

Our story

2003

Elizabeth & Fernando meet

Elizabeth and Fernando met within their Christian community in Sucre. Over the years, their connection grew into a powerful partnership as they collaborated on various business ventures, honing their ability to work as a seamless team. Driven by this shared experience and a passion for their culture, they founded Me Gusta to offer the world a place to learn Spanish through the lens of community and clear communication. Their enduring synergy continues to guide every student's experience today.

2005

Where the dream began

The journey started in 2005 at the Academia Latinoamericana de Español in Sucre. It was there, working side-by-side as Spanish instructors, that Elizabeth and Fernando first discovered their true vocation: teaching Spanish as a foreign language. This pivotal year laid the foundation for everything to come, sparking a passion for cultural exchange that would eventually give life to Me Gusta.

2011

Me Gusta officially opens its doors

In 2011, Me Gusta officially began its operations in a cosy building in the heart of Sucre. Our first students — a group of missionaries from Brazil — marked the start of our journey. This was also the year the "Me Gusta" methodology began to take shape, as our very first students started spreading the word about the unique learning experience happening here in Sucre.

2020

Going global with online learning

In response to the global pandemic, the demand from our alumni living abroad propelled Me Gusta into the digital space. We became one of the first Spanish schools in Bolivia to offer high-quality online classes at scale. This transition allowed us to break borders, bringing the clear Spanish of Sucre directly to students in their homes all over the world.

Now

15,000 alumni and a world of connection

Me Gusta Spanish has become a global hub, welcoming thousands of students from across North America, Europe, and beyond. Whether in person or online, our students choose us for our proven methodology and the legendary clarity of Sucre's Spanish. We've grown significantly since 2011, but our commitment to academic excellence and personal warmth remains unchanged.

Our values

At our school, education isn't a production line. We take the time to mentor our instructors personally and tailor the experience to each student. Our guiding principle is simple: every choice we make must directly enhance the way you learn.

01

People first

Languages exist to connect people. We never lose sight of that. Our classes are conversations, not lectures — warm, relaxed, and focused entirely on you.

02

Continuous improvement

We never stop refining how we teach. Elizabeth reviews every teacher's performance regularly, attends classes, and updates the curriculum as the language — and our students' needs — evolve.

03

Honest progress

We'll tell you the truth about where you are and what you need to do to improve. We'd rather give honest feedback than make you feel good for a week and see no change.

04

Immersion in everything

Class is just the beginning. We recommend host families, organise activities, and encourage you to explore Sucre. The whole city is your classroom.

05

Warmth & welcome

Moving to a new country, even for a few weeks, can be daunting. From the moment you arrive, we want you to feel like you belong here. Fernando's door is always open.

06

Love of Bolivia

We're proud to be based in Sucre. Bolivia doesn't get the attention it deserves — its culture, history, food, and people are extraordinary. Part of our mission is to share that with the world.

from us, to you

Welcome to our family — and welcome to our school.

Whether you've just started thinking about learning Spanish or you've been at it for years, there's a place for you here. Come and find us in Sucre — we'll have the coffee brewing.

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