Language Modules:  It may surprise students to realize that we conduct our classes entirely in Spanish.  At lower levels, instead of focusing only on grammar and rote exercises, we practice Spanish from a communicative perspective, so that students develop confidence in speaking from the first day.  At higher levels, we work to perfect students’ knowledge of advanced grammar concepts, in addition to broadening their vocabulary and ability to speak convincingly on a number of different topics.

Culture Modules:  We put a lot of effort into making Spanish culture and lifestyles interesting for students.  Instead of telling students, ‘food and grocery-shopping in Spain is different than what you’re used to’, we show them by taking a group excursion out to a local street market for real-time Spanish lessons.   Likewise, a book or a hand-out that tells students, ‘Spanish art is interesting and world-renowned’ won’t have the same effect as bringing students to the art – or even to the artists themselves – which we do when we go out in groups to local exhibitions of visual art, music or literature.

Creative Workshops:  A great way to get newly-acquired Spanish to ‘stick’ is to get students to use it creatively.  That’s why we put students to work on some really fun projects with a focus on topics like music, marketing, journalism or cinema.  For example, we’ve had students get together to compose a song in Spanish, create a sales pitch for a Spanish city, or assemble a newspaper from current-events articles or movie reviews that they’ve written in Spanish.

Social Activities:  Before breaking the language barrier, many students will first have to break the ice barrier.  To get a group of students to gel with and speak Spanish to native speakers and fellow students of other nationalities, we organize scavenger hunts, formal and informal dances and gatherings, and club activities like running, yoga, belly dance, and acting.

Cultural Activities:   While guided tours are useful and can be entertaining, being a mere spectator to events is hardly the most engaging way to learn.  To keep the brain energy flowing, learning hands-on or behind-the-scenes is the way to go.  To that end, we offer students group cultural activities, like flamenco and salsa dance classes, cooking classes, and gatherings with invited guests who interact and converse with students about film, music or art.

Interaction with Local Spanish Students: We hold our classes in prestigious local high schools in both Cadiz and Seville.  Students can see what a high school in Spain is really like – and if school is in session, we can even organize for our students to sit in on real Spanish classes.  Similarly, in summer, students can meet their Spanish high-school counterparts, who take English classes in Cadiz.  Either way, there’s ample opportunity for authentic interaction.