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Destination: Learn Spanish in Spain
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What’s the best place to pick up the language? Right where it all began
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BY IRENE MIDDLEMAN THOMAS
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| Students at Montalbán School in Granada; Seville’s Giralda Tower. |
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Picture yourself surrounded by flamenco guitarists and dancers in ruffled dresses with hand-painted fans. Imagine walking under Moorish arches along cobblestone paths. There are tropical beaches for whiling away the afternoons, and sizzling garlic shrimp for dinner. Oh—and did we mention this is a learning vacation? You’re in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, a glorious place for a week of Spanish lessons at one of the area’s world-class language-immersion schools.
The choice of school can be daunting, as the range of sizes, locations and offerings is immense. The weeklong programs, for all ages and levels, typically offer 20 hours of classes in small groups (about 10 students, maximum), held in state-of-the-art classrooms. Most of the schools will also arrange accommodations with host families, other students or in private apartments for an additional fee. You’ll get plenty of opportunity to test out your burgeoning command of the language with both locals and your fellow students, who hail from across Europe and as far afield as Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Here, our picks of the best courses.
CADIZ
When you stay in this Atlantic-coast city (pop. 155,000), you can practice your Spanish in medieval plazas lined with ancient Moorish architecture, and spend your time off lazing on the beach or touring whitewashed villages in the surrounding countryside.
Centro Internacional de Idiomas Melkart: One week from 115 euros; centromelkart.com; email info@centromelkart.com
K2 Internacional: One week from 175 euros; k2internacional.com; email info@k2internacional.com
GRANADA
Islamic and Christian cultures were fused centuries ago in this city of a quarter million, creating a multicultural place full of amazing monuments, like the famed Alhambra palace. In the evenings you can join the locals at outdoor tapas bars to watch the sun set. After your study sessions, make time to go skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains, or relax on Mediterranean beaches just 40 miles to the south.
Castila: One week from 247 euros; castila.es; email info@castila.es
Don Quijote Granada: One week from 220 euros; donquijote.org; email infocentral@donquijote.org
Escuela Montalbán: One week from 160 euros; escuela-montalban.com; email info@escuela-montalban.com
MALAGA
This busy port town of 570,000 is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso—just one reason for its appeal to those in search of Spanish culture. Then there’s the dozens of palaces, museums, fortresses and monuments. Malaga is in the heart of the Costa del Sol, which makes it perfect for those seeking a little sun with their Spanish classes.
Alhambra Instituto Internacional: One week from 140 euros; alhambra-instituto.org; email info@alhambra-instituto.org
Cervantes, Escuela Internacional: One week from 240 euros; escuelacervantes.org; email info@cervantes.to
SEVILLE
Famed for its flamenco dancers and such architectural gems as the Royal Alcazar Palace and Giralda Tower, Seville is often called Spain’s most beautiful city. Even better, it’s walkable and bikeable. Sevillanos love to be outside, whether it’s at one of the many open-air festivals or strolling the old town till late at night.
Clic IH Sevilla: One week from 170 euros; clic.es; clic@clic.es
Enforex: One week from 135 euros; enforex.es; info@enforex.es
Giralda Center–Spanish House: One week from 175 euros; giraldacenter.com; email info@giraldacenter.com
For more information about Spanish language courses in Andalusia, go to fedele.org.
NOTE: Information may have changed since publication. Please confirm key details before planning your trip.
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Published: November 2, 2010
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Photos: EEA/Asociación Español en Andalucía; Thinkstock
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