Spanish Teaching

Miguel Delibes, Spanish novelist, dies at 89

Stephen — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:17:00 +0100

Last Friday, March 12th, at his home in Valladolid, author Miguel Delibers lost his battle with colon cancer, he was ...

A mi ladrón de bicicleta… ¡Muchas gracias! (To my bicycle thief... many thanks!)

Stacey — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:11:00 +0100

We are very proud to announce that “La Gaceta de Salamanca,” a local newspaper in Salamanca, recently published in November 2009 a letter written (in Spanish!) by a don Quijote student.

Here’s the letter as it appeared (in Spanish) in the newspaper.
(No corrections has been made to the Spanish; an English translation is provided at the bottom)

Hope you find it as amusing as we did!

A mi ladrón de bicicleta… ¡Muchas gracias!

Estimado director,

Llevo un mes estudiando español en Salamanca (en la esuela Don Quijote) y me he llevado un pequeño disgusto que me gustaría contarle. Vengo de Suiza para mejorar mi español en la ciudad más famosa del mundo por su idioma. ¡Y aquí estoy, en Salamanca!

Hace algunos días alquilé una bicicleta a “los amigos de la bici”, la dejé en la entrada de mi edificio… Pero el otro día desapareció.
Es extraordinario como un acontecimiento desagradable con los que en una situación normal nunca hubiera hablado. Pregunté a Miguel, lleva una librería no lejos de mi casa, si había visto una persona en bici, es tan raro en Salamanca… Hablé con la escuela donde estoy estudiando, y finalmente lo denuncié a la policía. De repente, me di cuenta de que nunca había hablado con tantos Salmantinos! No olvidarlo, estoy aquí para eso, practicar la lengua de Cervantes, de Contador (vencedor del último “tour de France”), del rey Juan-Carlos (esto tipo me gusta mucho, tiene clase) y también de Franco (éste está bien donde está).

Querido ladrón, le agradezco de todo corazón su estimada ayuda en mi aprendizaje. Espero que usted haga un buen uso de esta bicicleta. Hay un paseo que puedo aconsejarle: Empieza en el barrio de Pradillo, enfrente de la comisaría, bordea el río Tormes, cruza el puente romano, y se dirige hacia el parque de la Huerta de Otea ¿Quizás nos encontremos? Hago regularmente esté paseo… corriendo.

Cordialmente,
Marc SCHWITTER

_______________________________________________

To my bicycle thief... many thanks!

Dear editor:

I’ve been studying Spanish in Salamanca for a month (at the Don Quijote school), and suffered a small displeasure which I would like to tell you about. I come from Switzerland to improve my Spanish in a city famed around the world for its language. And here I am, in Salamanca!

I had rented a bicycle from “los amigos de la bici” a few days ago, left it at the entrance of my building… but discovered it missing the other day.
It is remarkable how this unpleasant event - which in a regular situation I would not have spoken to anyone - led me to ask Miguel, who runs a library not far from my house, if he had seen anyone riding a bicycle, an unusual sight in Salamanca… I also spoke with the school where I am studying at, finally reporting the robbery to the police. Suddenly, I realized that I had never spoken to that many Salmantinos before! Don’t forget, I am here for that, to practice the language of Cervantes, of Contador (winner of the latest “tour de France”), of King Juan-Carlos (I like this guy, he’s got class!) and also of Franco (this guy is better where he’s at).

Dear thief, I appreciate with all of my heart your esteemed help towards my learning. I hope you make good use of that bicycle. There’s a route I would like to recommend to you: Start off in the Pradillo neighborhood just in front of the Police Station, follow along the border of the River Tormes, cross the Roman bridge and head towards the park of Huerta de Otea. Perhaps we shall meet as I regularly make this route… running.

Sincerely,
Marc SCHWITTER

Special Christmas Offer: 2x1 Accommodation!

Stacey — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:38:00 +0100

Give the gift of Spanish this Christmas. Take a Christmas course with a friend and save 50% on accommodation! We want you to enjoy your Spanish course this Christmas with your best friend!.

Christmas course dates: 21/12/2009 to 3/1/2010

Cities: Barcelona, Madrid, Salamanca, Tenerife, Valencia, Alicante, Granada, Marbella, Sevilla and Guanajuato (Mexico)
Duration: 2 weeks
Discount: 50% off on accommodation price in double room, shared flat
Enroll before: 17 December 2009

Conditions:

- Accommodation in shared flat. Double room only.
- Offer valid on reservations for 2 people only.
- Offer not cumulative with any other offer.
- Offer must be requested at time of booking.
- Offer subject to availability. Expires 17 December 2009.

Request information (free brochure!)

Sign up now!

Special member offer: no enrollment fee!

Stacey — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:42:00 +0100

don Quijote is offering an exclusive discount for our members:
When you book a Spanish course with us, we´ll waive your enrollment fee saving you 65€/USD$100!!!
It’s our way of saying thank you for being a member!

This offer is valid for Spanish courses in the following don Quijote schools in Spain and Mexico: Barcelona, Madrid, Salamanca, Granada, Valencia, Tenerife or Guanajuato.

To benefit from this special discount you must log into your member account and book your course online.

Contact your Course Counsellor now for information about our courses.
(Remember to request the member’s offer)

Book this offer online now! (Must sign in first!)

Conditions:
- Offer not cumulative. Cannot be combined with any other offer
- Offer available upon request
- Offer expires 27 November 2009

Living Spanish in Barcelona celebration: 10% DISCOUNT OFFER!

Stacey — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:40:00 +0100

The grand opening of our brand new school in Barcelona and the 2009 20th anniversary of the opening of the first don Quijote school in Spain are HUGE reasons to celebrate this year!

To get the party going, we’re offering away a 10% discount on our Intensive Spanish course in Barcelona!

Here's how easy it is to enjoy an unforgettable Spanish course in Barcelona at a discounted price:

Just book our most popular course, Intensive Spanish, with don Quijote accommodation with an arrival date between now and November 27 of 2009.
Yep... that’s it!

So if you’ve been dreaming about a Spanish course in Spain, don’t miss this chance!
Where better to experience the thrill of learning this passionate language than in the pulsating, culturally explosive city of Barcelona? And in our state of the art, ideally located new school in the heart of Barcelona's L'Eixample district?

Start planning your stay in Barcelona today!
Contact our course counsellors
Request your copy of our free brochure!

Act quickly to reserve your place and your first choice of accommodation! This special offer is subject to availability.

Conditions:
- Discount cannot be combined with any other offer.
- Discount must be requested at time of booking.
- Discount not applicable to changes from one school to another, with the exception of extending or lengthening your stay, prior to your arrival.
- Discount not applicable during June, July and August.
- Offer subject to availability. Expires November 27, 2009.

Experience Mexico for 15% less!

Stacey — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:38:00 +0100

Would you like to study Spanish this spring on the shores of the Pacific Ocean or on the warm waters of the Caribbean?

Now’s your chance! Learn Spanish and get to know Mexico at an exceptional price!

Plan your 2009 Spanish course to stay between now and December 28 of 2009 in: Guanajuato -- and get a 15% discount when you sign up before November 27!

Mexico's awaiting! Don’t wait to sign up!

Request a FREE brochure and shout “¡Viva Mexico!”

Conditions:
- Offer cannot be combined with any other offer.
- Offer must be requested at time of booking.
- Offer subject to availability. Expires November 27, 2009.

Save 20% on accommodation in Barcelona!

Stacey — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:37:00 +0100

Looking to learn Spanish in a big city while also having the beach nearby?
don Quijote Barcelona is an excellent destination... and you're just in luck!

Book your accommodation in our don Quijote Barcelona Residence before 27 November 2009 , and receive a 20% discount!

So begin exploring Barcelona by booking now... space is limited!

Contact a Course Counsellor.
Get a free brochure of our programs and prices.

Conditions:
-Offer applies to accommodation in don Quijote Barcelona only.
-Offer is cumulative only with "Living Spanish in Barcelona" offer.
-Offer must be requested at time of booking.
-Offer subject to availability. Expires November 27, 2009.

2010 courses at 2009 prices!

Stacey — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:22:00 +0200

One great way to get to know a place the way only locals know it is by experiencing it thoroughly when learning Spanish. If you want to discover Spanish, then this is your chance: sign up to take a Spanish course in 2010 -and pay 2009 prices! Don't let this opportunity pass you by!

Destinations:

All don Quijote destinations
Course length:Starting from one week
Discount:Your 2010 course with prices of 2009
Enroll by: 30 October 2009
Offer ends:30 October 2009

Conditions:
- Registration must be made before 30 October 2009.

Contact your Course Counsellor now to request more information.

Request a free brochure!

Discover Buenos Aires with $100 off on your "Spanish + Volunteer" course

Stacey — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:07:00 +0200

Get a USD$100 discount on your Spanish + Volunteer course in Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital and hip culture heart of Argentina.

City:
Buenos Aires
Course length:4 weeks, anytime in 2009-2010
Discount:USD$100
Enroll by: 29 October 2009
Offer ends:29 October 2009

Conditions:
- Offer applicable only to our Buenos Aires school.
- Bookings and full payment must be received by 29 October 2009.
- Offer cannot be combined with any other offer.
- Offer must be requested at time of booking.

Get more details about this offer!

12-weeks of Spanish for 1536€!

Stacey — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:17:00 +0200

Learn Spanish for just 1536€ by booking a 12-week Intensive Course in Barcelona, Madrid, Salamanca, or Valencia!
You'll save 384€* from the regular intensive course price and enjoy your stay anytime in 2009!

Simple as that.

Also, why stay in one destination when you have 12 weeks to discover other cities as well?

Combine destinations without losing a beat in your don Quijote study program taking advantage of this offer's one-time option to change your dates or destinations. This change can be done before or after you arrive at no additional cost**!

Contact a course counselor!
Request a free brochure!

Conditions:
- dQ accommodation MUST be booked for course discount to be valid.
- Bookings and full payment must be received by 29 September 2009.
- Offer not cumulative with any other offer.
- Offer must be requested at time of booking.
- Offer subject to availability. Expires 29 September 2009.

* Discount available on Intensive Course price only (Regular 12-week price: 1920€)
** No fee charged on 1st change of destination or dates. Afterwards, fee is 125€.

Register now for November 2009 DELE exams!

Stacey — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:49:00 +0200

Remember that the upcoming registration for the November 2009 DELE exams is starting!
DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is Spanish for Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language. Visit www.dele.org to find out more about the DELE qualifications, registration requirements, payment information and other important information.

Registration for November 2009 examinations:
1st September - 16th October

Centers outside of Spain (listed alphabetically by country)
Centers in Spain

Exam dates...
November 13, 2009: All countries except those listed under November 22nd.
November 14, 2009: Albania, Arab Emirates, Argentina, Bolivia*, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil*, Bulgary, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Greece (but Patras), Haiti, Japan, Jordania, Kenia, Letonia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Namibia, Palestine, Peru*, Poland (but Poznan), Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Switzerland (but Coira), Taiwan, Uganda, United States, Uruguay*.
*Check availability.

***Special message from don Quijote...
We'll be offering our highly successful preparation DELE courses in our don Quijote schools in Spain and Guanajuato for all three exam levels:

•   Certificado Inicial: Basic Spanish
•   Diploma Intermedio: Intermediate Spanish
•   Diploma Superior: Advanced Spanish

DELE preparation courses at don Quijote start 2-4 weeks prior to the exam and help you arrive at the exam confident, prepared, and ready to perform well. So don't put off your preparation for this important exam!

Sign up for DELE preparation course!

Is Gwyneth Paltrow turning Latina?

Stacey — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:30:00 +0200

The following article was written by Sigal Ratner-Arias for www.MiamiHerald.com - Original publication: 6 July 2009.

Gwyneth Paltrow speaks almost perfect Spanish -- and she does it with an Iberian accent.

The Oscar-winning actress says she traveled to Spain as a teenager, fell in love with the country, and embraces the culture to the point that she visits at least once a year and makes sure her young children, Apple and Moses, also speak the language.

''When I was 15, I went to a small town outside Talavera de la Reina (Toledo) and I had the most wonderful experience. It really changed my life,'' Paltrow said in fluent Spanish during a recent interview. Paltrow said Spain "became a second home.''

''It is so different from the United States. It seemed to have a history, and the buildings are years and years and years old. Here in the United States an old building is about a couple centuries old, and over there it's from 500 B.C., it's incredible,'' she said.

ENJOYING LIFE MORE
"Also, the way people live over there. They seem to enjoy life a little bit more. They aren't running around as much as in New York. They enjoy time with the family. They don't always have their Blackberries on.''

Paltrow remains close to the family she lived with in Spain, calling them ''my Spanish mother'' and ''my brothers'' from Spain. Her success as an actress, she says, hasn't impressed them.

The 36-year-old actress, who is married to Coldplay's Chris Martin, says she talks to her children in Spanish.
''Moses speaks a little bit, but understands everything. Apple speaks a lot,'' she says.

Paltrow shot Spain ... on the Road Again with chef Mario Batali, cooking expert Mark Bittman and Spanish actress Claudia Bassols. They traveled throughout the country, sampling traditional foods and praising the virtues of Spain, its people and cuisine.

She's also writing a book on U.S. cuisine with Spanish influence that is due out next year.
'' ... I love food, I love to eat,'' she says. "I can't go on diets. I have to do a lot of exercise.''
She also enjoys Mexican, Italian and Japanese food.
"I'm always playing with different flavors. If I remember a phenomenal meal I had in a country, I think of its ingredients, and how I can make it in my own kitchen.''

Paltrow recently launched a Spanish-language version of her website, GOOP.com, where she writes on topics ranging from health advice and travel to fashion and cooking. Contributors include Madonna, Steven Spielberg and Deepak Chopra.

Has she considered acting in Spanish?
''I would love to. I haven't found the script yet, but the first [movie] would have to be a small role, not very important, because I imagine I would have to get used to acting in Spanish,'' she says.

WISHLIST
Paltrow says she'd like to work with Spanish directors Pedro Almodóvar and Alejandro Amenábar and Mexico's Alejandro González Iñárritu. And she says she would like to work again with Mexico's Alfonso Cuarón, who directed her in 1998's Great Expectations.

Rice Festival and Paella contest in Sueca

Stacey — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0200

If you like paella and other rice-based recipes don't miss the Fiesta del Arroz (Rice Festival) in Sueca, an agricultural town south of Valencia.

Declared a tourist interest in 1966, the annual Rice Festival takes place the first half of September to celebrate the most internationally known dish of the Valencian community: the paella. Chefs from around the world gather on the Paseo de la Estación to compete in the “international paella contest” where a giant paella is cooked using the excellent rice that is grown in the very heart of this rice-growing region.

Mmm... this explains why rice is the main ingredient in many Valencian dishes!

This year’s event takes place on 11 September of 2009.

Enjoy a 20% discount on your Spanish courses in Barcelona!

Stacey — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:40:00 +0200

Barcelona is possibly the most famed Spanish city around the world because of its design, fashion, history, modernity, gastronomy, beach and arts...
So what better place to enhance your Spanish skills with an Intensive course, Super-Intensive course or Spanish Talk course than this cosmopolitan city?

Have a Spanish-learning experience on the shores of the fantastic Mediterranean Sea with 20% off of the course price! An experience you can enjoy anytime between now and 30 December of 2009!

Can’t get enough?
Then combine this offer with our other offer "20% discount on accommodation in Barcelona". Irresistible!

Book now by contacting a Course Counsellor!
Request a free brochure!

Conditions:
- Discount available on course price only.
- dQ accommodation MUST be booked for course discount to be valid.
- Not cumulative with other offers, except “20% discount on dQ Residence accommodation in Barcelona”
- Offer must be requested at time of booking.
- Offer subject to availability. Expires 30 July 2009.

Get a 15% discount on your Spanish courses in Madrid!

Stacey — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:33:00 +0200

Are you eager to learn Spanish in a city full of centuries-old history?

Then Madrid, the capital of Spain since the XVII century and the center of Spanish culture, is the perfect destination for you!

Explore Madrid and learn Spanish with a 15% discount on our Intensive course, Super-Intensive course or Spanish Talk course.

Come and discover why the preferred phrase by the madrileños is "De Madrid al Cielo" - From Madrid to Heaven...

There’s no excuse! Especially when you can book your course now and enjoy your stay anytime before 2009 is over!

Book now by contacting a Course Counsellor!
Request a free brochure!

Conditions:
- Discount available on course price only.
- dQ accommodation MUST be booked for course discount to be valid.
- Full payment must be received by 30 July 2009.
- Offer not cumulative with any other offer.
- Offer must be requested at time of booking.
- Offer subject to availability. Expires 30 July 2009.

El Instituto Cervantes celebra la primera gran fiesta mundial del español

Stacey — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:35:00 +0200

El próximo 20 de junio se celebrará, en todos los centros del Instituto Cervantes, el Día del Español (el Día e), una jornada de puertas abiertas que pretende incrementar la visibilidad de la lengua española en el mundo y crear un punto de encuentro para todos los hablantes de español.

Esta iniciativa del Instituto Cervantes quiere servir para conmemorar el valor del español como lengua de comunicación internacional. Para este día, se han organizado una serie de actividades que tienen como epicentro la palabra, tomando como base la manera en la que se percibe el español, una lengua de relación, alegre, cálida y diversa. El Día del Español se concibe como una jornada festiva para disfrutar en familia. Para mas información sobre el Dia del Español, visitar http://www.eldiae.es/

En Madrid, la jornada contará con diferentes actividades culturales y festivas, conciertos y sesiones de DJ’s al aire libre, la creación de un poema gigante en la ciudad y una lluvia de palabras que a las 11 horas inundará la calle de Alcalá.

El Instituto Cervantes enseñará español a los empleados de Starbucks en Estados Unidos

Stacey — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:52:00 +0200

(To read in English, click here)
Los cien mil trabajadores que tiene en Estados Unidos la cadena de cafeterías Starbucks aprenderán español con la plataforma del Aula Virtual de Español (AVE) del Instituto Cervantes, según se establece en el convenio que han firmado ambas partes.

El personal de la empresa podrá seguir los estudios de español a través del AVE, que estará disponible en la intranet de la compañía norteamericana, cuya sede central se encuentra en Seattle (Estado de Washington).

En Seattle se ubica también la primera Aula Cervantes que el Instituto abrió en Estados Unidos, alojada en la Universidad de Washington. El Aula de Seattle gestionará este programa formativo, que arrancará con un curso piloto impartido por profesores del Departamento de Español de dicha universidad.

Al terminar el curso, los alumnos podrán certificar sus conocimientos con la obtención del Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) que otorga el Instituto Cervantes en nombre del Ministerio de Educación de España. El curso durará un año, y Starbucks tendrá acceso a los informes trimestrales para evaluar el avance de los estudiantes.

OFFER: Intensive Spanish and Accomodation in Salamanca for only 399 euros!

Stacey — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:49:00 +0200

The anniversary celebrations in Salamanca are not over yet!

Due to the festive mood following the 20th anniversary of our don Quijote school in Salamanca, our high-spirits have animated us to grant another offer - and this time, an "all-inclusive" one:

An Intensive Spanish Course (20 classes and 5 cultural classes a week) + Premium Accommodation complete with full board (3 daily meals) and your own private bath for only 399 euros per week!

It's a wonderful opportunity to live a ‘pure’ Spanish immersion in graceful Salamanca starting anytime you want between now and 31 December 2009. Just make sure to complete your booking before 29 June 2009!

Come celebrate with us, meet new people, experience the exciting Salmantinian life and learn Spanish... at a great price of course! Don't wait!

Request a free brochure!
Contact a Course Counsellor to request more information!

Conditions:
- Offer cannot be combined with other offers.
- Offer must be requested at time of booking.
- Applies to fully-paid bookings completed before 29 June 2009.
- Valid only for Intensive Spanish Course in Salamanca.
- Offer subject to availability. Expires 29 June 2009.

Exhibition: Joaquin Sorolla in the Prado Museum

Stacey — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:25:00 +0200

Valencia- born impressionist painter Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1920) is the star of a memorable retrospective exhibit currently being held by the Prado Museum in Madrid.

Not only is this exhibition the first for the Spanish art gallery representing the painter, but it is also the most important exhibition in -as well as- out of Spain.

Until September 6, you may delight viewing over 100 of Sorolla’s paintings. Among them are 14 of his magnificent panels painted for the Spanish Society of America in New York in which the painter carefully depicts the many aspects of Spanish Mediterranean life under the illustrative title “Visions of Spain”.

Want to learn Spanish in our don Quijote Madrid school (right in the city center) while discovering great museums and a vibrant nightlife? Then request your free brochure!

"Walk on the beach" (portrait of Sorolla's wife and daughter)

dQ Salamanca 20th Anniversary Offer: 15% OFF on Spanish Courses!

Stacey — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:26:00 +0200

The celebrations keep on happening at don Quijote...!

This time, it is don Quijote Salamanca school’s turn to celebrate its 20th anniversary!
Twenty years of hard work, much involvement and dedication have led to twenty years of success… and we want you to celebrate with us!

Get a 15% discount on any of our Spanish courses (to begin anytime between now and 31 December 2009) when you book before June 30th!

So get your traveling bags out, prepare your summer outfits and get ready for a fantastic time living “pure Spanish” in our Renaissance Ciudad Dorada (Golden City)!

¡No te lo pierdas!- Don’t miss out!

Request a free brochure!
Contact a Course Counsellor to request more information!

Conditions:
- Offer not cumulative with other offers.
- Offer must be requested at time of booking
- Subject to availability. Expires 30 June 2009

It is over! Health Warning for H1N1 Flu in Mexico is cancelled!

Stacey — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:58:00 +0200

LAST MINUTE NEWS:
As of May 25th 2009, all travel warnings to Mexico due to the outbreak of novel H1N1 flu in Mexico have been lifted!
This is great news considering that after taking all necessary health and safety precautions, our schools in Mexico did not suffer any incidents!

Why not take this opportunity to have an exotic cultural spanish-learning experience (and a wide range of courses to choose from) in warm and colorful Mexico?

Here's a quick snap shot of each of our Mexican destinations to help you start your planning:

A university city, small and peaceful, far from the coastal centers of mass tourism, Guanajuato seems made to welcome students of Spanish. You will find yourself enchanted by the lovely architecture and by the culture that breathes in every nook and cranny of this alluring colonial beauty.

Simply known as "Playa," this small Caribbean fishing village on the Mayan Riviera is Cancun's laid-back neighbor (approximately 35 minutes from Cancun's international airport). Playa del Carmen is a wonderful place to enjoy the cultural and historic richness of Mexico and the Mayan people. It attracts visitors from all over the world because of its relaxed, tropical atmosphere and its unmatched beaches.

With peaks of almost 10,000 feet high, caverns among the deepest in the world, unspoiled beaches, jungles and valleys, Oaxaca is an ideal place to experience the beauty of Mexico and its people. Oaxaca is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its Spanish colonial buildings and nearby archaeological centre, Monte Albán.

The magical combination of mountains and beaches makes visitors fall in love with Puerto Vallarta at first sight. Aside from its beauty and amazing flora and fauna, this city also charms tourists with its colonial architecture and traditions, famous even in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is the perfect blend of tropical waters and rich Mexican culture: a place to learn, relax, have fun and marvel at natural wonders.

Request your free brochure!

Save 20% on your Spanish Courses in Valencia

Stacey — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:01:00 +0200

This summer is all about learning Spanish in a warm, coastal Mediterranean city where the sun always shines and the nightlife goes on forever...Valencia for 20% less!

Take advantage of receiving a 20% discount on your Spanish courses with 3 easy steps:

1) Choose a Spanish course from our wide list of courses
2) Enroll before 30 June 2009 (don't forget to mention this offer!)
3) Start preparing to begin your stay in July (or later!)

Overall, if you're looking to learn Spanish in Spain's third-largest city dubbed "The City of Light" for its year-round mild-climate, innumerable sunny beaches and its modern "City of Arts & Sciences" cultural complexes, then Valencia is the ideal choice for you!

Contact a course counsellor now!
Request a free brochure!

Conditions:
- Cannot be combined with another offer.
- Offer must be requested at time of booking.
- Applies only to BOOKINGS made by 30 June 2009 (Madrid time).
- Valid for STAYS beginning in July.
- Subject to availability. Expires 30 June 2009.

don Quijote Salamanca: 20 años viviendo el español.

Agus — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:07:00 +0200

(For English text, scroll down)

Salamanca, ciudad universitaria de fama internacional, fue elegida hace 20 años para fundar la primera escuela don Quijote. La idea estaba clara desde el principio: crear la mayor organización para la enseñanza de Español como Lengua Extranjera bajo el eslógan de ¡Vive el español!. Han sido 20 años de esfuerzo, de trabajo diario y de implicación de todos; y también ha sido la historia de un éxito.

Un lunes, 5 de Junio de 1989 llegaron los primeros estudiantes. Yo no estaba allí, pero puedo imaginarme el nerviosismo del equipo didáctico y del personal de administración que se embarcaban en esa aventura, sin saber muy bien si iba a funcionar. Seguro que aquellos que habéis estudiado en don Quijote Salamanca os suenan los nombres de Caridad (entonces jefa de estudios de don Quijote Salamanca y actualmente directora académica de las escuelas don Quijote), Salva, Demetrio (hoy día jefe de estudios de don Quijote Barcelona), Pepa, Francisco. Ellos fueron los pioneros y siguen en el equipo.

La primera sede estaba en la Plaza de la Libertad, a menos de 50 metros de la Plaza Mayor. Pero el crecimiento que tuvo nuestra escuela fue tan abrumador que obligó a buscar un edificio mayor al poco tiempo.

don Quijote Salamanca se mudó definitivamente a la calle Placentinos, en pleno centro monumental salmantino y a tan sólo 3 minutos de la Plaza Mayor de Salamanca. El edificio actual es un antiguo monasterio reformado, en el que se mezclan la arquitectura y los materiales típicos de Salamanca con las comodidades de una escuela de español moderna, creando un equilibrio lleno de belleza.

Con 18 clases distribuidas en dos edificios, don Quijote Salamanca tiene una capacidad para 408 estudiantes. Ambos edificios se comunican entre sí a través de un patio ajardinado, lugar favorito de reunión de los estudiantes los días de buen tiempo. También dispone de una cafetería: don Quijote Café, donde los estudiantes pueden relajarse tomando un café o practicando con nativos las cosas aprendidas, porque don Quijote Café también es un centro de reunión para muchos estudiantes universitarios, por su proximidad a distintas facultades de la Universidad de Salamanca.

Desde el principio don Quijote Salamanca fue un centro pionero en la investigación y aplicación del método comunicativo. Pero con los años de experiencia, don Quijote fue desarrollando ese método y transformándolo a las necesidades de nuestras escuelas y de los propios estudiantes. De esa transformación nació un método propio con el que más de 30.000 estudiantes han aprendido español en Salamanca y son nuestros embajadores en todo el mundo. Ellos son nuestra mejor promoción.

Pero todos estos detalles no serían suficientes para explicar el éxito de esta escuela. ¿Dónde radica el secreto? Evidentemente, si de algo estamos orgullosos es del equipo didáctico y administrativo, una plantilla de personal fijo y fijo discontinuo que durante años de experiencia y dedicación han conseguido que el trato personalizado con los estudiantes sea una parte más de la enseñanza del español. Con una media de 6 estudiantes por clase, y un máximo de 8 se consigue un mayor seguimiento de los progresos del estudiante y una atención más personalizada.

Esta personalización de la enseñanza unida a la estructura de la escuela crean una complicidad entre estudiantes, equipo didáctico y personal de administración, y esa complicidad hace que sea como una familia. Todo tiene que funcionar para que el estudiante se sienta como en casa.

Aunque el estudiante no lo sepa, la maquinaria ha comenzado a moverse un tiempo antes. Cuando se inscribe ya comenzamos a trabajar programando toda la estancia: una cuidada búsqueda de alojamiento, cursos que ha elegido, actividades culturales, día y hora de llegada y pick-up service (en el caso de que lo haya elegido), etc… Hasta el mínimo detalle para que a su llegada todo esté preparado.

Y cada lunes a las 8 de la mañana: nervios, test de nivel, “¿hablas español?” “un poquito”, “what?” “Do you speak Spanish?”, “no”… a las 9: city tour, profesores corrigiendo los test, y, por fin, a las 11:15 todos están en sus clases según su nivel. Y, alehop, empezamos… “¿Cómo te llamas?” “¿De dónde eres?”, etc… y, al cabo de unos minutos, los estudiantes nuevos se sienten integrados en el grupo, y descubren que entran en una nueva familia que les va a apoyar durante su estancia en Salamanca.

Para nosotros es muy importante que el alumno viva el español. Es famoso el “Spain is different, of course”. Y por ese motivo, desde el primer momento hacemos que el estudiante se integre en la vida de la ciudad: cursos de cultura, visitas a exposiciones, mercados, vamos de tapas… y ellos aprenden a amar las costumbres diferentes, comer a las 2 o las 3 de la tarde, cenar a las 9 de la noche, ver las calles salmantinas llenas de vida, quedar debajo del reloj (reloj que nunca van a olvidar) de la Plaza Mayor. Un gran número de actividades que compartimos con ellos durante su estancia.

Al final de su curso, los viernes, hay mucha emoción: entrega de certificados, intercambio de direcciones de correo, lágrimas, “gracias para todo”, como figura en un collage que los estudiantes del DELE regalaron a la escuela hace unos años y que está expuesto en una de sus paredes…

Invariablemente esto se ha repetido cada semana en los últimos 20 años en don Quijote Salamanca, pero cada lunes todos tenemos la misma ilusión que aquel lunes 5 de Junio de 1989. Ilusión que a mí me transmitieron los veteranos hace 11 años e ilusión que trato de transmitir a los nuevos profesores que van llegando.

Y, como todavía este proyecto está inacabado, ojalá, dentro de otros 20 años podamos celebrar el 40 Aniversario de don Quijote Salamanca. Seguiremos enseñando español y seguiremos haciendo que nuestros estudiantes “¡vivan el español!”.

Muchas Felicidades a todos los que trabajamos o han trabajado en este proyecto y muchas gracias de parte de la organización a todos aquellos estudiantes que nos han elegido y han hecho posible estos 20 años.

Un abrazo a todos.

Agustín Sánchez
Educational Content

don Quijote Salamanca: 20 years of excellence

The internationally renowned university city of Salamanca was picked 20 years ago to be home for the first don Quijote school. From the beginning, the idea had been clear: to create the largest Spanish as a Foreign Language teaching organization under the slogan “¡Vive el español!” (Live Spanish!) - Twenty years of hard work, much involvement and dedication from everyone, has led to twenty years of success.

The first students arrived on June 5 of 1989, a Monday. I wasn’t there, but I can imagine how nervous teachers and administrative staff must’ve been on embarking on this adventure without being certain if it would be successful. If you studied in don Quijote Salamanca, then the names of Caridad (then the Head of Studies of Salamanca, and today Academic Director of don Quijote schools), Salva, Demetrio (Head of Studies of don Quijote Barcelona), Pepa and Francisco. They were the don Quijote pioneers.

The first school building was located in Plaza de la Libertad, less than 50 meters from the Plaza Mayor. However, its fast progressive growth eventually led it to move to a much bigger building a short time later.

don Quijote Salamanca settled on calle Placentinos, its current location, in the heart of monumental Salamanca and a 3 minute walk from the Plaza Mayor. The building , a reformed ancient monastery creates a balanced atmosphere by blending traditional materials and architecture with the commodities of a modern Spanish school.

With 18 classrooms spread throughout 2 connecting buildings, don Quijote Salamanca accommodates 408 students and also share a garden patio, which is a favorite leisure spot for students. Students can also relax with a cup of coffee or practice what they’ve learned with Spanish natives in our don Quijote Café a popular reunion spot for university students due to its proximity to the various campuses of the University of Salamanca.

don Quijote Salamanca has been a pioneering center in the investigation and application of the communicative method since the beginning. And after years of experience, don Quijote further developed this method by adapting it to the necessities of its schools and students. Eventually, a new method (our current method) emerged and was successfully implemented by the 30,000 students who learned Spanish with us in Salamanca! These students, our ambassadors of sorts, have become our best promotion throughout the world!

But these are not enough details to explain the success of this school. What’s the secret? If there’s something we are proud of, it is of our group of permanent and temporary teaching and administrative staff. Their years of experience and dedication led to a personalized approach of teaching our students, becoming a part of the teaching routine. Granting better personalized attention in a classroom with a median of 6 students and no more than 8, a better insight on the students’ progress can be obtained.

Attaching this personalized educational approach to the school’s structure creates complicity between students, the teaching staff and administration personnel, strengthening everyone’s bond as a family. Everything must also be set up properly for the student to feel at home with us. To achieve this, the planning begins long before he or she arrives. When a student enrolls in a class, work begins on setting up his entire stay: from the careful search of accommodation and courses selected, cultural activities, arranging timely pick-up service for day of arrival (if chosen by student), down to the smallest detail to ensure the his or her complete satisfaction.

Eight o’clock in the morning every Monday: nerves, language level placement test, “¿hablas español?”, “un poquito”, “what?”, “do you speak Spanish?”, “no” … 9am: city tour, professors grading level tests and finally by 11:15am everyone is in their Spanish class according to level. Then, the fun begins in class… “¿Cómo te llamas?” ¿De dónde eres?”…. After a few minutes, the new students have integrated into their groups discovering they’ve joined a new family, one that will enliven their stay in Salamanca.

To us, it is very important that the student lives Spanish… and discovers the famous “Spain is different, of course.” We make sure students adapt to the city’s way of life from the start: culture classes, visiting exhibits, markets, going out for tapas, etc… they come to learn and love the different customs like eating at 2 or 3 in the afternoon, having dinner at 9 at night, seeing Salamanca’s streets full of life, arranging to meet underneath the clock in Plaza Mayor (a clock they will never forget!), and other activities we’ll share during their stay!

The last day of the course (a Friday), a lot of emotions are felt: the receiving of certificates, exchanging emails, tears, a “gracias para todo” - as it is written on a collage made by DELE students a few years ago as a gift to the school and it is proudly displayed on its walls…

This ritual has been repeated every week for the past 20 years and it continues today. Every Monday we all hold the same illusion as that 5 of June of 1989. That illusion was transmitted to me 11 years ago by the veterans and it’s the one I try to transmit to the new teachers as they arrive.

don Quijote Salamanca continues to be an ongoing project. We hope that in another 20 years we celebrate its 40th anniversary. We will continue to teach Spanish and continue to make our students “Live Spanish”.

Congratulations to everyone who works or has worked on this project. And many thanks to the students who have chosen us and made it all possible these last 20 years.

Un abrazo a todos.

Agustín Sánchez
Educational Content

Spanish in Granada... 4th week is free!

Stacey — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:18:00 +0200

Spend more time in Granada this summer... for a lot less!
Immerse yourself in the Spanish language and discover the history behind Granada's rich Moorish past:

Enroll before 31 May 2009 in a 4-week Intensive Spanish Course with a stay in June, July or August ...and get the 4th week free!

Where else can you relax in the nearby beaches, taste the refreshing drinks served in the numerous arab tea houses ("teterías"), stroll through the city's winding cobblestone streets, visit the legendary Alhambra Palace or Granada's many monuments?

Contact our course counsellor for information
Request a free brochure!

Conditions:
- Cannot be combined with another offer.
- Offer must be requested at time of booking.
- Applies only to BOOKINGS made by 31 May 2009 (Madrid time).
- Valid for STAYS during June, July or August only.
- Subject to availability. Expires 31 May 2009.

No enrollment fee for Summer Camps when booking before May 31!

Stacey — Mon, 11 May 2009 17:05:00 +0200

Save on your Summer Camp experience in 2 simple steps!

Step 1- Choose your favorite summer camp destination:

   Barcelona
   Granada
   Madrid
   Marbella "Albergue"
   Marbella "Alboran"
   Marbella "Aleman"

   Salamanca
   Sevilla
   Valencia
   Guanajuato (Mexico)

Step 2- Request your enrollment fee waiver (for an summer camp arrival in August 2009) when you book and fully pay before May 31, 2009).

That’s it!

Get a free Summer Camp brochure with all our programs and prices.
Contact our Course Counsellors to request more information.

Conditions:
- Offer is only available upon request.
- Offer not cumulative with other offers and subject to availability.
- Enrollment fee savings: 65 euros ($100 for Guanajuato only)
- Offer expires: 31 May 2009

Training for A1 Level DELE examinations

Stacey — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:36:00 +0200

Important DELE information:
As it has been previously published, the DELE examinations for the official Spanish language diplomas taking place next week on May 15 and 16 of 2009, will include for the first time, examinations for students at the A1 level.

Instituto Cervantes (the organization in charge of arranging the DELE examinations) mandates that members of the grading panel must possess thorough knowledge of the nature of DELE and that of the Spanish language.

In order to attain this for graders of A1 level, Instituto Cervantes has ultimately decided to provide the exam proctors/graders with formation courses in order to guarantee, with greater authority, the correct execution of the exams.

This 6-hour training course specifically designed for proctors of DELE A1, can be completed in 1 day in Instituto Cervante’s headquarters in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid). The next training course will take place on May 9th from 10:00 to 18:00 (10am-6pm). Interested Panel members of FEDELE must contact the Federation’s secretary.

Spaniards featured in TIME Magazine's "100 most influential of 2009"

Stacey — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:22:00 +0200

TIME Magazine has published it's famous issue naming the world's "100 Most Influential People for 2009"

Two Spaniards "se codean" (lit: rub shoulders) on this world list-- actress Penelope Cruz and tennis champion Rafael Nadal!

Read TIME's original articles about Penelope and about Rafa.

don Quijote Nederland

Stacey — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:46:00 +0200

Als u in Nederland leeft en gehouden van lerend het Spaans met don Quijote...

Visit don Quijote Nederland blog

don Quijote Nederland website

10 redenen om Spaans te leren met don Quijote.

Ontvang Onze Gratis Brochure per post!

News: Portugal seeks Spanish teachers

Stacey — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:41:00 +0200

The growing interest in learning Spanish by Portugal's public school students has left the country in serious need for qualified teachers.

The Portguese Ministry of Education found itself with no choice but to implement a controversial solution to this problem: to award 220 people (for now) with a Spanish teaching post until 2013 by means of a contest.

Participants do not necesarily have to be degree-holders in Spanish - those who have degrees in any language closely related to Spanish, or who have obtained the Diploma Español de Lengua Extranjera (DELE) level C2 from the Instituto Cervantes are eligible to apply.

This teacher shortage is due to the unexpected increase in Spanish learning among portuguese students. For the 2004/2005 year, only a little over 5 thousand portuguese students studied Spanish - a small number compared to this year's almost 50 thousand.

Good to know:
don Quijote also offers a course for Teachers of Spanish in Spain or Latin America.
Request a free brochure!

To great drinks... and learning Spanish in Valencia

Stacey — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:01:00 +0200

From April 25-27 of 2009, Valencia will host the Concurso Mundial de Vinos (World Wide Wine Contest Event). The very first time this event is taking place in Spain with over 50 countries in attendance to participate.

The event will also coincide with Vinoélite“la feria de los grandes vinos” (the Fine Wines Fair).

The fact that these 2 events coincide, will make Valencia the wine capital of the world… at least for a few days. Get more info in www.feriavalencia.com

Feel like studying Spanish in Valencia?
Request a free brochure now!