When you are getting ready to learn Spanish abroad in South America with ECELA, there are some key decisions that you will need to make. One main choice to consider is whether you should take group classes or private classes. Both are valid options that offer similar benefits but a few differences.
Group classes are 20 hours per week and have between 3 and 7 students.
You’ll find prices in South America much lower than what you see at American universities. Some people are indeed surprised to learn that even a private course abroad will cost less than a typical college course with 25 students or more. So what should you expect to spend to attend Spanish language school? For a private course that is approximately 20 hours weekly, the average cost is $380 a week. If you were to attend group classes, this estimate would be reduced to $180 per week.
You can view ECELA’s private class and group class prices on our website. Our prices for private instruction are considerably lower than the average, and our group classes hover around the $180 average but vary depending upon location. ECELA keeps class prices low by doing their advertisement via word of mouth and by student referrals. In fact, returning students always get 10% off of their classes and the friends that they refer receive 5% off of class prices simply because they know a former student! (Former students also get double discounts on any current special offers; you can’t beat that!)
Due to the fact that both of options are affordable, many students need guidance as to which path suits them best. We have a few guidelines when making your decision.
Private Classes
- Pro: You can go at your own pace, going more quickly through familiar material and more slowly through new concepts.
- Pro: You get all the class minutes and teacher’s attention without waiting for another’s questions to be answered.
- Pro: You will not need additional tutoring or homework help since your instructor is available to help you when you need it.
- Pro: Classes are scheduled around your interests and activities and make weekend travel more accessible.
- Con: More expensive than group classes.
- Con: Some students find private classes to be dull due to the lack of peer interaction and class discussion.
- Con: You also won’t be “forced” to meet and engage with other students during class. (Of course, socializing is possible for students who attend private classes, and you will find plenty of opportunities to meet people during coffee breaks and cultural activities.)
Group Classes
- Pro: Group classes are cheaper than private instruction, which means more money for other things.
- Pro: Group classes are not very large. On the contrary, they consist of only 3-7 students.
- Pro: You learn from other people’s mistakes and feel a competitive dynamic.
- Con: You must go at the same speed as the group, whether you feel it is too fast or too slow.
- Con: Class times cannot be rearranged, thereby making it more difficult to plan lengthy activities.
If you are seeking to gain the best from both worlds, you can take the group course and supplement it with private hours. For example, 20 group hours plus 5 private hours will give you the benefits of both group classes as well as private ones. In the end, this kind of combination would be less expensive than solely taking private classes. Of course, you can use the individual hours to focus on weaknesses or explore subjects that particularly interest you. You can also focus on terminology relevant to your career or studies.
Steve Van de Peijl of Holland attended our school in Santiago and had this to say:
“Arriving in Santiago after spending 5 fantastic weeks at ECELA it was another start of a great adventure in a new city and a new country… The group classes are great for learning (or improving) you’re Spanish. In the groups you don’t only learn from the very capable teachers but also from your fellow students. Having discussions about fun and easy subjects but also about deep and more serious subjects make the classes diverse, fun, and above all educational…In short; great city, great people and awesome school.” Read Steve’s full testimonial here.
Remember that your experience at Spanish language school can be as conducive to your own preferences as you would like. This means that you should take advantage of the opportunity to learn in the way that best suits you. Due to the fact that group classes and private classes are particularly affordable here at ECELA, you will have the benefit of customizing your overall learning experience to your needs. Just ask us how!
E-mail: info@ecela.com
Telephone:
USA:
1-866-577-8693
Sweden:
+46 8 559 21 964
Brasil:
+55 11 3013 3298
Buenos Aires, Argentina:
54-11-4827-9228
Santiago, Chile:
56-2-367-9606