Located in an Andean valley, Cuenca truly is a town of striking contrast. It has successfully preserved its colonial past with its cobbled streets, churches, museums and colourful Indian markets. Just across the Tomebamba river is modern day Cuenca with its art galleries and two universities. Relatively undiscovered by English speaking tourists, the language programme offers an excellent opportunity to learn Spanish.
Language Programme
- Maximum number of student per class - 5.
- Average number of students per class - 2 or 3.
- Spanish levels offered - Elementary, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, Advanced I and Advanced II, Absolute beginners must take 1 on 1 classes for a minimum of 2 weeks.
- Teaching method - The text and method have been created by the school which has over 40 years experience in Spain. Please note the grammar taught is from Spain, not Latin America.
- Private Instruction - Available at extra cost.
- Arrival first day of class - 8:15 am.
- Placement test - There is a written test on the first day of school.
- Orientation - A tour of the town takes place on the first morning.
- Class Schedule - Students will either be assigned to a morning or an afternoon schedule. This includes grammar, conversation, and additional exercises, plus culture (the daily culture session is taken with all students in the school).
- Morning students: 7:45am to 12:00pm 12:10pm-12:55pm is the culture class. Afternoon students: 12:10 for the culture class then 2:45pm-7:15pm.
School Atmosphere
- Student nationality - 50% European.
- Facilities - The school is located in the colonial part of town and has a warm and friendly atmosphere.
- Capacity - 40 students.
- Weekend trips - The school offers optional one day excursions most Saturdays to surrounding areas of Cuenca. Places that are frequently visited are the Inca ruins of Ingapirca, Cajas Natural Park, Gualaceo and Chordeleg (nearby craft villages).
Homestays
- Distance to school - Most homestays are within walking distance. The rest require a 10-15 minute bus ride to the school.
- Number of students per home - Sometimes 2 students per family.
- Private or shared room - Private room, unless other requested.
- Meals included - Breakfast and dinner are provided by the host family.
- Private bathroom -Available in some homes.
- Extra homestay nights - Available at extra cost. Homestay included in the cost starts on a Sunday and ends on a Saturday.
- Laundry service - Provided by the family.
Family Consideration - One of the most important parts of your learning and cultural experience is the homestay. You will receive a key to the outside door and will be able to come and go as you please. You are not obliged to eat your meals with the family but you should notify your family when you will not be eating at home.
Your host family respects your beliefs and we ask that you show the same respect for their beliefs. It is a good idea to bring some pictures of family, friends, your house and even a map that shows where you live. These can be used to begin discussions with your host family.
Notify the director of the school if you wish to change families (there is no charge for this).
General Information
- Cuenca - Cuenca is a five hour bus journey from Quito.
- Weather - The climate is spring-like throughout the year.
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