Blog | Ecela Spanish

Cultural Tidbit: Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate, the national drink of Argentina, has a rich history dating back to PreColumbian times. According to Guaraní legend, the first yerba plant was given to an old man by the Goddesses of the Moon and the Cloud, as a reward for protecting them from a jaguar. Even since then, yerba mate has been […]

Vista de Viernes: Patagonian Ice

Testimonial: Tim Dix

My experience with ECELA Cuzco was much more than learning Spanish for a few hours a day. The professors were extremely friendly and welcoming and it felt like we were more of a family than just students and teachers. The staff were always telling us about some location that we had to visit, or even […]

Cultural Tidbit: Patagonia's Glaciers

The rugged, windswept, and surreally beautiful region of Patagonia is one of the last pristine landscapes on earth. As such, it is a tremendous place for a trek or rafting adventure. One of the most stunning sights in Patagonia is the glaciers. There are three major glaciers in Argentina’s Parque Nacional los Glaciares, and three […]

Cultural Tidbit: Patagonia’s Glaciers

Modismo del Día: Consejo no pedido…

Spanish Idiom: Consejo no pedido, consejo mal oído Literal Translation: Unwanted advice, unheard advice. English Equivalent: Unwanted advice falls on deaf ears; Never give advice unasked

Cultural Tidbit: Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine National Park is one of Chile’s most popular hiking destinations. The main attraction is the “Torres”, or rock towers that thrust up out of the Patagonian steppe. Other popular sites in the park include the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the Salto Grande Waterfall, and numerous clear blue alpine lakes. Whether you choose […]

Vista de Viernes: Antofagasta

Testimonial: Marianne Nerland

My summer in Cusco was one of my most memorable vacations ever. I enjoyed staying in the beautiful city, getting to know both Peruvians and other international students. The teachers and staff in Ecela were very good and fun at the same time. I will without doubt recommend the school to anyone! Ecela put me […]

Cultural Tidbit: War of the Pacific

There are many fascinating epochs in the history of South America, but not all of them are widely understood. The rise and fall of various indigenous empires, the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, and the development of colonial society are well known. The colonies’ struggle to become independent from Spain and to define themselves as […]

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