Easy Languages

Program

Destination

Alicante is situated in the East of Spain near Valencia, in the heart of the Costa Blanca. It is a beautiful city with a beach, an international airport and a population of 290,000 inhabitants. It is the city of dreams for tourists, with its turquoise-blue waters, palm trees and Mediterranean climate boasting 300 days of sun a year. The city is situated between some of the best vineyards in Spain, and the region is famous for its wine and olives. This culturally rich city, founded by the Carthaginian general, Hamilcar Barca, in the 3rd century BC, offers stunning panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea from its impressive city walls or from the citadel. This typical Spanish city has various cultural centres, shops and a lively nightlife, as well as numerous outdoor activities, such as windsurfing, water skiing, tennis, golf, and horse riding.

School

Founded in 1998, our school has been recognized by the Instituto Cervantes for many years. Attracting students from many different countries, the school has a vibrant, international atmosphere. Class sizes are small in order to provide individual attention. Spanish classes are based on a modern teaching method, combining professional written and oral instruction with direct and personal contact to the Spanish culture. With its free Language Conversation Exchange, the school promotes the use of Spanish outside of the classroom, offering students a wide view of social behavior patterns and manners, colloquialisms and "street slang" for example.

Courses

Class sizes are small, generally with a maximum of 10 participants and an average of 6. We accept students of every ability level, from absolute beginners to advanced speakers. Courses begin every Monday. Our programmes combine different teaching techniques, centreed on a communicative approach in order to reach every kind of learner.

Participants take a diagnostic test when they arrive to establish their level of Spanish ability.

We offer the following basic programmes in our catalog:

• Standard Spanish course
  This consists of 15 lessons per week.
• Intensive Spanish course
  Intensive courses consist of 25 Spanish lessons in small groups (3-10 students). Classes last 50 minutes.
  
• Extra-Intensive Spanish courses
  Extra-intensive courses consist of 25 Spanish lessons in small groups (3-10 students) + 5 individual Spanish lessons. Classes last 50 minutes.
  
• DELE Exam Preparation (minimum 2 weeks)
  The DELE (Diploma for Spanish as a Foreign Language) is the only official certificate for foreign students recognized by the Instituto Cervantes. This certificate is an invaluable asset for students who wish to study at a Spanish university or would like to work in a Spanish-speaking country. This course is designed to prepare you to pass the DELE exam at any of its 3 levels. It consists of 25 Spanish lessons in small groups (3-10 students) plus 5 extra lessons in a mini-group (1-5 students).
• One-to-one Spanish
  This option, which we offer only in conjunction with our other courses, is designed to allow students to work privately with a teacher on their own specific weakness and strengths. This is without a doubt the fastest way to learn Spanish.
  
  

Activities

Alicante offers a wide range of opportunities for sightseeing, from art galleries to museums, beach parties to traditional festivals or trekking, windsurfing, or dance. Local institutions offer classes in flamenco dancing, pottery, or regional cooking. If you should ever desire a change of scenery, nearby picturesque villages such Altea, Denia, Torrevieja, Bendidorm are perfect for a day trip.

In September the city hosts an Open-Air Theatre Festival and an International Contemporary Music Festival; in November it hosts the Contemporary Spanish Theatre Festival; and in December it hosts an International Festival of Puppet Shows. All such activities are accessible to our students who are informed of the events beforehand.

The school organises cultural visits and activities during week and on Saturdays.

Accommodation

We offer accommodation in:

• Shared Apartment:
  Apartments include all comforts to ensure a pleasant stay: well-equipped kitchen, TV, washing machine, bathroom etc. Linens are provided and amenities (water, heat, electricity) are included. Apartments are located in close proximity to shops and restaurants. A refundable deposit of 30 euros will be required to obtain the keys. Students share a room with one another person.
  
  

• Host Family:
  Probably one of the most effective ways to practice your language skills outside of class is to stay with a host family. Host families also offer an opportunity to experience Spanish culture firsthand and really get to know the country. Our host families provide bed linen, blankets, and breakfast and dinner (optionally). Students are in a single room (or double for students travelling together).

Accommodation is available the Saturday before the start of classes until after the end of class the following Saturday.

Prices & Dates

Dates 2012

Arrivals and departures on Saturdays. Courses begin on Mondays.

Standard course only runs from January to June and October to December.

Starting dates for beginners: 09/01 - 06/02 - 05/03 - 02/04 - 30/04 - 28/05 - 11/06 - 25/06 - every week in summer - 10/09 - 24/09 - 22/10 - 19/11 - 5/12

DELE exams: 20-21/05, 19/08, 18-19/11 (enrolment dates on request)

Holidays: 19/03 - 06/04 - 19/04 - 01/05 - 15/08 - 12/10 - 1/11 - 6/12 . The school will be closed for Christmas holidays.

These dates can be subject to modification. Please contact us for more information.

Prices include:

• The chosen course programme
• The chosen accommodation with or without meals as chosen
• All administrative and enrolment fees
• Academic materials
  
  

Prices do not include:

• Transportation to the destination

Practical Info

Transport

• Arrival airport: Alicante (ALC)
  

An (optional) transfer is available between airport and accommodation - see price table.

If you prefer, we can book your flights for you. This must be made clear at the moment of enrolment.

If you intend to book your own flight, try to arrive the Saturday before the start of your course and leave the Saturday following its end.

Visa Information

EU residents do not normally need a Visa to enter Spain.

Citizens of other countries, such as the USA, Brazil, Japan, Korea, etc, can stay in Spain without a Visa for up to 3 months.

If you intend to stay for longer than 3 months, you will need to apply for a Student Visa (type D) before arriving.

Students coming from such countries must acquaint themselves with the visa application procedures involved at their local Spanish Embassy or Consulate.