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.

TRAIT #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.

TRAIT #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.

TRAIT #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.

TRAIT #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".

TRAIT #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.

TRAIT #6  You Prefer “Old School” 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.”

Not so good fits...

On the other hand...some students have goals or styles that are not compatible with our program:

Bad Fit #1  You Need a Formal Writing Emphasis

If you need to focus on formal writing, you might want to look for another program. A major focus of our coursework is focused on oral communications—speaking and listening.

So if you need to learn to write academic research papers, business contracts or official translations, you’d be better served at a school more focused on grammar and less on conversation.

Bad Fit #2  You Just Want a Minimum Language Requirement

If you just need to learn Spanish to satisfy an external requirement, we’re probably not the right school for you. Our courses are relatively challenging and tailored to students who are serious about learning to truly communicate in Spanish.

If genuinely speaking Spanish is not a goal and you only want a certificate and/or a “number of contact hours”, you might fit in better at a less challenging school.

Bad Fit #3  Your Learning Style is "Solitary"

Some people clearly learn best in a solitary environment. If this is your case the social environment of the school may hurt your progress. One option might be to self-study on your own and then use your Spanish around town.

Bad Fit #4  You Need Very Early (or Late) Instruction

If you work local to one of our schools and need classes before or after your job, we are probably not a good fit. You might try a school focused more on flexible executive programs.

If you have read the above and are still not sure whether or not Ecela is for you, please contact us about your particular situation.​