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Learn Spanish in Ecuador - Language school in Ecuador
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Cuenca, Ecuador
Minimum Age: 18 years; Average Age: 24-27 years
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| Cuenca | Spanish Language School | Spanish Language Courses | Spanish + Work Experience | Spanish + Arts and Crafts | Dates | Activities/Excursions | Accommodation | Prices | Registration | Visa | Ecuador | How to get to Cuenca | FAQ |
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Cuenca
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Learn Spanish in Cuenca, Ecuador. Take a Spanish language course at our partner school in Cuenca, Ecuador Ecuador is a small and stable democratic country with a population more than 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. Cuenca is famous for 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. | 
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Spanish Language School
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The school is located in a villa in a quiet residential area, surrounded by family houses, with several commercial areas nearby and many restaurants, cafés and shops to discover. It is surrounded by a small garden and has seven classrooms, a nice inner patio with a glass roof used as the school's cafeteria and free WIFI access. It has a friendly atmosphere, and all instructors, staff and administration are Ecuadorians and form a competent and dynamic team. 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 |  | For more information about the Spanish language school and Cuenca, please go to Spanish language courses in Cuenca. Would you like to know where the school is located on the map? |
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Spanish Language Courses
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It is the aim of our Spanish language school partner to quickly develop your Spanish language skills through intensive language training delivered by professional, experienced teachers using leading course books and the school´s own materials. Your progress is monitored constantly to ensure you gain the most benefit from your stay. Lessons last 45 minutes and are normally in blocks of two. Punctuality, classroom participation and homework are essential to your success. Groups are small - there are never more than six students and the number is lower in many courses. Every course includes Spanish Culture four times a week.
The organization of the levels is carried out in accordance with the examination system of the “Common European Framework of Reference for languages” (CEFR) levels. There are seven language levels range from beginner to proficient. Your level is assessed on arrival to ensure you are placed in the right class. If you have chosen a specialised or individual course, this helps us to design or fine-tune your program. | All teachers hold a college degree or diploma, and are chosen for their enthusiasm, commitment and team spirit. The school director organizes the groups and supervises your individual progress.
Every student who attends at least 90% of their classes and meets the requirements of each level receives a certificate showing the length of course and level of Spanish achieved.
Learning Materials: The school will lend the Course Book to students. Home work and excercice books are included in the tuition fees and property of the students. |  |
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What is included in the price (please click here)
All courses include - 4 Spanish culture lessons per week
- Placement Test
- Certificate
- Welcome Pack
- Learning Materials
- Use of internet services and library
- Many social events
- 24-hour emergency phone number
Not included in the price - Full-day excursions
- Some activities (entry + transport fees)
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Standard Spanish Language Course (20 + 4 lessons per week)
| The Standard Spanish Language Course is aimed at students who wish to combine the study and learning of the language with free time for themselves. This half-day course covers all the main skills of the language: listening, speaking, reading and writing, and is taught within a conversational framework. In addition to your classroom study, you can join culture/conversation classes (incl. in the course price).
| Details : - Duration : 2 to 24 weeks
- 20 Spanish lessons + 4 Culture/ conversations lessons per week
- 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)
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Standard Plus Spanish Language Course (20 group lessons + 5 or 10 private lessons per week)
| The Standard Plus Spanish Language Course is offered throughout the year. It combines a Standard Spanish Course in group and 5 or 10 one-to-one lessons per week. Students can plan their program of study directly with their teacher during private lessons.
| Details : - Duration : 2 to 24 weeks
- 20 group lessons + 5 or 10 One-to-One lessons per week + 4 culture/ conversations lessons per week
- 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)
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One-to-One Spanish Language Course (20, 25, 30 or 40 lesson per week)
| This Spanish language course is aimed at professionals; teachers or university students who wish to improve their linguistic knowledge in as short time as possible or who wish to reach a survival level in a few days. The language course is based on the participant’s skills and professional or social needs. Work material can be incorporated into the course. The length and intensity is the choice of the participant. | The school can also offer a two-to-one option for 2 students with the same Spanish level who want to study together with the same teacher.
Details : - Duration : 1 week minimum
- 20, 25, 30 or 40 lessons per week
- Timetable : determined with the teacher
- Course starting date : any Monday (except public holidays)
- Level : All levels from Beginner (A1) to Advanced (C2)
Note: One-to-one lessons are held or made up on National Holidays |  | |
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Spanish + Work Experience
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| Spanish + Volunteering | This option is available to student booking a Standard Spanish Language Course for a minimum of 4 weeks. It gives you the unique opportunity to live and work as a volunteer in one of several sectors of the Ecuadorian society. 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.
Details : - Duration : 4 weeks minimum
- 20 Spanish lessons + 4 culture/conversations lessons per week + Voluntary work
- 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 public holidays)
- Level : Intermediate to Advanced
Volunteering Placement Fee: USD 150 |  | |
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Spanish + Arts and Crafts
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Spanish + Arts & Crafts (30 + 4 lessons per week)
| This course is offered throughout the year. It combines a Standard Spanish Language Course with 10 additional lessons of arts and crafts. Pottery and ceramic from Cuenca are recognized as the finest of the country. This program will give students the opportunity to create pottery/ceramic objects during ceramic classes, to visit a museum and go and see a crafts market in Cuenca. Details : | - Duration : 2 to 24 weeks
- 20 Spanish lessons + 4 culture/conversations lessons per week + 10 lessons of Arts and Crafts
- 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)
- Max. 6 students per Spanish class , 1 to 3 students per Arts and Crafts class
- Student course book and all materials provided
|  | | Price: Standard Course price + Supplement of USD 90 per week for Arts and Crafts | |
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Dates
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- The classes take place from Monday to Friday (except holidays)
- Arrival day: Sunday (you can arrive on before by booking extra nights)
- Departure day: Saturday, after the end of the course
| | Starting Dates for 100% Beginners/False Beginners* in 2011 | | | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov
| Dec | | | 03
| 14
| 14
| 04
| 02 | 06 | 04 | 01 | 05 | 03 | 14
| 05 | | | 17
| 28
| 28 | 18
| 16 | 20
| 18 | 15
| 19 | 17 | 28
| | | | 31 | | | | 30 | | | | | 31
| | | | | *False Beginners (less than 80 hours or 6 months of Spanish lessons at home)
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| | | Holidays in 2011 | | | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov
| Dec | | | | | 07* | 12
| 24 | | | 10 | | | 03
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| | | | | | | | | | *Placement test and a tour of the city will take place on March 7. Classes will start on Tuesday, March 8. On holidays the school is closed, courses are neither recuperated nor refunded (except private lessons). Group courses will not be offered from December 18, 2010 to January 2, 2011 and from December 23, 2011 to January 9, 2012.
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Activities/Excursions
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| The school organises parties, excursions and many different cultural activities each month. Most activities are included in the course fee. | - 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. | |  | |
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More info on airport transfers (please click here)
To reach Cuenca from abroad you must fly into Quito or Guayaquil, the two international airports in Ecuador. Many airlines fly from Europe and the US to Quito or Guayaquil at reasonable prices. The Quito/Guayaquil-Cuenca ticket must be purchased in Ecuador and the best day for arrival in Quito or Guayaquil is Saturday since it is not always possible to connect with a Cuenca flight on the same day.
The school offers a transfer service from Quito Airport or Guayaquil Airport to Cuenca at the same price, so you can book the cheapest flight to Ecuador. The transfer service includes : - Meeting on arrival at Quito or Guayaquil airport and transportation to the hotel
- Single room at a comfortable hotel with breakfast and taxes incl. in Quito or Guayaquil
- Meeting on Sunday and transportation to Quito or Guayaquil airport, check in at domestic flight terminal
- Flight ticket from Quito or Guayaquil airport to Cuenca airport. The return ticket can be purchased in Cuenca (about 90 USD), or ground transportation may be preferred (about 40 USD).
- Meeting on arrival at Cuenca airport and transportation to accommodation
Price : 195 USD one way per person (single room) – 185 USD one way per person (double room for friends or couple traveling together).
IMPORTANT : PASSPORT NUMBER IS NEEDED WHEN BOOKING THE TRANSFER SERVICE |
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Visa information (please click here)
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Our partner school is accredited by: Founded in 1995 | Back to top |
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