Almería (Coastal Andalusia)

Program Outline

There are a number of different kinds of courses at all levels combined with activities (walking, golf, Flamenco dancing, water sports, etc). Teaching is based on an eclectic method which combines the practice of the grammatical, vocabulary and pronunciation contents with the practice of the four skills. We largely use techniques from the communicative approach and, in fact, students use Spanish from the first day. An important feature of our teaching is the scheduled use of the multimedia language laboratory where all the students have a personal practice program devised by their teacher.

The Intensive 20 hours / week course is the standard program at the school. This Course is targeted for students who are going to spend a short period of time in Almería and for those wanting to achieve the maximum linguistic and cultural progress. The first lesson, from 9:00 am until a break at 10:30am, is devoted to grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation practice. The second lesson (11:00 – 12:30pm) is used for communication and practice of the four skills. The last lesson, (12.30 – 13.30) is used in the multimedia language laboratory where students practice individually accompanied by the teacher.

Location

Almería is a bustling coastal city on the Mediterranean Sea in Andalusia. The campus is located in the heart of the city, between the two main Avenues and within 5 minutes walking distance from the main harbor and the marina. The School is very close to the historical and cultural areas of the city and to the beach (10 minutes walk).

Accommodations

We have a wide range of accommodation facilities. We offer family accommodation in individual rooms, with full board. We also have private rooms in shared apartments as well. Our families and shared apartments are chosen carefully and undergo regular inspections. Laundry service is included in the homestay options as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner. No meals are offered in the apartment stay, but all have fully furnished kitchens.

Cultural

We want our students to learn Spanish experiencing the Spanish way of life and having a wide view of the Andalusian traditions. For this reason we have a wide array of cultural activities, some of which are free or with a small additional fee. Here is a list of some of the most popular activities we do at the school: Guided Tours of the city: Sightseeing, tapas (tradition of going out with friends to enjoy the night life and get a real taste of the region). Moorish Almería, Tapas Tour of the Marina. Walking in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park and in the Alpujarras. Water sports such as windsurfing, scuba diving, sailing, etc. We have more than 200 km of coast. Golf in two nearby courses, 15 minutes drive from the school. Handicraft lessons. Dancing, taught by qualified teachers. Flamenco, Salsa, Sevillanas. Excursions to Granada, Córdoba, Ubeda and Baeza, Cabo de Gata Natural Park, Melilla (in Africa). Theatre and concerts. Cinema. Gym: Aerobics, Capoeira, Tai-Chi, etc.

Start Dates

Students who are not complete beginners can start any Monday of the year. Those students who are complete beginners will need to start their program on specific Mondays each month. For a list of these start dates, please contact us.

Climate

Almería is located in the southeast of Spain. Almería is the sunniest province in Spain and this is why it is famous for its pleasant weather. The city is 20 miles from Cabo de Gata Natural Park, a paradise for those who love open air sports. Almería is 105 miles away from Granada and the Sierra Nevada Ski Station. You can enjoy very pleasant winters and fine weather throughout the year. The average daytime temperature is 80.6 °F (27°C) in summer and 59 °F (15°C) in winter.

Local Color

Almería is famous for its beaches, its food, and its history. The School is in the city center, a very lively area full of people, tapas bars, restaurants, shops, dance clubs, and official buildings. The city nightlife starts early in the evening and sometimes ends after sunrise. Almería is the perfect place to study Spanish while having an unforgettable vacation.

Points of Interest

The historic centre, the Alcazaba (Arabic fortress), the Cathedral, The Arab Aljibes, The Mezquita and the different and varied tapas bars. Leaving the center of the city students will find the Paseo Marítimo and the harbor.

Hot Tip

Enjoy the beaches for more than 6 months a year! Don’t miss the Easter Processions, the Feria in August (main festival in the city), Cabo de Gata Natural Park! Learn Spanish in the sunniest province in Spain.