In Optima Communication we believe the most important challenge for the majority of people who try to improve their Spanish is to increase their ability to cmmunicate using the language. Our professional experience has shown us that intensive practice is the best way to reach this goal. The courses are ideal for those who already have a basic grasp of Spanish grammar but lack practice and guidance when it comes to speaking the language.The methods which we use in the courses are principally "Simulation of Real Life Situations" and "Free Conversation", these being supplemented by audio-visual material. The students are supervised by native Spanish teachers. We offer two different intensities of language courses:
"Total Immersion"
" Total Immersion in Spanish"
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The total Inmersión Courses are made up of 8 hours of classes per day, with the rest of the time being spent doing other activities, in Spanish as well. The methods used are very active and we encourage the students to speak in Spanish at all times, whilst the teachers record the difficulties which the students may have with a view to future instruction. The atmosphere in the clases is informal and relaxed, which is necessary when the working in Spanish over a prolonged period. To estimulate the student to keep communicating over a long period of time, the setting of the classes changes: from the library to the living room infront of the fire, making a traditional dish in the kitchen, chatting in the garden or going for a stroll in the beautiful countryside that surrounds the house. The duration of the course can be adapted to your needs, obviously the longer the course the more effective it is. Consult us directly with what you propose using the E-Mail account cursos@laengana.com or telephone Duncan Holt on 00 34 653 637710. The Spanish levels of the students can be quite varied because the course does not require a specific prior knowledge, but rather adapts to what the student already knows and concentrates on increasing the communicative ability of the individual. The small number of students in each course guarantees that each one will have lots of time for supervised practice. |
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The course is made up of 8 hours of tutored classes per day plus another 5 hours with the language at mealtimes, using the teaching material in the house or just relaxing. The method used is very active; the students are encouraged to speak Spanish the maximum time possible, whilst the teacher makes notes about where the student can improve. The atmosphere in the classes is informal and relaxed, which is necessary to be able to continue working continuously in the language for so much time. To stimulate communication the location of the classes changes. There are classes in the library, in the living room next to the fire, in the kitchen preparing a traditional dish, in the stonewalled garden, strolling in the beautiful countryside that surrounds the house, or visiting one of the many interesting places that are nearby. You will find that time passes by quickly and the effort required will be much less than the expected. Each student will receive a written report of their progress with specific indications of what they need to pay more attention to in their future learning.
Classes are organized in one to two hour blocks, separated by short breaks that allow for a little relaxation and a cup of tea or coffee, this helps maintain concentration and enthusiasm. The class material is very varied and we are always willing to adapt it to accomodate students’ interests. We are interested to here your suggestions and if you give us enough time in advance we will design a made to measure course specifically for you, for instance to prepare a company presentation, a business meeting simulation, doing business abroad, etc. The teachers have professional experience in these matters.
Apart from the classes all the conversations will be conducted in Spanish, if the students so desire. We have many magazines, newspapers, and a library with text and non-text books in Spanish, and the center is also equipped with satellite TV and Internet connection.
To increase and maintain the fluency acquired we recommend the participation in intensive courses on a regular basis. Although the method is the same, the material used keeps adapting and evolving. For those students who repeat the experience we offer a 10% discount in the price of the course.
The Teaching Team
The teachers of the Spanish courses are Spaniards with many years of experience teaching Spanish. Any none Spanish staff have a high level in Spanish.
Spanish Course Prices:
In small groups (min. 2 people
max. 6 people) 180 Euros day/person (day = 24 hours)
One to one (one teacher for one student) 290 Euros day
Accommodation
is one person per double room with en-suite bathroom in the Guest House Casa
La Engaña. All meals are provided in the same center. It is also possible
for two participants to share a double room.
One person per room 38 Euros/day
Two people sharing a room 24 Euros/day per person
Full Board (all meals) 31 Euros/day, light refreshments are also included.
Group Prices
Get in touch with us directly to discover the discounts available if you make group reservations. We will need to know proposed dates, number of participants and details of contact person/ organizer.
" Partial Immersion " Course;
The partial immersion course is designed to combine language learning with other activities. It is ideal for those who want to practice their Spanish but also want a holiday accompanied by family or friends. In the morning there are 4 hours of classes each day, and in the afternoon the students are free to do as they please. The philosophy behind "Immersion Partial" is to combine learning with relaxation, Spanish language with a real Spain experience. This area of Spain is recognised as the cradle of Spanish the province of Burgos, specifically the Silos monastery has the first record of written Castellano. In fact even today the best spanish accent is generally recognised as being from this "county" Castilla y Leon. In the afternoon you can spend time getting to know the interesting places that surround the Casa La Engaña. The friends and family who may accompany you and are not interested in the Spanish classes only have to pay for the accomodation and meals they require. We have knowledge and information about the area and we can advise you on how best to take advantage of your stay. The method used in the course is based on "simulation" of real, everyday situations. Whilst practicing these situations the problems which a student may have are noted for instruction later. If you wish we can continue talking to you in Spanish outside the classes aswell.
Partial Immersion course Prices
In small groups (min. 2 people-
max. 6 people) 100 Euros day/person
One to one (one teacher to one student) 140 Euros day/person
The accomodation and meals are paid for independently and the prices can be found in the index under Prices, if you have any doubts do not hesitate to get in touch.
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N.B.There is a 10% discount in the course price for those students who return to repeat the experience, do not forget to tell us when you make the reservation. |
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Reservations
To reserve a
place you just have to send us an E-mail to
cursos@laengana.com or phone us on 00 34 652 258 220, indicating the type
of course you are interested in, the number of participants and the dates.
A place is officially reserved once a 20% transfer of the total course cost
has been transfered to the bank account number which we will facilitate. A
course can be cancelled by E-mail with a full return of the deposit, minus
bank costs, up to 14 days before the date the course is due to begin. If we
receive notification up to 7 days before, 50% of the course deposit will be
returned.
