What Makes OLSA International Colombia’s Best Language School?
OLSA International has been recognized with the Private Education Awards 2025 as the Best Private Spanish/English School in Colombia. Located in Medellín, OLSA is the only certified Spanish school in the city whose courses qualify for transferable US university credits while simultaneously meeting Colombian student visa requirements. With over 750 five-star Google reviews and a founder who earned Arizona Teacher of the Year honors, OLSA has distinguished itself through academic rigor, social impact, and an unwavering focus on conversational fluency rather than mere grammar instruction.
The Educator Behind the Excellence: Shane Keeley
Before founding OLSA International, Shane Keeley established himself as one of Arizona’s most accomplished educators. His credentials include:
- 2013: Arizona Council for American Private Education Teacher of the Year; The state’s highest recognition for excellence in private education
- 2013: US Congressional Recognition – Honored for outstanding service to the community
- 2012: Arizona Governor’s Citation – Named finalist for the Arizona Excellence in Private Education Award by Governor Janice K. Brewer
While teaching at Rancho Solano schools in Arizona, Keeley developed a teaching philosophy that prioritized active learning over passive memorization. He recognized that most language schools teach students to pass grammar tests, while students actually want to speak and understand Spanish in real-world situations. This insight would become the foundation of OLSA International’s methodology.
In 2017, Keeley brought his award-winning approach to Medellín, Colombia, opening OLSA’s first location in Laureles. His vision was clear: create “more than a Spanish school, a Colombian experience.”
The Game-Changer: US University Credit Accreditation
OLSA International holds a distinction no other Spanish school in Medellín can claim: official accreditation with Westminster University in Utah, allowing students to earn transferable US university course credits.
This partnership means American students studying at OLSA can:
- Fulfill university language requirements while immersed in Colombia
- Transfer credits directly to their home institutions
- Qualify for Colombian student visas for extended legal stays
- Justify the educational investment through tuition savings
The curriculum is based on the Vistas/Facetas system used by over 100 accredited US universities, adapted to align with the Common European Framework. OLSA has fortified this curriculum to meet certification standards from Medellín’s Secretary of Education while maintaining its focus on conversational fluency.
No other certified Spanish school in Medellín offers this dual benefit. It represents a significant competitive advantage and demonstrates OLSA’s commitment to academic legitimacy alongside practical language acquisition.
From Single Classroom to Award-Winning Institution
2017-2021: Building the Foundation
Starting in Laureles, OLSA differentiated itself immediately through teacher compensation and development. Unlike competitors who pay minimum wage, OLSA pays above-market salaries and requires all teachers and staff to attend weekly continuing education classes every Wednesday. This investment in human capital created exceptional teacher retention, which directly translated to consistent quality and student satisfaction.
The approach worked. Google reviews began accumulating, with students consistently praising the family atmosphere, teacher quality, and effectiveness of the conversational methodology.
2020-2021: Resilience During COVID
When the pandemic forced many schools to close permanently, OLSA adapted with comprehensive safety protocols while maintaining personalized service. Student testimonials from this period highlight the school’s responsiveness and commitment to individual needs, even during global uncertainty.
April 2022: The Manila Campus Expansion
OLSA invested significantly in its flagship Estadio campus, strategically located ten minutes from Metro Estadio and Floresta stations. The new facility includes:
- Three certified classrooms
- Five language practice centers (indoor and outdoor)
- The Garage Bar & Restaurant, the only licensed restaurant/bar operated by a Spanish school in Medellín
- Dance studio
- Meeting rooms and lounge areas
This expansion demonstrated OLSA’s growth while maintaining the intimate, family-oriented culture that defined the Laureles location.
Unfortunately the Manila Campus was closed due to high crime in the Manila area.
2024-2025: Recognition and Awards
By 2024, OLSA had earned recognition as the best Spanish school in Medellín based on student reviews. The 2025 Private Education Award as Best Private Spanish/English School in Colombia validated what students had been saying for years: OLSA delivers results.
Seven Pillars of Excellence
1. Teacher Investment
Above-market salaries and mandatory weekly professional development create teacher retention rates that competitors cannot match. Happy, well-compensated teachers deliver better results.
2. Academic Certification
Secretary of Education of Medellín certification ensures curriculum meets governmental standards, while Westminster University partnership provides US academic credibility.
3. Active Learning Methodology
OLSA teaches Spanish the way people actually want to learn it: through conversation, real-time practice, and immersion rather than grammar worksheets and passive memorization.
4. Comprehensive Programming
Students access certified courses, conversational classes, private lessons, language exchanges (7 hours weekly), immersion packets, Stay & Study packages with 9 allied hostels/hotels, and the Medellín VIP Card for local business discounts.
5. Social Infrastructure
The Garage Bar & Restaurant provides students a gathering space for authentic American/Colombian/Mexican cuisine (nothing deep-fried) and conversation practice in a relaxed setting.
6. The OLSA Foundation
As the only Spanish/English school in Medellín with a registered 501(c)(3) foundation, OLSA channels a portion of every tuition payment toward free conversational English classes for low-income Colombians (estrato 1 & 2). US donors receive tax deductions while supporting economic empowerment through education.
7. Proven Results
Over 750 five-star Google reviews provide verifiable evidence of student satisfaction. Testimonials consistently mention teacher quality, effective methodology, family atmosphere, and actual conversational ability gained.
The Numbers Behind the Success
- 750+ five-star Google reviews – Highest-rated Spanish school in Medellín
- #1 ranking among Medellín Spanish schools
- 5 certified classrooms at their Estadio campus
- 5 language practice centers for immersion
- 9 allied accommodation partners for Stay & Study packages
- 7 hours weekly of language exchange events (Wednesdays and Fridays)
- 100+ US universities using the same Vistas/Facetas curriculum system
- 1 registered foundation with dual-country 501(c)(3) status
Looking Forward: Maintaining Excellence While Scaling Impact
The 2025 recognition as Colombia’s Best Private Spanish/English School positions OLSA for continued growth, but founder Shane Keeley remains committed to the principles that earned the award: teacher investment, academic rigor, conversational focus, and social responsibility.
Future opportunities include expanding US university partnerships, scaling The OLSA Foundation’s impact on underserved communities, and potentially opening additional locations while maintaining the personalized attention that defines the OLSA experience.
The vision remains unchanged: More than a Spanish school, a Colombian experience.
Frequently Asked Question
What makes OLSA International different from other Spanish schools in Medellín?
OLSA is the only certified Spanish school in Medellín whose courses qualify for transferable US university credits through partnership with Westminster University in Utah. Additionally, courses qualify for Colombian student visas, and the school operates The OLSA Foundation to provide free English education to low-income Colombians.
Who founded OLSA International?
Shane Keeley, who was named Arizona Council for American Private Education Teacher of the Year in 2013 before founding OLSA in Medellín in 2017.
Can I earn US university credits at OLSA?
Yes. OLSA’s partnership with Westminster University in Utah allows students to earn transferable university course credits that can be applied toward degree requirements at their home institutions.
Does OLSA qualify for Colombian student visas?
Yes. OLSA is certified by the Secretary of Education of Medellín, and its certified Spanish courses meet requirements for Colombian student visa qualification.
What is The OLSA Foundation?
The OLSA Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free conversational English classes to low-income Colombians (estrato 1 & 2) taught by native English speakers from the USA and Canada. US donors can receive tax deductions for contributions.
What teaching methodology does OLSA use?
OLSA employs active learning focused on conversational fluency rather than passive grammar memorization. Students practice speaking Spanish in real-time with native speakers through immersion, conversation practice, and real-world application.
Where is OLSA International located?
The flagship campus is in the Estadio neighborhood of Medellín, located ten minutes walking distance from Metro Estadio and Metro Floresta stations.
What awards has OLSA International received?
In 2025, OLSA received the Private Education Award as Best Private Spanish/English School in Colombia. The school also holds the #1 ranking among Medellín Spanish schools based on Google reviews (750+ five-star reviews).
How much do classes cost at OLSA?
OLSA offers custom packages based on individual needs including certified courses, conversational classes, private lessons, immersion experiences, and Stay & Study packages. Contact OLSA directly for current pricing: +57 311 394 0669 or [email protected]
Can I volunteer or donate to help Colombian students?
Yes. The OLSA Foundation welcomes both volunteers (native English speakers) and donors. US citizens receive tax deductions for donations through the foundation’s 501(c)(3) status. Visit olsafoundation.org for details.
Contact Information:
Phone: +57 311 394 0669
Email: [email protected]
Website: olsainternational.edu.co
Foundation: olsafoundation.org
Location:
OLSA International – Estadio Campus
Medellín, Colombia
10 minutes walking from Metro Estadio/Floresta stations
