Archive for June, 2009

So you‘ve been learning Spanish for a while, now what? You want to make it official.
The process is simple… Take the DELE Exam.

What is DELE exam?
The DELE is the official Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language, given through the Instituto Cervantes in the name of Spain’s Ministry of Education. It certifies your abilities and competencies with Spanish tongue. The Universidad de Salamanca is the organization in charge of preparing the exams, assessment of the results, and giving the final grades for the exams.
http://diplomas.cervantes.es/general/descripcion.jsp

Which are the levels for the DELE Exam?
There are different levels according to the students’ knowledge of Spanish.

• Level A1- certifies that the student knows basic Spanish to understand and use daily expressions enough to satisfy basic needs.
• Level B1 (Inicial) - This level accredits sufficient knowledge of the language to understand and react in situations which require an elementary use of the language, also to communicate wishes and needs.
• Level B2 (Intermedio) - Accredits Linguistic competency to communicate in ordinary daily situations which do not require specialized knowledge of the language.
• Level C2 (Superior)- This level accredits higher linguistic competencies , enough to communicate in situations which require an extensive knowledge of the tongue and the cultural habits.

When do the DELE exams take place?
Every year the Instituto Cervantes fixes the dates of the exams, for 2009 these are the dates of the exams in Spain:

1. May: 15th exam. Inscription: from March 2nd to April 24th
2. August: 21st exam. Inscription: from July 13th to July 31st
3. November: 13th exam. Inscription: from September 1st to October 16th

How can I get ready for the DELE exam?
In Language4Students we have developed special courses for you to prepare for the DELE exam in the best possible way. We have classes to review all contents that will be tested in each level. And we make them flexible for you; according to you needs we will give you the right amount of hours you need; 12, 24, 48 hours specially dedicated to DELE exams. These classes can be taken individually or in mini groups. You can begin any time of the year, any week.

How can I enrol for the preparation Classes DELE?
The process is very easy; just send us an email to: info@language4students.com. We will e mail a skill test, and as soon as one of our teachers has graded it we will let you know when you can begin.

How much will it cost?
The fees for these courses depend on the amount of hours you need, and the kind of group you want. For more information check our price list at the very end.

We sing corporate agreements with companies, universities and schools so we can give extra benefits to their members.

Latest Agreements:
Name: Instituto de Empresa.
Special discounts for Students, ex students and families of all of Instituto de Empresa Students.
For more information over this agreement you can visit this site:
http://alumni.ie.edu/usr/

Ten good reasons for spending a summer in Madrid

Are you looking for places to go this summer, and you can make up your mind?

I can give you ten good reasons for coming to Madrid this summer…

1. As I write this, I’m sitting in one of the nice terraces in the centre of Madrid, on a lovely sunny day… the weather is fantastic (a little bit hot, but in the shade and having a cold drink, as you watch people go by, it is fantastic!). You’ll be amazed by Madrid’s blue sky and very special light, and the great amount of sun you can have every day.

2. The terraces, as you walk around you’ll be surprised of how lively this city is! The streets are always (and by this I mean always, from 9 am to 3 am) crowded with people, here they are making life in the street. The terraces are the perfect spot to watch the city life on first row… also there are many in which you can have amazing food.

3. The spirits are always high in Madrid; summer seems as a happy mood season. Madrilènes are always happy, friendly and willing to give you a hand, they help you find your way in the city, and they are very fun and they do their best to communicate with you.

4. Whenever the temperature gets too high, you can always go to a public pool; very good fares, good layout in different spots in the city; my favourites: Piscina Saiz de Baranda, Moncloa, Complutense…and freshen up.

5. Museums; what new can I say? When you feel like seeing some nice painting, you have in a excellent location, and a walk away, the three painting stars Museo del Prado, Museo Reina Sofia and Museo Thyssen Bornemisza , these three form what is known as the Triangle of Arts ( they are located very nearby) . I personally recommend some others Museo Convento de las Descalzas Reales (amazing building, excellent paintings, with guided tours in English), Museo Sorolla, Academia de San Fernando.

6. Retiro Park it’s true that Madrid does not have a beach, but having the “Parque del Retiro “in the middle of the city, you won’t miss it. It is an amazing natural site, has a great pond in the middle with fantastic sculptures all around. In the summer, under the shade of a tree is another great spot to enjoy Madrid. And if you like sports, feel free to practice your favourite, there’s plenty of room!

7. Now it’s time to eat something, one of the best options is going out for tapas. The tapas are great representations of the typical Mediterranean diet. The best part is the ritual about the tapas, you go there and share the food with your friends while you have a beer or a glass of wine, then you hop to another tapas bar, and try some more, in the meantime you talk and socialize, it’s really fun. There is a large variety of tapas, one of my favourites: the pincho de tortilla! One of the nicest places to go for tapas in Madrid is the Latina district. For more information about tapas in Madrid visit: http://www.esmadrid.com/monograficos/tapas/monografico.html

8. So, now after a real tapas diner, you are ready for a drink and a little party around. Madrid is also amazing for its night life. You can find party spirits high everyday of the week, amazing! There are so many places for going out and having fun, doesn’t matter what your taste in music or party is, you’ll find the right place. People are very friendly and you will have great night. I your party spirits are high, don’t worry party is nonstop at Madrid. For more information about party places at Madrid you can check: http://copasmadrid.blogspot.com/

9. Since people in Madrid are always nice and friendly, you’ll find it almost mandatory to learn Spanish, you can use your summer / holiday spare time in Madrid to make a Spanish course and since Madrid is a friendly city you will have plenty of time to practice in real life situations. Madrid is an open city for people coming from abroad.

10. To relax after a tiring, week a great option is to go to the movies, a good option for knowing the countries culture is going to watch a real Spanish movie ( it might be a little hard if you Spanish Skills are not to high), you will really enjoy it; don’t miss directors such as world famous Almodovar and Amenabar. If you feel like watching international movies, don’t worry in the centre of the city you will find several theatres which play movies in original version. http://www.madridinfosite.com/en/entertainment/madrid-cinema.aspx#vos
Now I gave you ten reasons for spending a great holyday in Madrid with my own, very personal view of what I like the most of this wonderful city. Hope this post will help you make out your mind and enjoy Madrid a little more this summer.

MIBA. 2009.

MIBA. 2009. All rights reserved

Natalie Ratnayake

Country of origin: England

Occupation: Administrator

My experience with Language4Students: I completed 2 months of Spanish course with Madrid4Students and can say that it was a thoroughly worthwhile and enjoyable experience. The teacher, Belen, was fantastic and tailored the lessons to useful subjects that the students wanted. The small class sizes proved to be very beneficial and due to this, I think we were able to learn a lot in a short space of time. I’d recommend Madrid4Students to anyone coming to Madrid.

In a sentence: Madrid is the most exciting capital city of Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When can I begin the courses?

Our Extensive (general) courses begin every month. Anyways you can enrol any moment of the month as long as we have an open group that matches your Spanish level. For Intensive summer courses you can enrol at the beginning of the season (June 15th, July 1st, and August 1st).

2. How many years experience does Language4Students have?

Language4students is a young dynamic team, but it has the knowhow of an academic staff with over 40 year experience. They are our best quality warranty in every language programme.

3. Can I switch group if I don’t like the teacher?

Yes you can, we believe that the student must feel comfortable and enjoy since it’s proven it is the best way to learn.

4. I can’t find the right course option for me; can I have a special course designed for me?

Yes, we are very flexible on making the right course to fulfil your needs. If you have any special requirements, please contact us at: info@language4students.com and we’ll help you out.

5. Can you help me finding accommodation?

Yes we provide accommodation in our own student houses, for special seasons. Our company Madrid4Students offers that kind of services. The accommodation provided depends on availability.

6. How can I enrol, how does it work?

Even if you are not yet in Madrid, you can begin the enrolling process. First you send us an e mail to info@language4students.com, telling us your schedule availability. Then we email the Spanish skill test, for you to answer and send it back. Once our teacher staff has review your test we will send you a final e-mail indicating your level and the different courses and hours available. All this process is FREE!

7. The cost includes learning material?

Yes, on your payment we include all the material needed in your Spanish Course. We use many different sources to make more complete.

8. Will I get a certificate when I finish my course?

Yes we will provide Certificate that will include the amount of hours you have taken with us, and the contents of your course. This certificate is also included in the course fee.

9. Can I switch course once I have started?

You can change the type of course you’ve first chosen. For example if you are taking a one to one course and you want to join a mini group course, you can do it. These changes depend are subject to availability.

10. What is your discount policy?

We have different discounts for our students, all year round, for early booking in special seasons, for advanced payment, etc. For more details see: Our price section