Blog | Ecela Spanish

Testimonial: Katherine Nace

Before I came to ECELA, I studied Spanish for the equivalent of six years in the United States. Despite that, however, I did not have the ability to speak fluently. In fact, I could not understand native Spanish speakers in more complex conversation. So, I knew without a doubt that I needed to go abroad […]

Cultural Tidbit: Stargazing in Chile

If you get a chance to visit Chile, don’t miss out on a trip to the Atacama desert, one of the driest–and darkest–places on earth. If you live in a city, or even a suburb, chances are you’ve never seen the night sky in all its star-filled glory. Light from homes, business, and street lamps […]

Modismo del Día: El movimiento se demuestra andando.

Spanish Saying: El movimiento se demuestra andando. Literal Translation: Movement is demonstrated by walking. English Equivalent: Actions speak louder than words.

Language Learning: How to Practice with Locals

Even if you’ve traveled halfway around the world to learn Spanish or another language, you will still find yourself faced with many temptations to continue speaking in your native tongue. Maybe you will meet other people from your home country in your language classes, or maybe your home stay mom happens to know a few […]

Vista de Viernes: Graffiti in Valparaiso

Testimonial: Priscila Guimaraes

When I set foot in Cusco for the first time I understood what gringos say about Brazil: you feel WELCOME! On the first day of school I met all the students and we left together to celebrate Halloween night. All the teachers were always super careful and insisted on taking us to the fair where […]

Cultural Tidbit: Insider's Cusco

If you’re heading to Peru to study Spanish, don’t miss out on one of the country’s most famous cities, Cusco. In the words of one writer: “Cusco is for everybody. For the young, for the old, for the adventurous backpacker, for the luxury tourist, for those interested in history and culture, those keen on food, […]

Cultural Tidbit: Insider’s Cusco

Modismo del Día: Dios que da la llaga, da la medicina.

Spanish Saying: Dios que da la llaga, da la medicina. Literal Translation: God who gives the wound, gives the medicine. English Equivalent: God never shuts a door without opening a window; God always provides a solution The Human Condition by Rene Magritte

Language Learning: Who learns better, kids or adults?

When it comes to learning Spanish or any other foreign language, common wisdom has long held that kids have a significant advantage over adults. Children under age 7 are especially adept at picking up new languages, because their brains are not yet “hard-wired” to function in their native tongue. However, new research has shown that […]

“How Do I Reserve a Spot?”