Cádiz is one of the most interesting and complex provinces in Spain. Although it is far from being a province of mass tourism, Cádiz has almost everything: Magnificient, deserted beaches of fine white sand, small, picturesque White Villages in the mountains, pretty towns and cities such as Jerez and El Puerto de Santa María and nature reserves in a class of their own such as the Sierra de Grazalema or the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales.
In the province of Cádiz, you can experience authentic Andalusian folklore, in the many shows featuring flamenco dancing and singing, in the many ferias and of course, in the famous Cádiz city carnivals, which every year transform the city into one big party. At the same time, you just have to try the famous wines of Jerez and Sanlúcar to accompany one of the many traditional dishes of the area their excellent fish and seafood being particularly noteworthy.
Schools
Most schools are a medium-sized school (of 40-60 students) in which pupils, teachers and organisers all know each other and call each other by their first name from the very beginning. The main aim is to ensure that during your stay you learn how to speak, think and feel in Spanish.
Some schools are situated in an independent building in the district of the Bahía Blanca, only a few minutes away from the historic city centre and the beach. Most schools have several teaching rooms, a lounge, a library, a video library, a garden and a patio, all for the use of students.
Course Description
On the first day, all students will take a test to help determine the appropriate group and level of each student. School run courses of six different levels.
General Course
This course consists of 4 classes daily (2 grammar and 2 practical lessons). Its main aim is to ensure that pupils get fully involved in the life of the city and and has the guarantee of excellent service and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. It is ideal if you wish to develop your language skills further. Levels: All Dates of commencement: Each monday of the year Minimum Length: 4 weeks
Intensive Course
This course consists of 5 classes daily, 3 grammar and 2 practical classes. The activities and exercises focus on the development of oral and written skills based on real language communications. This course allows students to improve their oral skills and reach a higher level of linguistic competence in a shorter time.
Before deciding upon the type of course you wish to follow, it should be noted that:
- All classes are 45 minutes long and are held from Monday to Friday, except for public holidays.
- The average number of pupils to form a group is 5. The maximum number of pupils in a class is 8 while the minimum is 3. In cases where this minimum number of pupils is not attained, those concerned will be personally notified and other alternatives offered.
- Teaching material used in class and the attendance certificate given at the end of the course are included in the course fees.
Teaching Method
The teaching method combines the usual study of grammar with debates, talks, role-playing situations, practical classes, etc. The classes, with a maximum of seven students each, are conducted entirely in Spanish from the very first day and guarantee not only an increased command of the Spanish language but also happiness and cordiality. Schools believe that a friendly atmosphere and teaching with a smile have as big a part to play in the classroom as the exercise books the students use.
To help attain objectives, schools employ a group of young teachers who have, nonetheless many years teaching experience and who use teaching methods which are constantly being revised. This is to ensure that pupils are always taught in accordance with the most recent developments concerning the Spanish language and the practical aspects related to it.
Activities
In the School
Flamenco (sevillanas) and “salsa” dancing courses, concerts and Spanish cinema, cultural documentaries and Spanish music are just some of the cultural activities organised on a regular basis. In addition, barbecues, parties and plays held in the patio enable pupils to get to know each other and to enjoy themselves out of hours.
In Cadiz
It is essential that pupils get to know the city they are studying in and for this reason schools organise regular guided tours to the historic city centre, museums, churches and other places of interest. Cádiz, with a population of 150000, is a city with a very active and appealing cultural life – flamenco dancing and singing, theatre festivals, cinema, folklore and opera and theatre seasons. All such activities are accessible to pupils who are promptly informed of the events which take place in Cádiz so that they can take part in them. What is more, you can discover the local gastronomy and nightlife by eating and drinking out.
Accommodation
Students can choose between different forms of accommodation:
There is the possibility to find accommodation with Spanish families, since the school has a series of selected families who rent out rooms to pupils either half-board (includes breakfast and evening meal) full-board (includes breakfast, lunch and evening meal). Students who choose this option will be treated like any other member of the family.
Schools can also help pupils to find single and double rooms to rent in shared flats with Spanish people(limited number of places) or with other students in school. The flats have a lounge, a bathroom, kitchen and washing machine and are situated in the historic city centre or near the beaches.
Course Fees
General course for a minimum period of four weeks cost around 496 euros. Extra weeks are around 124 euros.