At our schools we use an interactive method of teaching based on learning by practice. That means that grammar is covered – after all, one of the key building blocks of any language - as much as possible by using practical situations. Speaking and actively using the language is central to the continuous interaction between teacher and student. We have refined the communicative teaching method by constantly evaluating and applying students suggestions.

Groups and Levels

A successful implementation of the interactive method depends completely on the personal attention the teacher is able to give to you. We determine the make-up of the group according to the students' abilities. The first day of the course begins with an oral and written test. If you are beginner you will start directly in a beginners groups.

We use the four classification levels and learning objectives that have been set by E.U. guidelines:


1. Beginner. Command of linguistic and cultural basics. Able to formulate and understand short sentences to relating to the basic necessities and forms of politeness.
2. Elementary. Able to express themselves, perhaps sometimes with a little difficulty, but spontaneously and independently, in everyday situations.
3. Intermediate. Advanced communicative ability, also in complicated situations.
4. Advanced. Clearing up minor imperfections. Refining pronunciation and intonation. Communicating, without difficulty, with people who are native Spanish speakers.

Timetable

On the first Monday you are expected at school at eight o’clock in the morning. As a beginner (a third of our students are beginners, so you are not the only one!) you start the lessons immediately. You will notice that by the end of Day One you will already be able to speak a little Spanish. If you already have some knowledge of the Spanish language you will take a level test first so that you can be classified at the right learning level. The lessons then start immediately afterwards.

Each day you have a minimum of four lessons with a half-hour break. A class lasts approximately 50 minutes. Classes are programmed between 8.00 a.m. and 8 p.m. The classes schedule can be either in the morning or the afternoon. This depends upon various circumstances (current number of groups, the level of the students, etc.) and will be determined on your first course day.

Diplomas and Certificates

When you have finished the course, you will receive a certificate of participation noting that you have taken part in at least 90% of the lessons. The following will be recorded on the certificate: The course you have attended; The length of the course; The subjects you have taken; The goals and level of Spanish where you have been classified; The number of hours you were present in class. If you take the internal examination at the end of the course then the level you have reached will be shown in the form of a grade.

Academic Credits

Students who wish to receive credit for our programs should contact the study abroad office or Spanish language department at your college or university prior to starting the program. Present your plan to them asking for detailed requirements on how to arrange credit in advance. With the detailed information from your home-campus, we can typically provide syllabae and other documentation to complete arrangements.