Bariloche (Patagonian Andes)

Program Outline

Our Spanish language school programs are designed so you will meet your Spanish goals in a short period of time and enjoying the cool mountain air and quiet small-town feel at our new Patagonia location. We have developed a variety of programs that fit almost any interest in learning Spanish! The standard course, 20 hours per week, provides you plenty of instruction while leaving free time to practice the language. Small group sizes (maximum 6) allow each student to receive substantial individual attention and feedback from the teachers. Students may also add private lessons in the afternoon as well to make greater use of their time. One-to-one classes are also available for students seeking maximum individual attention or to work at a slower or faster pace than the group Spanish courses.

For those students traveling around and interested in a short program, our 2-week course “Moving in the city” can be added to the standard program to give them the necessary information to move and communicate effectively in Patagonia and Latin America. These group lessons in the afternoon with international travelers will be the most useful stop on your trip and a great experience for sure!

Lodging

We have three different lodging options, so we can provide students with accommodations to match their requests and interests. For independent travelers or those only staying a short time, we have accommodations in a hostel. We have chosen the best services in town for your comfort and budget. For those who prefers a different environment, we can also reserve a stay in our student apartments. No meals are included but you have free access to kitchen and common areas. Finally, we have our homestay option which includes half board. This is for students who want to make the most of their time from both a language and cultural standpoint. This option is especially recommended for those students who are planning extended stays.

Cultural

Its special architecture and wonderful landscapes makes Bariloche an ideal destination to learn Spanish while traveling in Patagonia. The charming city is surrounded by mountains, beautiful lakes, and amazing forests, glaciers and wildlife. While many students prefer the big-city life in Buenos Aires, Bariloche provides a quieter mountain resort atmosphere, with a slower pace and cleaner air.

Location

Bariloche is one of the most important tourist attractions of Argentina! It is located at the foot of Los Andes and south cost of Nahuel Huapi lake and it is the biggest city of Rio Negro Province. The school is located 4 blocks from the “centro civico” or center of town and offers comfortable premises all year round. It has a patio area for school lunches and parties and many housing options in the neighborhood.

Climate

An important fact to be aware of is that the weather does not vary strictly in accordance with the calendar seasons. It is not unusual to have low temperatures and rainy weather in summer, which is mostly sunny and warm. During the winter, June through September, days may be cold and snowy, or bright and sunny. Temperatures average between 16° and 40° Fahrenheit. Snowfall in San Carlos de Bariloche make it a great place to ski and snowboard. During Spring, October & November, the days get longer and temperature begins to rise. At the same time, the rainfall starts to diminish very gradually. The nights are cold. During the daytime, temperatures vary between 45° and 70° Fahrenheit. Summer, December through March, the days are sunny and the nights cool. There is little rainfall and dominant winds are southwest. Daylight extends from 6 a.m. to around 10 p.m. Temperatures can reach as high as 90° Fahrenheit during the day, dropping to 65° at night. Fall, April & May, the average temperatures vary between 40° and 60° Fahrenheit. This is the season of cold, luminous and dry days, although now and then there are intense rains, and some early snowstorms, especially on the mountaintops.

Local Color

There are many places to visit while enjoying this quiet place. The mountain paths are open for hiking, riding mountain bikes and horses across the thick forests, and the high peaks are a challenge for climbers. In spring and summer the city invites visitors to enjoy excursions and outdoor activities in Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi while winter is ideal for skiing in Cerro Catedral.

Points of Interest

Bariloche, situated lakeside in the Andes Mountains, is the tourist capital of South America’s Patagonia region. From the town it is easy to arrange ski trips in the winter (June – September) and white-water rafting, climbing, and trekking throughout the year. Bariloche has turned into one of the main tourist destinations in Argentina. The facilities designed by man, as well as the beauty offered by the natural environment, mingle in perfect harmony to satisfy the visitor.

Hot Tip

For those in need of an extra dose of excitement, Bariloche has an active and fun night life. Its discos are famous among Argentinean and international students during their graduation trips, as well as among the large number of tourists that visit the city. Most shops, bars, and restaurants are a short walk from the school and our housing. Chocolates are the most famous souvenir to bring home from Bariloche. Their handmade chocolates, with an amazing variety and incredible options are prized throughout the country.

Start Dates

Students can start their programs any Monday of the year, but if you are complete beginner, we recommend the following start dates: Jan: 16, 30 – Feb: 13, 27 – Mar: 13, 27 - Apr:10, 24 –May: 8, 22 – Jun:5, 19 – Jul: 3, 17, 31 – Aug: 14, 28 – Sep: 11, 25 – Oct: 9, 23 –Nov: 6, 20 – Dec: 4, 18