Learn Spanish with ISLA BARCELONA • SALAMANCA
Teaching Spanish for 16 years to over 20,000 students
Established: 1990 Directors: Dieter Wiggert, Amanda McCarthy Official Accreditation: Courses recognized by US universities, Bildungsurlaub, CSN (Salamanca), Lanekassen, LINGUA, ALL (Association of Language Learning - UK). ISLA Salamanca is an accredited centre of the Instituto Cervantes.
ISLA
Established in 1990, ISLA (Instituto de Lenguas Aplicadas) is an officially recognized language school organization offering the best guarantees in all aspects of a student’s stay. ISLA’s commitment and contribution to the dissemination of Spanish have been passionate
and sustained since the school’s establishment in 1990. While a Spanish course might be a stepping-stone to a better exam result or a better job, it also sets the student off on a journey of inter-cultural awareness and international friendship.
CREDITS
ISLA is a member of: AEPE (European Spanish Teachers Association), AIH (International Association for Hispanists), ASELE (Association for Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language), AECL (Association of Spanish Language Schools in Castilla- León) and FEDELE (Spanish Federation of Schools Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language).
I S L A S PA N I S H C O U R S E S
Professional and with a personal touch
The keystones to our program are four:
• A mosaic of carefully designed courses that are varied yet complementary. The syllabus follows guidelines of the Instituto Cervantes. • Cultural activities that immerse students in the Spanish language and engage them with the social life of two wonderful Spanish cities - Barcelona and Salamanca helping them develop linguistic competence and confidence. • An international student body and an open-door, friendly atmosphere. • Qualified, experienced and dynamic teachers using rich
ISLA’S TEACHERS: QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED, PERSONABLE.
The most important people in any language school are the teaching staff.
Investment and energy have gone into selecting and maintaining a team of teachers who combine a solid theoretical knowledge with a proven track record. ISLA’s instructors demonstrate enthusiasm, a gift for clear explanation and an inviting, generous demeanour - all essential skills for a good teacher. ISLA teachers connect with their students, creating an atmosphere in which students have the confidence to communicate with each other in Spanish – whatever their age or nationality. Our teachers are specialists in the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language. Their five-year university degree in Spanish Philology covers didactic methodology, classroom technique, Spanish grammar, design of classroom materials and Spanish culture. Classroom experience is essential to the development of a great teacher. On average, our instructors have more than four years teaching experience, more often than not exclusively within ISLA. This makes for a collaborative team of professionals who share their know-how and student observations. In addition to being language instructors and elicitors, ISLA teachers are also monitors. Progress is carefully controlled, students are tested weekly to guarantee group cohesion, and the Directors of Studies analyse these controls to make any necessary group changes.
Cultural ACTIVITIES Rich TEACHING RESOURCES Qualified TEACHERS
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ISLA’S STUDENTS & THEIR ISLA TEAM.
Everyone remembers ISLA with a smile. It has that extra little something.
About a quarter of our students are either ex-students themselves, or friends of ex-students. This makes for an interesting family tree, and reflects student satisfaction. People often comment on the special atmosphere at ISLA. When you mix together the ingredients of international students, holiday and Spain, you’re bound to see people smiling. With over 40 nationalities, our students are a varied lot! There is a large contingent of Europeans, studying Spanish either as a degree or as a hobby. There are many people on sabbaticals, taking a year off after school or university, or perhaps changing their job …or their life! And there are always a few (very welcome!) mature students, taking advantage of the extra time on their hands to learn a new language. Some students come to Spain with a friend from home, but most people are travelling solo. Whatever their path, all ISLA students look forward to meeting new people who are in the same boat: learning to speak Spanish! Just as much as students enjoy studying at ISLA, the team enjoys working here, creating a participative, friendly atmosphere. You will be looked after by people who know your name and are happy to pour over a map with you, help you open a bank account, get a phone-card or simply join you for a cup of coffee.
ISLA CENTRES AND THEIR CITIES SALAMANCA
Attractive, well-equipped spaces in great locations.
Our centres reflect the philosophy of our project: a professional approach with a personal touch. ISLA schools are bright and welcoming with freshly painted classrooms, plenty of plants and notice boards containing abundant city information, photos and postcards from students past and present. Both centres have free computer facilities ensuring quick and easy communication with family and friends. There is also a book and DVDlending service for use at home or at the centre. ISLA has privileged locations. The Salamanca centre is situated in the centre of the old town, about three minutes from the city’s famous Plaza Mayor. The school stands on a pretty square flanked by tall trees and bordered on one side by the beautiful San Esteban Monastery. During class breaks students enjoy sitting there under the shade of the trees or go to one of the numerous cafes/tapas bars nearby. Our Barcelona School is located in the city centre's fashionable beachside quarter, the Villa Olímpica, just two metro stops from the old town. The centre stands on an attractive tree-lined square ten minutes walk from the metro station and one minute from the beach. There are several cafes, restaurants and shops nearby.
Beautiful, Studenty, Walkable
Salamanca combines an extraordinary amount of attractions as a learning location. First of all, it is quite beautiful. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Salamanca is replete with churches, palaces and not one, but two cathedrals. The Plaza Mayor is simply spectacular - the ideal place to linger over a coffee or a “caña” (small beer). As Salamanca is a relatively small city, you can walk practically everywhere. In fact, much of the city is given over to pedestrians. Salamanca is justly famous for the clarity with which the “Salmantinos” speak Spanish. This facilitates understanding considerably. The city’s main industry is education. Salamanca’s famous public University is one of the four oldest in Europe and the chief source of the city’s 30,000 students who are the city’s lifeblood. Their presence means cheap eateries, bookshops, sports facilities and multiple cinemas... … and over 2,000 bars of all kinds! The variety and rhythm of Salamanca’s legendary nightlife offers entertainment for all tastes and pockets, and at the same time the city feels familiar and safe. Salamanca really is an enchanting place in which to study and live.
BARCELONA
Cosmopolitan, Mediterranean, Something for everyone.
Barcelona is a striking city, standing between the mountains and the sea on Spain´s Mediterranean coast. Progressive, dynamic and very today, it's a fabulous place to spend some time. There are endless things to see in Barcelona, including Gaudi's extraordinary cathedral, the Sagrada Familia, and funky Parque Güell. Barcelona is a pleasing place to stroll around. Little streets and squares hide old bars and cool bars shaded by medieval churches and futuristic museums. Barcelona sits on kilometres of sandy beaches with many attractive seafront restaurants and hip beach-bars. The mild climate means you can enjoy sitting on a sunny terrace practically all year round. Being part of Barcelona's cosmopolitan urban tribe is an exciting experience. From the street parties in Gracia to something classical at the breath-taking Palau de la Música, you somehow feel privileged to be a part of it all.
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I S L A S PA N I S H C O U R S E S
Options for everyone
ISLA SPANISH COURSES
ISLA’s syllabus combines the use of internationally acclaimed methodology with the personal experience and vision of our own teaching experts.
ISLA´s Spanish Courses have been devised according to Instituto Cervantes guidelines and the personal input and experience of our Directors of Study and the Teaching Department. The syllabus is a work in progress as new material and ideas evolve, but the core of all courses has remained unchanged since ISLA’s conception: to combine practice of the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) with a good grammar base and cultural backdrop. This combination of grammar, conversation and culture has been thoroughly vindicated by modern thinking in language teaching. Learning is simultaneously logical, organized, dynamic and communicative. The learner has an active and participative role in class with teacher-talking time kept to a minimum. Students from all over the world quickly learn to communicate with each other and their teachers in their new Spanish medium, incorporating new grammar structures, vocabulary and socio-cultural skills.
INTENSIVE PLUS: 25 LESSONS WEEKLY
The most Spanish … the best value…
Students are encouraged to go for full immersion with the Intensive Plus Course. This course offers the maximum amount of contact time with the teacher at the best price rate per lesson. It is also the most varied. As well as benefiting from both the “Compact Spanish” and “Spanish in Action” modules, students enjoy the “Spanish and Latin American Culture” module as their fifth lesson. While often Intensive Plus students are short-termers who seek to pack as much Spanish as they can into their time with ISLA, this course is equally suitable for students on longer stays as its pace is sustainable and its program is as varied as it is engaging. Duration: 1-40 weeks Entry level: all (including beginners). Starting dates: every Monday throughout the year. Modules: 3 lessons:“Compact Spanish” (Grammar, Skills and Vocab) 1 lesson: “Spanish in Action” 1 lesson: “Spanish & Latin American Culture”
INTENSIVE: 20 LESSONS WEEKLY
The classic all-rounder.
Our classic Intensive Course combines rigorous learning with dynamic, task-led activities in the “Spanish in Action” module. As well as giving students a sound grammar and vocabulary base, this course promotes speaking and writing in simulated real-life situations. Thus, the student’s Spanish flows from the classroom onto the street . The Intensive Course is a popular choice for every type of learner, but especially ideal for anyone who is better at Spanish in theory than Spanish in practice. Duration: 1-40 weeks Entry level: all Starting dates: every Monday throughout the year. Modules: 3 lessons: “Compact Spanish” (Grammar, Skills and Vocab) 1 lesson: “ Spanish in Action”
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COMPACT SPANISH: 15 LESSONS WEEKLY
The essentials for you to build on.
Comprising a total of 3 lessons daily, this course focuses on the essentials: Grammar, Skills and Vocabulary. It is high on content and pre-supposes students will make an effort to practise their new knowledge as much as possible outside the classroom. This course suits those on a tighter budget, or long-term students who already have plenty of Spanish friends to chat with. Often students decide to combine this course with one-to-one classes, or the Commercial Spanish Course (see below). Duration: 1-40 weeks. Entry level: all Starting dates: every Monday throughout the year. Module: 3 lessons: “Compact Spanish” (Grammar, Skills and Vocab)
THE DELE PREPARATION COURSE: 20 LESSONS WEEKLY
Give yourself the best shot at DELE: prepare with ISLA.
The DELE exams are granted by the Instituto Cervantes, on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education. They provide official certification of a learner’s level. These exams are recognized in professional and educational circles all over the world. The results of ISLA students in these exams speak for themselves. We have a 90% pass rate and most students achieve top scores. Our students’ success can be attributed to their serious attitude aligned with ISLA´s experience in preparing students for these demanding exams. The key is to have a strong grasp of the syllabus’ requirements whilst providing students with rigorous training. Many of our students move onto the DELE Preparation Courses from the Intensive Plus, Intensive and Compact Spanish courses. The Directors of Study advise and guide students on this course shift, ensuring they embark on the right DELE (see levels below) at the optimum time. Given the scope of the DELE exams, preparation affords the student a lot more than just a piece of paper with excellent marks. It represents an excellent “Curso de Perfeccionamiento” for high-level students. Duration: 2-6 weeks. Entry level: B2 (Intermediate) for DELE Intermedio. C2 (Advanced) for DELE Superior Starting dates: 2-6 weeks prior to examinations mid May, late August and mid November.
THE MODULES
Here follows a description of the modules that make up our courses. Please note that they are not individual courses in themselves.
“SPANISH AND LATIN AMERICAN CULTURE”
Part of the joy and, for many, most of the point of learning a language is that it opens doors to the cultural expression and experiences of the new land. And knowledge of the country’s social and cultural fabric enhances communicative competence. Spain is blessed with a culture that is as passionate as it is diverse. It is hard to think of a place that has so many trump cards in literature, art, architecture, cinema and popular culture, or such an interesting and influential history. ISLA’s Culture module offers an overview of aspects key to students’ Spanish education. Every day opens another door to fascinating, marvellous Spain. And on some days, Latin America takes centre stage, giving students a global context of the Spanish-speaking world.
“COMPACT SPANISH” (GRAMMAR, SKILLS AND VOCAB)
Compact Spanish lessons are rounded, varied and intense. Students study the grammar structures, functions and vocabulary of the day and are given carefully controlled practice. Lesson content, pace and daily program are very carefully controlled to ensure students are pushed but never stressed.
SPANISH CROSS-CULTURAL: 20 LESSONS WEEKLY
Because language is only part of the story of Spain.
This new course offers students the chance to study the essentials whilst taking advantage of our “Spanish and Latin American Culture” module. Cross Cultural students take the “Compact Spanish” module and enjoy one extra culture lesson per day, learning about Spain’s and Latin America’s rich literature, history, art, cinema and popular culture. This course is recommended for those who prefer the extra cultural content to the “Spanish in Action” module. Remember you can enjoy both on the Intensive Plus Course! Duration: 1-40 weeks. Entry level: all Starting dates: every Monday throughout the year. Modules: 3 lessons: “Compact Spanish” (Grammar, Skills and Vocab) 1 lesson: “Spanish and Latin American Culture”
“SPANISH IN ACTION”
The Spanish in Action activities pick up where Compact Spanish leaves off, providing a dynamic complement to textbook learning. Students put their new Spanish knowledge to practical use, enjoying varied challenges such as working with video - there is nothing like seeing and hearing yourself speak Spanish; or making a magazine practising your writing brings an immediate improvement in your Spanish.
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COMMERCIAL SPANISH COURSE: 5 LESSONS WEEKLY
Make your Spanish work for you.
Apart from being a language of culture, literature and travel, Spanish is a major player on the international business scene. Many students seek to improve their competence for use within a Spanish business medium, with a view to working for a company with ties in Spain or Latin America. At entry level, this course focuses on business vocabulary, expressions and functional Spanish needed for successful business correspondence and negotiation. Later, the focus is on micro/macro economical aspects and socio-cultural considerations implicit in the Spanish and Latin American experience. Some of the topics covered include The Job Market, In-Company Communication, Marketing and Publicity, the Stock Exchange, Main Industries and Spain & the EU. ISLA is an approved centre for preparation of the Madrid and Barcelona Chamber of Commerce exams (Certificado Básico or Certificado Superior). These exams take place in March, June, July and November at ISLA. Duration: 1-20 weeks. Entry level: A2 (Pre-Intermediate) Starting dates: every Monday of the year Contents: Full course details available on request
ACADEMIC YEAR: 830 LESSONS
ISLA’s level system is adapted from the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) which provides a basis for the mutual recognition of language qualifications.
LEVELS
You’ll go home speaking fluent Spanish. Others will notice the change in you.
Academic year students are privileged. Their course offers them fluency in Spanish, knowledge of Spanish culture, enhanced opportunities for the future and lifelong friendships. And they have a real opportunity to step away from being a foreign language student and weave themselves into the fabric of Spanish society. This exposure to the culture and customs of Spain helps to develop students in several ways. As a result of crossing cultural borders, students go home with fresh insights and attitudes, increased maturity and experience. This course is adaptable to international academic calendars. Most students start their academic year at the beginning of September and study through until the end of June, with holiday breaks at Christmas and Easter. Students study on the Intensive course and then join the DELE course to obtain official recognition of their Spanish level. The Directors of Study advise students as to which of the two exams is appropriate for them. In their final 6 weeks students prepare for the prestigious Chamber of Commerce exams. Duration: 40 weeks comprising 830 Spanish lessons. Entry level: all Starting dates: all year. For synchronisation with DELE dates please talk to Admissions. Contents: full program, course dates with holidays available on request CEFR correspond to:: A1 beginner A2 pre-intermediate B1 intermediate B2 upper intermediate C1 advanced C2 superior
ONE-TO-ONE CLASSES
There is nothing like having a teacher all to yourself.
Having a teacher to yourself means you get a tailor-made course focusing entirely on your needs and objectives. This option is often selected by those preparing for a specific exam, interview or students seeking a push before taking up a job in a Spanish-speaking country. Sometimes they are people without a specific pressing agenda but who simply prefer to learn, or to top up their learning with one-to-one attention. First, ISLA analyses the specific goals of the individual, selecting the member of the teaching department most qualified to assist the student. Next, a program with proposed materials is devised. Student progress and course content are monitored throughout. One-to-one classes can be taken as a course in themselves, or as a complement to any other ISLA course. And for learners of the same level who wish to share an individual class, see ISLA’s “one-to-two” offer. Entry level: all. Starting dates: all year Contents: as determined by student and Directors of Study
A2 AND AS LEVEL REVISION
One week of Spanish = one better grade.
Since pioneering specific Spanish A2 and AS revision courses over a decade ago, ISLA has established itself as the definitive education provider for preparation of these exams. Around 40 secondary schools visit ISLA with study groups on a yearly basis at half term and in the Easter holidays, and many others recommend our courses for students who come individually or with friends. As with all exam preparation, the key is to practise exactly what will come up on the day. ISLA has designed its own revision manual based on exams from specific boards. Sometimes students arrive expressing doubts about talking about their chosen topic in English, let alone Spanish. At ISLA they receive practice essays, cribs and conference notes, leaving them free to focus on polishing their oral performance. Their effort really shows. All go back with significantly increased spoken confidence and improved written skills. Almost all improve on their mock prediction by one or more grades. Duration: 1-2 weeks. Entry level: AS or A2 (Upper Sixth) Starting dates: half terms, Christmas, Easter and summer holidays. Contents: full program, course dates with holidays avalible on request..
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G U A R A N T E E S A N D F R E E S E RV I C E S
A few more things to bear in mind...
LEVELS AND GROUPS.
To guarantee adequate progress, it is vitally important that students are placed in a group that corresponds with their knowledge of Spanish. This is only possible if the language school guarantees groups of all levels of learning. After making a careful initial evaluation of each student’s ability, ISLA follows up their placement with regular control testing.
CLASS DURATION
We are quite strict about classes starting punctually so no class time is lost. At ISLA, lessons run from Monday to Friday and are 50 minutes long.
AND LASTLY, ISLA FLEXIBILITY:
Your teacher and the Directors of Study will monitor your progress, ensuring that you are studying at the right pace and on the course that best suits you. YOUR opinion of how you are doing is equally important. ISLA adopts a flexible and understanding approach to group or course changes.
DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES
Careful monitoring and a serious approach mean that each student will be pushed further with their Spanish at ISLA. Our Diplomas and Certificates of Attendance are only available for those who attend 90% of their classes and, in the case of the former, for those who pass weekly control tests.
Levels and Groups Class Size Class Materials Class Duration Diplomas and Certificates Intercambio Tutorías
CLASS SIZE
The smaller your learning group, the more personalized your course will be. At ISLA the maximum amount of students per group is nine. The average number of students per group is five in low season and seven in high season. Culture lessons are open-class style and thus do not have a maximum or minimum number of participants.
TWO FREE SERVICES: “INTERCAMBIO” AND “TUTORIAS”
An “intercambio” is a Spanish conversation partner whom ISLA can arrange for you. This gives the student an introduction to a group of Spanish friends. If there is something you haven’t quite understood in class, ISLA will arrange a “tutoria”, free extra attention from one of your teachers.
CLASS MATERIALS
Large amounts of photocopies from lots of different textbooks do not make for logical and organized learning. ISLA students work with complete learning materials including textbooks, CD’s with audio exercises and multilingual glossaries, topped up with specially prepared authentic materials.
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ACCOMMODATION
An important part of your stay
PRIVATE APARTMENT/STUDIO
ISLA’s accommodation department has devised a thorough vetting procedure for selection of suitable families, flats, apartments and residences. Student evaluations and suggestions form a valuable part of our follow-up procedure in order to ensure that this part of the program receives consistently good feedback.
Apartments have one or two bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom and sitting room. They are suitable for couples, families and single travellers requiring complete privacy. We recommend you book this option well in advance as there is limited availability. Please note: Barcelona apartments are situated in the student residence (see below). Sheets are provided (but not towels).
A FEW OTHER THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR ACCOMMODATION: INCLUDING ISLA’S GUARANTEES
ISLA attaches considerable importance to this issue. To get the most out of your time at school, you need to feel relaxed and comfortable at home.
ISLA’s accommodation service is optional and exclusive to our students throughout the duration of their course. In the unlikely event of your wishing to change your accommodation on arrival, ISLA will arrange this for you (subject to availability). Long-termers may combine different accommodation options for no extra charge (ie: starting off with a family and then changing to a student flat). Salamanca accommodation is within maximum 15 minutes walk of the school and mostly in the town centre. Barcelona accommodation is within maximum of 30-45 minutes from the school by public transport. Accommodation is available from 1200 noon on the Sunday prior to the course, and should be vacated by 1000 on the Saturday after the course. Extra nights are chargeable and subject to availability. Students flats in Spain are often fairly basic, but ISLA guarantees that they are clean, adequately equipped and in good repair upon your arrival. All accommodation prices are fully inclusive of bills and local taxes. Under 18? You'll be living with a family unless we receive express permission from your parents that you may live unsupervised in a shared flat or residence.
HOST FAMILY
A home-stay is a unique opportunity to improve your Spanish outside the classroom and to engage with local life. It is quite natural to feel a little shy or unsure about where to put yourself at the beginning, but most students bond quickly with their host family and enjoy being looked after. Often students strike up friendships with their host mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, enjoying days or nights out and exchanging addresses for future contact. Living with a family doesn’t mean you completely relinquish your independence. You are given a key and can come and go as you please, providing that you are considerate about letting your family know if you plan to be out for lunch etc. Families come in all shapes and forms: some have young or teenage children, others have elderly parents staying at home, some are ladies on their own who have lots of time to dedicate to their foreign guests. The bottom line is that they are friendly and welcoming... and will speak to you in Spanish! ISLA can accommodate requests from nonsmokers and vegetarians. You will often be “sharing” your family with another foreign guest of a different nationality, or a Spanish student lodger. This ensures more Spanish practice! In Barcelona: breakfast and dinner (half board), or
breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch (half board with packed lunch). In Salamanca: breakfast and lunch (half board) or breakfast, lunch and dinner (full board). Sheets and towels are provided. Laundry is included (excluding ironing). Bring your own beach towel.
HALF/FULL BOARD AT STUDENT RESIDENCE IN SALAMANCA
This is the option for those who wish to enjoy a freer environment where meals are provided. From October to June there is limited availability in residences with Spanish students. In the summer ISLA sub-contracts two or three residences where students live with other classmates. You can opt for full board (all meals) or half board (breakfast and lunch). Sheets and towels are provided and laundry and daily room-cleaning included.
SHARED FLAT
Shared self-catering flats offer more independence and personal responsibility. It is fun to live with a bunch of other ISLA people or in some cases, with Spanish adults. Students prepare their own meals, do their own laundry, organize a cleaning roster and are responsible for putting themselves to bed! Bear in mind that you will have to make an effort to ensure that the common language in the flat is Spanish. But all ISLA flats have a TV so students can carry on listening to Spanish while relaxing at home. Flats sleep 3 to 6 people, with a shared kitchen, bathroom(s) and usually a sitting room. Parties are strictly forbidden and permission must be sought from ISLA for houseguests (for whom there is a charge). ISLA makes an effort to house people according to age and stage. Sheets are provided (but not towels).
SELF-CATERING MINIAPARTMENTS IN STUDENT RESIDENCES IN BARCELONA
These two university residences are conveniently located within walking distance of both the school and the beach. This option suits those seeking both the privacy of their own unit and the company of international friends when they feel like it. Each unit has self-catering facilities, a private bathroom, telephone line and an internet connection. Common facilities include: a computer room, TV lounge, washing machines and a small gym. Sheets and towels are provided. Laundry of bed linen and weekly room cleaning is included.
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ENJOY BARCELONA & SALAMANCA
The complete ISLA Experience
ISLA ON-LINE
Students get together and make the most of Spain’s social, cultural and natural wonders.
ISLA students enjoy a social framework on which to build personal friendships, whilst discovering the wonders of Spain. We organize in-house activities and set students up for self-discovery with plenty of free-time tips and help with booking tickets, cars, hostels, etc. Barcelona and Salamanca are ISLA’s partners in proposing dynamic and stimulating leisure activities. They are greatly contrasting cities, offering an enormous range of free-time possibilities. In Barcelona there is so much to see and do that students tend to take advantage of their free time at weekends to catch up on museums, monuments and exhibitions. To help students engage with what they are seeing, and put the building or show in its artistic and historical context, an ISLA guide or teacher will often participate. Evening activities in Barcelona involve both joviality and refreshment! Our in –house tapas tours and bar hops are immensely popular. Students love going out together, moving from one hidden watering hole to the next, discovering new, quirky places. And wherever there is a street party, fair or festival, there is always a member of the ISLA team with a group of students. Given the Barcelona centre’s seaside location, the beach is a backdrop for a lot of its activities. Sporty students enjoy beach football and volleyball and all students enjoy the Beach Welcome Party (in warmer months). Salamanca students take advantage of their weekends to go on trips. Excursions are organized in-house rather than via an agency so students can relax and enjoy a personal atmosphere all day. Destinations include cultural trips to Avila, Madrid, Segovia or Toledo and special ISLA events include days out in the countryside to participate in mountain biking, hiking, kayaking or river bathing. Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a wealth of historical buildings to visit. In 2002, it was named European Capital of Culture. Salamanca’s famous Summer Arts Festival is a particular highlight as the city hosts the cream of national and international acts. ISLA arranges regular visits and tours of the city, accompanied by a teacher or the school guide. Salamanca students often come back to school in the evenings to enjoy free conferences on Spanish culture or to watch Spanish films. And of course, as in Barcelona, Salamanca students love joining their friends on a tapas tour enjoying socialising in Spanish, sharing the warmth of the group atmosphere, having a good time. We very much look forward to meeting you at ISLA soon.
ISLA SPANISH STUDY CONSULTANTS
Fun, free and 100% Spanish.
ISLA’s passion and commitment to making Spanish a language of international communication are evident in our Online Services Section on the ISLA website. Our aim is to help students keep their Spanish going, by helping them make and maintain contact with the Spanish world. ISLA Online Services is a great virtual community comprising the following sections: “El Imperdible”: Who and what is making the news in the Spanish and Latin worlds. “Libros y Música”: Reviews and recommendations for the Spanish learner. “¿Sin dudas?”: Bring your Spanish questions here. “El Hispanauta”: Resources and tools for Spanish teachers and learners. “Rincón del Alumno”: ISLA students’ space to hang class projects, blogs etc. “ISLA Radio” with Spanish and Latin sounds: Our favourite tunes. In its 16 years of operation, ISLA has acted as an advisory service to many students looking for Spanish courses in Spain and Latin America. Our partner schools share our commitment to providing high quality language stays and a passion for Spanish! There is nobody like a language school to understand what makes another language school tick, so our selection of schools comes with ISLA guarantees of excellence in teaching and service. Choose from these cities in Spain: Alicante, Granada, Madrid, Malaga, Seville and Valencia. And from these destinations in Latin America: Argentina, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru and Mexico.
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Quality in Spanish Teaching since 1990
www.learningspanish-spain.com
Isla Salamanca:
Plaza de los Basilios, 8 • 37001 Salamanca Tel.: +34 923 21 03 94 • Fax: +34 923 26 06 27 salamanca@academiaisla.com
Isla Barcelona:
Calle Salvador Espriu, 91, • 08005 Barcelona Tel.: +34 93 221 5545 • Fax: +34 93 221 5416 barcelona@academiaisla.com