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Thursday, November 12
Special Christmas Offer: 2x1 Accommodation!
by
Stacey
on Thu 12 Nov 2009 11:38 AM CET
Friday, October 30
Save with don Quijote's Online Booking!
by
Stacey
on Fri 30 Oct 2009 09:42 AM CET
 From now until November 27, when you register online for your Spanish courses through don Quijote's Online Booking, you’ll save yourself:
enrollment fee* or accommodation fee**
...depending on the destination you choose, which are listed on the registration form. Get to know all the details (and discover our other offers) in the Special Offers section!
Conditions:
- Offer only applies to one: Enrollment fee OR Accommodation fee, NOT both.
- Offer not valid for phone registrations or bookings done by post/mail.
- Offer not cumulative with any other offer.
- Offer not applicable to changes from one school to another.
- Offer subject to availability. Expires 27 November 2009.
* Enrollment fee savings: 65€ (Alicante, Marbella and Sevilla) or $100 (Guanajuato)
** Accommodation Fee saving: 30€ (Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, Salamanca, Tenerife and Valencia). Request a free brochure too!
Special member offer: no enrollment fee!
by
Stacey
on Fri 30 Oct 2009 09:42 AM CET
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!
by
Stacey
on Fri 30 Oct 2009 09:40 AM CET
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!
by
Stacey
on Fri 30 Oct 2009 09:38 AM CET
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.
Friday, October 23
2010 courses at 2009 prices!
by
Stacey
on Fri 23 Oct 2009 03:22 PM CEST
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!Conditions:
- Registration must be made before 30 October 2009.
Contact your Course Counsellor now to request more information.
Request a free brochure!
Thursday, October 15
Discover Buenos Aires with $100 off on your "Spanish + Volunteer" course
by
Stacey
on Thu 15 Oct 2009 01:07 PM CEST
Get a USD$100 discount on your Spanish + Volunteer course in Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital and hip culture heart of Argentina.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!
Tuesday, September 1
12-weeks of Spanish for 1536€!
by
Stacey
on Tue 01 Sep 2009 02:17 PM CEST
 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€.
Thursday, August 20
Register now for November 2009 DELE exams!
by
Stacey
on Thu 20 Aug 2009 10:49 AM CEST
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!
Wednesday, August 5
A student's experience with don Quijote (English and Spanish language)
by
Stacey
on Wed 05 Aug 2009 04:00 PM CEST
 don Quijote.org would like to thank Jennifer Legger for sending us her testimony (written in Spanish!) describing her experience as a USA student studying Spanish in don Quijote Salamanca.
We translated it into English and kept her original Spanish version which you can read at the bottom. Enjoy!
-- IN ENGLISH --
Hello to everyone interested in learning the Spanish language and the Spanish culture! As I ponder how to write this testimony, I’m faced with the problem of having to describe an experience that wasn't just possible, it was incredible…!
The month that I spent in the don Quijote Salamanca School was the best month of my life! I’m not talking nonsense, it as it really was a meaningful experience for my 22 years of age. There were 2 main things about don Quijote that distinguished it from other language schools in Salamanca. The first, when I would research a school asking a lot of questions (the same ones you’re probably asking yourself), the staff at don Quijote were the quickest in responding, and did it in such a casual and friendly (unpushy) way that I knew from that moment forward I would be comfortable in the school and that if I had a problem during my stay, I would be in the best of hands.
And I wasn’t mistaken because in don Quijote I found that everyone from teachers, administrative staff, even the other students to be the most caring, friendly and fun people I’ve ever met! My teachers were not only sweet, but were great in teaching all aspects of Spanish: the language (of course!) as well as the culture, the history and even the feeling of what is like to be “Spanish” too! Classes were so much fun that the 7 daily hours of Spanish courses I chose always went by fast!
The second thing that distinguished don Quijote was its students. I met people from all over the world and who I still keep in touch with. Since I speak to my 2 best friends various times a month, it is unbelievable that 1 year has already passed. I remember spending nights without going to sleep because I was having so much fun dancing and meeting interesting people, each with a different history and culture. I remember very well – and I will never forget – waking up after only brief sleep to go to class, and the teachers would be in an undestanding mood despite the students not being in the best of shape. I remember drinking coffee in the Plaza Mayor with the sun shining while I chatted with friends and made plans for the night and decided at what time we would meet “debajo del reloj” (under the clock) – a tradition you’ll get to know once you’re in don Quijote…
I have so many memories to describe that, as I said in the beginning, It's impossible to describe the true feeling of the way it actually was. But I can say this: I am proud to say that every person that I met in don Quijote has become a friend, many students and teachers who I keep in touch on a frequent basis and who, despite the distances, will remain friends always. In short, don Quijote is not only a language school, it is an experience that will change your life, perhaps for forever.
-- IN SPANISH --
¡Hola amigos juntos en el interés de la lengua y la cultura española!
El problema que está enfrente de mí es esta carta que estoy por
escribir, es que tengo que describirle una experiencia que realmente no
era posible, era tan increíble...
El mes que pasé en Salamanca en la escuela don Quijote, fue el mes el
mejor de mi vida, y no digo eso sin sentido e hizo mucho a mis 22 anos.
Había dos cosas principales que distinguieron Don Quijote de otra
escuela en Salamanca. Primero, cuando buscaba una escuela y tenía
muchas preguntas, como probablemente tienes tú también, la gente de Don
Quijote fueron los más rápidos en responder, y lo hicieron como un
amigo a otro. Desde este momento supe que yo estaría cómoda en esta
escuela y que si tenía algún problema durante mi estancia, estaría en
las mejores manos.
No me confundí porque en don Quijote encontré la gente: profesores;
todo el consejo administrativo, y estudiantes también, los más
cariñosos, amigables y divertidos que jamás he tenido la fortuna
conocer. Mis profesores no eran solamente cariñosos, también excelentes
en enseñar todo los aspectos de Español; la lengua por supuesto, pero
la cultura, la historia, y el sentimiento de lo que es Español,
también. Las clases eran tan divertidas que el día de siete horas, que
yo elegí, pasó tan rápido!
La segunda cosa que distinguía don Quijote, era los estudiantes, gente
de todo el mundo, y amigos con quien sigo en contacto, que conocí. Como
hablo con mis dos mejores amigas muchas veces cada mes, es increíble
creer que un año ya ha pasado. Recuerdo las noches en que no dormí a
causa de divertirme tanto, bailando y conociendo gente tan interesante
cada uno con una historia y cultura diferente. Recuerdo (¡y eso no lo
olvidaré nunca!) levantarme después de poquísimas horas de sueño, para
la clase, y cómo los profesores tenían sentido de humor cuando los
jóvenes de la clase no estaban en su mejor forma. Recuerdo estar
bebiendo un café en la plaza mayor y el sol que brillaba mientras
charlaba con amigos y hacer los planes para la noche y la hora para
reunirnos "debajo del reloj"- una tradición que conocerías muy pronto si
estuvieras en don Quijote…
Tengo tantos recuerdos que describir y como dije al empezar, no puedo
describir el sentimiento como es en realidad. Pero, puedo decir esto.
Estoy orgullosa decir que cada persona con la que entré en relación en
don Quijote se hizo amigo, y muchos, estudiantes y profesores también
con quienes hablo con frecuencia, a pesar de la distancia, y lo será
para siempre. En pocas palabras, don Quijote no es sólo una escuela de
lenguas, es una experiencia que cambiará su vida, y lo mejor, para
siempre.
Wednesday, July 8
Enjoy a 20% discount on your Spanish courses in Barcelona!
by
Stacey
on Wed 08 Jul 2009 05:40 PM CEST
 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!
by
Stacey
on Wed 08 Jul 2009 05:33 PM CEST
 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.
Thursday, June 11
OFFER: Intensive Spanish and Accomodation in Salamanca for only 399 euros!
by
Stacey
on Thu 11 Jun 2009 03:49 PM CEST
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.
Thursday, June 4
Exhibition: Joaquin Sorolla in the Prado Museum
by
Stacey
on Thu 04 Jun 2009 05:25 PM CEST
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)
Wednesday, June 3
dQ Salamanca 20th Anniversary Offer: 15% OFF on Spanish Courses!
by
Stacey
on Wed 03 Jun 2009 10:26 AM CEST
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
Monday, June 1
It is over! Health Warning for H1N1 Flu in Mexico is cancelled!
by
Stacey
on Mon 01 Jun 2009 10:58 AM CEST
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!
Wednesday, May 27
Save 20% on your Spanish Courses in Valencia
by
Stacey
on Wed 27 May 2009 01:01 PM CEST
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.
Monday, May 25
USA students in Salamanca, Citrus College & others - Spring 2009
by
Stacey
on Mon 25 May 2009 05:40 PM CEST
 U.S.A. students during their 3-month stay in Salamanca (11 Feb 2009- 15 May 2009)
This is the 12th year Citrus College and various other colleges members of the Southern California Foothills Consortium for Study Abroad have picked the Golden City of Salamanca as their study abroad destination and don Quijote Salamanca as their host Spanish school! Why choose don Quijote to study Spanish? Find out!
Monday, May 18
don Quijote Salamanca: 20 años viviendo el español.
by
Agus
on Mon 18 May 2009 02:07 PM CEST
 (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
Tuesday, May 12
Spanish in Granada... 4th week is free!
by
Stacey
on Tue 12 May 2009 04:18 PM CEST
 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.
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