Lima, Peru

Program Outline

We have designed a variety of programs that fit almost anyone interested in learning Spanish! Students have made our Group Spanish 20 hour/week course the most popular option to learn and practice Spanish and meet other international students at same level. Classes are held in the morning and afternoon. Students are not only separated by level of ability, but also by age. This helps make the social interaction easier.

All of our programs include a social program that starts every Monday with a city tour for the different neighborhoods of Lima and Miraflores. Students who take private lessons are also invited to take part, so they do not feel isolated even if they are studying specific topics as medical Spanish, business Spanish or taking a DELE preparation course.

The Medical Spanish Program allows professional and students to immerse themselves in Peruvian culture and local medical language and environment. We put you in direct contact with local doctors and patients. If you are thinking of getting university credit for your course or get involved with a volunteer institution, simply let us know about your interests and you can take advantage of our different program options.

Lodging

Our homestay option is with specially selected Peruvian families. With homestay you receive half board, a private room, and pickup from the airport. Staying with a family is the best way to practice the Spanish you learn in class in a conversational setting. Those students not wishing to stay with a family have two options. They can stay at our shared apartment option (no meals) or they can stay at a nearby student residence with a private room and breakfast. All our accommodation choices include airport pickup.

Cultural

Lima is the capital of Peru and was founded by Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. The “City of the Kings” has almost 8 million residents, which is about a third of the population of the entire country. The Historic Center of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to it large number of colonial buildings and monuments. The Plaza Mayor is fronted on one side by the grand 16th century Cathedral and on another by the resplendent Presidential Palace. The National Museum of Anthropology, Archeology and History is said by many to be the best in Latin America.

Location

Miraflores is an upscale seaside neighborhood in Lima, Peru’s capital. Lime is a very large city and there are a number of very unique sites to visit in the old city. Miraflores has many restaurants, bars, shops and museums that are very close to the school.

Climate

The climate in Lima is fairly mild. Even though it is subtropical and a desert area, because of the microclimate it is also humid. The average temperature year round is between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with highs up to 86° F and lows down to 50° F. Rainfall is almost unknown as the yearly average amount is less that half an inch. From May through December there is a mixture of morning fog and low clouds. Warm, dryer summers are from mid December through April.

Local Color

Lima is a city of festivals and religious celebrations. The patron saint of Lima is the Lord of the Miracles and all throughout October there are a number of parades as well as bull fights. During many of the parades full size statues of Jesus will be carried through the streets on elaborately decorated alters. The religious faithful follow the alter wearing purple robes and sing and play music as they process. Another large celebration is the Feria del Pacifico which is in November and has an international flavor to it.

School Benefits

The following are some of the benefits that our students receive at this location. Free tutorials, our own developed material, free internet access, Wi-Fi capability and full time activity coordinator. There are activities held all week as well as on weekends. Our staff is friendly, our premises has traditional architecture, there are free snacks and purified water at break time, tourist and city info assistance & welcome lunch for our new students.

Hot Tips

The catacombs and the Convento de San Francisco are a must see for any visitors to Lima. The convent itself is a 17th century Spanish neoclassic gem and worth a visit in its own right. The catacombs where the public cemetery where, during colonial times, all those without money for a proper burial were laid to rest. It you do not care for tight places, under ground and stacks of bones and skulls, you might want to skip the tour below ground.

Start Dates

Group sessions begin every other Monday. Students with no Spanish background should begin on one of the official start dates. Students with prior Spanish can generally join an existing group, any Monday of the year. Individual (one-to-one) courses may begin any time as well. Classes are either from 9 until 1 or 2 until 6 with two short snack breaks.

Students can start their programs any Monday of the year, but if you are complete beginner, we recommend the following start dates: Jan: 14, 28 - Feb: 11, 25 - Mar: 10, 24 - Apr:7, 21 -May: 5, 19 - Jun:2, 16, 30 - Jul: 14, 28 - Aug: 11, 25 - Sep: 8, 22 - Oct: 6, 20 - Nov: 3, 17 - Dec: 1, 15, 29