Commonly Asked Questions
Where Can I Study?
- Six schools in three countries We operate two Spanish immersion schools in each of Argentina, Chile and Peru. You can choose the country capital or study in a quieter, tourist location. Or both.
- Easy to combine schools Our courses are designed so you may easily share a program between different schools. There is no extra charge to do so. About 30% of our students do a multi-location program.
How Long is the Course?
- One to 24 weeks The complete course (“novice” to “nearly fluent”) takes about 24 weeks, however you may study as little as one week.
- Six weeks to “disconnect” Six weeks is often considered the divide between a “vacation abroad” and “living abroad”.
- All at once or several trips Some people do the whole program in one trip, others spread it over several “eduvacations“.
When are the Start Dates?
If you have prior Spanish experience you may jump in any week.
If you are a novice we recommend starting on official start dates (every other week). Request calendar here.
Will I fit in?
- Geographic distribution Our demographic background is about 30% North American, 30% Brazilian, 30% European, and 10% other countries.
- Variety of life stages Age-wise, our two biggest groups are 18-25 and 55+, with those in between spread out evenly.
- Your Spanish level The majority of students start at the beginner level, however you can enter at any level and some start as already nearly fluent. (Many Spanish teachers study with us to keep their skills sharp.)
Option I – Spanish Only (No Housing)
Choose this option if you don’t need accommodations.
Details of the group Spanish course:
- 20 lessons per week (less during holiday weeks). Each lesson is one “teaching hour” (50 minutes).
- Shared curriculum All Ecela schools share the same curriculum so you can easily combine locations for a multi-culture experience. This is an excellent way to train you ear for a variety of accents.
- Divided course structure Class time is split into two sections, Grammar and Conversation, to give you a proper balance for advancing your Spanish.
- The grammar section has a maximum of eight students and gives you the fundamentals for proper Spanish communication.
- The conversation section is only four students – this gives you considerable participation opportunities while still enjoying the benefits of the group dynamic.
- 20 minute break Between sections we have a 20 minute break, with free coffee, tea, and snacks. You can socialize with other students or review your materials.
- Safety a priority All Ecelas are located in very safe neighborhoods – unlike the busy downtown areas typical to most language schools.
- (Optional) Acivities Full weekly activities and weekend excursions calendar. From salsa dancing to cooking lessons to overnight trips.
Price: The weekly fee is $300. Contact us for discounts.
Need More Info? Request Catalog or call +1 347-329-5506
.
Option II – Spanish Plus Housing
We provide two housing options: “Homestay” and “Student Apartment”. About 50% choose a homestay, 30% stay in a student apartment, and 20% don’t need housing.
Homestay
- Live with a local host for a true cultural immersion.
- The best living option to improve your Spanish quickly.
- Eat breakfast and dinner with your host. (You are free for lunch and will usually eat out near the school with other students)
Shared Apartment
- Live with other students or locals – no meals provided.
- Full kitchen access to prepare your own meals.
- Best option if you prefer to prepare your own food or eat out often.
Housing Prices: varies by location and your requirements. Contact us for details.
Need More Info? Request Catalog or call +1 347-329-5506
.
Program “Add Ons”
All of the below are available only to students enrolled in an Ecela Spanish program. Contact us for details.Contact us for more details about any of the below.
Class Upgrades:
- Premium Group Add 5 or 10 weekly “private extras” to your group class.
- Private VIP Deluxe private course. Limited availability.
- DELE Preparation/Exam Special private course to prepare for the DELE exam. Our Santiago school is an official test center.
Cultural Immersion Add-Ons:
- Volunteer Placement Contribute to the local community via one of many volunteer opportunties.
- Internship (Santiago) (nonpaid) work experience in a variety of industries.
- Spanish Teachers Seminar Teaching workshop for Spanish teachers whose first language is not Spanish.
- Surf (Viña del Mar or Lima) surf lessons easily accessible from the schools.
- Tango (Buenos Aires) enroll in a structured tango course.
- Spanish for Counselors special program for students preparing for careers in psychology, social work, or other human services with Spanish-speaking populations.
- Ski (Santiago) July – September Ski resorts in the Andes are a quick shuttle ride from Santiago.
- Medical Shadowing gain field experience in health care at a local clinic.
Need More Info? Request Catalog or call +1 347-329-5506
. Wow, it was an amazing and unforgettable time at ECELA Santiago! I came with only a few words of Spanish and left with so much more than expected: not only that I learned so quickly and easily the language because of the very good and friendly teachers who make learning Spanish fun and interesting and the good concept of teaching that combines class lessons and private lessons if you take an intensive course, but I also met some absolutely great people from all over the world and found some new friends. I enjoyed my time at ECELA so much that I spontaneously decided to stay 2 weeks longer than originally planned and I wouldn’t hesitate one second to come back if I had the chance to. It was definitively one of the best times of my life! Thank you ECELA amigos for everything, I’m still missing you all!
I wouldn’t hesitate one second to come back if I had the chance.
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.
I liked the school and the city a lot. I recommend it.
As you all should already know, Mendoza is the wine capital of Argentina. Of course there are really great wines, but there are also many interesting things to do.
Mendoza is close to the famous Aconcagua. You can practice different sports, eat great foot, meet nice people, and go to bars, as well as other things. The city is safe and great for walking.
ECELA has really good instructors and a good structure. I liked the school and the city a lot. I recommend it.
I will miss our nights next to the fire, cooking, wine and going out…
Thank you so much for the great time I had here in Cusco, I wish I could spend more time here. Thank you my teachers Judy and Javier for teaching me my “favorite” – subjuntivo.
Ygor, great job with all the activities planning. It’s hard to leave Cusco when there is always something interesting going on. Carmen and the rest of school(Lourdes, Angelina, Tatiana), thank you for making the stay so enjoyable and warm.
I will miss our nights next to the fire, cooking, wine and going out…everything but the altitude (that makes a simple walk a tremendous exercise)
There are people from all over the world, from different cultures, and everything works so well.
When I walked into Ecela the first time, I was impressed by how friendly the people were. I could participate in all of the activities even without being enrolled. After a while, they convinced me to take classes, and it was worth it.
What goes on in this school is an unforgettable experience. There are people from all over the world, from different cultures, and everything works so well. I thought it was good that we used what we learned in class in the activities during the afternoon and at night. That way, you learned things much more quickly. Especially those who were new to Ecela. The school is truly a wonderful thing.
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’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.
We had an excellent time at ECELA Cusco
Hola, amigos! It’s Ina and Mima from Slovakia. We had an excellent time at ECELA Spanish School in Cusco, Pero. Before we arrived, Mima and I didn’t speak Spanish, but after two weeks we feel like we know more…We enjoyed the activities with Ygor and the classes with Alexis (Spanish Instructor at the School).
Mima will never forget her first pisco sour (haha) and I’ll never forget the first time I rode a horse!! Thanks for everything!! Besos, Ina and Mima, the Slovak girls.
Once again I learned that the most important and necessary thing for learning is being motivated to work with other people.
I have so many things to be thankful for. I’m so happy that I spent two weeks with kind, dedicated, and well-prepared instructors. They taught me with patience and a lot of enthusiasm. I had fun with the other students in my class. Pilar organized the activities really well, and Emmanuel helped out when necessary. Thank you, Romina, for your help. Thank you everyone!!!
Once again I learned that the most important and necessary thing for learning is being motivated to work with other people. We can take on this work with our hearts. Being a teacher isn’t just a job, it’s a vocation!
Many thanks to Gabriel, to Nadia García, to Florencia, to Guillermo, and to Susana for being my instructors with that gift of teaching!
I’ll see you soon, I’m coming back!
All of the teachers used the most up to date L2 techniques
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 Buenos Aires with the fantastic range of activities on offer and the care they take to attend to students needs.
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.
I would recommend ECELA Spanish School in Buenos Aires to anyone, of any age, from any background who has a passion for new experiences.
the weather is perfect, the city is alive with its own culture and activity
I really enjoyed getting to study and live in Buenos Aires for a little while and also Mendoza afterwards. I felt like it gave me a good feel of the whole country and not just the big city. It was very easy and affordable to travel.
The mountains are beautiful, the weather is perfect, the city is alive with its own culture and activity, and you get to drink great wine! Everyone at the school was so welcoming, and they really are committed to making sure that you not only learn Spanish but also feel comfortable and have a lot of fun!
Now, Spanish is like a second native language to me
I took an intensive two month course at ECELA while I lived in Chile for six months. I had a great time from the very first day: the teachers were nice, their classes were really entertaining, and I learned a ton of things.
I also met a lot of people (other students) from different countries at ECELA. Also, I really liked all of the activities that ECELA offered every week: excursions, cooking classes, soccer games…I wasn’t bored for a second.
I took one of the prep courses and passed the DELE with a really good score. Now, Spanish is like a second native language to me, thanks to ECELA and the instructors (I’m still in contact with some of them). The months I spent at the school have been some of the best months of my life!!
Thank you for making me feel that I was more than just a language student.
I spent one month in ECELA Viña del Mar and could not have been more pleased with my progress in Spanish, and happy with my experience in general. Both the excellent staff and instructors were professional, kind, and helpful.
The feeling they were able to convey was that they not only wanted to help with the advancement of the language, but that students felt comfortable and confident navigating a new city, language and culture.
Thank you again for this experience. Thank you for making me feel that I was more than just a language student.
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!
“Personal dimension” was actually the strongest point of ECELA.
I’ve learned a lot in the Spanish lessons in Lima. I don’t know how far it was an accident but I caught a great teacher that was able to make the lessons both entertaining and beneficial. But based on the experience of the other students I was talking to I would say that this kind of professionalism is a standard quality of the majority of the ECELA teachers. “Personal dimension” was actually the strongest point of ECELA. Not only teaching staff but the other staff as well – from cleaning lady in the house to the guy who took care about free time activities – was qualified, always ready to help and mainly nice.
My stay in Lima was a great experience for me. My Spanish got better (that was the actual purpose), I gained weight because of the delicious food and I met lot of nice people.
I’ll never forget ECELA or all of the friends I made there!!!
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!!!
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.
I had a better experience than I ever could have imagined
When I decided to study at Ecela, I was looking for a school that had good classes and a comfortable environment. But when I got there, I had a better experience than I ever could have imagined.
The class structure was organized, and the small classes helped me learn quickly. The school’s staff was really kind and professional.
Also the school’s excursions are a great opportunity to learn outside of the classroom. The salsa classes and the barbecues were the most fun.
I recommend this school to everyone.
For me the only thing I didn’t like about the school was leaving!!!!
My time at Ecela, Buenos Aires was wonderful – in fact so good I came back the following year!
Buenos Aires is a fantastic city to visit and the school is in one of the nicest neighborhoods. But best of all the staff at the school really make you feel at home and the atmosphere is friendly and fun.
From knowing no Spanish at all when I first joined the school I have reached a level in Spanish that I am delighted with and in all honesty never thought I’d reach!
The professionalism of the teachers is outstanding and the classes are interesting and fun and you can really tell the teachers enjoy their jobs.
For me the only thing I didn’t like about the school was leaving!!!!
I immediately decided to participate. And that was the best decision I could have made.
Before I went to ECELA, I studied Spanish in the United States for a total of six years. Yet despite all that, I couldn’t speak fluently. In fact, I couldn’t even understand native Spanish speakers during higher level conversations.
Because of this I knew, without a doubt, that I had to go to abroad to learn to speak like a native. Consequently, when ECELA contacted me about their program in Buenos Aires, I immediately decided to participate. And that was the best decision I could have made.
The school offers a variety of courses with talented and friendly instructors. ECELA promises an experience of a lifetime.
The instructors are fun, dynamic, and really smart, and they have so much patience!
My experience at the school was nearly perfect. I met a lot of nice, friendly people, students and instructors alike. The instructors are fun, dynamic, and really smart, and they have so much patience! The school is really organized and hardly ever has any problems. The people at the school always want to help. They’re friendly and fantastic!!
I was able to have hands-on experience that I otherwise would not have had.
My favorite part about the Spanish and Medical shadowing program with Ecela was having the opportunity to shadow local doctors in El Hospital Regional de Cusco.
I was able to have hands-on experience that I otherwise would not have had. During my time in gastroenterology, I witnessed many endoscopies and other procedures. While in the emergency room the doctors put us to work, taking information from patients and checking vital signs.
My favorite part, however, was spending time in the infectious diseases ward, where I got to see many interesting cases that aren’t commonly seen in the United States such as tuberculosis, dengue fever and even parasitic infections.
The knowledge and experience I gained while shadowing in Cusco were not only eye-opening but also increased my confidence both in speaking Spanish as well as working in a health-care environment.
Lima is famous for its fine restaurants and I took advantage of this (too many times, according to the scales).
I have attended classes in three Ecela locations (and counting): Lima, Cusco, and Viña del Mar. All three have been positive experiences and I would not hesitate to recommend any of these fine schools. I gained more weight in Lima than in the other two locations because Lima is famous for its fine restaurants and I took advantage of this (too many times, according to the scales).
Get thee hence.
Denny (age unknown, but older than you)
My experience at ECELA was UNFORGETTABLE – or better yet, “inolvidable!”
My experience at ECELA was UNFORGETTABLE – or better yet, “inolvidable!” I don’t know any other word that better describes the weeks I spent in Cusco!
The Spanish course offered by ECELA Cusco is really top notch. Its professors are better than you can hope for. I felt very comfortable the whole time. Not to mention the marvelous friendships that I made during my trip and the incredible activities and excursions.
I really must thank the ECELA Cusco family for everything, for their support and their kindness. I recommend the school to anyone who wants to learn high-quality Spanish while feeling at home.
A warm thank you to my friends Carmen, Ygor, Erik, and Alexis
Need More Info? Request Catalog or call +1 347-329-5506
.