Ecela "No-Fail" Way to Learn Spanish While You Travel South America
Over the years we've helped thousands of students, many starting as novices, reach advanced and fluent levels of Spanish - usually surprising themselves at their levels reached and the speed of getting there.
All while experiencing new cultures, making new friends, and achieving personal growth.
Here's how we do it:
FASTER LEARNING WITH X-TRA SMALL CLASSES
Intimate-sized classes keep you engaged for better learning.
We cap our fundamentals (grammar) section at 8 students. For conversation classes (half of course time) we cut that in half to only 4.
This assures you get the individual attention and the "reps" you need for rapid progress.
SUPPORTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Ecela students are of all ages and come from all corners of the world.
Some of our students are still in high school, others are adventurous seniors, many well into their 80s.
About 1/3 come from North America, 1/3 from Portuguese-speaking Brazil, and 1/3 from Europe and elsewhere.
Despite all the diversity everyone is moving in the same direction - toward better Spanish.
The non-competitive (no grades) environment leads to enhanced cooperation.
This assures you get the individual attention and the "reps" you need for rapid progress.
AFFORDABLE PRICING
Low class fees leave extra funds for extra trips, like an Argentine estancia.
Keeping your costs low* you can study for the necessary amount of time without financial stress.
And by staying in a homestay, including breakfast and dinner, you'll pay far less than at a hotel.
*by the hour we are 80% less than a private university, despite much smaller classes.
NATIVE-SPEAKING SPANISH TEACHERS
An Ecela's teacher reviews the basics.
All of our instructors have Spanish as their first language.
Most have also learned at least two foreign languages themselves and understand your occasional frustrations.
They are chosen not only for their ability to teach the language, but also for their empathy and encouragement.
EASY TO COMBINE SCHOOLS
About 30% of our students choose a multi-location program.
This allows for an invigorating change of scenery as well as the challenge of a new accent, giving you a more adaptable ear.
You always have the right to switch to any other school, at no extra cost, when you are enrolled in one of our programs.
LIVE WITH A LOCAL HOST FAMILY
A family homestay for extra immersion.
An optional, but very popular, housing option is to live with a local host.
This not only gives you direct experience with the local culture, you also get extra Spanish practice as you share meals and conversations with your new familia.
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Learning to prepare empanadas.
(Optional) out-of-class activities include cooking lessons, salsa dance classes, museum visits, barrio tours, and much more.
This not only helps you appreciate the culture, but is also an excellent way to bond with staff and students.
Get Your Free Spanish Immersion Destination Guide
Answer a few easy questions to get custom Spanish immersion trip planning information.
(Testimonial - polanda)
"Before and after classes I read the local paper to be informed of economic and social issues."
"My homestay made my experience so special. They made me so comfortable and...they're just the sweetest people."
(testimonial frances)
(testimonial portugues)
"..eight months in Buenos Aires!"
"I met so many people...new friends from Switzerland, Germany, Australia."
"I've learned a phenomenal amount of Spanish and made so many great, new friends."
"The teachers are very understanding and very helpful."
"It's been only three weeks but I'm quite sad to be leaving."
"I love it here. It's so cool and the class sizes are perfect...I wish I could stay forever."
"I've enjoyed the other students and all of the staff and teachers are very easy to be with."
"Living with a host family here is just like living with my family back home."
Get Your Free Spanish Immersion Destination Guide
Answer a few easy questions to get custom Spanish immersion trip planning information.