Colegio de España, Salamanca
THE DESTINATION | THE SCHOOL | MAP | RACHEL’S TAKE | WHY THIS SCHOOL? | FACILITIES | THE COURSES | FROM OUR CLIENTS | HOUSING | SOCIAL LIFE | INSURANCE AND PRICING | REQUEST AN ESTIMATE | OTHER PROGRAMS | SIMILAR PROGRAMS
The Colegio de España was founded in 1973 in the university city of Salamanca, the top destination in Spain for Spanish learning. The school is renowned for its high quality teaching, excellent programs and exciting cultural activities. The Colegio de España is considered one of the most prestigious schools in the country dedicated to the teaching of Spanish and culture.
Salamanca is a rich and vibrant city, northwest of Madrid. It is home to The University of Salamanca, one of the oldest in Europe, and although it is relatively small, with only 170,000 inhabitants, there is plenty to do for students. There is an exciting nightlife and many restaurants, bars and shops, many in or hear the hub of the city, the famous Plaza Mayor. Salamanca is also home to charming historic sites and stunning architecture that can be explored on foot, including museums, palaces, religious buildings and squares. For these attractions, Salamanca’s old city was named as UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Additionally, the fact that most of its buildings are made of sandstone has given Salamanca the nickname of La Dorada, or the “Golden City,” as a result of the golden glow the architecture bestows on everything.
COLEGIO DE ESPAÑA AT A GLANCE
- Year of foundation: 1973
- City: Salamanca, Spain
- Position in the city: Historical Center
- Minimum age in adult school: 18
- Number of students in school: 30 – 40 per month
- Main type of public transport: buses, usually not required
- Approximate number of nationalities in school each year: 20
Colegio de España: Calle Compañía, 65, 37002 Salamanca, Spain
“The Colegio de España in Salamanca was where it all started for me. In 1996, with the need to improve my Spanish for my job in the United States, I enrolled in a one-month intensive Spanish course at this school and stayed in a university residence, just 10 minutes away on foot. The experience for me, combined with another month of travel in Spain and Europe afterwards, was no less than magical and life-changing, and my stay in Salamanca was perhaps the only truly perfect period of a month that I have ever lived. The teachers and the ancillary staff were not only experienced and effective, but in the many activities and excursions that they accompanied, I could see their real love of languages and passion for teaching. It was in those classrooms that I began to abandon my previous professional ambitions and wonder how I could begin a career in languages, and in Europe—such was the extent to which I enjoyed those lessons and activities. The excursions to Segovia, Avila, and Alberca in the mountains were all interesting and fun, and of the cultural activities, I enjoyed most of all the learning of Spanish songs, which were accompanied by Alfredo’s guitar in the classroom and sometimes played by whole tunas in the Plaza Mayor. Outside of class, Salamanca was the paragon of what a language study destination should be. The city was beautiful and historic, with everything reachable on foot—every morning on my way to class, on cobblestone streets, I would pass the old and the new Cathedral, the townspeople and the many visitors, and the Plaza Mayor. I will never forget the Plaza itself, the excitement of the people meeting there in the afternoons and late into the summer nights, including with families with children. Many of my visits with friends, some in class with me and others who were students at the University, took place in the cafés there. As a university city, Salamanca provided me with many opportunities to meet Spanish students my own age who looking for a language exchange, and in doing these, I made some friendships that have lasted to this day. The experience I had at this school and in this place is my single biggest motivator in my career as a study abroad advisor—as I began it, I wondered, is it possible to sell fairytales, to sell dreams to someone? 21 years later, I am still doing that.”
Colegio de España
Why study Spanish at this school?
There are many Spanish language schools in Salamanca, more than any other city in Spain. Of these, Colegio de España distinguishes itself in the following ways:
- Colegio de España is located in the historical center of Salamanca, inside a convent built during the 17th Century and in one of most beautiful pedestrian streets of Salamanca.
- The school was founded in 1973, making it one of the oldest and most experienced Spanish language schools.
- Colegio de España has native highly qualified and dedicated teachers, with over 15 years of teaching experience.
- Colegio de España is a “Centro Acreditado” by the Cervantes Institute, which is the most prestigious certificate for a Spanish language school.
- Colegio de España is able to offer a variety of top quality courses, accommodation and extra-curricular activities.
- Colegio de España has a good nationality mix, with students from over 20 different countries every year.
- The courses offer an exceptionally good value for money in the Spanish language school market.
- Colegio de España is an authorized centre by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Madrid to administer the following exams: “Business Spanish,” “Spanish Tourism” and “Spanish Health Sciences.”
The facilities
THE FACILITIES AT A GLANCE
- 8 classrooms
- Video room
- Conference room
- Library
- Multimedia room with computers
- Free Wi-Fi
- Outdoor patio
MORE ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Meals with a teacher
Colegio de España offers students the possibility to have lunch and practice their Spanish with a teacher from 13:15 to 16:15. Students can choose between 4 different menus.
Student Welfare
The great professionalism and dedication of the administrative staff, who speaks several languages, ensures the integration and resolution of any questions or problems students may encounter.
The courses
GENERAL SPANISH, EXAMINATION, BUSINESS AND OTHER COURSES
- Age: minimum 18
- Spanish levels: All
- Course duration: 1 + weeks
- Length of each lesson: 50 minutes
- Number of students in class: Average 6 – 8 (maximum 12)
Intensive Spanish Course
The Intensive Spanish course develops students’ speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. It offers the possibility for students to obtain university credits through the Pontifical University of Salamanca, for which students must take the course for a minimum of 3 weeks (60 class sessions, 6 credits). The cost of these credits is not included in the tuition fee.
- Number of lessons per week: 20
- Timetable: 9:00 – 13:00 Monday to Friday
- Start date: Every Monday
Special Intensive Spanish
This course is for students who wish to complement their Spanish language learning with Spanish and Hispanic American History and Culture, taking one daily session dedicated to cultural interests (level B1 +). For levels A1 and A2, this session will be dedicated to speaking and interaction. This course offers the possibility for students to obtain university credits through the Pontifical University of Salamanca, for which students must take the course for a minimum of 2 weeks (50 class sessions, 5 credits). The cost of these credits is not included in the tuition fee.
- Number of lessons per week: 25
- Timetable: 9:00 – 13:00 (Spanish Language) and 13:00 – 14:00 (Conversation for levels A1, A2 and Civilization and Culture for levels B1 +) Monday to Friday
- Start date: Every Monday
Language and Culture Course for Spanish-Speaking Students
This course is designed for students who need to study in depth some aspects of the language (written expression, vocabulary, grammar rules, etc.) and widen their knowledge of Spanish and Hispanic American history and cultures.
- Spanish levels: B1 +
- Number of lessons per week: 25
- Timetable: 9:00 – 13:00 (Spanish Language) and 13:00 – 14:00 (Civilization and Culture) Monday to Friday
- Start date: Every Monday
Spanish Senior Program 50+
This program is aimed towards students aged 50 + who wish to learn or improve their Spanish. The course includes extra-curricular activities especially designed for this age group. The course fee includes accommodation.
- Course duration: 1 or 2 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20
- Timetable: 9:00 – 13:00 Monday to Friday
- Start date: see dates and fees
Spanish Business Course
This course is designed for students who wish to learn Spanish used in companies and businesses, and prepares students for the different Certificates of Business Spanish, granted by the Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Madrid. The Colegio de España is authorized to administer the Business Spanish, Spanish Tourism and Spanish Health Sciences exams.
- Number of lessons per week: 30
- Timetable: 9:00 – 13:00 (Spanish Language), 13:00 – 14:00 (Business Spanish) and 17:00 – 18:00 (Oral and written comprehension in the Business area) Monday to Friday
- Start date: Every Monday
One-to-One Lessons
This course is for students with specific needs, and they can choose the language topics to be addressed during the lessons.
D.E.L.E Exam Preparation
Colegio de España’s D.E.L.E Exam preparation course offers all levels of preparation for the D.E.L.E Exam, an internationally recognized Spanish Language examination administered by the Instituto Cervantes.
- Total number of lessons : 60
- Timetable: 10:00 – 13:00 (usually) or 16:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday
- Start date: see dates and fees
Holy Week and Easter Course
This course is aimed at students who wish to combine their Spanish language studies with Spanish and Hispanic American History and Culture (the Holy Week in Spain, Spanish monuments and artists, popular festivities, etc).
- Course Duration: 2 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 25
- Timetable: 9:00 – 13:00 (Spanish Language) and 13:00 – 14:00 (Spanish and Hispanic American Civilization and Culture) Monday to Friday
- Start date: see dates and fees
Optional Courses
Colegio de España offers optional courses in Conversation, Commercial and Business Spanish, Composition, Writing and Spelling, Spanish and Latin American Civilization, Improve your Spanish, and Fundamental Problems of Grammar. These courses are offered year round and may be combined with General Spanish courses.
- Course Duration: 4 weeks
Online Spanish Courses
Colegio de España offers a variety of online Spanish courses: Conversation, D.E.L.E examination preparation, Group lessons, One-to-One and Spanish for Specific Purposes.
Spanish + Professional Training Program
This program combines Spanish Language courses in the mornings with work experience in Spanish companies, at the Colegio de España or other companies, in the afternoons. Both the training program and the course will be taken for at least 4 weeks. If the training period is longer than 4 weeks, students can continue with the combination of course and training or continue their training the full workday. The program fee includes homestay accommodation. This program requires a B1 + Spanish level.
SUMMER COURSES
Extra-intensive Spanish
This course is ideal for students who want to combine the general classes of Spanish language with culture lessons in a short period of time.
- Course Duration: 2 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 30
- Timetable: 9:00 – 13:00 (Spanish Language) and 13:00 – 14:00 (Conversation for levels A1, A2 and Civilization and Culture for levels B1 and above) and Conversation class from 17.00 – 18.00 Monday to Friday
- Start date: see dates and fees
Advanced Course for Spanish Teachers
This course is aimed towards non-native teachers of Spanish interested in improving their teaching skills and refreshing their knowledge of the language and different aspects of culture.
Course Content:
- Didactics and Methodology of the Spanish language: basic concepts of Spanish Language Teaching and Training; approach and program in the classroom; the role of the teacher and the management in the classroom; effective and dynamic aspects of the lessons.
- The four linguistic skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Spanish grammar: the role of the grammar in Spanish Language class, fundamental problems of Spanish grammar for foreign students, the processing of mistakes.
- Attendance of Spanish Language Courses as a visiting professor.
- Course Duration: 2 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 25
- Timetable: From 9:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday
- Start date: see dates and fees
Spanish Course for High School Students
This course is aimed at high school students and takes into account the age groups and needs of these students.
- Minimum age: 13
- Course Duration: minimum 1 week
- Number of lessons per week: 20
- Timetable: 9:00 – 13:00 (Spanish Language)
- Start date: see dates and fees
HOST FAMILY
One of the best ways to experience the Spanish way of life and culture is to choose homestay accommodation. All homestays are carefully selected and visited regularly to ensure consistently high standards. Homestays are in fact the accommodation of choice for the majority of students. The school and Marshall Language Services recommend this form of accommodation the most for language learning. Family life is informal and the people are welcoming, friendly and talkative, so students will have plenty of opportunities to practice their Spanish with native speakers. By booking homestay accommodation, students will also not have to worry about shopping for food and preparing meals every day. Mealtimes are often the occasions in which families converse most with the students.
Additional homestay provisions and information
- Double or single room homestays
- Meal plan: Half board (breakfast and lunch or dinner) or Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Most homestays offer wireless internet.
- Bed linen and towels are provided and changed weekly.
- Most accommodation is a 5-15 minute walk to school. No host family is more than 25 minutes by public transportation.
- Accommodation is from Sunday to Saturday. It is possible to book extra nights at an additional cost.
STUDENT RESIDENCES
The Colegio de España works with a number of university student residences in Salamanca, all within walking distance of the school.
Options:
- Option A: Single room, full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Option B: Double room, full board breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Option C: Single room, half board (breakfast and lunch or dinner).
- Option D: Double room, half board (breakfast and lunch or dinner).
APARTMENTS
Shared apartments
Colegio de España offers carefully selected apartments for students to share. Students may choose to stay in a single or double bedroom.
Shared apartments also offer:
- A single bed, desk, lamp, wardrobe, night table
- Bed linens
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Shared bathrooms
- TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
Private Apartments
Private apartments are available, usually with one or two bedrooms. Most apartments have been recently renovated and have new furniture. Some apartments offer parking and allow pets.
Private apartments also offer:
- Bed linens and towels
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- TV
- Most offer Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
HOTELS
The Colegio de España collaborates with several hotels of different categories in the city center, some of them a less than two-minute walk from the school.
For the hotels students can choose between the following options:
- Option A: Lodging only
- Option B: Single room, bed and breakfast
- Option C: Double room, bed and breakfast
- Option D: Single room, half board (breakfast and lunch or dinner)
- Option E: Double room, half board (breakfast and lunch or dinner)
- Option F: Single room, full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Option G: Double room, full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Insurance
Insurance covering medical and travel assistance, personal liability and trip cancellation is not included in the price of the program. Marshall Language Services has a policy available through Guard.Me that covers these elements, as well as an additional policy through CareMed that covers cancellation under a wider range of circumstances, including the need to repeat school exams. A summary of these policies may be downloaded below.
Dates and Fees
Calculate your own approximate quote
The following tool will help you to get a good idea of the cost of a language course and accommodation, if requested, at this school. It may not include all the courses and accommodation options available or take into account promotional offers or costs associated with student visas, insurance, study materials or exam fees. For these reasons, the availability of any course, accommodation option (especially in the high season) and the final price of a package will always have to be verified with Marshall Language Services prior to enrolment.
Contact us for information about dates & prices
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