About us

¡Vamos! is a Spanish language school and Latin Cultural Center located in the heart of Cuenca, Ecuador. We welcome students from all over the world to learn the language while immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of Ecuador and Latin America.

We offer intensive, semi-intensive, and regular Spanish courses for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners. In addition, we organize a wide variety of cultural activities that make language learning more dynamic and memorable. These include salsa dancing, Ecuadorian cooking classes, Latin American film forums, and guided city tours. We also offer fully customized private one-on-one lessons as well as Spanish classes for children of all ages.

Our Method

Our teaching approach is grounded in the latest research on language acquisition and the guidelines of the Instituto Cervantes, with one core principle: Communication. All our materials are carefully selected and adapted to actively engage students in meaningful use of Spanish in real-life contexts.

Before starting any course, students take a Spanish placement test to determine their current level, identify their learning needs, and ensure they join the right group. This allows us to tailor activities and resources for the most effective learning experience.

Our curriculum follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the most widely recognized international standard for describing language proficiency. Our program covers all key skills—writing, reading, speaking, listening/comprehension, and grammar—and each student receives a customized workbook containing all learning materials and activities.

The Three Pillars of Our Method

Personalized Attention – Small class sizes (maximum of 5 students) allow our experienced, native-speaking teachers to provide individual feedback and customized support.
Interactive Learning – Dynamic discussions, role-plays, and real-life simulations help students build confidence and practical skills.
Cultural Immersion – Cultural activities, excursions, and language exchanges with locals offer a deeper understanding of Ecuadorian life and traditions.

Our Teachers

All of our teachers are fully qualified and have professional degrees in the field of teaching languages and/or culture. They are native speakers and have extensive experience teaching Spanish as a second language. They offer students a diverse and well-rounded learning experience and they are fun! Check out the profiles of all our amazing teachers here.

Carmen Pais

Director & Spanish Teacher

I was born and raised in the north of Spain, where I earned my B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Santiago de Compostela. Seeking to broaden my horizons, I moved to London, where I completed a Master’s degree in Iberian and Latin American Cultural Studies at Birkbeck, University of London. During this time, I began working as a Spanish tutor and earned my Spanish Teaching Certificate from Goldsmiths, in collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes.

After six years in the UK, I moved to a country very close to my heart—Moldova—where I volunteered in a struggling, overcrowded dog and cat shelter while continuing to teach Spanish.

Eight years ago, I made Cuenca my home. Since then, I have taught both privately and at some of the city’s most respected Spanish schools. Today, I am the proud founder of ¡Vamos! Cuenca Spanish School.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy traveling, reading, walking my dog in the park, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Rosa Jarama

Spanish Teacher

I was born and raised in Cuenca, Ecuador. After raising my children, I felt it was time to pursue a new path. I traveled to the United States, where I developed a passion for languages. Upon returning to Ecuador, I studied English at Universidad Estatal de Cuenca and earned my diploma in English as a Second Language.

I began tutoring English privately, but soon realized I wanted to share my native language as well. I earned my Spanish Teaching Certificate from the International Spanish Institute (IE) in Quito. Since then, I have been teaching Spanish for over 12 years to students from around the world, both in person and online.

I’m passionate about sharing the language and culture of my country. In my free time, I enjoy sports, cooking, and reading.

Viviana Pesántez

Spanish Teacher

My name is Vivi, and I am proud to be from the beautiful city of Cuenca, Ecuador. I studied at the University of Cuenca, where I earned my degree in Bilingual Executive Secretariat.
More than ten years ago, I began teaching Spanish at various language schools in the city. Over the years, I have also taught private, in-home, and online lessons, designing personalized courses tailored to each student’s needs—whether they are starting from scratch or aiming to perfect their fluency.
Teaching Spanish is not just my profession—it is my passion. It allows me to learn about different cultures from around the world, exchange experiences, and build genuine connections with my students. I truly enjoy creating a friendly and motivating learning environment where students feel encouraged to speak, ask questions, and explore the language.
Outside the classroom, I love spending time with my children, listening to music, and reading a good book.

Leonela Ortiz

Spanish Teacher

My name is Nela, and Spanish is my native language—I was born and raised in beautiful Cuenca, Ecuador. For more than 20 years, I’ve been involved in volunteer work, helping families develop healthy habits and supporting them through life’s challenges, something I’ve always found deeply rewarding.

My journey as a Spanish teacher started thanks to my younger brother, who was already teaching Spanish on the Ecuadorian coast. He encouraged me to give it a try, saying my experience as a teacher and my personal approach to students would make me a great fit. I loved the idea! So, I completed a methodology course through the Canadian Institute of English (T.E.S.O.L.) and strengthened my knowledge of Spanish grammar.

I began by offering private lessons at home, and soon after, I joined a local school where I worked with students from different ages, levels, and nationalities. During the pandemic, I embraced online teaching and continued to grow by taking courses like those from ELE Internacional and other specialized trainings. Over the years, I’ve also worked in well-known schools in Cuenca, both in-person and online.

Teaching Spanish is something I truly enjoy because it’s more than just a language—it’s a bridge to culture, experiences, and connection. Whether my students are here for a short visit or planning to stay longer, I love helping them achieve their goals in a way that fits their needs and interests.

When I’m not teaching, I keep learning (because teachers never stop learning!), continue my volunteer work, and spend time doing things I love—board games, reading, exploring history, and enjoying time with my family.

I’m so happy to be part of the amazing team at Vamos and can’t wait to share this journey of learning Spanish with you!