Essential Information
Timetable
Classes run between 09:00 and 15:00 each day. You will find out your timetable on the first day of classes when students have been allocated to their groups. Each lesson lasts 55 minutes. Each course includes a 15-20 minute break every day. The timetable is displayed in the entrance hall and we recommend that you check it each day.
Calendar
Group courses begin on Mondays all year round – or, if the Monday is a National Holiday, it will begin on the Tuesday. The following days are National Holidays in Spain:
01.01.10, 06.01.10, 28.02.10, 19.03.10, Easter Thursday, Easter Friday, 01.05.10, 15.08.10, 12.10.10, 01.11.10, 06.12.10, 08.12.10, 25.12.10.
First day
The first day of your course will begin at 09:00 with a graded test in order to assess your level, for those students who have some previous knowledge of Spanish. Absolute beginners will not do the test and will start classes straight away, at a time confirmed on their arrival. On the first day of classes a welcome meeting will be held to introduce students and staff to each other, to explain a bit about the school, and to present the week’s social activities.
Last day
At the end of the course students will receive a certificate of attendance, which can be used as evidence for course credit if you are a student in your home country. A written and oral examination can be taken if required. We also ask students to complete a questionnaire to reflect on their experience and offer their feedback on their stay with us, so that we can continue improving.
Students
The minimum age for all courses is 15 (except for children’s courses). There is no maximum age. We have students of all ages and backgrounds, some of whom are on holiday, some who have decided to live and work or retire in Spain, and others who use a trip to Spain as a way of preparing for Spanish exams or courses at home. Typically our students come from other European countries and the USA but we welcome people from all over the world.
Teachers
All of our teachers are native Spanish speakers and have many years of experience of teaching Spanish as a foreign language. They are dedicated and friendly, and they are always willing to help you with any doubts or questions about your Spanish studies, as well as to give recommendations and information to help you enjoy your time in Spain. Every day one teacher will have an hour in which they are available to help students with any questions they may have. The teachers hold a weekly meeting to discuss the progress of the students and to take on board their suggestions and comments.
Office
The office is open every day except weekends and holidays from 09:00 to 15:00. Office staff are available during these hours to answer students’ questions about excursions and activities, as well as to respond to any comments or doubts about the courses and accommodation. For example, if you feel your classes are too easy or too difficult, you can talk to the office staff or to the teachers about moving to a different level. The office is also the place to go to pay for your course and social activities or to make any general enquiries.
Course length
The minimum length of group courses is one week and there is no maximum. The courses run continually depending on the levels of the students attending the school. Some students stay for one or two weeks, others choose to stay for several months. Of course, those who stay longer will achieve a higher level of Spanish, but short courses are ideal for people who want to learn intensively as part of their holiday, for example.
Levels
All the courses, except Course D, are available at all levels of Spanish, from absolute beginner through to advanced. Progress from one level to the next depends on the individual student, the type of course, and of course how much time they dedicate to Spanish outside of class. Typically students will cover between one and three new areas of grammar each week, as well as revise areas previously covered.
