Language Courses

[gary]

I am planning to do a two week intensive Spanish course next summer to improve my skills (and give me something to do during the day whilst wifey is sunning it) Im looking at Isla (http://www.learningspanish-spain.com) in either Salamanca or Barcelona (probably the latter as there are no beaches in Salamanca)

Has anyone any advice? Have you experience any of this type of course?

I would be interested to hear your views....

[timg]

Well I've been to both the Barcelona and Salamanca ISLA schools. I enjoyed both, but I prefer Salamanca as a place. ISLA is quite good in that the couple who are run it are anglo/german. Both speak very good English, and the administrative team have varying levels of English. You are encouraged to speak spanish all the time.

When I went to the Barcelona school I did the same as you're planning - the wifey went sunbathing while I was in class. I told the school about this beforehand, so they arranged for me to be in class in the morning and wifey & I had the afternoon together. I guess it depends on what classes are running.

There are several things which I think ISLA has in common with many other language schools:

. unless you're an absolute beginner, on the day you arrive you'll have to do a test so they can gauge your level of Spanish.

. assuming you don't go for completely custom classes, you'll have 2 types of classes (half the time in grammar classes - though you get a lot of speaking practice, and the other half in conversation class - where you're encouraged to speak more freely, discuss topics, play some word games, other activities, all to get you practising). You'll probably have different teachers for each type of class, though both are capable of teaching either so they keep an eye on your grammar all the time.

. class sizes are usually small (largest class I had was 8 people), so you get a lot of help and practise.

. there are weekly tests to make sure that you're progressing well and that you're still in the right class for your ability.

. the school can arrange accomodation for you - this is a great help if you don't know the town that well.

. most times I've been, I have been the oldest in the class, but it's definitely not a problem - most people there are good folks - and I have been in classes with retired folk again with absolutely no problem.

. the ISLA Barcelona school is along the seafront from the centre, in the olympic village area, behind the Gehry fish building (Peix Hotel d'Arts).

. there's a big multiplex cinema in the marina complex.

The things I didn't like so much about Barcelona were the obvious really:
. big city
. you're surrounded more by catalan than castellano

The things I did like about Barcelona:
. Gaudi
. Gaudi
. the waterfront and beach
. El Corte Inglés (there isn't one in Salamanca)
. Gaudi

It might be worth checking with ISLA, or whichever school you choose, whether they have any of their school parties or large groups of students from one place in at the time you're thinking of. The whole dynamic of the school changes when there's a large group of, say Brits, Americans or Germans who all know each other already - there is a huge temptation for them to always stay together in their group, speaking their own language.

I'm sure there's loads more that I haven't remembered. I'll post again if I do.
For an idea of the type of grammar that is taught at these types of schools, take a look at my site (http://timandangela.org.uk).

Have fun whatever you do.
Tim

PS we share a birthday - spooky !:eek:

[gary]

Thanks for your input it has helped to convince me to go for it... the fact that you have been back to Isla so regularly is recommendation enough - your site looks great I will dip in regularly

thanks Again

Gary

My second grandson is due on our birthday.... the Spook goes on...:eek:

[gary]

PS we share a birthday - spooky !

looked it up - you're 1 jan - I'm 26th june :eek:

[timg]

looked it up - you're 1 jan - I'm 26th june :eek:
1st jan is just the default date for the personal info form - I normally avoid putting too much personal info on sites.:cool:

[gary]

1st jan is just the default date for the personal info form - I normally avoid putting too much personal info on sites.:cool:


A man of mystery, all is now apparent, anyway happy birthday to us quite soon, thanks againfor your valuable comments

Gary