Easy Languages

Program

Destination

Benalmádena is situated at the foot of the Sierra de Mijas, just 20 kilometers (about 12 and a half miles) away from Malaga. The climate is mild, varying between a minimum winter temperature of 5°C and 35°C during the summer.

Benalmádena is a town of 30,000 inhabitants. Originally a fishing village with beautiful little white-washed houses, it has developed into a lively and animated town while retaining its antique charm and character. The friendly people, the sports facilities (nautical sports, golf, horse-riding…), the discotheques, the Flamenco shows and the natural beauty of the seaside make Benalmádena the perfect place to work and to relax.

Its geographical location, in the South of Andalusia, allows for easy organisation of excursions to the larger cities of the region, rich in culture and heritage: the Alhambra in Grenada, the Mezquita de Córdoba, the Giralda and the historical district in Sevilla, and more.

School

The Colegio Maravillas is situated in the residential quarter of Benalmádena, some ten minutes from the beach. It is officially recognized by the l’Instituto Cervantes. This prestigious school was founded in 1976 and is entirely outfitted with modern facilities. It features a large library, an art room, a snack-bar, a small theatre, computer labs, sports fields and a pool.

Courses

On the first day of class, students will take a placement test. Classes are offered for all levels, from beginner to highly advanced speakers. The 15 hours of classes are presented in 60 minute intervals, with an average of ten students per class. The methods of teaching are modern and aim towards developing communication skills by putting emphasis on dialogue, pronunciation and oral comprehension.

All lessons last 55 minutes. Three programmes are offered:

• Intensive Courses
  This programme includes a total of 20 group lessons per week, from Monday to Friday, 9:00AM to 1:30PM. Classes are composed of maximum 10 students. Beginning courses are centreed on grammar and oral and written comprehension, while intermediate and advanced courses put emphasis on comprehension, effective communication and idiomatic expressions, writing, and role-playing.
  
• Combined Courses
  This programme includes a total of 20 group lessons per week, plus 5 or 10 private lessons. In the morning, students take the same classes as those enrolled in the Intensive Course. In the afternoon, private lessons allow students to improve and further explore the language on a more personal level, while discussing their specific difficulties with the professor
  
• Preparation for the DELE Exam
  Only the official dimploma from the l’Instituto cervantes, the DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) acts as international proof of language comprehension for those who wish to study in a Spanish university or work in a Spanish-speaking country. The DELE preparation course includes 20 lessons of intensive Spanish in the morning and 5 lessons, in the afternoon, specifically designed to train for the exam (in mini groups of 1-5 students). Check the “dates” section for details on exam sessions organised by l’Instituto Cervantes.
  
  

At the end of the programme each student will receive a progress report and a certificate of participation.

Activities

In addition to the regular course programme, the school offers optional workshops which allow students to practice the Spanish language while participating in athletic or cultural activities, such as courses in Flamenco, cooking, local arts and crafts or golf.

To get the most out of your stay and further enrich your experience, the school regularly organises cultural activities, such as tapas tastings, dances, concerts, as well as excursions to different tourist sites in the region: Sevilla, Cordoba and others.

Accommodation

Accommodation is an important aspect which contributes to the overall quality of your stay and the efficiency of your language learning. Thus, we offer three different options for accommodation: in a host family, residence hall, or shared apartment.

• 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 are experienced in welcoming foreign students into their homes. This option includes breakfast (plus an evening meal if you choose the half-board option) and lodging in a shared room (private rooms available for an additional cost).
• Student Residence
  Student residences offer dormitory-style living 5 minutes away from the school. Students have a private room and share a bathroom and equipped common areas with other students.
• Shared Apartment
  Students who wish to have a more independent lifestyle can opt for one or two bedroom apartments complete with shared living room and full-equipped kitchen.

Prices & Dates

Dates 2012

Intensive and combined courses begin each Monday.

Dates recommended for complete beginners: 16/01, 30/01, 13/02, 27/02, 12/03, 26/03, 9/04, 23/04, 7/05, 21/05, 4/06, 18/06, every week in July and August, 10/09, 24/09, 15/10, 29/10, 12/11, 26/11, 10/12.

Peak season: July and September.

DELE Preparation (beginning dates):

• 2 week programme: 07/05, 6/08, 5/11.
• 3 week programme: 30/04, 30/07, 29/10.
• 4 week programme: 23/04, 22/10.

Exam Dates: 17-18/05, 17/08, 15-16/11.

Public holidays and vacations: 01/01 to 08/01; 28/02; 6/04; 1/05; 15/08; 12/10; 1/11; 6/12; 8/12; from 22/12 to 31/12

Course prices can be found in the table above.

Prices include:

• The chosen course programme
• The chosen accommodation
• Academic materials
• Placement test at the beginning of the stay and certificate of completion at the end
  
  

Prices do not include:

• Travel to Benalmádena
• Airport pickup
• On-site transportation
• Optional activities

Practical Info

Transport

• Arrival airport: Malaga (AGP)
  

An free transfer is available between airport and accommodation provided you arrive and leave on a Sunday between 7am and 11pm.

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 Sunday 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.