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Academia de Español
"SURPACIFICO"
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Surpacifico Tours
About the School
Is your school accredited by the Ministry of Education and supported by a university so that I could transfer credits back to my university in the USA?
Yes, Academia Surpacifico is accredited by the Ministry of Education of Ecuador.Students who wish to receive credit for our programs should contact the study abroad office or foreign language department at your college or university prior to starting the program. Ask them for detailed requirements on how to arrange credit and present your plan to them in advance. With the detailed information from your institution, we can typically provide all documentation to complete arrangements.
Are you an accredited school?
Yes, we are recognized by the Ministry of Education of Ecuador, and we also have the "Bildungsurlaub" recognition for German students.
For how long have you been working?
In Quito since 2000 and in the province of Manabi (Manta) since 1996.
Are there broadband internet cafes close to the school? I use the Internet to teach online college classes, and it is crucial that I have high-speed access, especially if I will be spending six hours a day studying Spanish.
In the area of Academia Surpacifico in Manta there are many internet cafes where you can have high speed access. In our school in Quito we have a computer for the use of our students, so you can have 2 hours for free weekly, but there are also internet cafes within close proximity of the school.
What is distance from school to beach/surfing site?
10 minutes walking distance
When is your busiest time of year? When is your least busy?
Our busiest time is from January to March and from June to October. Our less busy months are November and December.
What is the maximum number of students you have at the school at any one time?
We receive a maximum 20 students at any on time.
If I leave to travel after my classes end at the end of my month, will there be a place to store some of my stuff until I return? Even if I no longer have my apartment?
Yes, you can store the things you will not use during your trip in a secure storage space at the school. The student’s apartment is located in the same building as the school.
What is the average number of students enrolled at your school, and what countries do your students generally come from?
Certain times of the year are busier than others. January, February, June, July, and August tend to be our busiest months. During these months, we usually have about 15-20 students. In the slower months, the number of students drops down to 5-10. Students come from all over the world to study at Surpacifico. The countries from which we tend to get the most participants are Germany, Holland, United States, Switzerland, England, and Canada.
Can you be more specific regarding the diversity of participants in the Sur Pacifico program?
20 % German students, 20% from USA, 10 % from Canada, 10% from Switzerland, 10% England, 30% other.
Do the students have access to internet at the school itself?
In our school in Quito every student has 2 hours per week of internet service. In Manta we cannot offer internet access for the students, but there are several cyber cafes in the area of the school, that charge one dollar per hour for internet use.
How would you describe the school facility?
As you probably know Surpacifico School offers students the option of studying in Quito or Manta. The facility in Quito is located in a big house. The house is surrounded by flowers and gardens. The atmosphere is very warm and friendly. The classrooms are large and very accommodating. The school is located in Quito's central area, and is near most of the principle attractions.
Manta's school is located on the third floor of a building only blocks from Murcielago Beach, the city's main beach, as well as the downtown area. The top floor is used as student residence, offered only to students studying at Surpacifico. The school (and apartment) has a big balcony that looks out to the heart of the city. There are classrooms for individual lessons, as well as group classes.
Both schools are located in very safe areas of their respective cities. If you choose to live with a family, you will be placed within walking distance of the school.
First, how long after applying does it usually take to be accepted to your school?
We will send you a confirmation letter for participation in Surpacifico within 48 hours of receiving your application.
About the program
Is it possible to pay for some of the trips you guys take individually, instead of doing the entire schedule?
Yes, you can take some of the trips that the school organizes. We organize different activities for the students every week, you only pay for the transportation, entrance fees, etc. Surpacifico charges no fees for the scheduling and organizing of such activities.
Can I extend my classes once I get there if I like it?
Yes, you can extend your classes once you get here if you like it.
I would like to take a 4 week course, perhaps 4 hours a day. Would I need to arrive with a group if I want to take some group lessons? If not, I can only take one-on-one classes, right?
Yes, if you want to take group lessons you need to have at least one more person. In your case, your only choice would be the individual Spanish instruction.
I studied for six months in Chile, but I am far from fluent. I was wondering what class I should take. I don't mind group classes if there will be others at my level. I just want the basic classes, without activities or anything special. I plan on studying for 4 hours each morning.
We only can offer you individual Spanish instruction. We offer group lessons for groups of friends or couples coming together with the same level of Spanish and the same dates.
In your case we will give you a placement test to decide which level is appropriate for you.
For a teenager like my son, would you recommend Manta, Quito, or some time at each school?
We believe that it could be a good idea to split time between the two locations. Experiencing different cultures and meet different people can prove to be interesting and worthwhile. There are great ethnic and cultural differences between the costal and highland regions, where the Manta and Quito schools are located (respectively).
There are some bank holidays in my stay. I don't think that there will be lessons on these days, but are they in the week before/after?
Yes, the Spanish lessons that you would miss for holidays can be taken in the week before/after.
Does your program mostly attracts university students?
Our program has had students of ages 20-70. Like most other programs, there is a general attraction for people in there 20s and 30s to study abroad, and thus there are usually more students of that age group. However, things vary pretty much from one period of the year to another. I am certain that you will feel comfortable in our academic atmosphere.
How many students are part of the program in a given month?
We have between 20 to 30 students in Manta in a given month, and between 30 to 40 students in Quito.
I am 52 years old and a novice Spanish speaker. I will be traveling with a friend who would like to attend the same school. However, my friend is a much more proficient Spanish speaker so we would need to be placed in different groups. I would like to experience both group and private lessons for a 3 week stay.
We could offer you group Spanish lessons only for those in your group who have the same level of Spanish. In your case you would need to take individual Spanish instruction.
We can also offer for you the Activo program, which includes individual Spanish instruction during the morning (4 hours) and cultural activities during the afternoon (3 hours). During the afternoons you would do the activities together with your teachers. This Activa program would cost $ 322 USD weekly (included the accommodation with a host family: private room, all meals and laundry service). This price would also include all the expenses during the activities.
How much do the course books cost?
All the material that you will use in class is included on the price: use of grammar books, use of exercise books, all the copies that you would need, paper, etc. But you can also buy the Spanish and grammar books, of which there are two, and each one costs US$ 15.
I am at the intermediate level and I would like to improve my ability to talk about international relations, conflict and politics. What course would you recommend?
We recommend the individual Spanish instruction for 20 or 25 hours per week. We could focus your Spanish program to the study of the vocabulary of the international relationships and political sciences.
What activities and excursions are organized by the school?
We organize different cultural and sport activities (2 or 3 times during the week) such as:
In Quito: visits to museums, Native American markets, old city, etc.
In Manta: nearby beaches, Machalilla National Park, local markets, etc.
During the weekend we also organize activities for our students.
How long is a single lesson?
55 minutes
Is it possible to take 6 hours of class a day, either four hours as a group and 2 hours of one-to-one or only 6 hours of one-to-one?
It is not possible to combine group lessons with individual instruction. For the prices of a program with 6 hours per day of individual instruction see our prices page.
I am a German student without any knowledge of the Spanish language, but wishing to learn as much Spanish as possible (if possible: preparation to the DELE exam).
It is possible to receive preparation to the DELE exam (all levels) at Academia Surpacifico
Are you likely to have other teenage students this summer?
Surely we are going to have other teenage students this summer, but at this moment we could not specify the number that we will have.
Could you explain the difference between (a) studying 4 hours a day and taking advantage the various recreational and cultural activities you describe below, and (b) enrolling in your activo program.
There are three activities per week included with the regular program (of 4 hours per day of Spanish study) and these activities have one teacher/guide for the entire group of students enrolled in the regular program. Each student has to pay only for the actual cost of the activity (transportation, entrance fees, etc.)
The activities with the activo program occur daily, and the student does the activity with his/her own personal teacher. All the expenses for the activities are included in the "Activo program".
We are not opposed to studying part of the time privately but were wondering if we could work out some sort of group deal for the two of us or with others who are interested in group study but don't make the 3 person minimum. Is this a possibility?
It is possible to do the group program with only two people, but both of you need to have the same level of Spanish and the same dates of attendance, I think in your case the only question would be whether you have any knowledge of the Spanish language.
Also, will the instruction be one on one?
The instruction will be one on one or in a group, as you prefer. To take group lessons you need to come with a group of at least two people with the same level of Spanish and the same dates of attendance in the program.
I was reading about your Activo program, and was wondering whether it or any of your other programs is geared for teenagers. I have a 15 year old son who wants to spend 4 weeks studying Spanish this summer. Do you have teen programs?
We don't have a specific program for teenagers, but we have received students of the same age as your son and he can fit into any of our programs in Quito or Manta. We also can lodge your son with a host family with children of the same age.
What is the maximum number of students in a class?
In group lessons we have a maximum of 4 students. However most of our students take Individual Spanish instruction or "one to two" program (one teacher with two students) in Quito.
For a person starting at the basic level - how long would it take to be proficient/fluent (#months and #hours per day?)
It will depend on your ability and dedication, but it could take 2 or 3 months with 4 hours per day of Individual Spanish instruction to become proficient in written and spoken Spanish.
My sister and I are interested in taking immersion classes in Manta. We would like to do the group classes, but we are different levels, she is more advanced, and I am intermediate. Could you please send me more information about your programs? To get the group rate, would we have to create our own group, or would you place us where we need to be?
You are right, to get the group rate you need to create your own group, you can get the group prices if you have 2 people.
What social and cultural activities are included in your price?
In our prices are included the dancing lessons (once per week) and the typical cooking lessons (every two weeks). In addition we organize (in both the Quito and Manta programs) different activities every week at cost. This means that the students only have to pay for the expenses of the activity (transportation, entrance fees, etc.). Activities in Quito include visits to museums, Native American markets, old city, historical sites, etc. In Manta, we have activities such as visits to nearby beaches, Machalilla National Park (Isla de la Plata), museums, "Bosque protector de Pacoche (Pacoche Forest Preservation)", Montecristi (where the famous "Panama hats" are made), etc.
Could you also let us know exactly what is included in the cost of the program?
You would have:
-Individual Spanish instruction
-All the class material
-Official certificate at the end of your program
-Pick up service in Quito and in Manta
-One salsa lesson per week
-One cooking lesson every 2 weeks
-Cultural activities (2 or 3 per week). We organize these activities at minimum cost, it means that you need to pay only for your transportation and the entrance fees (In Quito: visit to museums, Native American markets, old city, monuments, etc. In Manta: nearby beaches, local markets, sport activities, Machalilla National Park, "Isla de la Plata", etc.)
Can you describe the differences and similarities in the spoken Spanish of Quito and Manta?
Ecuador is one of the countries in South America where the Spanish language is spoken more clearly. In Quito the people speak very slow and clear as well as in Manta; however in Manta we speak faster than in Quito. We suggest to combine both programs to experience the differences in the spoken Spanish of the coastal and sierra regions.
My wife and I, along with our 8 year old son, are looking for a program like yours to learn to speak Spanish. Would my son's age be a problem? Do you have any home visit programs for families like ours?
No problem, your son also can take individual Spanish instruction in our school. We can also lodge you and your family with an Ecuadorian homestay where there would be children of the same age as your children.
Do you start classes midweek or is each week Monday to Friday?
Normally classes start on Monday, but it is possible to start classes midweek.
I wanted to get more information about your school. I was looking at the Spanish and surfing program and I was wondering if it was possible to combine 2 weeks of that program with 2 weeks of group Spanish while staying in a students’ apartment?
You can combine the 2 weeks of Spanish and Surfing program with 2 weeks of Individual Spanish instruction. We offer "group lessons" only for friends or couples coming together with the same level of Spanish and the same dates. Of course you can stay in a students’ apartment.
My level of Spanish is more or less intermediate and there are specific things I wish to practice as well as improve my general fluency. Therefore, would you recommend 1 to 1 classes?
Yes, we recommend you take individual instruction, we will make a program that would include all the topics that you need to review and will focus on improving your general fluency.
Could you just confirm what is included in the combo program?
The 2 week combo program would include:
-1 week of Individual Spanish lessons in Quito (20 hours per week), with lodging in a host family (includes private room, all meals, and laundry service)
-1 week of Individual Spanish lessons in Manta (20 hours per week), with lodging in a host family (includes private room, all meals and laundry service)
-Pick up service in Quito and in Manta
-One salsa lesson per week
-One day tour to la Isla de la Plata (9 hours): It includes: transport by boat from Puerto López to Isla de la Plata and back to Puerto López, nature guide, box lunch, and snorkeling equipment. It doesn't include: Machalilla National Park Tax: $15 USD, lodging in Puerto López, transportation Manta-Puerto López-Manta (3 hours by bus one way).
I would like some more information about combining Spanish lessons with volunteering. Since I am a social worker, it sounds like your volunteer program could use my services and I would be thrilled to oblige. Is one month enough time to commit?
We have 2 volunteer programs: one on an ecological farm and another in Manta with a neurological pediatric center. The minimum time to commit for both of these programs is one month.
What are the qualifications of your teachers?
The teachers at Surpacifico are all very experienced in working with students at all levels of Spanish. Each teacher has a minimum of 5 years experience teaching Spanish. All are university graduates, and most studied Spanish and literature. Our school is certified by the Ministry of Education and Culture (Ministerio de Educación y Cultura de Ecuador).
About Spanish and Surfing
What time of day is the Spanish lessons – and surfing lessons?
Surfing lessons: 6 to 8 am / 8 to 10 am
Spanish lessons: 9 to 1 pm / 1.30 to 5.30 pm
Does your course include board hire and wetsuit?
Our course includes the use of the surf board but not the wetsuit.
Are the students free to surf at other times?
Yes, they are free to surf at other times with use of our surfboards, but only during the days in which classes are held. This does not include weekends.
What kind of information can you provide about surfing in area?
Playa Murciélago is a recently developed beach located within a ten minute walk of Surpacifico. This beach, which stretches for approximately one mile, offers excellent surfing opportunities for all levels of surfers during the high season. During the off-season months the waves are adequate during the right times of day, and are especially good for beginners, even throughout the entire day. The boardwalk along Playa Murciélago offers a variety of restaurants and small shops.
Can you provide information about other surfing areas?
Montañita is a small surfing village located within a three hour bus ride of Manta, and offers world class surf year round. Puerto Cayo, and Canoa are other surfing villages along the Ruta del Sol, that have superb year round surf. Montañita, Porto Cayo, Canoa, each have hostels, restaurants, and friendly residents, making them convenient for travelers. San Lorenzo, a small beach town that also has great year round surf, is located within a forty minute bus ride of Manta, perfect for a day-trip. Over recent years the North American and European populations of Montañita have grown significantly, while Porto Cayo, Canoa, and San Lorenzo, have primarily Latin American populations.
What is the time of year to surf?
January through June
What is the best time of day to surf?
6 to 10 am
I'd prefer to be in group instruction for surfing - is the surfing/Spanish course a group class? How big?
The Spanish and Surfing program has 4 hours of Individual Spanish lessons and 2 hours of Surf lessons in groups of 2-3 people each day, from Monday through Friday.
Can we book 1 week of surfing school with the option to extend when during our stay in Manta?
Of course, you can book only for 1 week of Surf lessons with the option to extend here.
What dates do the Surfing and Spanish course start?
The Spanish and Surf can start any Monday of the year.
Are there places to take surfing lessons that are not affiliated with your school?
Yes, there is also a Surfing school in Manta that is not affiliated with Surpacifico where you can take surf lessons.
About getting there
Is it better to fly into Guayaquil or into Quito?
We recommend our students to fly into Quito. We have staff members in Quito that can assist you with your arrangements to Manta. Guayaquil is a little bit dangerous for those who are not familiar with the city, and we generally feel more comfortable having people arrive in Quito where we have staff to receive them. If you choose to fly into Guayaquil, you will be responsible for taking a taxi from the airport to the bus station.
Can you explain the transportation upon arrival to the host family?
We will pick you up from the airport (or bus terminal) and bring you to the host family without any extra charges.
Is it best to arrive in Quito or in Manta?
We recommend you fly to Quito. We will pick you up from the airport in Quito and bring you to a hostel to spend your first night there (if you arrive late at night). If you arrive during the morning or afternoon and you want to come immediately to Manta, we can arrange your travel to Manta as you prefer, by plane ($ 53 USD, 30 minutes) or by bus ($ 9 USD, 9 hours). We will also pick you up from the airport or bus station in Manta and bring you to the students’ apartment.
Do I need a special visa coming from the U.S., or is there an entry fee for U.S. citizens. I will be staying in Ecuador for 2 months. Also, will there be any difficulties traveling to other countries, or will my passport work?
No, you don't need a visa coming form the U.S. to visit Ecuador. You can travel to other countries from Ecuador with only your passport.
Do you know where I can find cheap airfare from the US to Quito?
We suggest you try www.exitotravel.com , you can tell them that you are applying for a language course with Academia Surpacifico in Ecuador and they will give a very good price.
How do I reserve a flight from Quito to Manta?
We can help you book a flight from Quito to Manta, and you can also purchase the ticket in Quito. You only need to tell us the date that you want to travel.
Could you suggest the easiest way to travel to Manta ? We are actually arriving in Quito and just plan to spend a short time there before traveling to Manta.
You have two options for coming from Quito to Manta:
By bus: (9 hours, $ 9 USD) we can pick you up from the bus station in Manta and bring you to the apartment. If you want to travel during the daylight hours we suggest to take a bus from "Flota Imbabura" Bus Company, they have a bus leaving every day from Quito to Manta at 11.30 am. The Flota Imbabura Bus Station in Quito is located at: Manuel Larrea and Portoviejo Streets. It is common in Ecuador to use night buses, which are very safe and comfortable. The Panamericana bus company has buses that leave at night for those who cannot arrive in Quito during the afternoon. Remember that our transportation service people in Quito will be able to help you make your connection by bus.
By plane: (30 minutes, $ 53) we can book a flight for you from Quito to Manta, and you can purchase the ticket the same day you fly at the airline counter in Quito. We can pick you up from the airport in Manta and bring you to the apartment without any additional charge.
Is the travel between Quito and Manta included in the price?
No, the travel between Quito and Manta is not included in the price. You have the choice between taking a plane or bus from Quito to Manta. A plane costs $53 and takes about 30 minutes. A bus costs $9 and takes about 9 hours. The school helps the students with booking the flight or with information about the bus schedule.
About Manta and Quito
You wrote on the website, that you have two schools. One in Quito and the other in Manta. So can I switch between the two? After a month for example?
Quito is more touristic than Manta during the whole year. For example, at the school in Quito we always have between 20 - 30 students, and at the school in Manta we only have between 10-15 students at the same time. *There is no problem with switching schools. In fact, we encourage this so that the student can experience the difference in culture between the sierra and costal regions.
Can you tell me about your immediate area, and also your closest major town/city?
Manta is a small city that offers advantages such as a wide variety of restaurants, bars, hotels, shopping malls, and night life. Portoviejo, located approximately 60 km away from Manta, is the political capital of the Manabi province in which Manta lies. Manta is also located exactly 200 km from Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city with a population of approximately three million. Along the Ruta Del Sol, the scenic route along the Ecuadorian coast between Manta and Salinas, are many small towns with beaches that offer great surf throughout different times of the years. A few of these great beaches lie within a one hour drive of Manta by car.
I'm planning to stay for about half a year in Ecuador to learn Spanish. I think I'll need about 2-3 months of Spanish instruction. Your program sounds very interesting. The problem is that I don’t know very much about Manta. I don’t want to learn Spanish in an environment, where all the tourists speak English. This is why I decided against Costa Rica, even though I would like to stay near the coast. What is Manta like? Is it very touristic?
That is exactly the difference between our programs Quito and Manta. Quito is more touristic than Manta. In Manta our students get a total immersion experience into the culture, among the people of Manta.
Do you have a homepage about Manta and what's there?
You can visit our website www.ecuadorspanishschools.com or the following links in order to find out more about Manta:
www.manta.gov.ec
www.mantavirtual.com
www.mantacity.com
www.thebestofecuador.com
www.ecuaworld.com
Are there beaches nearby?
Manta is located on the coast; we have two beaches in the city: El Murciélago and Tarqui beach. And nearby there are many beautiful beaches such as San Lorenzo, Playa de los Frailes (at the Machalilla National Park), Crucita, Puerto López, Bahía de Caráquez, Canoa, San Vicente, San Clemente.
I am a 27 year old woman from the US who would be traveling alone - would this be safe?
Yes, many students come here alone. Follow the same safety rules that you would in other places, and you will be ok. Remember to separate your money and place things in safe, hard-to-reach places.
Are there ATM's in Manta? Or would you recommend bringing our own currency? Also, are traveler's checks recommended?
Yes, there are atm's in Manta, but they, typically, have a limit of $ 300 USD per day. Traveler's checks are safer and it is easy to change it here in Manta, banks collect a 1 % of commission to change the traveler checks.
About lodging
What types of accommodation can you offer and how much it would be?
We offer 3 types of accommodations: Host family (includes private room, all meals and laundry service), Students’ apartment (fully furnished apartment, without meals or laundry), and Hostel (private room with private bathroom)
Are rooms in the Students Apartment available all year or how long in advance do I have to book?
There are some weeks when the students' apartment is full. You need to tell us the approximate dates that you are interested in to check how busy it is.
Is there a kitchen?
Yes, in both cities Quito and Manta, the students’ apartment has a kitchen; the students can use it any time they wish. In Manta the student’s apartment has a terrace with a very nice view of the ¬city and the beach.
Do I have a room of my own? How far away are the apartments from the school?
Yes, every student has his/her own room at the student apartment. In Quito the student’s apartment is 10 minutes walking distance from the school. In Manta the student’s apartment is in the 4th floor of the same building as the school.
Is the Spanish and surfing course available with an accommodation in a Students' apartment?
Yes, the course is also available with accommodation at the students' apartment.
Does the apartment have a telephone?
Yes, it does, in both cities Quito and Manta.
Will there be lots of other students in the apartment?
The apartment where you will stay is just for 1 or 2 people. In this case you will be the only student at the apartment; it is located at 15 minutes walking distance from the school. We also have another apartment in the same building of the school for 3-4 students but it is completely full for February and March.
In what area of Quito are the homestays? And how near are the homestays to the school?
The homestays are located in the north of the city, some of them 20 minutes by bus from the school and other host families are located very close to the school (between 15 - 30 minutes walking distance from the school). You need to fill out in your application form that you want to be lodged near the school and we will take note of your preferences.
Will my friend and I be able to get two homestays near one another?
Yes, it is possible; we have host families located near each other. However, you need to send us your application forms as soon as possible to reserve those families.
Does your program have the ability to accommodate a parent with two children ages 2 & 5. I would be interested in a child program or child care for when I would be in class. I am interested in a home-stay option.
Yes, we can accommodate both you and your children. We can place you in a homestay with a family that also has children. Although Surpacifico does not offer classes to children under 6, we do offer child care with families. While you are in class, your children can stay at the home and interact with the children in the family under the care of the host mother.
What is the average distance the families live from school?
Our host families are located very close to the school in both locations Quito and Manta, between 10 and 25 minutes walking distance.
Is it possible to take surfing lessons in Manta, but live in an apartment instead?
Yes, it is possible to take surfing lessons in Manta. You can live at the students’ apartment instead of a host family. You would have a private room with bathroom and all the facilities of the student’s apartment in both cities Quito and Manta. But, you would need to share with other students at the apartment. Normally, at the apartment there are between 3 or 4 students at the same time.
We are also interested in the student apartment, would we be able to share one, or would we have to get our own. Her husband will also be traveling with us, but will not need the classes.
To take the students apartment option of lodging you would need to share it with other students. Normally, at the students apartment there are between 3 or 4 students, but every one has a private room. Your sister's husband can stay at the student apartment without taking classes, no problem.
How long does it take for you to find a family to stay in? I would like to start as soon as possible! I know that it is quite late but I just recently received permission from my boss to do this trip, and I don’t want to lose the opportunity.
We have a group of host families prepared and qualified to receive our students immediately. We only need to receive your preferences for the host family (big or small, with or without children, smoking or not smoking, etc) then we will assign the host family that adjusts best to your needs. You can start your Spanish program as soon as you want.
I will be traveling with a friend who has strict vegetarian needs. Can this be accommodated by a host family or will we need to get into a different living arrangement?
You can be accommodated with a host family. We have host families who can provide vegetarian diets to our students.
How close is the school (and host families) to the surf beach?
The school and host families are located within 10 minutes walking distance from the surfing site.
Are meals included with the host family?
Yes, all the meals are included with the host family
Do you have apartments located close to the school? I would like to have a private room. Does this mean I have to rent my own apartment? Or are apartments shared, with each student having a private room? Do the apartments have a kitchen? Are laundry services available at the apartment?
We have in Quito a fully furnished apartment for some of our Spanish students. You would have a private room. The apartment has a kitchen, a living room, a dining room and it is very close to the school (10 minutes walking distance). You would need to share all the facilities of the apartment with 2 or 3 other students. As this is a popular option of lodging you need to book as soon as you can in order to assure yourself a space.
I was interested in doing your two week surf and language school program in the beginning of July. I would be doing it with a friend, so could we do a home stay together and does the home stay include food?
We still have spaces for the "Spanish and Surfing" program for July, but you need to apply as soon as possible, because this is a very popular program for that month. You and your friend can stay with the same host family. The home stay includes all meals and laundry service.
Is it possible to wash clothes?
The host family option includes the laundry service.
If I am coming alone, do you recommend the hostel or the apartment? I am flexible, but would like to meet other students and be social. I would like to have both my own space and common space to socialize with other students.
We recommend you stay at the students’ apartment. There you will have the option to have your own space and to spend your time with other students. At the students’ apartment you will have your own room and will share other facilities such as the kitchen, the living room, the dinning room and the terrace.
We would be willing to share a double bed. Also does your program last any longer than two weeks? We were hoping to do it for four weeks, if this possible?
You can share a double bed and yes, it is possible to do the Spanish and Surf program for four weeks.
Is it possible to have housing if once I stop taking classes?
Yes, it is possible.
Is there a very welcoming host family living near the school (max. 15 min walk), who wants to integrate me in their daily life, maybe to show me around? It would be wonderful, if there was a girl at about my age (I am 20) in the family. (But not a German speaking guest student!!!!)
We will assign a host family for you according to your preferences: very friendly family, near to the school, with a girl about your age. Normally there is only one student in every host family; you will be the only foreign student at the family.
Would you also be able to accommodate my six year old daughter? Would she be with me or how would that work. Also, what type of lodging is in this area?
Yes, it is possible. We can arrange a host family for you and your daughter with a daughter the same age as yours (6-7 years old). Your daughter can come to the school with you and take Spanish lessons with a teacher or she can go to the same school as the children of the Ecuadorian family.
For lodging you can decide between host family and the student apartment option. In your case we think the host family option is better.
Anything in walking distance? Is this in a safe part of the city?
In both cities Quito and Manta, the host families are located very close to the school, between 10 - 15 minutes walking distance. And the area where the schools and families are located is a very safe part of the respective cities.
About volunteering
How many students/volunteers do you take at a time?
We take between 3 to 5 students/volunteers at a time.
How much advance notice do you need from participants?
We need to receive application forms for this program at least 2 weeks before the starting date.
If I want to do community service work once I get there, can I still help? Also, does it cost anything to volunteer?
Yes, you can decide to do volunteer work in Manta once you get here. We will help you find it without any extra cost.
I am an experienced Speech and Language Therapist who is interested in participating in your volunteer program. Am I correct in thinking that all I need to pay for is costs to get to the placement? Please clarify if money is required to be placed, for accom. etc.
You don't need to pay anything to participate in Reneup program. You only need to pay for your accommodation and and your Spanish Lessons (if you are interested to take Spanish lessons at our language school).
About registration and payment
I plan on coming down in mid June. Do I need to pre-register, or is it open enrollment?
Yes, you need to pre-register via internet for the time you want to spend here with Spanish classes. After receiving your registration form we will confirm your booking in 48 hours.
Do you need us to fill out any papers or send you any money before we arrive?
You need to send us your application forms via internet at www.ecuadorspanishschools.com/enrolment.html and we will send you a confirmation e-mail of you program in 48 hours. When you receive the confirmation e-mail you need to make a $ 100 deposit via a wire transfer to our bank account to re-confirm your reservation (we will give you our bank account details with the confirmation e-mail). You would pay the balance the first day of classes at the school in Manta.
How and when must I pay?
When you make your reservation you need to make a deposit of $ 100 per person to re-confirm your booking. You will receive the details of our bank account in the confirmation e-mail. The balance will be payed your first day of classes in Quito. If you prefer you can make the full payment via a wire transfer to our bank account.
If I enroll for 2 weeks then decide to stay longer, will that be a problem?
No problem, you can enroll for 2 weeks and then decide if you want to stay longer.
How far in advance would I need to book?
It depends on the season, but normally you can safely book with 4 weeks in advance and sometime less, depending of the situation.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes, you can make your payment with a credit card.
About credits
I am very interested in studying Spanish in Quito this summer, but I can unfortunately only do so if I am able to earn university credit for my studies. Does Academia de Español offer university credits for any of its programs?
Most students come to our School to advance their Spanish language capabilities in as short a period of time as possible, and academic credit is not normally a concern. However, if requested we are more than willing to provide your university with an Official Transcript and course information such as: course syllabus, total hours taken, teacher evaluation, attendance report, curriculum covered, final exam with letter grade, etc., in order to grant academic credit for your course.
Students who wish to receive credit for our programs should contact the study abroad office or Spanish language department at your college or university prior to starting the program. Present your plan to them asking for detailed requirements on how to arrange credit in advance. With the detailed information from your home-campus, we can typically provide all documentation to complete arrangements.
About references
Is there anywhere we could get reviews on the course that you run either by contacting past students or somewhere on the internet that would be great.
Here it´s a list of some former students who you can free to contact to hear some comments about our language programs: