FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Spanish lessons:
For how many weeks do most people take Spanish lessons?
The number of weeks our students take lessons for varies enormously depending on what their further plans are in South America. Students, who are travelling through South America and decide to learn Spanish for their travels, usually take between 3 to 6 weeks of classes.
Students who come with the aim to learn Spanish usually take 8-12 weeks. Those who come to learn Spanish and do voluntary work usually take about 4-6 weeks of classes. However, the amount of time you want to take classes depends on what your level is and what level you would like to reach.
Should I choose group or individual classes?
Based on our extensive experience, we recommend individual classes for the first 2-3 weeks to students who are beginners or who have only a very limited knowledge of Spanish. This allows them to make rapid progress. Group lessons are more suited to students with an already basic knowledge of Spanish.
Do I have to speak Spanish before taking classes?
No, you don't have to speak or understand Spanish, before joining. Our teaching methods are designed to cope with the first steps through to the sprint finish! If you are able to speak a little bit, we will ask you to do a written test before starting your classes, which allows us to tailor your course for your needs, from day 1.
Do the teachers speak English?
Our teachers all speak some English but we teach all of the lessons in Spanish only, as this will force you to learn faster (English may be used as a last resort!).
2. Our school locations:
I am thinking of taking lessons in more than one of your locations. How can I be sure that I get continuity in my teaching?
All teaching matters are managed centrally in Quito by the academic director. A personal record of your progress is updated each week and communicated to all teachers irrespective of your location. Furthermore, all teachers are able to follow the same basic teaching structure ensuring uniform progress from week to week.
Can I make changes to my choice of school locations after arriving?
Yes! One of our prime attractions is the variety our locations we offer students and we encourage you to make full use of the different school locations. Normally we require a week's advance notice of any change and for the Galapagos 2 weeks.
I will not be studying in Quito - who do I contact in order to plan my stay at the other locations?
All administrative matters for all locations are managed from our school in Quito. Having a central administrative site allows better coordination of school activities, to give you better service.
3. Our students:
What is the average age of the students?
We have had students at the school aged 16 as well as aged 70. The majority of the students learning Spanish with us are between 18 and 35 years old.
What is the ratio of men to women?
Of course the ratio isn't always exactly the same but in general, there is a balanced ratio of 50-50%.
How many students are enrolled in your school now?
The Spanish School currently has about 18 students at any one time. Students study during the morning, afternoon, or both depending on their preferences.
How many teachers do you have?
We currently have 15 teachers, all with the relevant qualifications and experience.
Where are your students from?
They mostly come from the U.S.A. , Canada , Europe and Australia with a few coming from other countries.
4. Accommodation:
Home stay - Is there a choice of families?
Our home stay option is very popular because it improves your Spanish and makes it much easier to find new friends. Our home stay families are all middle class and are very keen to have students stay with them to immerse them in the Ecuadorian culture. We will try to match any specific requirements with the families that we have. If, for whatever reason, you are unhappy with your particular family we will move you to another family.
Will I get the host family's address and phone number?
Yes, shortly before your departure we will inform you of your family's name and contact details.
Can I stay in the same family with my partner?
Yes no problem, just make sure you inform us beforehand by filling in the section "Special Requests" on the online registration form
I would prefer to organise my own accommodation - is that OK?
Of course. There is no obligation to stay with a family. All of our locations offer a range of hostel/hotels and we would be happy to help organise something for you if required. 5. Administrative issues:
What is the currency in Ecuador ?
In the year 2000 Ecuador adopted the US Dollar to help steady its economy, which has also made it easier for travellers.
What forms of payment are accepted by the school?
We accept travellers cheques or cash. Credit cards can be readily used to withdraw cash in most banks and from ATMs on the streets of Quito . Please refer to our Terms and Conditions at the bottom of our prices page.
Do I have to stay with families for whole weeks?
No. Although our prices are quoted per week, if you will be staying additional days either attending classes or with your home stay family you will be charged a daily rate prorated based on the weekly prices.
When do language courses start?
Courses start every Monday all year round. Therefore, to fit in with our teaching schedules we would prefer that you start on a Monday. However, where possible, we try to accommodate students who wish to start on another day of the week.
What is the application procedure and is there an application deadline?
There is no deadline for signing-up. You may sign up the day before! However, in order for us to make the necessary accommodation arrangements we encourage you to register well in advance. To sign up simply fill in the on-line registration form and send it to us.
Do I receive a certificate on completion of my course?
Yes if you wish. The certificate will state the period studied for and the level obtained.
Can the school help me with my travel plans in Ecuador?
We have extensive experience working with travel agents offering tours throughout the country. We will also be happy to offer independent advice to our students and to facilitate bookings when requested.
Does the school offer an Internet service?
Students studying in Quito have unlimited access to an Internet café around the corner from the school in Quito free of charge. Internet cafes are readily available in Galapagos and Otavalo as well as in most medium-sized towns throughout the country.
6. Ecuador:
Is Quito a safe city?
Like all big cities Quito has both safe and dubious neighbourhoods; you just have to know which ones are which. During the day, you have to watch out for pickpockets when travelling by public transport and in popular tourist locations. At night, Quito has more dangerous areas to be mindful of, where it is often recommended to take taxis. However, although it has its dangers, it is said that Quito is the safest capital in South America . We will advise visitors which areas they should avoid and when.
What assistance does the school offer in case of emergency?
We take care of our students 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the minute we pick you up (yes, complimentary travel pick-up) to when you depart. In case of any emergency students simply contact us (outside normal hours on our dedicated mobile telephone numbers) and we will assist you as quickly as possible. We do, however, ask that all students have travel insurance before participating in any of our programs.
I will be coming by myself, so I am concerned about safety as a woman. Is that going to be a big problem? What is your advice?
You should not be too concerned as a lone female traveller as the numerous that are already here will testify. Indeed, you might meet some new friends. The popular tourist areas are safe and we can advise you where not to go. We can find accommodation for you in a safe area. If you take care, as you would in any new place, then you will be fine.
What is the weather like in Quito ?
The weather in Ecuador is nearly constant all year around. In Quito , the temperature is between about 12 degrees and 24 degrees during the day and at night it can go down to about 6 degrees. It is usually warm enough to wear shorts and t-shirt or light trousers and a jumper.
Can I make international phone calls easily? How about email?
Yes. There are lots of Internet cafes here offering email and international telephone calls for good prices, such as $0,80 per hour for Internet and $0,10 - 0,20 per minute to call Europe or North America .
To contact us please email: superior@ecnet.ec |
