Predict Your Satisfaction Level At ECELA
Since we gave our first classes in 2000, we’ve helped 17,500+ students improve their Spanish. Over that time we’ve had the chance to observe our most satisfied students, the ones that leave comments like:
- “without a doubt the best decision I ever made”
- “she was the best teacher I’ve ever had – wow!”
- “I can’t imagine there’s a better school in all of South America”.
Usually these students possess most, and in many cases all, of the below traits. Although not “requirements” by any means, they can help predict your happiness here.
1. You Want to REALLY Learn Spanish, not Just “Get By”.
Our best students are clearly excited to work toward Spanish fluency (and all the benefits that come with it). We’ll push you to reach your full potential, and why wouldn’t we? You’re investing a lot in us, and we are serious about giving you the maximum return on your investment.
2. You Hold an Appreciation for the Art of Teaching.
Perhaps you agree with this old saying: “Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.” As a premium level school with a reputation for rigorous hiring standards, we’re fortunate to attract elite-level Spanish instructors. Some of our students are language teachers back home and particularly enjoy occupying the student’s chair. (You can read their comments here.)
3. You Call Learning Spanish an “Investment”, Not a “Cost”.
It’s true. As an Ecela student you’ll pay more than other options out there, but some things are worth paying for—including surroundings that put you at ease, teachers that make you look forward to class, and experiences you’ll never forget. The rewards of Spanish fluency far exceed the modest class fees and most successful people consider it an investment in personal growth.
4. You Love Meeting Interesting People & Making New Friends.
Our schools attract students from many walks of life. They come from 42+ countries and have an array of personal and professional interests. You’ll bond with them in your classes, in the refreshment breaks in between them, and in our many social and cultural activities after them. For many of our students, forming a new set of very diverse relationships is a real treasure and an unexpected highlight. While you may come to Ecela alone, you are quickly plugged into an instant social life.
5. You Prefer Conversation Over Grammar Drills.
A whopping 50% of our class time is spent on interactive conversation – practicing speaking and listening skills. We certainly teach you the grammar you need; however our greatest strength, and what we are best known for, is significantly improving your oral communication. This will prepare you to communicate with confidence in real world situations – social, family, work, or travel.
6. You Prefer “Old Fashioned” Teaching Over Hi-Tech Learning Apps.
Our method, which can be described as an “educational throwback”, is based on heavy amounts of interaction. Human interaction. We simply don’t invest in technology and save our resources for the personal touch. You may use modern “digital learning tools” on your own time, but within Ecela you’ll find our teaching is participation-based. “The one talking is the one learning.”
So….how did you do? Ecela may not be for everybody, but if you feel good about the above you would likely thrive in our environment.
Thanks you for everything, ECELA! Studying in Cusco was such a great experience! I love the city, the people, Incan culture, and everything about Cusco! Everyone at ECELA was incredibly nice. I think I learned a lot of Spanish, and I speak the language much better! My entire experience was incredible, and I’ll never forget ECELA or all of the friends I made there!!!
I’ll never forget ECELA or all of the friends I made there!!!
The quality and caliber of instruction and curriculum is unparalleled.
The quality and caliber of instruction and curriculum is unparalleled. I have been a high school English and ESL teacher for the past eight years in California and I stand in awe of the natural talent, insight and mastery of the ECELA teachers.
I truly believe that teaching a language to a non-native speaker is one of the most challenging callings on earth. My two teachers, Ricardo and Francisco, were unbelievably talented, patient and engaging in their instructional strategies and classroom management. As a teacher myself, I know the challenges of language instruction. I can truly say that in my career as an educator, these two teachers are the two most talented and effective in their classroom practice.
After retiring, I decided to try and learn Spanish.
After retiring, I decided to try and learn Spanish. I researched the available programs in Central and South America and found that Ecela was uniformly rated as excellent.
I decided to attend Ecela’s school in Cusco because I wanted to combine a spectacular vacation with my language studies. I took introductory Spanish for three weeks in Cusco, combining my classes with tours of the city and the area’s many Incan archeological sites.
It was incredible! I received one-on-one instruction from Erik, who is the most patient, kind, supportive, and excellent teacher I can imagine. Every morning with Erik was a delight, and in the afternoons, Ecela arranged great adventures for me: horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and touring.
My accommodations at an apartment with other students were great, and I got to practice my nascent Spanish with my fellow students and our neighbors. All this at a very, very reasonable price.
Peru was a time in my life that I’ll never forget
I’ve been an ECELA student for three weeks. These 3 weeks have been fantastic. I’ve met so many nice people from all around the world. The teachers are really nice, and they make the classes really fun. You learn so much in the classes! The school also offers a wide variety of activities every week. You can learn to cook or make pisco.
If you have the chance to volunteer for a day, I highly recommend it. It’s a beautiful, unique experience. Seeing the poor children smile brightens up your day. Volunteering doesn’t feel like work, it’s more like having the opportunity to do something good for someone else. In the end, the kids are as happy as the volunteers.
Peruvian food is delicious. There are so many tasty fresh fruits and vegetables. Some of the dishes you should try are ceviche, tamal, and definitely chicharrón!
And obviously Peruvian people are so friendly. I always felt safe. You do have to get used to the traffic; you could say it’s a bit wild and crazy, but honestly I miss it now. There’s always something going on in the streets; it’s never boring!
Peru was a time in my life that I’ll never forget. Everyone should go and spend a vacation as wonderful as mine was.
I LOVE LIMA!
Related:
How We Teach You Conversational Spanish
3 Good Fits (and 3 Bad Fits) for Ecela