CLASSES

Classes are 55 minutes in length. Students may enroll for a minimum of 4 hours a day up to a maximum of 7. Students may enroll for as many weeks as desired. Courses lasting for more than 3 months will require a visa from the Ecuadorian government which the Academia can easily help the student secure.

TEACHING STAFF

Superior teaching staff. All have a University Degree in Spanish Philology and have been carefully selected because of their qualifications and experience in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Some of them are Doctors or have Master Degrees in teaching Spanish and literature, history or Latin American culture. They refresh their teaching skills, receiving special courses every year. The school chooses the teachers for their ability to listen their enthusiasm, kindness and patience, but most of all for their love of teaching Spanish to foreign students. All of them know how to motivate, develop and support the student´s curiosity and interest in the Spanish Language, Ecuadorian culture and social life. They also know that the learning process continues outside the classroom.

COURSE PHILOSOPHY

Upon arrival, students take a placement test. Recognizing that students know their particular educational needs, the school evaluates the test and assists the student in creating the most profitable customized program.

INTERNATIONAL ATMOSPHERE

A particular pleasure for many of our students is the opportunity to meet others from all over the world.

To date the Academia has enjoyed students from United States (39%), Germany (30%), Switzerland (8%), Austria (7%), Canada (5%), Brazil (4%), England (2%), France (2%), Belgium (2%), Denmark (1%) Finland (0.16%), Norway (0.16%), Sweden (0.16%), Italy (0.16%), and Singapore (0.16%).

Airline of Preference: 1) Continental Airlines, 2) American Airlines, 3) Iberia, 4) Klm, 5) Taca, 6) Avianca, 7) Lacsa, 8) Copa.

Student Profile: Business persons, university students, airline employees, teachers, retirees, ecologist´s, engineers, doctors, secretaries, travel agents, bankers, lawyers and others.

PREMISES

The Academia is housed in a beautiful mansion, surrounded by gardens in quiet residential area. Students enjoy the hot tub, turkish and sauna baths, salon and dancing areas. A private catering service provides lunch as a main meal around 13:15, consisting of typical entrees, salad, vegetables, tropical fruits and juices. Coffee, tea, pure water are available all day.

ACCOMMODATION

Host family accommodations with private room and private bath are included with all weekly rates. Breakfast, dinner and laundry service are provided by your family. Only a very few host families live more than a 10-20 minute walk from the school. Single-married couples and parents with children can all be accommodated. Hotel accommodation can also be arranged if desired.

ACCESS TO EMAIL

There is a free e-mail service at the school for the students (no access to the internet) however there are several reasonably priced internet cafes close to the school and all over the city.

AIRPORT TRANSFER & FIRST DAY

Students are met at the airport by their host family. Every Monday in the school the student are welcomed by the administration staff (Patty, Gaby, Santiago & Diego) who provide to the student general information about the program, the country etc. Students receive a map of Quito and teaching material. Next all students take the placement test and oral proficiency interview with the Director of Studies of the school (Jenny) and before meeting them teacher for the week.