FAQ
1. When do classes begin?
Group classes commence each Monday throughout the year, while private classes can begin on any workday.
Since courses are taught in one-week modules, students may study for as many weeks as they like. Students typically arrive the Saturday or Sunday before classes.
2) Do you recuperate public holidays?
Yes, we always recuperate the classes.
3) Do I need to have a minimum level of knowledge to take part in any of the courses?
No. Our language courses are structured regarding 8 different levels of knowledge, ranging from beginners to high proficiency.
4) Are the classes in Spanish?
Yes, first because full immersion is best for you and also because as the classes are international it would be quite incorrect to speak a language which is not Spanish, such us English, which some group members might not understand.
5)What qualifications do the teachers have?
All are experienced teachers with a University degree and diplomas in foreign language teaching. Plus we have an ongoing training program to update our faculty with the latest linguistic methodology and technology.
6)Will I receive a certificate upon completion of my program?
At the end of your program you receive a certificate, stating the language you studied, your level, and the date of completion. This certificate is also signed by the school directors
7) How do you determine my level of Spanish?
This depends on the results of your placement test (written and oral test) which you take on your first day here. All groups are carefully organized.
8)How many students will be in classes?
The maximum number of students in a group class is 4, but mostly only 2 or 3 students are in group classes. If there are no other students at your level, the daily 4 hours of group classes will be replaced by 3 hours of private classes, without additional charge or 5 hours in the Intensive Course.
9)Do you offer courses for certain professions?
Yes, our programs have been expanded to include courses for those that are interested in working on specific specialty areas of the Spanish language. A sampling of our Spanish specialty courses on an individual tutoring or private group instruction basis include areas of business and finance, education, household management, and healthcare, just to name a few. It is possible to customize your course to cover areas that you specifically need. Other specialty courses available to intermediate level students include, Advanced composition writing, Latin American literature, and Conversation, just to name a few.
10)Am I too old for a language school? Too young?
Too old? Definitely not. While we have many university age students, we have many active seniors as well. The diversities of ages, nationalities, professsions, and interests of our students contribute to the unique experience you will have.
Too young? Maybe. If you are under 18 and will not be with parents or relatives, please contact us about possible arrangements.
11)When do I have to arrive in Bariloche?
If you wish you can arrive just one day before the classes start, but most of the students arrive a couple of days in advance.
12)Can you pick me up from the bus terminal?
Unfortunately, we do not offer bus terminal pick up anymore. We would like to, but bus companies do not inform well about the exact arrival time. It worked out to be more convenient for the student to catch a taxi or bus to the center. The bus terminal is just out of town, only a 5 minute drive.
13)Where is your school located?
The school is in the center of Bariloche, just 2 blocks from the main street.
14)How do you select your host families, and what is the cost of this program?
Our host families are very carefully screened, taking the following into consideration:
A. Location: We select families that live in safe, pleasant neighborhoods, with easy access to public transportation
B. Personality: We select families that are social and outgoing, and who truly enjoy receiving students from abroad. We avoid families who wish to host students solely for economic reasons.
C. The home itself: We make sure that the home is well kept and comfortably furnished, and roomy enough so that the student will not feel cramped or crowded.
We ask that our host families treat their guests as another member of the family, so that the student does not feel that it is just a place to stay. We encourage interaction between the student and the host family.
15)Can I stay with my family before the classes start, or stay longer after the course is finished?
If you want to stay with your family before the classes start, please inform us and we will arrange for you to stay with your family from the moment of your arrival. If you already know your departure date, please let us know. If you are not sure about your departure date yet, there will still be time to arrange the exact departure while you are in Bariloche.
