Institute of Spanish Studies
Frequently asked Questions - Schooling
· Can one take more than five courses per semester, or more than three in the summer sessions? Yes. But in order to take more courses you must consult with your university to confirm that they will accept more credits. Also, there will an extra charge for additional courses. In general, we don’t recommend that the student take more than the prescribed number of courses.
· Can one take less than five courses per semester, or less than three in the summer sessions? Yes. You can take fewer courses if you don’t need them and if you prefer to have a lighter academic schedule.
· How many students are there in each class? The class limit is 15 students, but we try to have smaller classes of 10 students or so.
· Are all classes taught in Spanish? Yes. Classes are taught completely in Spanish, with three exceptions: “History of Spanish Art”, “Spanish Civilization” and “Present day Spain”. These three courses are offered to students who are starting to learn Spanish, but who are interested in those aspects of the Spanish culture.
· Do all teachers speak English? No. Some of them speak some English and can help the students occasionally, but the idea is for the students to get used to Spanish. The principal and program coordinators speak fluent English.
· Are there any tests? Oh... yes. In addition to the normal homework there are two tests (one midterm and one final) in each session.
· Do students need to purchase textbooks? How much do they cost? Most courses require that the student purchase textbooks. The average price is 20 euros (about $29), so each student should budget approximately $120 for books each semester and about $90 for the summer courses. In some courses the teachers give out printed materials instead of textbooks.
· What’s the schedule of classes? During the semester, each course takes place three hours per week on alternate days (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, or Tuesdays and Thursdays), either in the morning or in the afternoon. During the summer the courses are one hour and half per day (i.e., five days per week), and all classes take place between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
· Can one come for a session (either a semester or a summer program) and stay longer? Yes. The student only needs to notify the school and make the appropriate arrangements prior to the end of the first session.
· Are there other Spanish students in the school? Yes, but they come to learn English. Quite often we organize activities in which both Spanish and American students participate, thus getting to know each other and practicing the languages. We also organize conversation exchanges among the students so that they can freely practice with each other.