Spanish Course in Pichilemu
- Location
- Quick facts
- accommodation
- costs
- FAQ
- Photos
Pichilemu is Chile's hotspot for surfing fans from all over the world. The former rather small and sleepy fishing village is about three and a half hours southwest of Santiago de Chile on the Pacific coast. In recent decades, Pichilemu has developed to a popular holiday destination because of the beautiful beaches and scenic hinterland with many wineries. But most of all, the waves attract visitors all year round, and during the summer months surf competitions are also carried out on an international level. Pichilemu‘s waves provide a great base for surfing for both beginners and advanced.
Due to the growing demand of both national and international guests, Pichilemu's accommodation and leisure facilities have also increased. Everywhere you will find small hotels, hostels and cozy cottages. In the center of the town and along the beach there are many restaurants, cafes and pubs. Thanks to the still small size of Pichilemu, everything is within easy reach on foot.
Spanish School
The language school in Pichilemu is located in the center of the small, pretty coastal town, just a few minutes' walk from the long beach. In the immediate vicinity are cozy cafes, restaurants, snack bars and shops. The beautiful courtyard of the school or the nearby park, invite to have lunch in a relaxed atmosphere or just to relax and unwind after the Spanish lessons.
The classrooms are located on the third floor of a modern building, from where you have a beautiful panoramic view of the sea, the cape and the historic district of Pichilemu. There is also a rooftop terrace with sun loungers, tables and chairs. In the cozy reception room, students can do homework, have coffee, exchange books and watch movies.
The Spanish school in Pichilemu was founded in 2005 to build a quality language center in rural Chile. In fact, the seafront language school offers a wonderful contrast to studying Spanish in the country’s capital Santiago de Chile. For students who would like to get to know both locations, the courses in Santiago and Pichilemu can be combined.
The majority of Spanish students in Pichilemu come from North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. An interesting mix of cultures is given and learning with other globetrotters is even more fun!
The privileged location right on the coast and endless beaches, recreational activities are not too short. The language school in Pichilemu offers a wide range of leisure activities in the afternoons, evenings and weekends. For example, the school organizes Surf, kite and SUP courses at all levels of difficulty, and in addition to the beach and water sports activities there are also cultural activities available. Excursions to the nearby wineries in the hinterland, horseback riding and weekend trips to Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, Santiago and national parks in are particularly popular. The school also offers yoga classes and outdoor activities on site. In Pichilemu itself bikes can be borrowed to explore the beautiful surroundings on your own.
As a hotspot of the international surf scene, Pichilemu offers a lively nightlife, especially in the summer, with many trendy bars, discotheques and restaurants. In addition, various (international) surfing competitions and music events are held in Pichilemu throughout the year.
Start Date
All year round. Always on Mondays for all levels.
Minimum Duration
2 weeks
Spanish Levels
6 levels according to CEFR, Common European Framework of References (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2)
Duration / Lesson
1 lesson equals 50 minutes
Group Size
Maximum 8 students (average 4 students)
Minimum Age
16 years
Group Course
15 lessons / week
Homogeneous groups with a maximum of 8 students ensure fast learning and fun in class. The course takes place in the morning, only in exceptional cases, the course may be held in the afternoon.
Individual Course
10 lessons / week
Personalized attention by the teacher. The lessons are individually adapted to the needs and priorities of each student.
Spanish + Surf
15 lessons / week Spanish group course + 7,5 hours Surf course
The absolute highlight in Pichilemu is the combination of Spanish lessons with surf lessons. Pichilemu is Chile's surfing mecca and the surf lessons are the perfect contrast to the classroom. The surfing equipment is included. The surf course is given by experienced surf instructors.
Placement Test
You will do a placement test on the first day of school or online before the start of the course in order to determine your current language skills. You will then be assigned to the suitable group.
Teaching Material
The teaching material is included in the course fee. Each language level has a workbook with numerous exercises. In the classroom, these are supplemented by further work and teaching material.
Language Diploma
At the end of the course, a certificate will be issued to confirm your language level.
Spare Time Activities
Depending on the number of students and their interest leisure activities such as cooking classes, dance classes, yoga, horseback riding, trips in the area, outdoor sports, etc. are offered.
Internet
WIFI available at school
The best way to learn the language and the culture of your host country is to live with locals. This is why we accommodate our Spanish students in Pichilemu in local homestays.
Homestays are rooms in private homes where one or more rooms are rented. Our students live in single rooms (double rooms on request) and can be integrated into the family life. Homestay accommodation includes breakfast, lunch, and an early evening snack.
All homestays are close to the language school and can be reached on foot or by bicycle. In rare cases it is necessary to take the bus. Homestay accommodation is a great way to practice the language and gain cultural experience!
Alternatively, there is the possibility to stay in a single or shared room in a hostel. In this case, no meals are included, but you have access to a kitchen, where you can store your food and prepare meals.
Our language courses in Pichilemu include:
- Personal advice and support before and during the Spanish course
- English-speaking contact person
- Pre-departure information about your stay
- Country handbook Chile
- Free internet access at school
- Teaching material
- Execution and evaluation of the placement test
- Drinks, tea, coffee and biscuits during breaks
- Spare time activities offered by the school (may have extra cost)
- Language certificate after completing the course
- 24/7 emergency number
- Accommodation (if booked)
- Airport pick-up (if booked)
Costs
Group Course (15 lessons / week)
2 weeks
US$ 360
3 weeks
US$ 540
4 weeks
US$ 720
additional week
US$ 180
Individual Course (10 lessons / week)
2 weeks
US$ 580
3 weeks
US$ 870
4 weeks
US$ 1,160
additional week
US$ 290
Surf Course (7,5 hours / week)
2 weeks
US$ 320
3 weeks
-
4 weeks
-
additional week
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Homestay (single room, full-board)
2 weeks
US$ 570
3 weeks
US$ 855
4 weeks
US$ 1,140
additional week
US$ 285
Hostel (single room)
2 weeks
US$ 360
3 weeks
US$ 540
4 weeks
US$ 720
additional week
US$ 180
Enrolment fee US$ 70.
One week accommodation is equivalent to 7 days and 6 nights.
Additional offers:
- Airport pick-up in Santiago de Chile: U$ 40
The airport transfer will take you from the airport to the bus station in Santiago, where you can buy your bus ticket for your onward journey to Pichilemu (departures several times each day). - Get your Travel Health Insurance here:
Holidays 2019
Jan 01, Apr 19, May 01, May 21, Jul 16, Aug 15, Sep 18 + 19 + 20, Oct 31, Nov 01, Dec 25.
Lost lessons will be made up.
How are students assigned to the suitable language course?
Each new student will take a placement test before starting the language course. This must either be submitted in advance by e-mail or it will be carried out on the first day of school before the course begins. Based on this test, the existing Spanish language skills are determined and the student assigned to the appropriate group. In the case of a private course, the placement test serves to determine the appropriate course material.
Where do the other Spanish student come from?
The range of language students' countries of origin is mixed. The nationalities that are most strongly represented throughout the year are Germans, Swiss, Austrians, Americans and Canadians. The number of French and Australians coming to Pichilemu to learn Spanish has also increased over the last years.
Can I do the DELE Test in Pichilemu?
We offer preparation courses for the DELE Test (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) in the language school in Santiago de Chile. The test itself can not be completed in Chile.
Will I be picked-up at the airport?
We are happy to organize the airport pick-up for you. Our pick-up service saves you the hassle of finding a trustworthy taxi driver at the airport. Also communication problems can be avoided with our pick-up service. If you have booked a language course in Pichilemu, our pick-up service will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the bus station in Santiago de Chile. From there you can continue your journey to Pichilemu (about 4 hours bus ride, several departures each day).
Where will I be staying?
Our Spanish students in Pichilemu stay in local homestays. Unless requested otherwise, you will be accommodated a single room (double rooms are available upon request for friends or couples traveling together). The accommodation in homestays also includes full-board. In addition, we offer the option to book a single room with kitchen access in a nice hostel in Pichilemu through us.
Do I have Internet access at my accommodation?
Internet access (WIFI) is standard equipment in 100% of our accommodations. You can also use the internet for free at the Spanish school in Pichilemu.
Does the language school offer leisure activities?
Pichilemu‘s main attraction are undoubtedly the waves! Pichilemu is known worldwide as one of the best surfing destinations in South America. The fun in Pichilemu is mainly about beach, the ocean and surfing. However, the Spanish school also offers other activities, such as cooking classes, dance classes or yoga.
Weekend activities organized by the school usually take place in the form of day trips to the surrounding area, this can be the visit to wineyards, national parks are cultural sites. Likewise, depending on the season and the number of students outdoor activities are carried out (SUP, horseback riding, hiking, etc.).
What should I do if I have a problem?
In the unlikely event that you experience problems during your stay in Chile, we are available to provide assistance. No matter whether you encounter these problems in your language course or whether they are of a different nature, we are always happy to help. You will find our 24-hour emergency number on your booking confirmation.
What insurance do I need for my stay in Chile?
To participate in a stay abroad with Chile Inside you need a travel health insurance so that you are covered in case of illness or accident. You can get this insurance online on our website at a reasonable cost. More information can be found here: Travel Health Insurance
