Seville (Southern Spain)

Program Outline

We have two intensive language courses with eight different levels. The Intensive course is a program with 4 hours of class a day. Classes begin at 9:30am and end at 1:30pm with a 30 minute break. The program progresses through a range of new grammar topics every week but always with a focus on developing your conversational skills. Classes are characterized by a high level of interaction, student participation and situational exercises that help you to express yourself competently in a Spanish speaking environment. Each block of two class hours is taught by a different teacher. Please note that when the school is busy, classes can also start in the afternoon at 4:00pm.

Super-intensive course is a six-hour/day program. This program consists of the intensive course + 2 class hours of additional Spanish conversation training from 2:15pm to 4:00pm to help you improve your oral comprehension and expressive skills.

Location

Our school is located in the old centre in the neighbourhood Macarena next to the beautiful square of Alameda de Hercules. The five classrooms are all air conditioned and offer a very comfortable environment for your Spanish course. You will also find a central area with free internet access, a kitchen and a sunny outdoor patio.

Accommodations

Our school offers a wide range of accommodation able to suit the needs of everyone. Students can choose individual or double rooms in shared flats with other students, a homestay with a Spanish family or stand alone apartments for complete privacy. Housing options are within 20 minutes by public transport from the school. With the homestay option there are two meals a day, breakfast and dinner.

Cultural

Sevilla is probably the classic heart of Spain where you can find every typical Spanish tradition: sun, tapas, flamenco, colourful religious processions, bull-fighting, the siesta, the late nights and amazing architecture to name but a few. On the other hand, Sevilla is not standing still and is a wonderful place for nightlife, art, shopping and restaurants. You’ll find that it is almost impossible not to have a good time in this beautiful city. As the capital of Andalusia, you’re never far away either from discovering the beauty and charm of southern Spain. The school organizes weekly culture classes (free) and offers as well daily and weekend activities (at nominal fee).

Start Date

Classes start every Monday of the year for students with some Spanish ability and every second Monday for absolute beginners. The last week of December and the first of January, the school is closed.

Climate

Seville is located in the south of Spain. It is one of the sunniest cities in the world. The weather is mild and in summer it can be very hot, especially in July and August. In the winter the temperature will almost never hit the freezing mark. You won’t need a thick winter coat, but it might be a good idea to take some warm clothes for the winter, because there are many houses that, because of the mild climate, do not have heating and as marble floors are common it can be much colder inside.

Local Color

Seville lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir and is one of the largest historical centres in Europe, and it’s the capital of Andalusia. It has many important monuments with a diverse history. You’ll find a mix of Roman, Jewish, Christian and Arab culture, which gives the city a relaxed atmosphere. Apart of this, Seville is universally famous for being a joyous town, with many “fiestas,” like the holy week (semana santa) and the fiestas of April (feria de abril). It’s a very vital and sparkling city and the Sevillians are known for their wit and kindness.

Points of Interest

Located between the Jardines de Murillo and the Cathedral, the Alcazar or Royal Palace in Seville is still a vacation spot for the King and Queen. Construction first began under Abd Al Ramán III in the early 10th century. Later additions included those by Pedro the Cruel with the aid of Moorish craftsmen. The grounds and gardens around the building are an important part of the visit.

The third largest cathedral in the world, behind only St. Peters in Rome and St. Paul’s in England. The Cathedral and Giralda holds the record as the largest gothic building in the world. Construction began in 1401 on the grounds of the centre mosque constructed during Arab occupation. The Patio de Naranjos and the main section of the Giralda are the only structures remaining from the mosque. The climb up the Giralda, approximately 70 meters, is made easier with the absence of stairs. The tomb of Columbus is said to be located here as well, a disputed claim which may soon be known as fact when the FBI finishes DNA analysis of the remains.

Hot Tip

One thing of the many things you have to do when in Sevilla is to see a Flamenco show in Casa de la Memoria or Casa Carmen Arte Flamenco. Artists can range from the nationally to internationally known, and the dress and costumes are superb. You really get carried away by the rhythm of the Spanish guitars and the fabulous dancers.