As befits such a rich and diverse land as South America, Salsa is one of the most popular dances in the country – you simply can’t go wrong if you at least know the Salsa dancing basics. The beauty of learning these steps is that the very music of Salsa is rhythmic and intuitive, and the timing needed tends to come naturally to the interested learner – although, of course, it takes practice.
Choosing a Salsa Style
Salsa is easy to learn but difficult to master, and that is because there are different forms like 1 and 2. As these are just examples, it is necessary that you familiarize with the kind of Salsa in the general region of South America you intend to visit, and practice. However, you can still just stick to the Salsa dancing basics comprised of steps and turn patterns, so that you’re never completely out of your element. Another option is to simply learn the two major styles, as all the rest are just minute variations of 1 and 2 and 3 – from the Cuban Salsa to the Colombian Salsa.
General Things to Keep in Mind About Salsa Dancing
If you’re a man learning Salsa dancing basics for the first time, it’s important to know that you’re the leader in the partnership with a woman dancer. As such, you have to become familiar with claves, which adjust physical directions – in the form of gentle but firm tugs, pulls, pushes, etc – that you give her to move her in the right direction. This is why knowing the beat is so important. Since she is probably a Salsa dancer too, these claves are expected on her part, and you two should move fluidly while face-to-face for most of the dance routine.
The next thing you’ll need to learn to Salsa dance correctly is foot placement. Depending on whether it’s a 1,2, or 3 beat, your lead foot will be the left, and you’ll have to step forward correctly so as not to step on her toes! There’s a lot of “holding the beat,” that goes on, during which you and your partner pause until eh next beat drops and you get back to vigorous dancing. Salsa isn’t always based on the man’s timing, though, so be sure to learn when she will lead to make the most of the dance.
Most of our seats are reserved for current students and Ecela alum. Each week we have limited spots for new students.
Follow these easy steps to check for openings:
- Check Availability (link below).
- Wait for us to review our schedule.
- We will confirm within one day if we have a spot for you.
No payment information or commitment is required now.
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.
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.
It’s by far the best school I’ve attended…it’s like a home to me!!!
Hola, 🙂
This is my second time at Ecela because it’s a really good school where you learn a lot. The instructors are really attentive, it’s a great environment. It’s really pleasant, and the people are very friendly.All week there are different activities, it’s really entertaining.
I recommend this school to those who want to learn Spanish and have a good time! It’s by far the best school I’ve attended.
I feel really good at Ecela, it’s like a home to me!!!
I asked for specific, personal lessons directed at improving my business vocabulary in Spanish
My experience at ECELA was great! I asked for specific, personal lessons directed at improving my business vocabulary in Spanish. Gabriel Bayona did just that. He had lessons planned for each day and he adjusted them to my level.
He utilized his teaching method to great effect by identifying new words as they came up in conversation and highlighting the reasons for the different verb conjugations. He also answered the many questions I had from reading the local newspapers everyday.
The building is in a good location and the staff is very friendly and helpful. They took us on field trips showing us historical centers, like the National Museum, and explained how to get around on the Metropolitano. The facility was clean and the coffee always ready.
This experience was I-N-O-L-V-I-D-A-B-L-E!! I really love Buenos Aires and I’ll miss it a lot.
When I arrived in Buenos Aires, I only knew how to say a few words in Spanish. Now, I’m practically a porteña! I’ve eaten like five cows, a ton of empanadas, medialunas, and I’ve drunk a little mate.
I’ve had class with nearly all of the ECELA BA instructors: Juan Manuel, Leila, Rocío, Victoria, Elizabeth, Sonia, Florencia, Paola, Ignacio, Guillermo.
Thank you all for your patience with me. I had a ton of classmates and a bunch of roommates at the best house in Billinghurst.
This experience was I-N-O-L-V-I-D-A-B-L-E!! I really love Buenos Aires and I’ll miss it a lot.
Don’t forget, I’m not from Brazil, or England, or the USA… I’M FROM BARBADOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s like a big family full of student and staff 🙂
What’s a GREAT time in ECELA Santiago!!! I stayed 10 weeks in the school, and I already miss it. My level increased a lot, more that I expected.
The classes are very interesting, the teachers very friendly and ready to explain again if you didn’t understand We laughed a lot, but always learning, big thanks to my teachers.
During all my stay, I met a lot of people from everywhere, and this was perfect to practice Spanish outside of the class.
I felt so good in this school, it’s like a big family full of student and staff 🙂 You, who read this message, go to ECELA. You will really enjoy, have fun, learn about Chile, Santiago, and of course Spanish.
With all the tourists mixed in with the locals, you meet a lot of interesting people who are all looking to have some fun.
I studied in Cusco a little over 2 months and fell in love with the place. Starting with my host family, they were so sweet. My ‘mom’ always made the best food and after dinner we’d often play cards with my ‘brothers’ and ‘dad.’ I quickly felt like I was part of the family.
The city itself is extremely fun! There are so many outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, zip-lining, bungee jumping, all types of cool things to do. You’re surrounded by history in Cusco so there are also many fascinating museums to learn more about the Incan and pre-Incan cultures.
On top of all that, the nightlife is awesome. People really know how to party in Peru! With all the tourists mixed in with the locals, you meet a lot of interesting people who are all looking to have some fun.
But I wouldn’t have discovered all that this city has to offer without the help of the amazing ECELA staff. Right off the bat Ygor was very friendly and offered many ideas of places to go and things to see as activities with the school and on your own time. He was always only a phone call away whenever you needed anything, which is very comforting when you’re in a foreign country.
Erik, a great professor and friend, always made classes very engaging with jokes, city tours and discussions on real life situations. My entire experience with ECELA was beyond amazing and I highly recommend the program to anyone looking to really learn Spanish and experience life in South America.
I’m just blown away by how good all of the teachers are.
I studied on my own a little bit, never in a school, but I took a short Berlitz language class in the US. They [ECELA and Berlitz] are not even comparable.
ECELA is far better. Berlitz is world-renowned, but there is no comparison at all. The teachers at ECELA are trained in linguistics and how to teach language. I’m just blown away by how good all of the teachers are.
At some point I decided: I’m going to Buenos Aires, to Ecela! And that was one of the best decisions of my life.
Five months ago, I had a lot of questions. Should I go to Buenos Aires? Or Spain? And which school should I attend?
At some point I decided: I’m going to Buenos Aires, to Ecela! And that was one of the best decisions of my life.
I arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday, November 20, and I was planning to stay for four months. I lived with other Ecela students in an apartment that was just a five minute walk from the school. On my first day, I met my roommate, a girl from the US, and we became friends immediately.
On Monday I went to the school for the first time and took a placement exam so that the teachers could decide which level I should start out in. After that test, I met a ton of other new students from different countries, like Germany, the United States, Switzerland, Norway, and Australia.
During the first week I went around the whole city. Buenos Aires is a fantastic city. What I liked the most is that there are so many different places: huge parks, the microcentro business district, historic neighborhoods, and Palermo with its many clubs, bars, and restaurants. The city is so beautiful, and the porteños are kind and courteous in my opinion.
I loved my time in Buenos Aires! After just two or three weeks I felt like I was at home, like it was my country. The school became a second home, and the people there are extremely nice! They helped me whenever I had any concerns, questions, or complaints. Also, the teachers are fantastic. I had 8 (!) different professors while I was there, and every single one was buenísimo! Classes are fun, and the classroom activities have enough variety. Every teacher explained things clearly, was patient, recommended restaurants and things to do, and gave a lot of other good advice.
I loved that it was such a different experience. I met people from many different countries, made so many strong friendships, and always had a splendid time with all of the students.
Of course it’s challenging at times, and of course I sometimes missed my friends and family. But I had a family here too, and everyone feels that way sometimes. In the end, I honestly didn’t want to return home!
If you’re not sure, I recommend that you come to Buenos Aires. The city is amazing, and the school is a great choice for studying Spanish, meeting people, and enjoying life!
I’d like to thank everyone at the school. I had a fantastic time and I’ll miss you all. If at any point I travel to Buenos Aires, I’ll be sure to visit you!
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.
Seriously, I speak Spanish much better than I did three weeks ago.
First of all, thank you so much for everything!
I had a great time during the 3 weeks I spent here: I met a ton of people, went to many interesting restaurants, had a lot of parties (and drank too much!), visited several different places in Buenos Aires, learned to dance tango (I love my teacher Pablo!)…and I think/hope I learned a little Spanish!
Seriously, I speak Spanish much better than I did three weeks ago. Maybe now I speak Spanish better than I speak French…that might be a problem when I return to Geneva!
Buenos Aires is a beautiful city, but it’s also freezing! Just like London!
Thanks to all of my excellent professors! I love Leila…but she’s completely crazy!!
I’m going to miss Buenos Aires and everyone.Unfortunately, it’s time for me to go, but I hope to come back soon.
I’d especially like to thank Pilar.
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!!
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.
When I got here, I could say: “una cerveza por favor.”
My name is Kjell and I’m from Norway. My wife Bjorg and I have been here for 3 weeks. When I got here, I could say:
“una cerveza por favor.”Now I can say more; for example: “tres litros de Quilmes por favor”; ” Tengo dolor de cabeza”..
Many thanks to Elizabeth, Leila, and everyone at the school for three interesting and educational weeks.
Hasta la vista!!
There’s a poster on the wall here that says that ECELA is an unforgettable experience, and I can’t agree more!!!
There’s a poster on the wall here that says that ECELA is an unforgettable experience, and I can’t agree more!!! My grammar and conversation classes, the cultural experiences, the volunteer projects, and living in a homestay have all helped me improve my Spanish and learn about Argentina.
In my grammar classes, we learned basic concepts in a way that made them easy to understand. We used examples to learn grammatical rules and we practiced them with oral, listening, reading, and writing activities. Also, we learned about aspects of the language that are unique to Argentina, like lunfardo and idiomatic expressions.
The conversation class was a laid-back place to practice my Spanish, meet my classmates, and have profound conversations. We talked about Argentine history, culture, traditions, and daily life, and compared Argentina to my country, the USA.
Also, we participated in cultural activities to get to know Argentine traditions. We made empanadas, danced tango, went to the mountains, saw a tango show, listened to music, went shopping, visited wineries, and volunteered.
The most useful part of my experience was living with an Argentine family. They taught me things about daily life that I could never have learned from a textbook. My family had so much patience with my grammar, and the more I practiced Spanish, the more I learned.
Thank you so much, ECELA and the teachers, for a fantastic experience.
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.
I will without doubt recommend the school to anyone!
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 together with a host family who was loving and caring. They helped me improve my spanish by talking with me every night. Going to Ecela in Cusco is really the best way to study Spanish!
Peru is a very beautiful country, with history and important traditions.
Amigos:
Thank you so much for this week. We studied a lot of Spanish grammar. Our conversations with the instructors and the other students helped us a lot.Peru is a very beautiful country, with history and important traditions. We’re going to keep studying Spanish!! Thanks for everything!!
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!
I drove an ATV, rode a hourse, went shopping at “El Molino,” and touched a condor!!!
Hola, it’s Ron Mathew and I have to tell you all about my unforgettable experience with ECELA CUSCO!!
8 weeks ago I was studying at ECELA Lima, and while I had a great time in Lima I love ECELA Cusco more. It’s very calm here, and I like the mountains and the countryside. Also, my teachers Lili and Mario are fantastic. In three weeks I learned a lot in Cusco!
I enjoyed my time here with Ygor (the best activities coordinator). I drove an ATV, rode a hourse, went shopping at “El Molino,” and touched a condor!!!
Also, I’d like to thank Emily, the best assistant director. I think she’ll be the best director before long. Also, I’d like to thank Lourdes for the food. I’ll miss you all a lot!!
“Ron con coca cola”
“Roncito”
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!!
Don’t forget to eat meat at a real Argentina restaurant.
My time at ECELA Buenos Aires was terrific. The school is nice and really clean. I took extra private classes, because I want to speak good Spanish. The teachers are friendly and good at explaining the Spanish language.
During the breaks you meet a lot of nice people. So we did a lot of nice things after school. Also the school is fantastic with organizing things, like tango lessons, cooking empanadas, dancing at a bar or disco, etc. For me personally is this very nice since I love to dance.
Don’t forget to eat meat at a real Argentina restaurant. I love this city and still have contact with my friends that I meet there.
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)
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)
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.
Coming to Buenos Aires was an incredible experience for this cool small-town girl from the Swiss mountains.
Listen to me, che!
Coming to Buenos Aires was an incredible experience for this cool small-town girl from the Swiss mountains. The city scared me and the classes at ECELA were a ton of work.
But I met fantastic guys and girls, and at the school they taught me how to use guita (cash) and the bondi (bus), and I learned how delicious it is to gobble up medialunas. And they taught me Spanish too.
I had a really cool time here! Chau, che!
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 really liked all of the school trips, meet-ups, and parties that I went to while I was there.
My experience in Chile with ECELA was the best experience of my life. The school is very good, and the staff is very friendly, kind, and professional. I really liked all of the school trips, meet-ups, and parties that I went to while I was there.
I studied at Ecela for six weeks, and I learned quite a bit of Spanish with all of the instructors, who were really good. Another thing that I liked a lot was meeting people from different countries and cultures.
And I liked Chile a lot because the people there are “LA RAJAAAAA!” They’re awesome, and this is such a beauuutiful country!!!
The students you meet seem to come from every corner of the world, some I’ve never even heard of before!
This is my 3rd week here and I have made good friends and gone places that under normal circumstances would not have been able to. I would recommend this for anyone looking to live in Santiago and experience a slice of life in Chile.
The teachers at the school are helpful and very easy to talk to. My Spanish has improved with every day I have attended classes. The activities and location of the school provides good opportunities for exploring the city of Santiago.
The things I have learned in Chile will outlast the time I have spent here. The students you meet seem to come from every corner of the world, some I’ve never even heard of before! I am glad that I have participated in this program and know that I am a better person for doing so.
I’ve learned a lot of Spanish, and made many new friends.
Today is my last day at Ecela. I’m a little sad because I don’t like saying goodbye. I spent two very educational and fun weeks here. I’ve learned a lot of Spanish, and made many new friends. I really love Buenos Aires. Fortunately I can stay in the city for another two weeks before returning to the dark winter in Sweden. A huge thank you to everyone at Ecela and above all to Pablo, my class’s excellent instructor!!
It’s a really friendly and relaxed environment. I enjoyed all of the conversations we had.
Finding this school online before I got to Cusco was wonderful. I think I learned more than I expected to, because the teachers Alexis and Eric let me speak even though I made a lot of mistakes.
It’s a really friendly and relaxed environment. I enjoyed all of the conversations we had.
I’ll never forget this opportunity to study Spanish in a city as beautiful and interesting as Cusco!!
I want to thank Ygor for all the different activities during the time I spent at the school. I hope you keep finding new ways to ride horses because that activity is INCREDIBLE!!
Thanks for everything!!
The activities were also very fun and there was always something to do for everyone.
I had a really great time at ECELA in santiago de Chile. The teachers are so nice and I learnt a lot. Although it’s easier to write this in english 🙂 Unfortunately swiss german is a little bit hard to understand…
The activities were also very fun and there was always something to do for everyone. Good idea about the cooking-evenings… Maybe more programs about the city (to get to know the city better would be great). I wish you all the best and it was AWESOME!!!
The intimate classes provided a safe environment for learning
I was fortunate enough to have spent a month at the Ecela school in Viña del Mar, Chile. During my time at the school, not only did my Spanish improve dramatically, but I also made great friends, and was able to fully experience the cultural of Chile.
The intimate classes provided a safe environment for learning and the experienced teachers provided the necessary encouragement to get the most out of their students. The weekly cultural events, such as visiting wineries, going to museums, or taking harbor cruises, are very informative and enjoyable, and play in integral role in improving the use of the language.
My experience in Chile was a very positive one, and I would highly recommend the Ecela schools for anyone looking to improve their Spanish.
I hope to return at another time and take one-on-one classes.
The school is great all-around: classes, cleanliness, and organization. With a teacher as excellent as Carolina Villalobos, each lesson was clear and well-explained. That’s why I never left class with any unresolved questions.
I would have liked to have stayed longer, but it wasn’t possible.Now that I have all the information, I hope to return at another time and take one-on-one classes. I’m thankful for the administration, the teacher, and my classmates. ¡¡¡Gracias!!!
I was in need of a smooth introduction to the culture and the language.
With plans of staying in Lima and attending the university for 5 months, I was in need of a smooth introduction to the culture and the language. ECELA Lima offered me just that.
The 4 weeks I have spent here has been very enriching, both linguistically and socially! I have learned a lot of Spanish, and met a lot of new people, which was exactly what I wanted, so my experience at ECELA has been great!
The professors are very helpful and patient, and they teach not only language, but about Peruvian culture as well. Socially the school is well organized with daily activities and weekend-trips, and of course plenty of fiestas!
I have to thank Ecela for the unique experience I had
My experience as a volunteer with Ecela Viña was amazing. I love all animals, so there was nothing better for me than volunteering during my stay at Ecela Viña Del Mar.
Helping the dogs at PAEC, rebuilding their kennel, feeding them, playing with them, grooming them, and most of all giving them love and care was more than just a job, it was an experience that helped me grow in many ways.
I have to thank Ecela for the unique experience I had, and also I’d like to thank Ernesto who helped me and taught me so much during this month of volunteering. Thank you so much for everything.
ECELA is useful for everyone, no matter how old you are. I’m 75, and I’ve learned a lot in such a short time.
I think I’m living proof that ECELA is useful for everyone, no matter how old you are. I’m 75, and I’ve learned a lot in such a short time.
I’ve had a great time. My wife and I had an exceptional homestay. The woman we stayed with is an extraordinary cook. She was really generous with the food and with her time speaking with us in Spanish.
I originally signed up to go to the school for 6 weeks but liked it so much that I signed up for another 6 weeks and then again for another 8 weeks. True Story.
The staff are some of the most helpful and friendly people you will ever meet. Also the teachers are fantastic and extremely fun and interesting to learn Spanish from. One of my favorite parts of my experience was that I was always meeting new people from many different countries and walks of life.
I stayed in the student housing which was such a nice house and only 5 minutes from the school, and there I was able to truly get to know some of my fellow students and friends. Some of the people I met I now consider great friends and truly plan on seeing them again.
I originally signed up to go to the school for 6 weeks but liked it so much that I signed up for another 6 weeks and then again for another 8 weeks, true story.
Without a doubt, this was the best experience of my life.
Before I came to Chile, I was really afraid. Afraid of this new experience, afraid of being far from my family, friends, and all of my loved ones.
But life always surprises us, and I met people here who became family. They’re friends now, and I’ll keep them in my heart my whole life. I love them so much that it now makes me sad to think that I’ll be far away. Without a doubt, this was the best experience of my life.
All that I experienced, all those I met, and all that I learned will stay in my memory forever. Ecela is a family, and the people there are really kind, loving, and charming. Thank you for everything and I’m so grateful for this experience.
I love you guys so much, I’ll miss you.
I never thought I’d be able to communicate so well in another language.
I’ve been a student at Ecela twice (2006-07 and 2011-12), and I can say that their teachers and classes are excellent. I never thought I’d be able to communicate so well in another language.
Now, I can converse with people in their own language in so many countries.
Beyond the classes, the school’s activities are a chance to learn the unique characteristics of each country.
At this school they realize that each student learns at his own pace – there’s no pressure or stress. Learning a language is a challenge, but there’s no reason why it can’t be fun.
For those students returning to Ecela, the discounts are fantastic.
Peru has a special place in my heart; and that all began with ECELA in Lima!
Studying Spanish at ECELA in Lima has been a wonderful experience. Wanting a unique experience that offered immersion and an opportunity to learn about the culture of Peru, ECELA in Lima was the perfect match. The school has small classes, which made me feel very comfortable for a beginner like myself.
My teachers were helpful and knowledgeable, and willing to assist me with all those other questions that arise when you are in a new country. I have traveled to many places and met wonderful people, however Peru has a special place in my heart; and that all began with ECELA in Lima! I will forever cherish my time in Lima at ECELA and all that I have learned!
The staff plans activities that allow you to come in contact with the nature and history of the country.
If you are interested in learning Spanish and experiencing the wonders of Peru, Cusco is the best place for you. In addition to getting personal attention in classes at ECELA and using materials designed to help you progress, the staff plans activities that allow you to come in contact with the nature and history of the country.
I really enjoyed my stay in Cusco and all the opportunities I had to learn Spanish and experience the beauty and tradition that is Peru. I also recommend choosing a homestay, it’s the best!!
I will never forget this time.. Gracias ECELA! La mejor escuela de Argentina!
I was at ECELA for one month Spanish Course and to be honest, it was one of my best experiences I have ever had.
All the teachers are absolutely great, you can learn a lot in just a few weeks.
And the school organized great events everyday, like dancing lessons, city tours, weekend trips…. I will never forget this time.. Gracias ECELA! La mejor escuela de Argentina!
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.
I immediately decided to participate. And that was the best decision I could have made.
Most of our seats are reserved for current students and Ecela alum. Each week we have limited spots for new students.
Follow these easy steps to check for openings:
- Check Availability (link below).
- Wait for us to review our schedule.
- We will confirm within one day if we have a spot for you.
No payment information or commitment is required now.