Phone: +1 (347) 329-5506
Announcing: Join Us in Chile or Peru for our "Gran Reapertura"... Choose Between 2 Ecela Grand Reopening Celebrations
(But You Need To Decide Soon)
Already decided? Reserve your spot here
You're Invited!
Join us for Semana Gran Reapertura. (Aug 31 - Sep 4)
TWO Ecela schools (Santiago & Cusco) recently upgraded to new buildings.
By celebrating the Grand Re-opening with us, you get a special bonus pack: an extra week of classes, a special weekend excursion, plus a $50 housing coupon.
Offer expires: midnight (Pacific), Tuesday, August 11
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." - Seneca
Dear not-yet-fluent Spanish learner,
As you may have heard, we just changed buildings in both Santiago, Chile and Cusco, Peru.
In Cusco we only moved to a bigger facility next door, whereas in Santiago we moved about five blocks away - our former building (and our neighbors) are being demolished to make room for a new apartment complex.
Of course...change is both invigorating and sad. Opening a new chapter, but having to close another.
Although we have already moved, we are still not in "presentation shape". But we soon will be.
I am inviting you to join us for a special Gran Reapertura (Grand Re-Opening) at either location - your choice. Either way it will be a memorable week.
As my muchas gracias to you for making the short notice trip, I'm going to give you:
- Free week of classes - use at any of our schools, anytime through 2017.
- Special weekend trip - we will have an all-day excursion the Saturday after the Grand Re-opening week.
- $50 housing coupon - use this toward either a family homestay or a shared apartment.
The fun starts on August 31 (move into housing on August 30). I apologize for not giving you more notice, but this is a great opportunity if you have a flexible life.
p.s. If this is too short notice for you, please read this information anyway. It will show you how life will be better during and after your trip, the reasons why Spanish immersion is so effective, who else does these programs, and the day-to-day details of being an Ecela student. All this information applies to all six of our schools at all times.
This is for you if...
Both Gran Reapertura (Grand Re-opening) special offers begin on August 31. This could ideal for you if...
- You want to learn Spanish in either Santiago, Chile (the dynamic capital at the foot of the Andes) or Cusco, Peru (a tourist favorite and the gateway to Machu Picchu).
- You have the flexibility, and the spontaneity, to travel on short notice. You may want to begin searching for a flight right now.
- You like cultural adventures. Each Grand Opening option includes a free weekend excursion to a world famous attraction.
If you can make it for the Gran Reapertura special, or even if you plan to come to Ecela at another time, you'll come away with much more than just better Spanish.
Will a Spanish immersion trip make your life better?
Here are some of the life transformations you can have during and after an Ecela Spanish immersion experience:
- Massive Spanish improvement Most likely your main reason for the course, you'll find that your language skills advance far more than any previous attempts. Yet at the same time it will seem almost effortless. We'll get into the reasons why later.
- Cultural awareness After spending considerable time not just observing, but living, in a new country you come to appreciate differences, and similarities, with what is "normal" to you. This new global empathy makes moving through the world much more fulfilling.
- Improved self-confidence After successfully navigating your way through a new city, adjusting to a new peer group, and experiencing a new culture, you'll be better prepared to face other, unrelated challenges.
- A clearer mind Being out of your normal environment lets you release yourself from issues back home, and for possibly the first time in years, to live "in the now".
- Travel stories You don't need to keep all of your experiences to yourself. Your Spanish immersion trip will supply you with adventurous tales you'll still be telling 15 years from now.
- Better job prospects There's no doubt that Spanish skills can help your career. Either directly (if you work with Spanish-speakers) or indirectly, by demonstration of an intellectual achievement.
- Social opportunities Better Spanish skills means deeper connections with native Spanish speakers. You'll have real conversations and you will seem much more interesting.
- Increased status Fair or not... speaking multiple languages is simply an attractive an admirable quality to most people.
Now that you've seen how your life will improve, let's get back to the reason for this special Gran Reapertura offer. We've been very busy moving and starting the next chapter in Ecela's history.
At the relocated Ecela Santiago...
At the new Ecela Santiago: one of the many places to meet up during "recreos" (breaks between classes)
Meanwhile in Cusco...
Ygor Zambrano, director of services at Ecela Cusco, gives you a tour of his new "castillo".
Imagine Spending 4 Hours a Day Stuck in Spanish Class And Loving Every Minute of It!
For the first time in your life...you wake up looking forward to class and dread having days off.
I learned the language so quickly and easily because of the very good and friendly teachers who make learning Spanish fun and interesting.
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.
A Spanish educational program carefully designed for your success...
Begin with the Fundamentals (2 hours)...
Very small classes mean extra attention for each student, and much faster learning for you.
- Receive expert instruction on Spanish language grammatical structure and uses. Avoid developing embarrassing and hard-to-break habits.
- Sections are limited to 8 students so there is plenty of time for individual attention.
- Consider this the "nuts and bolts" of your language skills. You will develop a solid foundation transferable to written or spoken communications.
Take a 20 minute "recreo"...
- Help yourself to our spread of free refreshments and snacks. You'll appreciate the energy boost for your next class.
- Relax and mingle with other students. Meeting people from around the world is an unexpected side benefit to the course.
- You are an adult and the break is YOUR time. You can stay in rhythm and continue speaking Spanish or give your brain a rest and go back to your own language for a bit.
Continue with Conversation (2 hours)...
- This section focuses on oral communication. Speaking practice, widely considered the most important part of language development, is sorely missing from most self-study programs and, frankly, even from most language schools.
- Here we cut the class size in half - to only 4 students. Apart from more "reps" for each person, this is the "magic number" (5 including the teacher) where shyness is generally not an issue.
- Discussions often focus on current events in the world, or even in the school's country, so you are able to model the conversations later that day when you're out and about.
Out-of-Class Extras Make Your Immersion Trip as Enjoyable as It is Effective
Your language learning continues in the "Spanish everywhere" environment.
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!!
Homestays, activities, and meandering all add to your "360 degrees of Spanish" experience...
- Homestay / Shared Apartments Live with a local host for a complete cultural immersion (and extra Spanish practice) or share a flat with other students for even more social life..
- "In the Field" Practice Every day you'll be anxious to use your Spanish in countless daily conversations: the corner fruit vendor, your curious neighbor, even the stylish server at your favorite cafe.
- Activities Schedule A busy calendar of (optional) activities and excursions so you can experience the culture and attractions with other students, bonding beyond the classroom.
- “Wandering Time” 20 hours in class gives leaves ample down time to put your new language skills to work – prying open doors normally sealed off to non-Spanish-speaking “bucket list” tourists. Warning: Such adventures really press the jealousy buttons of your friends stuck back home.
One of your bonuses is a $50 coupon for Ecela housing, which may be used toward a host family.
From 43+ Countries, From Recent High School Grads to Adventurous Seniors... Everyone is Moving in the Same Direction
The school has a huge variety of people, but everyone is an open-minded culturally-curious Spanish learner.
Going on one of these trips is absolutely one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. It’s better than just traveling or vacation because you actually gain some skills from it.
I’ve met about 200 people, ranging from 19-65 yrs old. There were students, pilots, dean’s of universities, teachers, VPs of companies, small business owners, lawyers, etc. from all over the world.
The relationships I’ve built are lifelong and we continue to keep in touch. Let’s just say you shouldn’t have a problem meeting people at the school.
The Ecela community is an unexpected highlight of the trip...
- Fascinating Conversation Classes Because people come from such diverse backgrounds, the discussions in class always have (courteously) opposing viewpoints.
- Global Connections Our demographics are about 30% Europe, 30% North America, 30% Brazil, and 10% elsewhere. Informal "reunions" around the globe are not uncommon.
- Career Networking Younger students will meet people who can help them get to the next steps. Older students serve as wise mentors and might even find a future employee.
- Independent Travelers Some people worry about not knowing anyone, but relax right away when they see that everyone else is doing the same thing. While some people come in a small group, 9 out of 10 are solo.
A small sampling of the more than 17,500 students who have called Ecela their home abroad.
From Day 1...Feel Like Part of the Familia Even When You're 5,000 Miles From Home
A supportive learning environment helps you build confidence in your Spanish for the real world.
I spent one month at Ecela 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.
Here's what to expect on your first day of class...
- Placement Exam Even though you will have answered some questions about your Spanish background, we like to follow it up a bit to "fine tune" your level to make sure you are comfortably situated.
- Orientation Luncheon We always hold a special lunch for new students to introduce you to the staff and answer any concerns. This is also an excellent time to begin the "instant social life" that the school is known for.
- Getting There If you are staying with a host family, they may help you get to school the first day, especially if the route is at all complicated. You can also make a "practice run" on Sunday after you arrive.
Jessy from Brussels describes her first day at Ecela...
"Learning a Language Can Be a Challenge But There's No Reason It Can't Be Fun"
People stumbling across Ecela have described us as "a breath of fresh air". After frustrating attempts with books, CDs, apps, and overcrowded classes, you may finally have found a place where learning Spanish is surprisingly pleasant and uncomplicated.
I’ve been a student at Ecela twice and can say that their teachers and classes are excellent. I never thought I’d be able to communicate so well in Spanish.
Now, I can converse with people in their own language in so many countries.
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.
If you are here you've probably already heard from others that a language immersion program is the quickest and most enjoyable way to reach fluency.
Here are 12 factors why learning Spanish with Ecela is so effective:
- Micro-group classes With a max of 8 students per class (and only 4 in conversatin) you have lots of participation and also the camaraderie of a small group. This keeps you mentally engaged, unlike in a large class where your mind may drift and you may find raising your hand intimidating.
- Single course focus In a traditional school you take up to five courses at once and waste valuable mental energy bouncing from subject to subject. Here you'll be focused on just Spanish to optimize your learning.
- Incentive to use Since you'll be using Spanish out of class the very same day you learn it, you'll have motivation to pay attention to fill your knowledge gaps. This is very different from other situations where the language can seem abstract as the chance to apply your skills is in the distant future.
- Ample speaking time With the tiny classes and "in the field" opportunities, you get to actually speak the language. Speaking is considered the most important part of language development, yet is sorely lacking in self-study or large courses.f
- Local interactions As you are out walking around you'll have numerous small conversations with vendors, neighbors, your homestay, etc. that let you incrementally improve, whereas in a traditional course your work is limited to class time and homework.
- "In the now" Travelers frequently report a feeling of "heightened aliveness" when being far from problems back home. This reduced stress allows the mind to absorb more, as compared to when you are fighting off all the racing thoughts of normal life.
- Terrific teachers Trained and experienced instructors quickly zero in on your unique needs and know that there is no "one size fits all" approach to languages. Larger classes can't afford that customization and, of course, self-study has no feedback from teachers whatsoever.
- Supportive environment Unlike college and high school courses, where students are positioning themselves for class rank and often competing for the same jobs, the Ecela community is more suited for people wanting to share tips and help each other out.
- 4 hours per day Normally when learning something you only get a few contact hours per week, barely enough to "warm up". Here you get enough focused training to learn vast amounts, yet with enough downtime to avoid burnout.
- Multiple locations If you choose the multi-school option you will force your ear to adjust to different accents, an advantage over people who stay in a comfortable, yet less challenging, learning zone.
- Division of conversation and grammar. Most courses ignore conversation and focus on grammar - it's more practical for large groups and also easier to grade. However with our clear separation you are given a balanced approach to learning.
A success story....
Shelley has studied Spanish in Argentina and Peru and has Chile planned for the future.
Shelley Flenniken, of Maryland, was an international MBA student who needed to add a language - not just to help her career but also as a requirement for her degree.
She had tried other methods before, often resulting in frustration and hopelessness about her progress.
Listen as Shelley talks about what a pleasant surprise her Spanish immersion experience was and her recommendations for you.
Your Grand Re-Opening Bonus Pack
This bonus pack is exclusively for programs beginning August 31 in Cusco or Santiago and may not be used for different schools or dates.
Your free bonus week of classes may be used at any Ecela school.
Bonus #1 Free Week of Classes. We recommend using your free week right after the Grand Re-Opening week (so you can go on the bonus trip). However, if you need to get back home early, you can use it at any Ecela school, any time through 2017. (Value: $300)
Bonus #2 Free Weekend Excursion At both Cusco and Santiago we will have a special trip the Saturday following the celebration week.
- Cusco - Transportation to Machu Picchu This (round-trip) shuttle van & train combination lets you do the whole excursion in one day. (Value: $120) Park entrance to Machu Picchu is not included.
- Santiago - Day trip to the coast Visit historic Valparaiso, a UNESCO heritage site, and enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking Chile's most famous port.
Bonus #3 $50 Ecela Housing Coupon Apply this to either a family homestay or a shared flat with other students. The family homestay gives you more cultural exposure (and more Spanish practice), while the shared flat is more socially-oriented. (Value: $50)
The teachers and support staff are the key to the success.
"I’ve been to four of the schools, and as a Spanish teacher myself 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."
I will without doubt recommend the school to anyone!
"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."
Before I came 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.
Without a doubt, this was the best experience of my life. 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..
What's Included in the "Gran Reapertura" Special Offer:
For $400* (payable now) you get:
- 1 Week Group Class Choose Santiago or Cusco, (August 31)
- Lifetime Administration Fee Your onetime Ecela registration fee. (If you are a returning student, please deduct $100)
- BONUS 1: Free week of classes Use right after the grand opening week, or save for anytime through 2017. Value $300
- BONUS 2: Free weekend day trip: Cusco (train to Machu Picchu) or Santiago (excursion to Valparaiso). Value: $120
- BONUS 3: $50 Housing Gift Certificate Use for either an Ecela homesday or shared apartment. Value $50
Offer expires: midnight (Pacific), Tuesday, August 11
* Price does not include (optional) housing. Ecela accommodations are scheduled after reserving your course. You do not need to do that now.
Can't make it for the Grand Reopening? Contact us about your unique situation.
Ecela Cinco Estrella Garantía
Our five-star guarantee promises you an exceptional educational experience every week of your program, or you get TWO extra weeks absolutely free.
We guarantee…
- Your right to change schools If you feel a change of scenery would be beneficial, simply let us know a few days in advance and you can switch - at no extra cost.
- Significant Spanish improvement You will make substantial advancements in your Spanish each week, by YOUR standards.
- Thorough course enjoyment You will look forward to class each day and to spending more time with your instructors, your classmates, and the Ecela staff.
- Comfortable environment Your will find our school facilities comfortable, clean, and inviting – more like a home than a language institute.
- Friendly treatment by staff As a welcome guest of ours, we don’t consider you just another language student. You will be treated like part of the Ecela family by all of us.
“Our goal is to help you have “one of your best experiences ever” and we will want the chance to “make it right” if we fall short.
"If you feel that we failed at any of the above, at any time during your program, just let me know and we will give you two extra weeks of classes, to be used at any of our schools, absolutely free – no questions asked.” - Cecilia Quezada
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 liked Chile a lot because the people there are "LA RAJAAAA!"
"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 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!!!
For me the only thing I didn't like about the school was leaving!!!
"My time at Ecela was wonderful – in fact so good I came back the following year!
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!!!!
The class structure was organized, and the small classes helped me learn quickly.
"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."
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Ecela:
How much prior Spanish is required?
Will I be lonely?
How long is a typical program?
How much will my Spanish advance?
Is the program “intense”?
Am I too old / too young?
Save your spot for the "GRAN REAPERTURA" now!
Reserve your place and join us (at either Santiago or Cusco) for the special Grand Re-Opening week (and the included bonuses).
Dates: August 31 - September 4 (2015)
Location: Santiago (Chile) or Cusco (Peru) You choose.
Fees: $400 plus (optional) housing. Housing is selected after reserving your spot.
Offer Expires: midnight (Pacific), Tuesday, August 11
Can't make it for the Grand Reopening? Contact us about your unique situation.