Ecuador is a small and stable democratic country with a population of 14 millions. It is about the same size as the United Kingdom (approximately 280,000 Km2), but it is a great country in the majesty of its landscape and variety of all types of life.

Ecuador is a land bursting with contrasts: the warm Pacific coastline, the summits of the Andes mountains and the tangled Amazon rain forest form a brightly colored mosaic of exuberant nature and cultural diversity. And one cannot forget the Galapagos Islands, at a short two hour flight away.

Of all Andean countries, Ecuador is certainly the one in which travel is easiest. Distances are short, infrastructures are acceptable, and prices are quite accessible. Whether scaling the heights of the Andes, venturing into the heart of the Amazon jungle, or sunbathing on the Pacific beaches, Ecuador offers the traveler a variety of adventures which can be reached by a bus trip of a few ours or by a half-hour flight.

We highly recommend staying an extra week, or at least a few days, to travel after you have finished your Spanish language course.

We chose to represent a Spanish language school in Cuenca for several reasons, the most important being the kindness and hospitality of the inhabitants (250,000). Furthermore, Cuenca has successfully preserved its colonial past from its cobbled streets, churches, pre-Hispanic ruins, museums and craft shops to its colorful Indian markets. This cultural heritage is found side by side with modern office buildings, art galleries and two universities, all in a world brimming with colors and contrasts.

Cuenca is located in an Andean valley at an altitude of 2,200 meters, and the climate is spring like, with average temperatures ranging between 14° and 24° C. The region is rich in history and tradition -the Ingapirca ruins and picturesque craft villages such as Chordeleg are found nearby. Nature in Ecuador displays all her magnificence- the Cajas Natural Park and Avenida de los Volcanes (Volcano Avenue) are easily accessible.

The school is located in a large building with a picturesque view on the Barranco River in downtown Cuenca. It has seven classrooms, a small garden, a student lounge, free WIFI Access, a library and a video language lab. It has a friendly atmosphere, and all instructors, staff and administration are Ecuadorians and form a competent and dynamic team.

Exploring this delightful Latin American city and getting to know its friendly people will make you want to stay forever...

Our Spanish language school partner has an agreement with Universidad Panamericana de Cuenca (UPAC) allowing students to get academic credits in Spanish. 

Average number of students: 20

• Duration : 2 to 24 weeks
• 20 Spanish lessons + 4 Culture/ conversations lessons per week 
• 1 lesson = 45 minutes 
• Timetable : 7:45 to 11:05 or 15:00 to 18:20 (Morning or afternoon sessions are subject to school decision).
• Course starting date : every Monday (except for beginners) 
• Level : All levels from Beginner (A1) to Advanced (C1)
  
• Minimum Age : 18
• Max. 6 students per class 
• Student course book and materials provided

Details :

• Duration : 2 to 24 weeks
• 20 group lessons + 5 or 10 One-to-One lessons per week + 4 culture/ conversations lessons per week
• 1 lesson = 45 minutes 
• Group classes timetable : 7:45 to 11:05 or 15:00 to 18:20 (Morning or afternoon sessions are subject to school decision) + Private lessons determined with teacher
• Course starting date : every Monday (except for beginners) 
• Level : All levels from Beginner (A1) to Advanced (C1)
• Minimum Age : 18 
• Max. 6 students per group class 
• Student course book and materials provided

• Duration : 1 week minimum
• 20, 25, 30 or 40 lessons per week 
• 1 lesson = 45 minutes 
• Timetable : determined with the teacher 
• Course starting date : any Monday (except public holidays) 
• Level : All levels from Beginner (A1) to Advanced (C2)
• Minimum Age : 18 
• Student course book and materials provided
  

Note: One-to-one lessons are held or made up on National Holidays

Some of the options are to teach English to primary grade students, child-care, help senior citizens in their daily routine, assist the homeless or serve as tour guides in the national parks and reserves.

The majority of these volunteer options are compatibles with the Standard Spanish Language Course and the students may take the courses at the school while working simultaneously in the capacity of volunteers.

All volunteers must have an Intermediate level of proficiency in the fours skills of Spanish: reading, writing, comprehension and oral communication. The students enrolled must make a commitment to stay with the program for a minimum of 4 weeks.

• Duration : 4 weeks minimum
• 20 Spanish lessons + 4 culture/conversations lessons per week + Voluntary work
• 1 lesson = 45 minutes 
• Course timetable: Timetable : 7:45 to 11:05 or 15:00 to 18:20 (Morning or afternoon sessions are subject to school decision).+ Volunteer work timetable to be confirmed upon arrival.
• Course starting date : every Monday (except puplic holidays)
  
• Level : Intermediate to Advanced
• Minimum Age: 18 
• Max. 6 students per class 
• Student course book and materials provided
  

Volunteering Placement Fee: USD 150

• Duration : 2 to 24 weeks
• 20 Spanish lessons + 4 culture/conversations lessons per week + 10 lessons of Arts and Crafts
• 1 lesson = 45 minutes 
• Spanish course Timetable : 7:45 to 11:05 or 15:00 to 18:20 (Morning or afternoon sessions are subject to school decision) + Arts and Crafts lessons (timetable to be determined with the teacher)
• Course starting date : Every Monday (except for beginners)
• Level : All levels from Beginner (A1) to Advanced (C1)
• Minimum Age : 18 
• Max. 6 students per Spanish class , 1 to 3 students per Arts and Crafts class
• Student course book and materials provided
  

• Dance and cookery classes (2 per week)
• Culture and civilisation classes (4 per week). 
• Full day excursions to Ingapirca, Cajas, etc. (3 per month- Price: USD 15 to 30)
• Guided tours to museums and monuments (1 per week – Price: USD 0 to 5)

Excursions

The School programs two/three full-day excursions per month on Saturdays. Normally the excursions begin at 9:00 am and return to the School at 5:00 pm.

Among such excursions we can point out the day-trips to Ingapirca (the most important archeological ruins of Ecuador, located at 100 Km from Cuenca), the trip
to Cajas Natural Park (a picturesque mountain area of beautiful lagoons located at 30 Km from Cuenca), the excursion to Gualaceo and Chordeleg (a region of craft villages and interesting local gastronomy located at 45 Km from Cuenca) or the trip to the Chorro de Girón (where you will take a hike through mountainous jungle, located at 30 Km from Cuenca).

These are exceptional opportunities to get to know the rich variety of landscapes and the culture of Cuenca and its outlying area. Students are expected to pay entrance fees, guides and other small expenses.