Spanish Programs Ecuador
Spanish Programs Peru
Spanish Programs Bolivia

METHODOLOGY

The focus of the Academia Latinoamericana de Español is on communication and our methodology involves a natural approach, total physical response, language experience approach, directed reading thinking activities, and the writing process. An integrated, topical curriculum approach reinforces vocabulary.



TYPICAL DAY SCHEDULE

FIRST SESSION

This first session will be specifically dedicated to studying Grammar and to practicing Reading, Comprehension and Writing style.

GRAMMAR:   Each student will study linguistic structures, grammatical functions and rules of Spanish. It has a very pragmatic approach in combination with a wide range of consolidation activities that are selected to reinforce the lesson of the day.

READING COMPREHENSION: The development of this skill will be carried out with real texts or learning materials that are coordinated to the lecture.  With the help and guidance of the teacher, each student interprets the texts orally and in writing to further aid their comprehension. Orthographic rules, vocabulary and punctuation will also be reviewed.

SECOND SESSION

This second session will be dedicated to studying oral comprehension and expression.

ORAL COMPREHENSION:  The development of this skill will be carried out with materials and documents designed to coordinate with the lecture.  The student, with the help of the teacher and different comprehension activities, will then interpret the audio visual materials orally and in writing.

ORAL EXPRESSION:  The student will participate interactively in a variety of different activities conducted by the teacher, such as presentations, debates, mini-plays, etc.  These activities will be carried out with different materials proposed by the teacher or the students, depending on everyone's necessities or interests. Spanish Phonetics (pronunciation, rhythm of the sentences and so on) will also be studied.

This program is based upon cultural elements as well as the language itself, thus adding a valuable dimension of the Latin American Culture.

Short field trips will be hosted to different sites within Quito, Cusco, Sucre (markets, museums, cathedrals, historical monuments, etc.). Also, activities such as dancing classes, cooking lessons, lectures, etc. will be offered. Every new student will have a welcome orientation and Quito/Cusco/Sucre city tour.

ORIENTATION DAY

The first Monday at the Academia Latinoamericana is an orientation day: every student will take an oral and written placement test. This has no other purpose than to place the student in the right group at the right level. Students are also evaluated every week. After the placement test all new students go on a city tour of Quito/ Cusco/ Sucre to get to know the city and learn how to get around and use the public transport system. In the afternoon there's an orientation session in which the student learns about all rules at the Academia, as well as about important issues such as security, do's and don'ts in Ecuador/ Peru/ Bolivia, the host family etc. Regular classes will start on Tuesday of the first week.

PROGRAMS

Nine levels of proficiency  (based on ACTFL standards) are available and students must pass tests at each level in order to progress to the next.

LEVELS

Lower beginner, medium beginner, high beginner, lower intermediate, medium intermediate, high intermediate, advanced, high advanced and superior.


COLLEGE - UNIVERSITY CREDITS

For college and university students, our courses and credits are essentially the same as those in most universities around the world. The amount of credits is based upon the number of contact hours, lectures, laboratory hours, reading assignments, and required papers. All of the student's exams and papers are forwarded to the student's college or university at the end of the student's stay in Quito.

CLASSES

Academic Hours are 60 minutes in length. Students may enroll for between 4 and 8 hours of classes per day. Students may enroll for as many weeks as desired. Courses lasting for more than 3 months will require a visa from the Ecuadorian government which the Academia can easily help the student secure.

HEALTH RESOURCES

Information is provided during the orientation session. It is important to mention that the Academia Latinoamericana in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia have their own bilingual medical doctors available for our students in case they need medical attention.

OTHER SERVICES

Mail service, money exchange, safety deposit box; luggage storage, counseling, immigration assistance, tourist information, use of facilities are also included.