Every week we receive new testimonials from students, often with comments like “that was the best experience of my life” or “far better than I expected”.
But nothing beats praise from fellow teachers that have used their vacation time to join us at Ecela.
Andrew (United Kingdom)
Newly arrived in a big city, from a diverse range of countries, ages, backgrounds, staying for varying periods of time to gel and get along?
Most people would find this a nearly impossible task but they seem to manage it at ECELA Spanish School in Buenos Aires with the fantastic range of activities on offer and the care they take to attend to students needs.
Be it housing, trips out of town, nightclubs, restaurants or healthcare there is always someone on hand to advise.
Most of the staff are born and bred Porteños too so the advice is as authentic as it can possibly be! Having taught English as a foreign language myself I can appreciate the quality of the Spanish teaching at ECELA BA.
All of the teachers used the most up to date L2 techniques and as well as having a passion for their native language the general atmosphere was one that seemed to be designed to foster active communication wherever possible.
Many of the teachers speak 3 or 4 languages themselves and have a fervent interest in linguistics. As well as the usual classes there are also free tutorials every day and conversational groups in the evenings.
What really came as a pleasant surprise however was the attention the non teaching staff paid to the extra curricular needs of the students I would recommend ECELA Spanish School in Buenos Aires to anyone, of any age, from any background who has a passion for new experiences.
Andrew Newell, United Kingdom
Rich (USA)
I’ve been to four of ECELA’s schools, and as a Spanish teacher I applaud their efforts in creating an enjoyable atmosphere for learning Spanish at all levels from beginner to advanced.
ECELA’s schools are more than just language schools, they are learning communities that support the sometimes challenging process of learning another language. The teachers and support staff are the key to the success.
The schools in Peru have been a very special experience for me. Through my experiences in Cusco and Lima, they have introduced me to a country that I’m sure I will return to.
I was pleasantly surprised by my experience in Lima. It exceeded my expectations in all ways.
The city is exciting, the views in Miraflores are beautiful and the school was thoroughly enjoyable. I’m so glad I chose to complete my studies at ECELA here in the capital.
The homestays are an additional aspect that shouldn’t be missed. It’s a great way to integrate immediately into the language and culture. I highly recommend ECELA for its excellent program.
Rich Hance, USA
Wendy (California)
Dear ECELA Santiago Staff,
I returned to the San Francisco area two days ago and have thought much about what a wonderful experience I had at ECELA Santiago for the last month.
I want to express my true gratitude and admiration to all involved.
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.
I hope that both can come for some time to California to teach in my district and share their talent with the students of the greater Bay Area.
I also was very impressed with the ECELA staff. Paz was the first member I met. Her warmth, patience and advice made me feel comfortable in a new city.
She also always demonstrated a great desire to meet the needs of ECELA students and was always available as the warm, welcoming presence all of us gringas needed so much who were a little homesick for our family, friends y problems with our novios back home.
All of the other staff were always very available as well. From when Ida helped us with our broken fuse in the Roman Diaz home to Carlos helping me find the obscure address for an embassy so I could complete papers to exit Chile, all staff members were very friendly, responsive and helpful.
Living in the Roman Diaz home was also a pleasure. I felt the level of respect, affection and belonging mutually valued by all living in the home made it a wonderful community that enhanced our classroom learning. Lucy also was wonderful keeping the home lovely for us all to live in.
As a teacher, I will recommend the ECELA program to all of my colleagues seeking to improve their Spanish language skills. I hope to return in December or February to Santiago with a group of colleagues for two weeks.
I will also always recommend the program to my former students who are now students in the university system and who want to travel and study abroad.
I feel the quality of instruction and curriculum paired with the warmth of the staff make the Santiago ECELA program the greatest educational gem that exists in South America.
My home is always open to any ECELA staff member who may be in the San Francisco Bay Area for any reason.
With Great Love, Appreciation y Besos,
Wendy Savinar, USA