Classes

Method

The classes are taught entirely in Spanish (the immersion method).  In our experience this maximizes the learning experience, allowing students to get the most of their Spanish studies.  The classes are divided into two hours of grammar and two hours of conversation.  In this way students develop a sound understanding of the grammatical basis of the language, and build on it with practical communication skills and everyday vocabulary, which they can use outside the classroom straight away.  All students need to buy the relevant course book and exercise book (€30 for both).  Any other essential materials are provided free of charge.  Teachers will usually set a short exercise for homework each day.

Grammar

The areas of grammar studied will depend on the length of your stay and on the previous knowledge of the students in the group, but here are some of the grammar topics you can expect to cover at each level:   Elementary: regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, the use of ser and estar, reflexive pronouns, the present continuous tense, comparatives and superlatives, forming questions.    Intermediate: regular and irregular verbs in the past tense, the perfect tenses, reflexive verbs, direct and indirect object pronouns, reported speech (statements), the use of por, para and other prepositions.    Advanced: contrasting the past tenses, the present and past subjunctive, the future tense to express possibility, the conditional tense, and reported speech (requests and commands).

Conversation

Conversation classes allow students to develop their speaking skills, listening skills, fluency and vocabulary through guided discussions of topics appropriate to the level of the group.  The teachers may provide material, such as a picture, short text or questionnaire, to prompt the conversation.  Topics may include personal information, likes and dislikes, past experiences, giving your opinion, asking for advice, the differences between Spain and your home country, current affairs, travel and culture.  Conversation classes tend to be informal, fun classes – if the weather is nice we sometimes take them out on the terrace.

Groups

There is a maximum of 8 students per group, although that number may be exceeded in conversation classes.  If you booked group lessons but there is no group at your level, you’ll receive one-to-one classes instead, but with half the number of hours daily.  This is to reflect the intensive nature of individual tuition.  Your group may change in the course of your stay as students leave, new students arrive, or if you progress to a different level.