Frequently Asked Questions
...about our Spanish School
What is the average age of the students?
We have had students at the school aged 16 as well as 70. The majority of the students learning Spanish with us are between 18 and 35 years old.
What is the ratio 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 have about 18 students at any time during the low season.
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 places.
...about the lessons
How many weeks do most people take Spanish lessons?
The amount of time our students take lessons, varies enormously, depending on what their further plans are in South America. Students who are traveling through South America and decide to learn Spanish for their travels, usually take between 3-6 weeks of classes. Students who come with the aim to learn Spanish usually take 8-12 weeks. Students who come to learn Spanish and do voluntary work after usually take about 4-6 weeks of classes. The amount of time you want to take classes, however, depends on what your level is and what level you would like to reach. Do I have to speak Spanish before taking classes?
No, you don’t have to speak or understand Spanish, before coming here. If you are able to speak a bit, you can do an exam before starting your classes, to make us able to classify you.
Do the teachers speak English?
Our teachers all speak some English but we try to teach all of the lessons in Spanish only, as this forces you to learn faster.
Can I bring in special interests in classes?
For sure! Our Business is to create your individual and perfect fitting Spanish education. So, for example, if you want to study Business Spanish, or travelers Spanish… we just focus on this exact usbject!
What exactly is the difference of the Flexi and Standard?
The Flexi program is perfect for beginners, because you receive intensive One-to-One Lessons, which you can choose whenever you want. The Standard program has a duration of a week and is a combination of One-to-One and Conversational classes where you can choose to begin in the morning or afternoon.
...Traveling
Do you also offer combined Language Travel Program’s?
We are offering different Language Travel Program’s, in which our Spanish teacher will accompany you through the best parts of the country.
We also help you with all other Travel preparation in Ecuador.
...about accommodation
Homestay - Is there a choice of families? "I want to stay with a small family that are interested in meeting and talking to students, not just a place to eat and sleep"
Our homestay families are all middle class and are very keen to have students stay with them to show them the Ecuadorian culture. We will try to match any specific requirements with the families that we have. You will get your own private room, all meals and laundry, for US $15 per day. This is a very popular option because it also improves your Spanish and makes it much easier to find new friends.
...about money
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. Can I pay with credit card or do I have to pay with cash?
You can pay with credit card, travellers cheques or cash.
...about voluntary work
How can I apply for a Volunteer project?
Make a visit on the page www.ecuadorvolunteer.com, this Organization offers lot’s of possibilities in different areas – for example: work with street children, pedagogic projects, projects where you are working actively to conserve different national parks and a lot more…
...about Ecuador
Is Quito a safe city?
Like all big cities Quito has safe neighbourhoods and less safe parts; 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 areas visited by many tourists. At night, Quito has its more dangerous areas too where it is recommended to never walk in the streets but take a taxi. However, although it has its dangers, it is said that Quito is the safest capital in South America. We can advise visitors which areas they should avoid.
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 traveler because there are quite a few here in Ecuador. 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, i.e. where there are many other tourists. If you take care, as you would in any new place, then you will be fine.
How is the weather in Quito?
The weather here in Ecuador is nearly constant all year around. In Quito, the temperature is between 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.
... Communications
Can I make international phone calls easily? How about email?
Definitely. There are lots of internet cafes here offering email and international telephone calls for good prices, such as 80 cents per hour for internet and less than 15 cent per minut for phonecalls to Europe and USA. Ecuador is very well served for international communication, even in the small villages. |
