Spanish Course in Valparaíso
- Location
- Quick facts
- Accommodation
- costs
- FAQ
- photos
Valparaíso is located just off the Pacific coast about 90 minutes drive from the capital Santiago de Chile. Chile's most important port city is a real gem - that is why Valparaíso is also called "La Joya del Pacífico" (the jewel of the Pacific).
The colorful house mosaic on the many hills above the sea was sung in songs and immortalized in poems. Also, literature Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda was inspired here. So much poetry does not mean that everything shines here - much more likely Valparaíso impresses with harsh harbor charm.
Since 2003, the old town of Valparaíso has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, uniquely combining the influences of immigrants from England, the USA, Germany and France, who joined the Chileans of Spanish descent in the 19th century. Valparaíso was until the opening of the Panama Canal, the most important port in South America and thus a Chilean melting pot of cultures. To this day, it is considered the most interesting city in Chile. Art and culture are flourishing here like nowhere else, and at almost every corner of the maze of alleyways and squares there are small galleries, artists' cafés, ateliers and street art projects to discover.
Upper and lower town are connected by countless stairs - so the inhabitants complete a daily fitness program. But since this is very tedious in the long run, many inclined lifts were built around 1900, which bring you effortlessly from bottom to top and back again. Many of them still serve today and are considered landmarks of the city.
Valparaíso is a perfect place to learn Spanish: With almost 300,000 inhabitants, it is much smaller than the capital (about 7 million inhabitants), but no less attractive. Only a metro ride away from the nearest beaches and surrounded by small fishing bays this colorful city offers a culturally unique atmosphere and a great nightlife. Students from all over Chile, language students, volunteers, work & travelers and tourists mingle with locals after sunset in the many bars and alleys, turning night into day.
Spanish School
Our small language school in Valparaíso with a nice, family atmosphere is located directly on the Plaza de Justicia in the city center. From there, it is only a few minutes to the lively harbor and the famous Plaza Sotomayor, which is considered the real center of Valparaíso. The Spanish students from all over the world are divided into four classrooms. The majority of them are between 20 and 40 years old.
The language school in Valparaíso has over 30 years of experience in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. All teachers are Spanish native speakers and usually have foreign language skills themselves. Therefore, they are able to put themselves into the place of the students very well and to make the lessons didactic as possible. In addition to the school's own teaching material, various audiovisual materials are used. To maintain the reputation of being the best language school in Valparaíso, it places great emphasis on quality teaching and friendly customer service.
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 45 minutes
Group Size
Maximum 6 students (average 3 students)
Minimum Age
16 years
Group Course
20 lessons / week
Homogeneous groups with a maximum of 6 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
15 lessons / week
Personalized attention by the teacher. The lessons are individually adapted to the needs and priorities of each student.
Intensive Course
30 lessons / week (20 groups + 10 individual)
The perfect mix of group and individual lessons. The Intensive Course is particularly suitable for students who want to move forward as quickly as possible in a short period of time.
Spanish + Volunteer Work
20 lessons / week Spanish group course + 2 to 4 afternoons Service Learning
Especially for our language students, we have developed this program that offers the opportunity to look even deeper into the Chilean culture, to quickly build up a vocabulary and to give back to society. Volunteering can take place in children's homes, day care centers, homeless shelters, animal welfare projects or similar social facilities. To be part of the real life of your host country is probably the most efficient way to learn a foreign language!
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
Recreational activities are offered sporadically (cooking classes, dance classes, horseback riding, trips in the area, outdoor sports, etc.) depending on the number of students and their interest.
Internet
WIFI available at school
The charm of Valparaíso will capture you immediately. For our language students, we offer carefully selected rooms in Chilean homestays.
You will have your own single room and access to the common areas. Living in a local homestay allows you to learn about the Chilean traditions and culture.
The Chileans are very warm people making it easy for you to get settled and to enjoy your stay. You can book your room with half-board (breakfast and dinner) or self-catering with access to the kitchen in order to prepare your meals.
All our homestays in Valparaíso are located in safe neighborhoods with good connection to public transportation. You will have also access to Internet (WIFI) at your homestay.
Our language courses in Valparaíso 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 (20 lessons / week)
2 weeks
US$ 440
3 weeks
US$ 660
4 weeks
US$ 880
additional week
US$ 220
Intensive Coruse (20 + 10 lessons / week)
2 weeks
US$ 730
3 weeks
US$ 1,095
4 weeks
US$ 1,460
additional week
US$ 365
Individual Course (15 lessons / week)
2 weeks
US$ 560
3 weeks
US$ 840
4 weeks
US$ 1,120
additional week
US$ 280
Homestay* (single room, no meals)
2 weeks
US$ 322
3 weeks
US$ 483
4 weeks
US$ 644
additional week
US$ 161
Homestay* (single room, half-board)
2 weeks
US$ 490
3 weeks
US$ 735
4 weeks
US$ 980
additional week
US$ 245
* High season surcharge for homestay US$ 4/ day between December 1 and February 28.
One week accommodation is equivalent to 7 days and 6 nights.
Additional offers:
- Volunteer Work (half-day, combined with a Spanish course): US$ 110 (one-off paymen)
Registration fee of US$ 120 for the Volunteer Work placement. - Airport pick-up in Santiago de Chile: US$ 40
The airport transfer will take you from the airport to the bus station in Santiago, where you will find many bus operators for your onward journey to Valparaíso (departure daily, every 30 minutes) - Get your Travel 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 students come from?
The language students represent a diverse range of nationalities. The nationalities that are most strongly represented throughout the year are Germans, Swiss, Austrians, Americans, Canadians and Brazilians. In the last couple of years the number of French and Asian students has been also increasing.
Can I do the DELE Test in Valparíso?
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.
Does the Spanish school in Valparaíso offer animation?
On a small scale and depending on the number of students, the language school in Valparaíso offers leisure activities. The city itself is also very easy to explore on its own and has many opportunities to spend the afternoons in a pleasant way. The miles of beaches in the neighboring town of Viña del Mar attract many sun seekers and water lovers, especially during the summer months, and many local tour agencies attract visitors with offers such as wine tours or adventure sports.
Will I be picked up at the airport?
We are happy to organize a pick-up service at the airport for you. This way you won’t have to go through the hassle of looking for a trustworthy taxi driver and won’t need to explain where exactly you are going. You will be picked- up at the airport in Santiago and brought directly to the bus station. From there you can buy your bus ticket to Valparaiso (departure daily every 30 minutes, approx. 2 hour drive). If you prefer to stay in Santiago for a night or more before heading to Valparaíso, you will be taken to your accommodation in Santiago instead.
Where will I be living?
Our Spanish students in Valparaíso stay in local homestays. You will be accommodated in a single room and you can use the commom areas of the house/apartment. All participants have access to a fully equipped kitchen where they can store and prepare food. Half-board (breakfast + dinner) can also be booked. Double rooms are available upon special request for friend or couples traveling together.
Will I have Internet at my accommodation?
Big cities and densely populated areas in Chile have good infrastructure. Internet access (WIFI) is included as standard in 100% of our accommodations. You can also use the Internet at the Spanish school in Valparaíso for free.
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 Spanish classes or whether they are of a different nature, we are always here for you to help. You will find our 24-hour emergency number on your reservation confirmation. It ensures that we are available for you 24/7.
Will I get a language certificate after the completion of the course?
Once you have successfully completed your Spanish course, you will receive a certificate confirming your acquired language skills.
What insurance do I need for my stay in Chile?
You need a travel health insurance so that you are fully 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
