Learn languages abroad - Spanish courses in Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain is a lively city with much to offer to its visitants. Museums, gardens, markets, monuments, architectures, and don't forget the many restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The mixture of tradition and modernity makes this city an excellent choice to study Spanish.

Madrid, the Capital of Spain and historical seat of Kings, is a glittering modern European metropolis. The city of three million people is placed on a plateau, some 700 meters above sea level, making it the highest Capital of Europe. Because of its altitude, the climate is characterized by warm and dry summers and cool winters.
Madrid was little more than a fortified village when King Felipe II decided in the year 1561 to make it the permanent capital of the Spanish empire. With the arrival of Carlos III in the 18th century, the city was further developed and it was during this era that the Palacio Real was built.
Leaving aside the great art museums and the splendour of the Plaza Mayor, the Palacio Real and the Parque del Retiro, the essence of Madrid lies in the life on the streets. In no other European Capital will you find the city centre thronged so late into the nights as here, especially on weekends. Everyone seems to stay out late and in this sense it is a city more to be lived than seen.

Spanish school in Madrid

Our partner school in Madrid,  is located in the heart of Madrid, in a palace of the 19th century. The school is famous for its exceptional location because it is situtated just a few steps away from the Prado Museum, Parliament and Retiro Park. The center owns 14 fully equipped classrooms, a beautiful courtyard, a multimedia room with internet access, a library and social gathering areas.
The school was founded in 1982 and since then has been running successfully.

The school counts with the following services:

• 14 fully equipped classrooms.
• Courtyard.
• Multimedia room with internet access.
• Library.
• The first day of class you will take an inicial test to find out which level is the most suitable for you.
• Different types of courses throughout the year with communicative classes and a maximum of 10 students per class. Because of the highly qualified teachers the classes are designed to meet the needs of each individual.
• Many different students from all over the world.
• Dynamic and motivating activities which are always joined by someone from the staff.
• A cultural program which is up-to-date with the extensive social and cultural facilities of Madrid and Spain, increasing creativity and enjoyment.
• Conversation exchanges with Spaniards.

Official accreditations: Centro Asociado del Instituto Cervantes, CEELE (Quality of teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language), AEEEM (Association of Spanish Language Schools in Madrid), FEDELE (National Federation of Spanish Language Schools in Spain), Accreditation for the CSN Programme of the Swedish Government, Bildungsurlaub Germany.

Social activities
The cultural program of the school offers:
Guided tours of the Prado Museum, trips to Toledo, Segovia and El Escorial, sports, outdoor activities, concerts and theatre, wine tasting, intercultural get-togethers, films, flamenco, visits to companies and TANDEM exchange.
Example of cultural program:

• Monday: 16:30-18:00 Guided walk through MADRID, THE SPANISH KINGS' COURT
• Tuesday: 16:30-18:30 Visit to Arabians Baths
• Wednesday: 22.00 Flamenco Show*
• Thursday: 16:30-18:00 Visit to the Prado Museum: Velázquez*
• Friday: 20:30-22:00 Theatre*
• Saturday: All day guided excursion to Toledo*
• Sunday: 12.00 Visit "The Rastro".
  
  *Students will be asked to pay a participation fee for transport to places outside Madrid and entrance to Museums or other events.
  At the school, the students will find a daily list of special recommendations for the activities of the cultural program.
  

 Spanish courses in Madrid - Courses and dates

Standard Course (20 lessons per week)
Communicative course, all levels, all year, for those who wish to achieve a level of Spanish and cultural knowledge in an effective manner.
4 lessons daily, from 09.30 to 13.00h, 20 lessons per week.
Absolute beginners should only start on the first and third Monday of each month. Please see dates below. Students with previous knowledge can start every Monday.

Intensive Course (30 lessons per week)
4 morning lessons complemented by 2 additional lessons in a small group in the afternoon. For those who want a more intensive and personal course.
6 lessons daily, from 09.30h to 13.00h and from 13.30h to 15.00h, 30 lessons per week.
Absolute beginners should only start on the first and third Monday of each month. Please see dates below. Students with previous knowledge can start every Monday.
Recognized in Germany as Bildungsurlaub.

Standard "Plus 2" Course (30 lessons per week)
Specially designed for those participants who would like to study in a group, yet at the same time have some private tuition for their professional or their private needs.
6 lessons daily, from 09.30 to 13.00h in a group and 2 individual lessons daily, from 14.00 to 15.30h for specific needs.
Absolute beginners should only start on the first and third Monday of each month. Please see dates below. Students with previous knowledge can start every Monday.

Private lessons
This course is the most effective way of achieving goals in a limited amount of time. These classes are made to fit the needs of the individual. The student decides length, dates and number of classes. From 1 week with 4, 6 or 8 individual lessons per day.

• Each lesson lasts 45 minutes.
• Maximum 10 students in a class.
• Included in the enrolment fee (45 €): Administration expenses, educational material (a textbook, photocopies).
• Included in the accommodation fee (40 €): accommodation arrangements.
• Included in the course fee: Level-testing, course tuition, folder with information on Madrid, some of the activities in the cultural programme, certificate of attendance, language exchange where applicable, free use of library and multimedia room, free Internet access; free access to an Online Spanish course (AVE COURSE) for students who enrol in a long-term course. Free TANDEM-Partner (conversation exchange up to 2 weeks).
• Minimum age of students 16 years; for young student course the minimum age is 14. Students under 18 years of age need written authorization from their parents.
• At the end of the course each student who attended class regulary will receive a Certificate from the center.
• For late or non arrivals there is no refund of money.
• There are no classes on national and local holidays. These classes are not recoverable, except in the case of 1 week courses and individual courses.
• In the case of Bildungsurlaub, the school charge an additional administration fee of 30 €.
• At the end of your course you can take a final level test. Fee 40 €.
       

Starting dates for Standard Course, Intensive Course and Standard "Plus 2" Course: The courses start every Monday for elementary to advanced levels.
Only beginners should start on the first or third Monday of each month:
04.01., 18.01., 01.02., 15.02., 01.03., 15.03., 05.04., 19.04., 03.05., 17.05., 07.06., 21.06., 05.07., 19.07., 02.08., 16.08., 06.09., 20.09., 04.10., 18.10., 02.11., 15.11., 29.11., 13.12.10.

No classes on the following dates:
01.01., 06.01., 19.03., 02.04., 12.10., 01.11., 06.12., 08.12.10.

Chistmas Holidays: 25.12.10 - 02.01.11

Levels
The learning levels have been calibrated to the Common European Framework.
User      A1 - Breakthrough
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly.
User      A2 - Waystage
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance. Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Independent User     B1 - Threshold
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Independent User      B2 - Vantage
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with fluency and spontaneity. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Proficient User     C1 - Effective operational proficiency
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns.
Proficient User    C2 - Mastery
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fuently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Shared apartments
Offers the possibility to stay in a fully equiped apartment together with Spanish people. You would stay in a single room, while sharing kitchen, bathroom and living room. All the apartments are situated near the school and are easy reachable by foot or by bus.

Spanish Host Family
Offers the possibility to have a closer look at the Spanish life. The Spanish families offer you a welcoming atmosphere and security of home life; you will be fully integrated into the family if you wish so. Single or double rooms, breakfast, half- or fullboard is available. For a supplement it is possible to book a room with your Hostfamily with your private bathroom (Familiy Plus).

Residence
The new residence of the school is located just a few minutes walk to the school. You can book either a single or double room with ensuite or shared bathroom.
The price includes: Bed linen, blankets, cleaning Service, share use of kitchen, Air conditioning, TV with Parabolic Channels; Telephone, Free Wireless Internet Access, Own Parking; Free Internet Access in the Reception.
The cost of an entire week will be charged to those students requiring 4 or more additional days of accommodation. The school does not guarantee the availability of extra days of accommodations.
The accommodation is available from 12:00 noon on the Sunday prior to the first day of the course (Monday) until 11:00 noon on the Saturday following the last day of class (Friday) or accommodation booking.

Hotels and Hostals
On request we are also pleased to reserve you a double or single room in a hotel or hostel near the school. Please write us an e-mail to: info@language-in.com

Special conditions
- Arrivals normally on Sundays before the course start.
- Departures normally on Saturdays after the course end.
- Reservation for double rooms only accepted for people coming together.

Pick-up service from Madrid airports:
If you wish a pick-up service from the airport to your accommodation we are pleased to arrange this for you.
Price one way: 65 €. This price is only valid for arrivals on Sunday between 11.00 am and 18.00 pm. There is a supplement of 25 € for the rest of the week and outside of these hours.