WHAT WE LIKE - Key features of this program A safe & beautiful city, relatively undiscovered by English speaking tourists. A UNESCO World Heritage Trust site and 3rd largest city in the nation. Small school (7 classrooms) very friendly, with gardens and downtown.

Enjoy a Spanish language course in Ecuador at our language school in the city of Cuenca.

Located in an Andean valley, Cuenca is said to be the "Athens of Ecuador" and is truly a town of striking contrasts, it's easy to forget you live in the 21st century. It has successfully preserved its past from its cobblestone streets, bustling plazas and verdant parks, colonial churches and towering cathedrals, to its colorful Indian markets and pre-Columbian ruins.

The Colonial part of Cuenca is just across the Tombamba River from modern day Cuenca with its new office buildings, art galleries and two universities. Cuenca is easily Ecuador's (and perhaps all of South America's) most beautiful city and the city center is clean and safe.

The city is home to many scholars and artists, the city has an intellectual tradition that has produced more notable writers, poets, artists, and philosophers than anywhere else in Ecuador.

SCHOOL FACILITIES 7 classrooms, social room, library, video room and snack bar. Students can relax outside in the school gardens between breaks. Internet café’s can be found only a short walk away.

Our small but friendly school is located in the center of this beautiful colonial town. The school is located in an impressive detached building overlooking the Barranco River and the city center.

THE BASICS Course for all language levels - set dates for beginners - use of course materials - each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning - lessons are usually held in the mornings starting 09:00am each day - min age 18 - Max. 4 students per class - unlimited course length. Note: absolute beginners must take a minimum of two weeks of private lessons at the outset of their studies.

Standard: (20 lessons per week).

We teach the grammar used in Spain, which differs somewhat from that used in the rest of Latin America.

Teachers are native speakers and many are University educated with years of teaching experience. They will help enhance your speaking, listening, grammar and general comprehension skills. They will also use interactive techniques such as role-play, games and perhaps videos to support lesson content.

Current political, social and cultural materials are integrated to add interest and increase knowledge of the host country and culture. Homework assignments are given and students will be tested.

After classes are over for the day activities are held most days, normally in the evenings and include: cookery classes, plays, films, concerts, sports and workshops.

The school also organizes a full weekend excursion each month to one of the following: Cajas Natural Park (a beautiful picturesque mountain area with natural lagoons, 30km), Gualaceo and Chordeleg (a region of craft villages and interesting gastronomy, 45km), Chorro de Giron (hike through the mountains and jungle, 30km).

If you plan to make your own travel arrangements, the school can assist you. Bus and taxis are very cheap; you can probably arrange a weekend excursion on your own including accommodation for approx. $40.00. The beach, which is about 2 hours by bus, can be reached for less than $5.00. The only expensive trip is to the Gal.

> Plan a group language program at this location! > GSA Advantage for US Government & Military personnel > Study & Live with your own private language teacher > Volunteer program - Andean Bear Project > 3 cities in 3 months - study in Quito/Cusco/Sucre

Host Family: (private room)
3 meals daily and laundry service

IMPORTANT: Accommodation in a hotel is provided for the first nights stay upon arrival in Quito. Students should arrange to fly into Quito on the Saturday before classes start, due to flight arrival times, students are expected to stay the night in a a hotel. Our program includes: airport transfers in Quito, one night in hotel, a one-way flight to Cuenca, where you will be picked up on Sunday by your host family.

Living with a Spanish host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country.

Plan to spend approx. $30.00 per week on busses, taxis, snacks, and other miscellaneous items per week. Many students bring a small gift for the host family, however we think it is a nicer gesture to bring some school supplies for the local children, pens, pencils, crayons are needed and appreciated by the local school children.

It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad. Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.

Please Read: Important Travel Documentation

Important arrival notes: Cuenca airport is only a domestic airport and is located about 15 minutes drive from the city. It is not possible to purchase a round trip air ticket to Cuenca outside of the country, so please plan to arrange this upon arrival in Quito, flight times Quito – Cuenca (45 minutes).

Languages Abroad for an additional cost can arrange a one-way ticket, airport transfers and hotel accommodation for an additional cost, please see price page for further details.

"The Quito and Cuenca, Ecuador programs were both wonderful. The programs were both well structured. I learned more in two months than I think I could learn in 5 years in the US. The website was easy to use and provided lots of information about the various locations.

The staff was great and easy to contact by phone or e-mail. Both homestays were great. Each provided me with a private bathroom and bedroom, keys to the house, and meals. In Quito I had to take a short bus ride to school and in Cuenca it was about a 30 minute walk.

Studying abroad is a wonderful experience and Languages Abroad has a wide range of options. The staff is very knowlegable and can help you pick the perfect program for your needs."
Worth (age: 26) who studied at Quito and Cuenca, ECUADOR, April 2006