Spanish Teaching

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

Stacey — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:11:48 +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

Salsa!

Lauren — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:28:26 +0100

Image credit: http://bellavistapego.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/salsa.gif

Although many Spanish speakers out there will recognise this word as meaning "sauce", it is more widely recognised for its other use, which is to describe a music and dance genre. Salsa music has taken the world by storm and is recognised by its up-tempo beats and fast-footed dance steps. Although some argue that it is a type of music in its own right, others claim that it is a generic term for a number of Latin American dances, including the mambo and the cha-cha-chá. It is a "tag that encompasses a rainbow assortment of Latin rhythms and styles, taking on a different hue wherever you stand in the Spanish speaking world" (Sue Steward, world music author).

Due to the varied nature of salsa and what it encompasses, it is extremely difficult to pinpoint its origins as so many countries claim the honour of having created it. However, the basic structure of a salsa song is based on the Cuban "son", beginning with a simple melody and followed by a "coro" section in which the performers improvise. They key staples of salsa´s origins were "the use of a trombone as a counterpoint to the vocalist and a more aggressive sound than is typical in Cuban music; the trombone carries the melody while rhythm is generally provided by bongos, congas and timbales" (Ed Morales). This has been adapted and influenced by almost all Latin American countries, and even some places in North America, meaning that no two salsas will ever be the same.

Alongside the uncertainty of its origins, there is also a certain degree of mystery surrounding the use of the word "salsa", which actually means "sauce". Some people accredit the Cuban musician Ignacio Piñeiro with coming up with the term after his song in 1933 entitled "Échale salsita" (Throw a little sauce on it), which introduced the trumpet for the first time. Or perhaps it was the 1930s vocalist Beny Moré who would shout out "salsa" during his performances to "acknowledge a musical moment´s heat and to celebrate the "hotness" or "spiciness" of Latin American culture" (Morales). However it began, salsa has become a word metaphorically associated with taste, happiness, and force of life.

It seems that the popularity of Salsa rose in New York in the 60s and hit the spotlight in the following decade, developing in the Hispanic areas of the cultural and economic capital of North America, New York. Although it may seem strange that a Hispanic phenomenon would spring out of New York, we have to bear in mind the continuous musical relationship that existed at the time between North America and Caribbean music, especially and notoriously Cuban music. During the peak of the Big Bands during the 40s and 50s, artists had been keen to accept and incorporate the new rhythms born in Cuba into their music. Even the blockade could not put a stop to the Cuban influence on music in New York, and so the music that arrived in the Big City or even Miami contributed to what we now know as Salsa. The Havana was full of North American tourists in bars and hotels run by Mafia clans looking to avoid taxes. At the same time, fans of Latin music flocked to their Mecca, the Palladium Dancehall on 52nd street New York, which also attracted many famous Latin American dancers and singers. Salsa became a "representation of Latin identity in New York" (Morales).

In the early 70s Salsa rapidly expanded to Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Columbia, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico among others! The trend was also influenced by Latin rap and expanded to Europe and Japan, where it was made popular by the famous Orquesta de la Luz, "Orchestra of the Sun". In the 80s a new form, the "salsa romantica" developed in New York, involving slow melodies and lyrics based on love, dreams and pleasures. This soon evolved into "salsa erotica" which involved a more melodic salsa with lyrics that contained abundant references to love and eroticism. However in the 90s this new thread began to decline in popularity, mainly due to the strong influence of other Caribbean rhythms such as the Dominican meringue and the bachata.

Nowadays salsa is a rhythm recognised by people all over the world, and has been adapted into many forms so that everyone has a chance to move their hips to the addictive Latin beat!

Special Christmas Offer: 2x1 Accommodation!

Stacey — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:38:12 +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!

Save with don Quijote's Online Booking!

Stacey — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:42:48 +0100

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!

Stacey — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:42:02 +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 09:40:31 +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 09:38:33 +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 09:37:03 +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.

don Quijote Salamanca students photo competition and accent the city!

Stacey — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:04:05 +0100

Remember Estela Díaz Rodríguez, the don Quijote Salamanca Spanish teacher we featured in our monthly newsletter of June 2009? Well, she continues to actively post entries in her "ele y... ¡olé!" blog and one of her recent postings got us intrigued...

Estela has organized an interesting activity for her Spanish students: a photo competition titled "The 5 wonders of Salamanca" - in which her 5 students enthusiastically participated in by submitting 5 photographs of the city of Salamanca and an explanation as to why it is their favorite spot in the entire city.

Take a peek at each student's photo slideshow and you, as the reader, can vote for your favorite until October 30th!

Lastly, for the grammar aficionados, be glad to know that Estela has taken her students on an "accent tour" around Salamanca. It consisted of her students pointing out store signs, publicity displays, etc., that have not been accented at all with the Spanish tílde!

The coolest thing? Her own students were the ones to quickly point out the errors. Talk about a hands-on activity that keeps everyone interested and learning when and when not to use tíldes!

Check out the slideshow of the accent photographs here.

Toledo

Lauren — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:40:44 +0100

Image credit: fotolog.com/dimer_again
If you are staying in Madrid or Salamanca, why not take the opportunity to head to the beautiful town of Toledo for a day..

Toledo is found almost directly in the centre of Spain and is the capital of the autonomous region of Castilla-La Mancha. The old city is located on a mountainside with 150 degree view, and surrounded on 3 sides by a bend in the river Tagus. The historic centre contains a beautiful and fascinating blend of Roman, Arabic and Baroque architecture. This is not surprising considering that the city was famed in the past for its religious tolerance, and was often known as "The City of Three Cultures" since it has been inhabited throughout the centuries by Christians, Jews and Arabs.

However, in more recent history it has been subject to conflict, particularly between the Republicans and the Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War. This principally took place in the Alcázar of Toledo, a stone fortification that was held by the Nationalists during the Civil War, and became a symbol of Spanish Nationalism. However, it now houses the Castilla-La Mancha Regional Library and Army musem.

Other remains of its multi-cultural past can still be seen today, such as the Roman aquaduct, the Cathedral, the Synagogue of Santa María La Blanca and the old Market street. This amalgamation of influences even attracted the famous Renaissance artist "El Greco" who moved to the city at the end of the 16th century when Toledo was one of the biggest cities in Europe.

Toledo is also famed for its production of swords, which seem to be available for purchase in almost every shop, in a variety of sizes and even foam replicas for children! And keep a look out for the coats of armour which also seemed to be on sale!

Toledo is less than half an hour from Madrid on one of the high speed trains, or a longer coach ride away from Salamanca. When we arrived by coach we were taken on a panoramic tour of the city, with the opportunity to stop and take some beautiful photos looking down at the river, and up at the historic centre and Alcázar. We then took a series of escalators up to the historic city centre, which seemed very bizarre in such an old town!

Toledo was a very interesting city and well-worth a visit!

2010 courses at 2009 prices!

Stacey — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:22:03 +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!

La Nochebuena

Anthony — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:20:46 +0200

As we’re approaching the end of October we are well into the autumn season. At this time of year many people start to think and talk about the upcoming festivities of Christmas. In other countries the buzz of Christmas can be seen from the start of September as all the shops fill up with Christmas stock. However Christmas in Spain is very different as no trace of it is seen until the month in which it is celebrated, December. The shop windows in Spain are decorated with minimal effort being made and very few people decorate the window or balcony. The traditional Belén (Nativity scene) that is set up in most Spanish homes in place of a Christmas tree is not brought out until the second half of December. This is because Christmas in Spain is less commercialized and focuses more on family and true spirit of Christmas.

Also being a largely catholic country Christmas time in Spain holds lots of religious connotations. The Belén that is set up in houses is sometimes, in some cities of Spain, made real-life and the locals make live belénes using real people to play the roles of the Virgin Mary, Joseph, Balthazar, Melchior, Gaspar (the 3 Kings) and a real baby as the newborn Jesus. This symbolic representation is also carried out in parts of Latin America, for example Christmas in Mexico, the procession of Las Posadas (The search for an inn) can be seen through the streets re-enacted by the people of the town.

In Spain the traditional Christmas dinner takes place on the night of the Nochebuena or Christams Eve. The Spanish consider it to be the biggest and most important meal of the year, hence celebrate the occasion in large family gatherings. The Spanish do not do things by halves preparing a feast is prepared with fish and shellfish usually as starters, then a roasted lamb or a suckling pig as the main, and this sometimes depends on the region. The dessert is a mix of delicacies consisting of the traditional mazapán (marzipan cakes), turrónes (hard or soft almond based candy nougats)and polvorónes (delicate “dusty” almond cookies). Spanish champagne or cava is typically drunk this time of year, but plenty of fine Spanish wines and ciders are also uncorked for the celebrations.

Christmas day itself is quite a low-key affair in Spain and the majority of businesses are closed. However there are a few that stay open, mainly restaurants or bars in which many Spanish eat on the 25th December. Adults exchange gifts on Christmas day whereas the children wait till the 6^th January to get their presents from Los Tres Reyes Magos (The three Kings), with the exception of Catalan children who receive them from El Tió Nadal, a wooden log with a drawn on happy face.

Experiencing Christmas in Spain is a different experience and why not do it combined with a Christmas Spanish course to truly to get the most from Christmas!

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

Stacey — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:07:31 +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!

New Year´s Eve in Spain!

Lauren — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:46:23 +0200

How many times can you celebrate New Year´s Eve in Spain? Seems like a stupid question doesn´t it? However, you ...

Rosario Flores

Lauren — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:25:06 +0200

On Saturday Salamanca welcomed Rosario Flores, Spanish actress and singer, to its annual ferias. Rosario performed on the stage that has been erected in the Plaza Mayor specifically for the week long festivals that are taking place in the city. The singer´s fame and reputation for vibrant and exciting performances attracted a huge crowd that filled the plaza entirely. And she didn´t disappoint! Rosario´s enthusiasm and joie de vivre was highly contagious and soon the whole crowd was dancing and singing even if, like me, they didn´t know the words!

Rosario Flores was born in Madrid in 1963 to Lola Flores, one of the greatest Spanish singers and Flamenco dancers, and Antonio Gónzalez, most commonly known as "El Pescailla", who was said to have invented the Spanish rumba. Rosa was the youngest in the family, with her older siblings, Lolita and Antonio, who were also both involved in the music industry.

Rosario started out by acting various films and television series, but music and dance was inevitably in her blood, so in 1984 she released her first mini-album "Vuela una noche". This first attempt, however, had little success compared to her following albums.

In 1992 she tried again with an album called "De Ley", including songs written by her brother Antonio, such as "Mi gato" and "Sabor sabor". This album was extremely popular and marked the beginning of a hugely successful career.

However, in 1995 tragedy struck when her mother, the famous Lola Flores, died from cancer. Tragically the family was to suffer again just two weeks later when Rosario´s beloved brother and accomplice Antonio also passed away.

The family was paralysed by grief, and the Spanish nation shocked by the devastating news. Rosario was deeply affected, but knew that she had to carry on, and so toured the whole of Spain in the summer of 1995. It was with this tour that she really made herself a definitive Spanish artist. She wowed the crowds with her live performances, demonstrating all the force and energy of her race, and the gypsy and flamenco roots that she inherited from her mother.

In 1996 her daughter Lola was born after her relationship with her then partner Carlos Orellana. She also released the album "Mucho por vivir", for the first time producing records without the help of her beloved brother Antonio. The album is a clear tribute to him and sold more than 400,000 copies.

Rosario dedicated her next album to her father, who passed away in 1999, having never got over the almost simultaneous deaths of his wife and son. The album, "Muchas Flores" is a tribute to the Spanish rumba, particularly the first song "Al son del tambor". It won a Latin Grammy Award in 2002 for Best Female Pop Album.

In 2002 she played Lidia in Pedro Almodóvar´s film "Hable con ella", a female matador who gets gored and ends up in a coma. It was during filming that Rosario met her current husband Pedro Lazaga, with whom she had a son in 2006.

Rosario´s performance in Salamanca was electrifying. Her gypsy roots were particularly apparent and she dazzled the crowd with her powerful voice and sexy moves. She described her attitude towards life perfectly by saying to the crowd...

¡Música es la medicina para el alma!
(Music is medicine for the soul)

Fireworks in Salamanca!

Lauren — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:36:38 +0200

The festivals in Salamanca got a kick start on Monday night, with an immense fireworks display by the river. Although the display was not due to start until 10, the roads down to the river filled up very quickly, with people running to try to get a good view! The first bangs set off a few bats over Salamanca´s awe-inspiring cathedral. However, this did not distract the crowd for long, which was soon mesmerised by the array of colours lighting up the sky. The display finished with an incredible finale which filled the sky with a plethora of gold sparkles, gaining a huge applause from the crowd. This was just the start of the wonderful events that the city of Salamanca will host during its annual fiestas in name of the patron saint of the city, La Virgen de la Vega (The Virgin of the Valley). Although the festivals are coming to an end, Salamanca remains a place to party all year round! Find out more about what Salamanca has to offer!

12-weeks of Spanish for 1536€!

Stacey — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:17:27 +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€.

Salamanca's September Fiesta: Virgen de la Vega

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

On the second week of September, Salamanca has its annual fiesta honoring La Virgen de la Vega (The Virgin of the Valley), the city’s patron saint since 1618.

For an entire week, this World Heritage city celebrates in her streets and theatres with many concerts, plays, fireworks, street performers, bullfights and even a circus!

Learn more about this summer fiesta most Salmantinos look forward to!

Would you like to study Spanish in the city whose inhabitants have the reputation of speaking the purest Spanish?
Request your free brochure and discover why don Quijote is perfect for you!

Last minute offer: Spanish and Tango in Argentina!

Stacey — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:13:27 +0200

Pick up Spanish as you dance in Argentina, the Latin America country of strong European customs renowned for its marvelous art, culture, welcoming people, great food, wines, lively nightlife... and the sensual tango!

Package includes:
              Intensive Spanish course
              Tango dance classes
              Accommodation
Location:
              Buenos Aires, Córdoba
Duration:4 weeks
Price:starting USD$1,680
Offer ends: September 29, 2009
Enroll by: September 29, 2009

Conditions:
- Offer applies only to schools in Buenos Aires and Cordoba.
- Offer cannot be combined with any other offer.
- Offer must be requested at time of booking.
- Offer subject to availability.

Register now for November 2009 DELE exams!

Stacey — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:49:47 +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 10:30:06 +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.

A student's experience with don Quijote (English and Spanish language)

Stacey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:00:02 +0200

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.

Bailamos!

Lauren — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:14:54 +0200

As many of you may know, students at don Quijote schools are not only given lessons in the Spanish language during the day, but are also have the opportunity to discover a little more about the Spanish culture itself at night! ¡Qué suerte! These additional cultural classes range from dancing and singing, to the showing of well-known Spanish films, such as those by the acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar.

Monday nights in Salamanca the don Quijote school hosts the weekly dance lesson. This time it was Flamenco. Having always been intrigued by this traditional "gitano" (gypsy) dance, I was keen to see if I would be able to pick up a few steps myself!

The class began at 7pm, as I arrived a little late (as usual!), I had to stand at the back. The room was hot already, and we hadn´t even started dancing yet! The teacher got everyone to warm up by practicing some of the traditional arm movements of flamenco, which involved a lot of waving your arms above your head and wrist-rotating. As least that´s what it looked like when we did it. The teacher herself made the movements look both powerful and graceful. As the temperature in the room began to increase, she led us through the basic footwork of flamenco, eventually showing us when to stamp our heels down. However, many of us simply looked like we were doing lunges, rather than learning a dance!

Then came the hard bit, trying to combine arms and legs...with music. After a few more practices, and several bruised toes later, most of the class had at least picked up the basics, or so we hoped. We were now told to pair up and start the dance facing each other, which proved quite difficult, but at least we could laugh together at each other´s mistakes! And nearly all the class managed to get the ending position right, even if nothing else!

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the lesson. Although we would never make it as professionals, everyone had a smile on their face when we finished . The lesson was an excellent opportunity not only to learn some flamenco, but also to meet other people from the school, as we bonded over our faulty footwork!

Rice Festival and Paella contest in Sueca

Stacey — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:00:05 +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 17:40:18 +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 17:33:31 +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.

Was ist mit den ganzen Papiertücher auf dem Boden?

Stacey — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:54:15 +0200

Eine Tapa ist ein kleines, Appetithäppchen das in Tapas-Bars üblicherweise zu Wein, jedoch auch zu Bier gereicht wird. Tapas entsprechen den im östlichen Mittelmeerraum und im Nahen Osten gebräuchlichen Mezedes.

Tapas werden in Spanien üblicherweise in Tapas-Bars und Bodegas serviert und dort im Stehen verzehrt. Jede Tapas-Bar besitzt dabei eine individuelle Auswahl an verschiedenen Tapas. Zu den Tapas wird meist Bier, Wein, Sherry, Wermut oder Portwein getrunken. Tapas im engeren Sinne sind kostenlose Beilagen zum Getränk.

Unterwegs um Tapas zu essen? Ganz ehrlich, wie fühlen Sie sich, wenn sie ihre Papiertücher auf dem Boden in einer spanischen Bar werfen?

Glücklicherweise muss die spanische Bevölkerung noch die Angewohnheit, dass sie ihre Papiertücher auf den Boden werfen während dem vernaschen ihrer „Pinchos“ ( Tapas), abgewöhnen. Gegessen wird normalerweise im Stehen und man ist sehr eng umgeben von dutzenden enthusiastischen Barbesucher.

Der Brauch (Stehen während dem Essen) erscheint einem sehr sinnvoll nachdem man den ersten Bissen eines „Pincho Morunu“ oder „Lomo A La Plancha“ genommen hat während man verzweifelt versucht ein Glas mit Rioja zu halten oder ein Plätzchen sucht um es kurzzeitig zu verstauen. Pinchos werden in einer kleinen spanischen Bar in der Tapasstunde im Stehen für die Mehrheit der Kunden gegessen und es ist einfach leichter meiner Meinung nach und ein Tick spaßiger einfach die Papiertücher dort wo man sich befinden fallen zu lassen, nachdem man nach dem nächsten Pincho greift.

Hier auch ein Tipp meinerseits: Wenn sie auf der Suche nach einer Bar in einer komischen spanischen Stadt sind und Sie die haupt Pincho-Stunde gefunden haben und alle Bars voll sind, nehmen sie doch bitte eines mit vollgefüllten „Einheimischen“. Aber wenn sie vor zwei leere Bars stehen, so leer, dass man den Boden sehen kann, vielleicht weil die meisten Menschen schon nach Hause für das Mittag- oder das Abendessen gestartet sind, ist Ihre beste Wahl immer die Bar mit der unglaublichen Sauerei von Papiertücher auf dem Boden.

Erhalte Deine don Quijote Broschüre gratis nach Hause

El Instituto Cervantes celebra la primera gran fiesta mundial del español

Stacey — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:35:19 +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 11:52:01 +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.