Learn Spanish in Cuenca, Ecuador. Estudio Sampere Spanish language school in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Spanish Courses at ESTUDIO SAMPERE in Cuenca, Ecuador

Ecuador is a small country with a population of 11,000,000 people. It is about the same size as the United Kingdom (approximately 280,000 Km2), but it is a great country in the majesty of its landscape and variety of all types of life.

Ecuador is a land bursting with contrasts: the warm Pacific coastline, the summits of the Andes mountains and the tangled Amazon rain forest form a brightly colored mosaic of exuberant nature and cultural diversity. And one cannot forget the Galapagos Islands, at a short two hour flight away.

Of all Andean countries, Ecuador is certainly the one in which travel is easiest and safest. Distances are short, infrastructures are acceptable, and prices are quite accessible. Whether scaling the heights of the Andes, venturing into the heart of the Amazon jungle, or sunbathing on the Pacific beaches, Ecuador offers the traveler a variety of adventures which can be reached by a bus trip of a few hours or by a half-hour flight. We highly recommend staying an extra week, or at least a few days, to travel after you have finished the Course. You'll find it's definitely worth it!

Study Spanish in Cuenca, Ecuador

ESTUDIO SAMPERE CUENCA Spanish School

Estudio Sampere was established in Madrid, Spain, in 1956. It is one of the oldest and best known Spanish language schools dedicated solely to teaching Spanish as a foreign language. The center in Cuenca, Ecuador, follows the same curriculum and offers the same high quality Spanish learning experience as the centers in Spain, but also offers a uniquely Latin American cultural experience. Cuenca was chosen as the location for the Sampere Spanish School in Latin America for several reasons, the most important being the kindness and hospitality of the inhabitants (population 250,000).

Cuenca has successfully preserved its colonial past from its cobbled streets, churches, pre-Hispanic ruins, museums and craft shops to its colorful Indian markets. This cultural heritage is found side by side with modern office buildings, art galleries and two Universities, all in a world brimming with colors and contrasts. Cuenca is located in an Andean valley at an altitude of 2,200 meters, and the climate is spring-like, with average temperatures ranging between 14° and 24° C. The region is rich in history and tradition -the Ingapirca ruins and picturesque craft villages such as Chordeleg are found nearby. Nature in Ecuador displays all her magnificence- the Cajas Natural Park and Avenida de los Volcanes (Volcano Avenue) are easily accessible.

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HOW TO TRAVEL TO CUENCA

To reach Cuenca from abroad, one must first travel to Quito, Capital of the Republic of Ecuador or to Guayaquil. Today there are many airlines which link Europe and the United States with Quito or Guayaquil at reasonable prices. Airlines such as Iberia, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Avianca, American Airlines and Viasa fly regularly to Quito with one intermediate stop. Your travel agency can recommend the best schedule and prices.

RECEPTION IN QUITO

Upon request the school can arrange a transfer from Quito or Guayaquil to Cuenca at additional cost (see below). In this case the school purchases the Quito/Guayaquil-Cuenca ticket when we receive your registration form, as it must be purchased in Ecuador. Estudio Sampere personnel will meet each student after the Quito or Guayaquil Airport's Customs and Passport Control area to provide them with their ticket to Cuenca and to help them in any way necessary. It will not always be possible to connect with a flight to Cuenca on the same day, in which case Estudio Sampere personnel will accompany you to a comfortable hotel to spend the night. The following day, you will be accompanied to the airport to catch the first plane to Cuenca. School staff will be waiting for you at the Cuenca airport to welcome you.

Spanish Language Programs 2008:

INTENSIVE SPANISH COURSES (Mini-Group) 2008 PRICES AND SCHEDULE:

(All programs: Pleas e add USD 100.00 Lingua Service Worldwide Application fee. See Application Procedures.)

Intensive Spanish Course -Group 4 - 24 Lessons per week. PRICES: 2 weeks: USD 360, 3 wks: USD 495, 4 wks: USD 620. Extra wks: USD 140 each.

The Intensive Spanish Course includes:

20 Spanish lessons per week (1 lesson = 45 minutes).
4 Spanish Culture lessons per week.
Maximum of 4 students per group.
Books and material required for the Course.
7 levels: Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Upper Intermediate and Advanced.
From 2 to 16 weeks.
3 Visits to the museums and monuments of Cuenca (entrance fees not included).
Participation in School activities (films, parties, meetings).
Help in organizing trips, expeditions, adventures.

Spanish in Cuenca at Estudio Sampere

Intensive Spanish PLUS One-to-One -- 24 Group Spanish Lessons PLUS 10 One-to-One Spanish lessons per week. Course includes: same as Intensive Spanish Course described above plus 10 private Spanish lessons each week. PRICES: 2 weeks: USD 540, 3 wks: USD 765, 4 wks: USD 980. Extra wks: USD 230 each.

Intensive Spanish PLUS Crafts -- 24 Group Spanish Lessons (max. 4 students per class) PLUS 10 lessons on Arts and Crafts per week. Course includes: same as Intensive Spanish Course described above plus 10 Arts and Crafts lessons each week (materials are included). PRICES: 2 weeks: USD 540, 3 wks: USD 765, 4 wks: USD 980. Extra wks: USD 230 each.

Group Spanish Course Starting dates 2008: Full beginners may only start on these dates. All other levels may start any Monday.

Jan.	Feb.	Mar.	Apr.	May	Jun.
7, 14, 21	5, 11, 18	3, 10, 17	7, 14, 21	5, 12, 19	2, 9, 16, 23

Jul.	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
7, 14, 21, 28	4, 11, 18, 25	1, 8, 15, 22	6, 13, 20	4, 10, 17	1, 8

Holidays 2008: School will be closed on 4 February, 21 March, 2 May, 10 October and 3 Movember. Group classes missed due to holidays or student absences are not made up. School will be closed 19 Dec 2008 to 4 Jan 2009.

Total Immersion Spanish Courses (One-to-One) 2008:

(All programs: Please add USD 100.00 Lingua Service Worldwide Application fee. See Application Procedures.)

Private Spanish instruction: 20 lessons per week. USD 235 per week.
Private Spanish instruction: 25 lessons per week. USD 285 per week.
Private Spanish instruction: 30 lessons per week. USD 310 per week.
Private Spanish instruction: 40 lessons per week. USD 400 per week.

The Total Immersion Course includes:

20/25/30 Spanish lessons per week (1 lesson = 45 minutes).
One-to-One teaching (1 student = 1 teacher).
5 Culture lessons per week (in group).
Books and material required for the Course.
All levels (Beginners to Advanced, Teachers, Specialists, Technicians).
From 5 days to 4 weeks.
The same features as the Intensive Course.

Starting dates for Total Immersion Courses 2008: Any Monday.

Airport Transfers are now optional and offered at additional cost!: Airport transfers are available from Quito or Guayaquil at an additional cost of USD 160. Students are met at Quito or Guayaquil airports and aided on their trip to Cuenca. Airfare Quito-Cuenca or Guayaquil-Cuenca ONE-WAY is included in this price (return ticket is approx. USD 90 and must be purchased locally upon arrival, alternatively ground transportation is available for approx. USD 40). Transfer to host family or hotel upon arrival in Cuenca is also included in the price.

Hotel accommodations may be required in Quito or Guayaquil upon arrival may be required due to flight arrival time. If your flight arrives in Quito or Guayaquil late in the evening, please make a reservation for SATURDAY arrival. The school will make the hotel reservation and assist students with transfer to a local hotel. The cost of a one night stay in Quito or Guayaquil (if necessary!) is also included in the transfer price.

ACCOMMODATIONS 2008:

Living with an Ecuadorian family allows the student to integrate him or herself into local everyday life and practice their Spanish in different situations. Estudio Sampere has chosen upper-middle class families which will welcome the student as if he or she were another member of the family. The student will have a single room, at times with a private bathroom, and will eat the three main meals of the day with the family.

Host Family: Private room, 3 meals a day. USD 130 per week. Extra days: USD 19 each.

Other accommodation options: Students looking for alternate accommodations to host family stays can also share an apartment with other students or stay at local hotels or apartments.

Hotel INCA REAL ***: Nine blocks from the school, old restored house with beautiful colonial architecture. Clean, centrally located, private bath, cable TV, breakfast and taxes included. USD 225 per week Single. USD 400 per week Double.

Apartamentos OTORONGO: Studio apartments, private bathroom, kitchenette. Single or Double occupancy: USD 135 per week.

ACTIVITIES

All Programs: Optional excursions are available on a weekly basis at a small additional cost: Ingapirca USD 15, Parque de Cajas USD 19, other destinations are priced between USD 15 to USD 20. (Prices are approximate and subject to change!)

We recommend you reserve a week, or at least a few days, to travel after having finished the Course. You can venture into the rain forest or marvel at the Andes or the Galapagos Islands to discover for yourself some of the wonders of Ecuador. Estudio Sampere will offer any help necessary to organize trips, expeditions and adventures. All activities organized by Estudio Sampere, such as visits to Indian markets, monuments, charming craft villages and natural parks, aim to help the student mix with the charming and hospitable local people and appreciate their fantastic natural treasures. Public transport or private vehicles are used to journey to dreamlike places where the traveler is always made to feel welcome.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

What you pack is important. Don't forget to take rain gear, comfortable shoes, and a warm coat for the heights.

Ecuadorian authorities do NOT require a VISA for the citizens of many countries. If you are not sure, consult the nearest Ecuadorian Embassy. No special vaccinations are required, but you may wish to consult your doctor. Banks and Money Exchanges exchange French Francs, Deutsche Marks, Swiss Francs, etc. but we recommend taking travelers checks in US Dollars. These are accepted everywhere. You may also wish to take a few small bills, also in US Dollars.

Some prices in Cuenca (prices are subject to change without notice and are to be used only as a general guideline!!): Dinner for two in a good restaurant: 25 US$. 10 bus tickets: 1 US$. Fruit juice in the best coffee shop: 1 US$. Film, batteries, cassettes, etc. are easy to find. Don't hesitate to buy a good Ecuador Travel Guide before setting out. Letters between Ecuador and Europe/USA take from 7 to 12 days. VISA, MasterCard and AMERICAN EXPRESS credit cards are quite common and accepted at many establishments.