Learning Spanish in U.K y is not always ideal because of the lack of opportunity to practice the language. Thus the risk of forgetting it is very high. The best way to learn is therefore to be in the country where the language is spoken: Spain. It always seems very difficult at the beginning, and sometimes discouraging when the vegetable grocer or bus driver does not understand what you have said, or when everyone is laughing and you are the only one who did not get the joke at a dinner. But being in the country will also help you to have a greater feeling of success and to build confidence.
At Extremadura’s language schools students learn not only reading and writing; they also have a great deal of opportunities to practice their knowledge in everyday life. One of the most innovative language schools is located at the Caceres University. It always thinks up new concepts with regard to imparting Spanish, and successfully implements them. The university pays heed to foreign students profiting not only from the language course but also from their stay in Spain. Moreover, the organisers do their best to offer reasonable prices so that students with low and medium-sized incomes can afford study trips. Anyone who wants to study Spanish at the university has a choice between several accommodation possibilities. Many students prefer staying with a family, for they have the chance to become integrated and to get used to common words and idioms. Furthermore, they learn not only the language, but also experience a real Spanish family being confronted with issues playing an important role in their everyday life, such as career change, education, relationships, leisure activities and many more. Students who are not keen on living with a family, but still want to have contact with the Spanish, will be better off staying in a boarding house. The language school will help them to find one upon request. There is in Caceres a range of lovely furnished guest rooms in private houses, whose owners are very caring and friendly. Students who would like to be cosseted after school should choose to stay in one of the wonderful old hotels of Caceres. The university language school cooperates with some of them and can arrange rooms for students if necessary.
The university shows a particular interest in the wishes of the students; which is why the courses differ from one another and have different durations. British students, for example, have the choice between acquiring only basic Spanish knowledge for their next holiday in the country, or gradually mastering speaking and writing Spanish. If they choose the second option, they will attend several consecutive courses which result in a so-called DELE (“Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera”). A DELE is an internationally accepted language diploma and can be compared with the English TOEFL. The two month summer Spanish course is becoming more and more popular. It is also possible to attend a one month course or a trimester course of 12 weeks at the university.
At the Caceres University, the Spanish lesson does not only take place in the classroom of the wonderful old Escula del Magisterio in the inner city. Students also learn cooking and acquire knowledge about all kinds of vegetables and Extremadura’s cheese, as well as their corresponding names at the places where they are manufactured. Students also get to know Spanish art through movies which are especially prepared in advance for them. Excursions into the countryside are organised for students and teachers for their relaxation. Teachers always play the role, not only of knowledge imparters, but also as the person to contact over issues in everyday life. That is why the university only employs experienced and adept educators, who are specialists in teaching foreign students.
Students who prefer school and lodging together can attend a course at the Valentia language school in Valencia de Alcantara. The town is located in western Extremadura at the border with Portugal. In the Valentia language school one or two students have the opportunity to stay with their teacher. The course lasts one week and is divided into 20 lessons of 45 minutes. Food is included. This course is particularly suitable for students who want to learn Spanish quickly and intensively because of an individual interest. Within this context, the teacher has greater opportunity to focus on the needs of their students. Families and elderly people can also attend language courses. Courses for elderly people last from one to four weeks, and for families up to two weeks. In good weather lessons take place outdoors. Anyone who books a language course at Valentia will be delighted by the interesting excursions into nature. Valencia de Alcantara is located in the Sierra de San Pedro, and therefore in one of the most attractive forest areas in Europe. Students get to know the flora and fauna of their environment during the excursions, and at the same time become acquainted with their schoolmates. This is especially successful during a dinner or a flamenco course at the Ruta de las Tapas, or during an evening in a pub in Valencia de Alcantara. The teaching unit in this location is one of the most appreciated by students. |