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Why Study Spanish in Ecuador?
Ecuador is the Latin American capital of Spanish study. The small republic has
earned this title for good reason, most
importantly because Ecuadorians speak clear, pure Spanish and use much less
slang than many South American and Central American countries. Ecuador has also
become an increasingly popular country in which to
study Spanish on account of its low cost of living and abundant extracurricular
activities. Free time in Ecuador can be spent in a multitude of exciting ways
including volcano climbing, mountain biking,
white water rafting, exploring the Amazon, taking salsa lessons, and visiting
Indian markets and haciendas to name but a few.
Prices and Course Characteristics
Spanish classes average from between $3 to $7 USD per hour. Tuition fees are
usually reduced if you study for extended periods of time or if you study in
groups. Almost all schools offer
one-on-one lessons as this is the quickest way to learn the language. If you
don't speak much or any Spanish, don't worry, the reputable schools, including
those listed below, have been teaching students of
all levels for many years. Specialty courses such as business Spanish or
courses on Latin American history and culture are also widely available.
The schools usually offer other services as
well. Most schools will prearrange your accommodation, either in a hotel of
your choice or with a local family. Family stays average between $8 - $10 per
day, and offer the added benefit of being able to
practice Spanish outside of the classroom. Schools frequently offer lessons in
salsa dancing, cooking and Quechua (the main indigenous language of Ecuador).
Also, because of its small size, a wide variety of
one-day and weekend trips are possible within Ecuador (especially from Quito)
and many schools regularly offer such excursions.
Spanish Schools
Academia Simon Bolivar
- is located close to all the action in Quito but on a quiet side street to not
distract you from your studies. An experienced staff, comfortable learning
environment, and cutting edge teaching techniques make this one of the top
Spanish schools in the country. Simon Bolivar is highly recommended by members
of the South American Explorer's Club.
Academia Atlantika
- located in the hills overlooking Quito, Atlantika provides a peaceful setting
for intensive Spanish study. The German run school provides quality
custom-designed courses and numerous weekend excursions throughout Ecuador.
Instituto Superior de Espaņol
- reputable spanish school offers one-on-one classes in Quito and Otavalo. The
school offers every level of classes, customized to your needs and promises
that you'll leave with an understanding of the language, as well as the people
and the culture of Ecuador.
Otavalo Spanish Institute
- two hours north of Quito in the beautiful market town of Otavalo, you'll find
the perfect place to study in a relaxed atmosphere with ample opportunities to
go hiking and mountain climbing with the school's owner who is a well known
mountain guide in the area.
Quito Spanish Institute
- has over 30 years experience in giving quality language instruction and has 3
convenient locations in Quito, so you're never far from school. Friendly and
accommodating, OSI provides hassle-free language study and excursions. OSI is
accredited by the Benedict Schools of languages of Switzerland.
San Francisco Spanish School
- centrally located on Amazonas Avenue in Quito's main tourist district, San
Francisco has flexible hours and affordable prices. San Francisco begins
teaching and communicating in Spanish from day one. Through immersion you will
learn Spanish more quickly than you ever imagined.
Si Centro
- located in the subtropical mountain village of Baņos, Si Centro offers
one-to-one Spanish instruction for students of all levels. Teaching materials
and methods are innovative and custom-tailored to meet each students needs and
interests.
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