Frequently Asked Questions

1. Courses
1.1 What level of classes should I take?
1.2 What qualifications do the teachers have?
1.3 How many weeks should I study?
1.4 What is the focus of the advanced classes?
1.5 Should I bring any materials to class?
1.6 When are the start dates?
1.7 What is a typical day like?
1.8 I would like to focus on business, health care, law, etc.  Do you offer such programs?
1.9 May I receive university credit?

2. Housing
2.1 May I begin my home stay before my classes start?
2.2 What exactly is a "hostel"?

3. Pricing & Payments
3.1 I would like to split my studies between schools.  How will that effect my price?
3.2 I plan to continue studying after a special study trip.  What will the rate be?
3.3 Can you help me find a discount airfare?
3.4 How should I pay?

4. Registration
4.1 How far in advance must I register?
4.2 If I plan to study at multiple schools, must I register at each separate location?

5. General
5.1 Am I too old for a language school? Too young?
5.2 What makes the ECELA schools special?
5.3 What are the current safety and health conditions?
5.4 Is there someone I may speak with about your schools?

1.  Courses
1.1 What level of classes should I take?
Please use the table below to determine your level when registering with our schools.

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1.2 What qualifications do the teachers have?
All teachers are native speakers, have university degrees, and have much prior experience teaching their languages to foreigners.  In addition to their professional credentials, they are selected for their abilities to keep students entertained and interested for four hour classes.
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1.3 How many weeks should I study?
It generally takes four to six immersion weeks (20 hours classes / week plus homestay) to advance to the next level.  A 10-14 week course is recommended to move from very basic to advanced.
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1.4 What is the focus of the advanced classes?
Advanced classes focus on learning the finer points of grammar, such as uses of the subjunctive and idiomatic expressions, as well as practicing conversational and written skills.  Classes at all levels have a maximum of five students and discussion topics vary according to student interests.
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1.5 Should I bring any materials to class?
Yes. A notebook and writing materials are required. It is also highly recommended to keep a pocket dictionary and a grammar reference book handy. Please contact us to ask for recommended materials: info@ecela.com.
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1.6 When are program start dates?
Official start dates are every other Monday.  We realize that students cannot control flight abilities and that not everyone can meet these dates.  If you will be starting on another date, it is possible to take additional private hours (at a much reduced rate) to catch up with the group. Start dates are listed here.
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1.7 What is a typical day like?
Classes normally begin at 9 AM.  Students and teachers generally show up a few minutes early for coffee, tea, etc. 

For a change of pace, your class may occasionally take place outside of the school, at a cafe or a park for example. 
After class most students get lunch with other students and/or teachers.
Afternoon classes (2 PM to 6 PM) are usually reserved for students requesting additional hours. 
Many days include school activities in the afternoon or the evening. 
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1.8 I would like to focus on business, health care, law, etc.  Do you offer such programs?
Students wishing to have specialized classes have a couple of options. You can take a private course and focus on your specific area..  The other option is to take a group class and supplement that with a few afternoon private hours for your specialty.
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1.9 May I receive university credit?
Most universities will grant credit for course taken at our schools.  You should first visit your school’s language department to learn of specific requirements.
The normal process is for the school to review our curriculum and a letter of verification that the course is taught in the local language.
University credit information

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2.  Housing
2.1 May I begin my home stay before my classes start?
Yes, you may begin your home stay at any time.  Please register as early as possible, however, as home stay families are limited and we want to find you the best match.
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2.2 What exactly is a youth hostel?
A hostel is similar to a dormitory, with large rooms shared by two to six people.  Sometimes, however, a private or semi-private room can be secured.  Most guests are independent travellers and the staff is usually very available to help book trips and to give advice on the city.
While youth hostels are neither as comfortable nor as good a value as a home stay, some students prefer them for their greater flexibility and for the chance to meet more travellers.
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3. Pricing
3.1 I would like to split my studies between schools.  How will that affect my price?
Your lessons will be charged as though you stayed at the original school.  Studying at multiple locations is highly recommended as a way to experience different cultures and to learn the language in different accents.  Our schools are closely tied so even though you will be moving to a whole new country, you will already feel familiar with some of the staff and students.
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3.2 I plan to continue studying after a special study trip.  What will the rate be?
You will only be charged at the "additional weeks" rate, the lowest available.
Visit the study/tour page here.
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3.3 Can you help me find a discount airfare?
We recommend using Exito travel services, which specializes in discounted flights to Latin America:
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3.4 How should I pay?
You may pay either in advance with wither a credit card (Visa, Mastercard) or bank transfer, or you may pay in cash upon arrival.  With cash you may use either US dollars or the local currency. 
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4. Registration
4.1 How far in advance must I register?
To guarantee a spot in our schools, you should register at least four weeks in advance.  For registrations less than four weeks before the start date, we cannot guarantee a place in a group class or in a home stay.  Please write or call for availability in such cases.
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4.2 If I plan to study at multiple schools, must I register at each separate location?
No. Simply register at the location you will be at first, then indicate which date you plan to switch to another school. You do not have to commit to a date change, as we are flexible about switching schools.
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5.  General
5.1 Am I too old for a language school?  Too young?
Too old? Definitely not.  While we have many university age students, we have many active seniors as well.  The diversities of ages, nationalities, professions, and interests of our students contribute to the unique experience you will have.
Too young?  Maybe.  If you are under 18 and will not be with parents or relatives, please contact us about possible arrangements.
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5.2 What makes the ECELA schools special?
We believe that our customers are not only here to learn Spanish, but to be part of an exciting experience abroad.  To follow that our dynamic and helpful staff is encouraged to treat each student uniquely with very personalized services.  Whether it means helping students arrange a ski trip, write a personal Spanish letter, or buy a gift for the friends back home, we are dedicated to the extra service that will make your stay memorable.
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5.3 What are the current safety and health conditions?
For updated travel alerts, potential health hazards, and other related issues, please consult the Travel Health Online. 
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5.4 Is there someone I may speak with about your schools?
You may speak with an alumni representative or you may call one of our schools directly. Contact information is listed on the contact us page.
We also have an extensive list of past students you may contact by email at our students page.
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