Ecela Spanish

Chile, Argentina, & Peru Spanish Courses

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Modismo del Día: Ya que estamos en el baile…

Spanish Idiom: Ya que estamos en el baile, bailemos. Literal Translation: Since we’re at the dance, let’s dance. English Equivalent: In for a penny, in for a pound; might as well do it

Cultural Tidbit: Historic Valparaiso

Known as the cultural capital of Chile, Valparaiso is a charming warren of steep cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Valparaiso’s historic claims to fame include Latin America’s oldest stock exchange and first volunteer fire department, Chile’s first public library, and the oldest continuously published Spanish language newspaper in the world. Valparaiso has also been recognized […]

Testimonial: Allison Gieswein

I studied with ECELA for two weeks. I can’t believe everything I’ve learned and seen in such a short time, with classes in the morning and cultural activities in the afternoon. Now I can cook empanadas, speak a bit of lunfardo and dance tango. I visited the mountains and went rafting, trekking, and canopy. Before […]

Cultural Tidbit: Styles of Tango

Tango originated in the working class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the 1800s.  A variety of influences came together to shape and inspire the dance: ancient African rhythms, European music, the Cuban habenera, and the Argentine milong. Along the way several distinctive styles of tango came into being. Although at first the styles of tango […]

Modismo del Día: Amor no respeta ley

Spanish Idiom: Amor no respeta ley, ni obedece a rey. Literal Translation: Love doesn’t respect the law or obey the king English Equivalent: Love conquers all! ¡Feliz Día de los Enamorados!

Cultural Tidbit: A Poem by Pablo Neruda

Love Sonnet XI I crave your mouth, your voice, your hair. Silent and starving, I prowl through the streets. Bread does not nourish me, dawn disrupts me, all day I hunt for the liquid measure of your steps. I hunger for your sleek laugh, your hands the color of a savage harvest, hunger for the […]

Testimonial: Jeff & Agatha

Attending Ecela’s Spanish school in Viña del Mar has been a highlight of our trip to South America. My wife and I initially enrolled for 5 weeks and signed on for 4 more after that. All of the teachers and staff were so incredibly nice, patient, flexible, and extremely helpful, not to mention exceedingly knowledgeable. […]

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