Why Cristóbal Colón Spanish School?
The Cristóbal Colón Spanish School offers a unique learning
environment that aims to offer you maximum flexibilty according
to your needs. Our school is located in the heart of Quito,
and we strive to offer the best teaching, at the best price.
We aim to make our school comfortable for you, and if you have
any requests we will try to accomodate them. We also are connected
with the Tutamanda Hostel, and hope that you will take advantage
of its comfortable environment and opportunity to mingle with
like-minded travellers.
About Spanish Lessons at School
For how many weeks do most people take Spanish lessons?
The number of weeks our students take lessons for varies enormously
depending on their further plans in South America and their
level of Spanish. Because we offer flexibilty in the hours of
your classes, it is up to you how long you want to stay with
us and what level you would like to reach. However, we recommend
that Beginners take at least 20 hours of classes, and Intermediate
and Advanced students take 40 hours.
Do I have to take classes at set times, or on particular
days?
Absolutely not! We tailor-make classes for you, so you can take
as many hours of classes as you want, when you want. Just ask,
and we will arrange a teacher to suit your needs.
Do you offer group classes?
Based on our extensive experience, we recommend individual classes
for all students. We are proud to offer one-to-one teaching
only, as this ensures that you receive the maximum attention
to your learning, and progress at the most efficient speed.
Do I have to speak Spanish before taking classes?
No, you don't have to speak or understand Spanish, before joining.
Our teaching methods are designed to cope with the first steps
through to the sprint finish! If you are able to speak a little
bit, we will ask you to do a written test before starting your
classes, which allows us to tailor your course for your needs,
from day 1.
Do the teachers speak English?
Our teachers all speak some English but we teach all of the
lessons in Spanish only, as this will force you to learn faster
(English may be used as a last resort!).
About our School Locations
I am thinking of taking lessons in more than one of your
locations. Will this affect my teaching?
All teaching matters are managed centrally in Quito by the academic
director, Jose. A personal record of your progress is updated
and communicated to all teachers irrespective of your location.
Furthermore, all teachers are able to follow the same basic
teaching structure ensuring uniform progress from week to week.
Can I make changes to my choice of school locations after
arriving?
Yes! One of our prime attractions is the variety our locations
we offer students and we encourage you to make full use of the
different school locations around Ecaudor. Normally we require
a week's advance notice of any change.
About students
What is the average age of the students?
We have had students at the school aged 16 as well as aged 70.
However, the majority of the students learning Spanish with
us are between 18 and 35 years old.
How many teachers do you have?
We currently have 15 teachers. All of our teachers have the
relevant qualifications to teach, and many years of experience
with students of all levels of Spanish.
Where do your students come from?
They mostly come from the U.S.A., Canada , Europe and Australia
with a few coming from other countries.
About Accomodation
Can you recommend accomodation for me?
We have a hostel adjoined to our school, where many of our students
stay. This allows for a wider social group, as you can mix with
both students in the school and those who stay in the hostel.
Please have a look at the Tutamanda Hostel website. However,
please do not feel obliged to make use of this. You can stay
at the hostel without taking classes, and take classes without
staying at the Tutamanda Hostel.
Home stay - Is there a choice of families?
Our home stay option is very popular because it improves your
Spanish and makes it much easier to find new friends. Our home
stay families are all middle class and are very keen to have
students stay with them to immerse them in the Ecuadorian culture.
We will try to match any specific requirements with the families
that we have. If, for whatever reason, you are unhappy with
your particular family we will move you to another family.
Will I get the host family's address and phone number?
Yes, shortly before your departure we will inform you of your
family's name and contact details.
I would prefer to organise my own accommodation is that
OK?
Of course! There is no obligation to stay with a family, or
in our hostel.. All of our locations offer a range of hostel/hotels
and we would be happy to help organise something for you if
required.
About administrative Issues:
What forms of payment are accepted by the school?
We accept travellers cheques or cash. Credit cards can be readily
used to withdraw cash in most banks and from ATMs on the streets
of Quito.
Do I have to stay with families for a set time?
No. Although our prices are quoted per week, you can stay additional
days, either attending classes or with your home stay family.
You will be charged a daily rate pro-rated based on the weekly
prices.
When do language courses start?
Because we understand that you are a tourist, and have travel
plans that cannot be restrained by a timetable, you can start
lessons any day of the week and at any time. For this reason,
you can also take classes when it suits you. We want to work
alongside your plans in order for you to make the most of your
time in Ecuador.
What is the application procedure and is there an application
deadline?
No, we do not have an application procedure. However, in order
for us to find you a teacher, we need to know 2 hours in advance
of the time you want to start your lessons.
Do I receive a certificate on completion of my course?
Yes if you wish. The certificate will state the period studied
for and the level obtained.
Can the school help me with my travel plans in Ecuador?
We have extensive experience working with travel agents offering
tours throughout the country. We will also be happy to offer
independent advice to our students and to facilitate bookings
when requested.
Does the school offer an Internet service?
We offer a free Internet usage for you in the school. We limit
this, however, to the afternoons only so that everybody can
have a turn.
