UK Tel: 01209 211 800
Intl Tel: +44 1209 211 800
CESA House
Pennance Road
Lanner
Cornwall
TR16 5TQ
Great Britain
t: 01209 211 800
Intl t: +44 1209 211 800
f: 01209 211 830
Founder member of the Year Out Group and the International Association of Language Travel Agents.
Student Reports: Quito
Miss Renshaw
2 week Standard Spanish course in July.
"I expected classes of 4-5 students, to get perhaps slightly tired/bored of two, two hour sessions (all my previous learning experiences at College/School have been a maximum one hour session then a break), and to reach a conversational level."
Did you feel your expectations were met?
"More than so! Luckily the class I was in had only 1 other student, so full concentration was required throughout and the lessons were varied and fun. I was in a class with a Swiss lady who already spoke 4 languages fluently so we learnt very quickly. Our teacher was fabulous, really first class! She used a lot of variety; learning was mainly oral which was what I wanted. The small class size was a massive bonus. I expect had it been a larger group, we wouldn’t have learnt so much and had so much fun, although I completely understand why usually classes are slightly larger.
The school was very clean, well equipped, and colourful and had a friendly atmosphere in general. The staff were all extremely kind, friendly and approachable. Although the school was 20 minutes outside Quito this was much better than having it situated in the centre where the risk of theft is higher and pollution is bad, and the town is full of beeping taxis, so the schools location was good."
What were the best parts of the course?
"Learning so much, small class with interesting, varied lessons, excursions with the other students, the cultural programme (salsa lessons, shaman demonstrations) and my good bye party!"
What were the worst parts of the course?
"8.30am starts after a night out in Quito with the other students!"
What did you think of Quito?
"Quito is great fun in the evenings. It is cheap enough and possible to find very good restaurants for more money if you want a special night out at the end of your course. Plenty of activities to do in your free time and near the equator, Otaralo, Cotopaxi etc. The excursions the College organised were great fun. The teacher who led the excursions asked us questions (to do with the excursion) in Spanish for the entire journey and encouraged us to speak Spanish – speaking for the entire day.
I didn`t feel very safe in the town on my own so I took extra care and went out with friends."
What did you think of your host family?
"I was delighted, the house was amazing and I had my own en-suite. I stayed with a rather elderly couple (both retired, mid 60`s). They were a lovely couple, cooked great food and didn`t mind not giving me fish or seafood to eat as I don’t like it."
Looking at CESA Languages Abroad, what did you think of us?
"I instantly received a brochure and after my initial enquiry I was sent regular emails to confirm my booking and subsequent changes to it.
I would definitely go again! I’d like it to be with the friends I made out there though! My most memorable moment was getting stuck at the top of El Panceillo when our taxi broke down and the taxi driver only managing to get it sorted after 45 minutes of bashing metal and pushing it down the hill!
Thank you for such a great time! The college really was by far the best we saw in Quito, by a LONG way!”
Return to: Spanish Student Reports