faq

WHERE IS YOUR SCHOOL LOCATED?
The Academia de Español Quito is located in the commercial center of modern Quito, an area with many tourist attractions, surrounded by first class hotels, restaurants, cafes, banks, travel agencies, Internet cafes, airline offices, libraries, universities, museums, craft shops, shopping centers and embassies.

Mailing address:
Academia de Español Quito,
Marchena Oe1-30 y 10 de Agosto
Quito, Ecuador

WHEN I WANT TO START CLASSES, HOW MUCH ADVANCE NOTICE DO YOU REQUIRE?
You should enroll at least two weeks before the date you wish to start.

ARE CLASSES CONTRACTED ON WEEK BASES ONLY?
No, you may study as many days as desired, eg. two weeks and three days.

IS IT NECESSARY TO START CLASSES ON MONDAYS?
You may start classes any day of the week, from Monday through Friday.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO ENROLL IN MORE THAN ONE PROGRAM?
Indeed, you may enroll in one or more programs (or a combination) for the duration of your course.

DO YOU OFFER GROUP LESSONS?
Yes, group lessons are available if you come with friends or a group. Class size: five students maximum.

AT WHAT TIME SHOULD STUDENTS COME TO SCHOOL ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS?
On their first day of class, you must come to school thirty minutes before the starting time to fill out registration papers and to have an individual orientation.

WILL SOMEONE TAKE ME TO SCHOOL ON THE FIRST SCHOOL DAY?
If you live with a host family you will be driven to the school on your first day of class.

WHAT DOES THE HOMESTAY OPTION INCLUDE?
The homestay option includes a private bedroom, two daily meals (breakfast and dinner) and laundry service.

IF I DO NOT WANT TO LIVE WITH A HOST FAMLY, ARE THERE OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS AVAILABLE?
If you do not wish to live in a host family, we will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable hotel or apartment.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGE OF YOUR STUDENTS?
Our students’ average age is between 19 and 28 years old, nevertheless, all ages are welcome.

WHAT ARE YOUR TEACHERS’ QUALIFICATIONS?
All of our teachers have university degrees in Spanish grammar, literature or a related field and have more than four years experience in teaching foreign students.

DO YOU HAVE A PLACEMENT TEST?
If you have any knowledge of Spanish, you will take a placement test on the first day of class, in order for you to start at the appropiate level. This test usually takes 40 minutes.

WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL SPANISH DIPLOMA?
The International Spanish Diploma is an academic accreditation of the title-holder's ability to communicate effectively with other Spanish speakers. The Diploma is expedited by the Pontificate's University of Salamanca (Spain) and follows the guidelines for learning, teaching and evaluation of languages set by the European Community's Frame of Reference and the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

IS TEACHING MATERIAL INCLUDED IN THE COURSE PRICE?
Yes, books and notebooks are provided. These texbooks were created by the school. They cover grammar, reading, vocabulary and exercises. If you have Spanish textbooks of your own, please feel free to bring them.

DO YOU TAKE CREDIT CARDS?
No, we do not accept credit cards, you may pay with travelers’ cheques or cash.

IS MEDICAL INSURANCE INCLUDED IN MY TUITION?
No, tution at the Academia de Espanol Quito does NOT include medical insurance. You should look into securing appropriate medical insurance before your trip. Most study abroad programs through host universities offer medical coverage. If you presently have medical insurance in your host country you should make it covers you for travel to foreign countries and look into the rules and procedures for obtaining medical help beforehand.

WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
Usually we do not give refunds unless there is an important reason such as death or illness in the family. In other cases you may finish your remaining class hours at any time within one year of your enrollment.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN ECUADOR?
Ecuador has basically three climate regions that can be accurately determined: The tropical region of the coast and jungle is hot; the semi-tropical regions are warm; and the highlands are cool, but moderately warm during the dry season. Quito, at 2,850 meters above sea level, has a temperate Andean climate with temperatures between 12 and 20° C (50 - 68° F) in the Andean Highlands; at the coast 22 and 34° C (72 - 86° F); and for the Amazon basin between 24 and 32°C (76 - 90°F).

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
In the Andean highlands spring clothes, a few sweaters and a raincoat or jacket is necessary.
In the Amazon and at the Coast you can wear summer clothes all year round. A raincoat can sometimes be useful in the rainforest.
For the Galapagos Islands we suggest comfortable and casual clothes. Summer sport clothes are just fine.

ARE VACCINATIONS NECESSARY TO TRAVEL TO ECUADOR?
Ecuador does not require any vaccinations. However, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Yellow Fever are recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions WHERE IS YOUR SCHOOL LOCATED? The Academia de Español Quito is located in the commercial center of modern Quito, an area with many tourist attractions, surrounded by first class hotels, restaurants, cafes, banks, travel agencies, Internet cafes, airline offices, libraries, universities, museums, craft shops, shopping centers and embassies. Mailing address: Academia de Español Quito, Marchena Oe1-30 y 10 de Agosto Quito, Ecuador WHEN I WANT TO START CLASSES, HOW MUCH ADVANCE NOTICE DO YOU REQUIRE? You should enroll at least two weeks before the date you wish to start. ARE CLASSES CONTRACTED ON WEEK BASES ONLY? No, you may study as many days as desired, eg. two weeks and three days. IS IT NECESSARY TO START CLASSES ON MONDAYS? You may start classes any day of the week, from Monday through Friday. IS IT POSSIBLE TO ENROLL IN MORE THAN ONE PROGRAM? Indeed, you may enroll in one or more programs (or a combination) for the duration of your course. DO YOU OFFER GROUP LESSONS? Yes, group lessons are available if you come with friends or a group. Class size: five students maximum. AT WHAT TIME SHOULD STUDENTS COME TO SCHOOL ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS? On their first day of class, you must come to school thirty minutes before the starting time to fill out registration papers and to have an individual orientation. WILL SOMEONE TAKE ME TO SCHOOL ON THE FIRST SCHOOL DAY? If you live with a host family you will be driven to the school on your first day of class. WHAT DOES THE HOMESTAY OPTION INCLUDE? The homestay option includes a private bedroom, two daily meals (breakfast and dinner) and laundry service. IF I DO NOT WANT TO LIVE WITH A HOST FAMLY, ARE THERE OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS AVAILABLE? If you do not wish to live in a host family, we will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable hotel or apartment. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGE OF YOUR STUDENTS? Our students’ average age is between 19 and 28 years old, nevertheless, all ages are welcome. WHAT ARE YOUR TEACHERS’ QUALIFICATIONS? All of our teachers have university degrees in Spanish grammar, literature or a related field and have more than four years experience in teaching foreign students. DO YOU HAVE A PLACEMENT TEST? If you have any knowledge of Spanish, you will take a placement test on the first day of class, in order for you to start at the appropiate level. This test usually takes 40 minutes. WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL SPANISH DIPLOMA? The International Spanish Diploma is an academic accreditation of the title-holder's ability to communicate effectively with other Spanish speakers. The Diploma is expedited by the Pontificate's University of Salamanca (Spain) and follows the guidelines for learning, teaching and evaluation of languages set by the European Community's Frame of Reference and the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). IS TEACHING MATERIAL INCLUDED IN THE COURSE PRICE? Yes, books and notebooks are provided. These texbooks were created by the school. They cover grammar, reading, vocabulary and exercises. If you have Spanish textbooks of your own, please feel free to bring them. DO YOU TAKE CREDIT CARDS? No, we do not accept credit cards, you may pay with travelers’ cheques or cash. IS MEDICAL INSURANCE INCLUDED IN MY TUITION? No, tution at the Academia de Espanol Quito does NOT include medical insurance. You should look into securing appropriate medical insurance before your trip. Most study abroad programs through host universities offer medical coverage. If you presently have medical insurance in your host country you should make it covers you for travel to foreign countries and look into the rules and procedures for obtaining medical help beforehand. WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY? Usually we do not give refunds unless there is an important reason such as death or illness in the family. In other cases you may finish your remaining class hours at any time within one year of your enrollment. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN ECUADOR? Ecuador has basically three climate regions that can be accurately determined: The tropical region of the coast and jungle is hot; the semi-tropical regions are warm; and the highlands are cool, but moderately warm during the dry season. Quito, at 2,850 meters above sea level, has a temperate Andean climate with temperatures between 12 and 20° C (50 - 68° F) in the Andean Highlands; at the coast 22 and 34° C (72 - 86° F); and for the Amazon basin between 24 and 32°C (76 - 90°F). WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? In the Andean highlands spring clothes, a few sweaters and a raincoat or jacket is necessary. In the Amazon and at the Coast you can wear summer clothes all year round. A raincoat can sometimes be useful in the rainforest. For the Galapagos Islands we suggest comfortable and casual clothes. Summer sport clothes are just fine. ARE VACCINATIONS NECESSARY TO TRAVEL TO ECUADOR? Ecuador does not require any vaccinations. However, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Yellow Fever are recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions