Spanish Language Courses in Cuenca, Ecuador at Estudio Sampere
Ecuador is a small country with a population of 11,000,000 people. It is about the same size as the United Kingdom (approximately 280,000 Km2), but it is a great country in the majesty of its landscape and variety of all types of life.
Ecuador is a land bursting with contrasts: the warm Pacific coastline, the summits of the Andes mountains and the tangled Amazon rain forest form a brightly colored mosaic of exuberant nature and cultural diversity. And one cannot forget the Galapagos Islands, at a short two hour flight away.
Of all Andean countries, Ecuador is certainly the one in which travel is easiest and safest. Distances are short, infrastructures are acceptable, and prices are quite accessible. Whether scaling the heights of the Andes, venturing into the heart of the Amazon jungle, or sunbathing on the Pacific beaches, Ecuador offers the traveler a variety of adventures which can be reached by a bus trip of a few hours or by a half-hour flight. We highly recommend staying an extra week, or at least a few days, to travel after you have finished the Course. You’ll find it’s definitely worth it!
The City of Cuenca is the cultural capital of Ecuador and its third largest city. It is also Ecuador’s best-kept secret. Cuenca and its surrounding region are rich in history, with a colonial atmosphere that has survived thanks to years of almost complete isolation. Cuenca is a city of fascinating contrasts: two universities, museums and art galleries stand alongside Indian markets rarely visited by foreigners. Exploring this delightful Latin American city and getting to know its friendly people will make you want to stay forever.
ESTUDIO SAMPERE CUENCA Spanish School
Estudio Sampere was established in Madrid, Spain, in 1956. It is one of the oldest and best known Spanish language schools dedicated solely to teaching Spanish as a foreign language. The Estudio Sampere Spanish Language School in Cuenca, Ecuador, follows the same curriculum and offers the same high quality Spanish learning experience as the Estudio Sampere centers in Spain, but also offers a uniquely Latin American cultural experience. Cuenca was chosen as the location for the Sampere Spanish School in Latin America for several reasons, the most important being the kindness and hospitality of the inhabitants (population 250,000).
Cuenca has successfully preserved its colonial past from its cobbled streets, churches, pre-Hispanic ruins, museums and craft shops to its colorful Indian markets. This cultural heritage is found side by side with modern office buildings, art galleries and two Universities, all in a world brimming with colors and contrasts. Cuenca is located in an Andean valley at an altitude of 2,200 meters, and the climate is spring-like, with average temperatures ranging between 14° and 24° C. The region is rich in history and tradition -the Ingapirca ruins and picturesque craft villages such as Chordeleg are found nearby. Nature in Ecuador displays all her magnificence- the Cajas Natural Park and Avenida de los Volcanes (Volcano Avenue) are easily accessible.
The Estudio Sampere Spanish Language School in Cuenca is situated in a detached building overlooking the Barranco River in the city center. The school has seven classrooms, a small garden, common room, library and video room. It has a friendly atmosphere, and the director and staff are Ecuadorians who make up a professional and committed team.
Please click on the following tabs for more information on our Spanish Language Courses in Cuenca, Ecuador:
Estudio Sampere – Spanish Language Courses in Cuenca
INTENSIVE MINI-GROUP SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES in CUENCA (see pricing chart below):
Intensive Spanish Language Course – Group 6 – 20 Spanish Lessons plus 4 Spanish Cultural Lessons per week. Maximum of 6 students per class.
The Intensive Spanish Mini-Group Course includes:
- 20 Spanish lessons per week (1 lesson = 45 minutes).
- Afternoon Cultural activities.
- Maximum of 6 students per group.
- Materials required for the Course (Home work and exercise book).
- Text book on loan for duration of the course.
- 7 levels: Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Upper Intermediate and Advanced.
- From 1 to 16 weeks.
- 3 Visits to the museums and monuments of Cuenca (entrance fees not included).
- Participation in School activities (films, parties, meetings).
- Help in organizing trips, expeditions, adventures.
Intensive Spanish Course PLUS One-to-One 10— 20 Group Spanish Lessons plus 4 Cultural lessons PLUS 10 One-to-One Spanish lessons per week. Course includes: same as Intensive Spanish Course described above plus 10 private Spanish lessons each week.
Intensive Spanish Course PLUS One-to-One 5— 20 Group Spanish Lessons plus 4 Cultural lessons PLUS 5 One-to-One Spanish lessons per week. Course includes: same as Intensive Spanish Course described above plus 5 private Spanish lessons each week.
Mini-Group Intensive Spanish Courses Starting dates: Group courses will start EVERY MONDAY for all levels.
Mini-Group Spanish Language Courses in Cuenca, Ecuador – Prices 2023:
(All programs: NO application fee. A non-refundable USD 100.00 deposit is required at the time of enrollment. Deposit will be subtracted from final program invoice. See Application Procedures)
| Course Description | One week | Two weeks | Three weeks | Four weeks | Extra weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intensive Spanish Course -Group 6 | $260 | $435 | $610 | $785 | $165 |
| Intensive Spanish PLUS 10 One-to-One | $355 | $625 | $895 | $1,165 | $260 |
| Intensive Spanish PLUS 5 One-to-One | $310 | $535 | $760 | $985 | $215 |
All prices include school registration fee.
TOTAL IMMERSION SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES in CUENCA – One-to-One Spanish lessons (see pricing chart below):
(All programs: Please add USD 100.00 Lingua Service Worldwide Application fee. See Application Procedures.)
The Total Immersion Spanish Language Courses in Cuenca consist of private lessons exclusively. Students may choose the number of private lessons per week as listed below. This program can be tailored to specific professional needs and job specific vocabulary requirements. This is a very effective program for students that only have a short span of time available and it is offered at very good rates. Students participating in the Total Immersion Spanish course may also participate in the 4 free Cultural lessons offered each week.
The Total Immersion Spanish Language Courses in Cuenca include:
- 20 or 25 Spanish lessons per week (1 lesson = 45 minutes). Note: 30 or 40 lessons per week available upon request.
- One-to-One teaching (1 student = 1 teacher).
- Books and material required for the Course.
- All levels (Beginners to Advanced, Teachers, Specialists, Technicians).
- From 5 days to 4 weeks.
- The same features as the Intensive Course.
Total Immersion Spanish Language Courses in Cuenca, Ecuador – Prices 2023:
| Course Description | One week | Extra weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Private Spanish classes: 20 lessons per week | $335 | $300 |
| Private Spanish classes: 25 lessons per week | $385 | $350 |
Prices include school registration fees.
Starting dates for Total Immersion Spanish Courses in Cuenca: Any Monday.
Holidays 2023: 2 January, 20 February, 7 April, 1 May, 26 May, 11 August, 9 October, 2-3 November, 25 December. Group classes missed due to holidays or student absences are not made up.
Airport Transfers are now optional and offered at additional cost!: Airport transfers are available from Quito or Guayaquil at an additional cost (USD 250.00 for arrivals in Quito and USA 220.00 for arrivals in Guayaquil). Students are met at Quito or Guayaquil airports and aided on their trip to Cuenca. Airfare Quito-Cuenca or Guayaquil-Cuenca ONE-WAY is included in this price (return ticket is approx. USD 100 and must be purchased locally upon arrival, alternatively ground transportation is available for approx. USD 60). Overnight hotel in Quito or Guayaquil is also included on the price. Transfer to host family or hotel upon arrival in Cuenca is also included in the price.
Hotel accommodations may be required in Quito or Guayaquil upon arrival may be required due to flight arrival time. If your flight arrives in Quito or Guayaquil late in the evening, please make a reservation for SATURDAY arrival. The school will make the hotel reservation and assist students with transfer to a local hotel. The cost of a one night stay in Quito or Guayaquil (if necessary!) is also included in the transfer price.
Estudio Sampere Cuenca – Accommodations
Living with an Ecuadorian family allows the student to integrate him or herself into local everyday life and practice their Spanish in different situations. Estudio Sampere has chosen upper-middle class families which will welcome the student as if he or she were another member of the family. The student will have a single room, at times with a private bathroom, and will eat the three main meals of the day with the family.
Host Family: Private room, 3 meals a day (laundry once a weeks is included also)
Other accommodation options: Students looking for alternate accommodations to host family stays can also share an apartment with other students or stay at local hotels or apartments.
Hotel La Casona: Breakfast and taxes included.
Apartamentos OTORONGO: Studio apartments, private bathroom, kitchenette. Single occupancy.
Accommodation Prices 2023:
| Housing Description | One week | Two weeks | Three weeks | Four weeks | Extra weeks | Extra day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Host Family: Private room, 3 meals a day | $190 | $380 | $570 | $760 | $190 | $30 |
| Hotel - Single Room and Breakfast | $450 | $900 | $1,350 | $1,800 | $400 | $90 |
| Private Apartments (Single or Double) | $300 | $500 | $750 | $910 | $250 |
- Special Diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc) are available in host families at additional cost of USD 25 per week.
Estudio Sampere Cuenca – ACTIVITIES
All Programs: Optional excursions are available on a weekly basis at a small additional cost: Ingapirca USD 15, Parque de Cajas USD 19, other destinations are priced between USD 15 to USD 20. (Prices are approximate and subject to change!)
We recommend you reserve a week, or at least a few days, to travel after having finished the Course. You can venture into the rain forest or marvel at the Andes or the Galapagos Islands to discover for yourself some of the wonders of Ecuador. Estudio Sampere will offer any help necessary to organize trips, expeditions and adventures. All activities organized by Estudio Sampere, such as visits to Indian markets, monuments, charming craft villages and natural parks, aim to help the student mix with the charming and hospitable local people and appreciate their fantastic natural treasures. Public transport or private vehicles are used to journey to dreamlike places where the traveler is always made to feel welcome.
Estudio Sampere Cuenca – GENERAL INFORMATION
HOW TO TRAVEL TO CUENCA
To reach Cuenca from abroad, one must first travel to Quito, Capital of the Republic of Ecuador or to Guayaquil. Today there are many airlines which link Europe and the United States with Quito or Guayaquil at reasonable prices. Airlines such as Iberia, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Avianca, American Airlines and Viasa fly regularly to Quito with one intermediate stop. Your travel agency can recommend the best schedule and prices.
RECEPTION IN QUITO
Upon request the school can arrange a transfer from Quito or Guayaquil to Cuenca at additional cost (see below). In this case the school purchases the Quito/Guayaquil-Cuenca ticket when we receive your registration form, as it must be purchased in Ecuador. Estudio Sampere personnel will meet each student after the Quito or Guayaquil Airport’s Customs and Passport Control area to provide them with their ticket to Cuenca and to help them in any way necessary. It will not always be possible to connect with a flight to Cuenca on the same day, in which case Estudio Sampere personnel will accompany you to a comfortable hotel to spend the night. The following day, you will be accompanied to the airport to catch the first plane to Cuenca. School staff will be waiting for you at the Cuenca airport to welcome you.
GENERAL INFORMATION
What you pack is important. Don’t forget to take rain gear, comfortable shoes, and a warm coat for the heights.
Ecuadorian authorities do NOT require a VISA for the citizens of many countries. If you are not sure, consult the nearest Ecuadorian Embassy. No special vaccinations are required, but you may wish to consult your doctor. Banks and Money Exchanges exchange French Francs, Deutsche Marks, Swiss Francs, etc. but we recommend taking travelers checks in US Dollars. These are accepted everywhere. You may also wish to take a few small bills, also in US Dollars. VISA, MasterCard and AMERICAN EXPRESS credit cards are quite common and accepted at many establishments.