Málaga

Program Outline

In Málaga we have a couple of special courses which include Spanish + Golf and the Summer Course for Young People. Teaching is based on communicative methods. Each class lasts 55 minutes. Maximum of 10 students per class. Most courses are largely based around the following two programs.

The Principal Course has 20 lessons per week centered on the practical aspects of Spanish used in daily life. Students develop the abilities of listening, speaking, reading and writing for studies, work, travel or social life. This course is especially ideal for those students who wish to learn Spanish through a structured “step-by-step” approach, while having time to be able to enjoy the many opportunities to experience the local way of life. The Principal Course’s four levels of learning cover all aspects of Spanish grammar. New language skills are introduced and reinforced in a logical and progressive manner, ensuring a steady learning curve.

The Intensive Course is targeted for committed students wanting to achieve maximum linguistic progress and a broad perspective of Hispanic culture in a short time. In this course of 30 lessons per week, besides the classes included in the Principal Course: grammar, reading/writing and conversation; students will have the extra benefit of various weekly cultural seminars. Ranging from literature, art, movies, travel, to history, the seminars are intended to give a general perspective of the Hispanic world.

Location

Our language center is located in Pedregalejo, a residential neighborhood in Málaga. The school is very close to the beach and near the historical and cultural areas of the city. It has a reception area, 10 classrooms with air conditioning, a library which has computers with Internet access, a teachers’ resource room and several sunny terraces including the rooftop.

Accommodation

We believe that suitable accommodations are as important as first class teaching and facilities. We can arrange families, student apartments, hotels and hostels for our students. They can choose one or combine more than one option during their stay.

Almost all our students choose to live with a host family during the first weeks of the program. These families are chosen carefully and monitored through regular inspections and feedback from students. Living with a family is a guaranteed way to practice the language and to learn other aspects of Spanish culture. All accommodations are walking distance from classes.

Cultural

Organized outings are always accompanied by a teacher. A typical monthly program of activities and excursions could be composed of:

• Welcoming and departure parties.
• Tour of the City: El Palo y Pedregalejo, the beach, the Post Office, monuments and museums.
• Videos and documentary films.
• Theater and concerts.
• Sports activities and games, such as beach volleyball and football.
• Dinners and informal outings. Excursions to Granada, Seville, Cordoba and “White Villages.”

Start Dates

Courses start every Monday for students with some knowledge of Spanish, but we recommend that beginners start at the beginning of a 4 week cycle. You may enroll for a period of 2 to 32 weeks.

Climate

Málaga enjoys a warm sunny climate throughout the year and is surrounded by beaches. Summers are hot and somewhat humid, but with sea breezes to cool you off. One should bring Spring/Autumn type clothing in the winter months.

Local Color

Studying on the Costa del Sol offers students the chance to combine Spanish language studies with an unforgettable vacation in Málaga. Leisure time activities are unlimited. During the second or third week of August, a festival is held with bullfights and open-air concerts. Students can also visit many historical buildings.

Points of Interest

The Historic City Center; the Cathedral, the Alcazaba-Gibralfaro, the Plaza de la Constitución, the Roman Theatre and the Paseo del Parque (Park Walk). Leaving the center of the city, students should stroll along the Paseo Marítimo (Promenade) to the fine-sand beaches of Pedregalejo and eat fresh fish in a chiringuito (open air restaurant) by the sea. The processions at Easter and the Málaga Fair in August are very popular.

Hot Tip

The school’s big rooftop terrace is often the most popular spot. Students frequently gather there to pass the time after classes enjoying the sun, the views of the sea and chatting with each other. Various other activities take place there as well such as the “Paella Party” where students get to learn how to make a proper paella.