Letra Hispánica · Spanish school in Salamanca

The teaching philosophy that inspires us is based on the old motto "teaching with delightful" Our methodology is based both on the theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom and on the experiences in the real world. As a methodology, we integrate on the communicative method, the best aspects of other methods.

We offer high quality affordable academic and cultural activities, trips and various forms of accommodation.

• "Letra por Letra", Spanish language courses.
• "Con Todas las Letras", Language courses, Hispanic Culture and Civilization.
• "Letra Mensajera" courses for groups: schools, colleges and universities.
• Spanish-courses in business and finance.
• Courses for high school students.
• University-level courses.
• Courses and programs "senior."
• International volunteer programs.
• "Con Mayusculas" high-level seminars for teachers and graduates.

1. "Letra por Letra", spanish language course: They are courses of changeable duration, from one week to several months, which are given along all the year round. We offer all the levels: initial (A1), basic (A2), intermediate (B1 y B2), advanced (C1) y proficiency (C2). The levels will be established at the arrival of the students, after passing a test.In the classes of language and conversation, the maximum number of students for classroom will be of 10. They consist, weekly, of 10 hours(o'clock) of classes of grammar, 5 hours of communicative general practices (conversation) and 5 hours of Workshops, which aim is a pleasant and enterteining practice of the language. Optionally, it is possible to replace someone of these classes with the subjects: Commercial Spanish and Spanish Culture. In the evenings, and without aftercost, we propose our activities of: I recreate (cultural activities, of leisure and free time) and Cinema Forum (cycles of Spanish cinema). At the weekends, of optional form, we organize Iberian Turn: thematic trips that help to know better the culture and the Spanish landscapes. 2. "Con Todas las Letras", course of Hispanic Language, Culture and Civilization It consists in courses that, besides the idiomatic aspects, they open other perspectives the student on the Hispanic culture: history, art, literature, cinema, etc. For its characteristics, the minimal duration is 4 weeks, and they are given along all the year round. To follow this course it is needed a minimal level of knowledge of Spanish of Intermediate (B1). The maximum number of students for classroom in the classes of language and conversation will be of 10. They consist, weekly, of 10 hours of classes of Spanish language, Communicative Grammar and Draft, 3 hours of Conversation and 7 hours of matters as Spanish Literature, Spanish-American Literature, Spanish Contemporary History, History of the Art and Commercial Spanish (the subjects change every quarter). In the evenings, and without aftercost, we propose our activities of: I recreate (cultural activities, of leisure and free time) and Cinema Forum (cycles of Spanish cinema). At the weekends, of optional form, we organize Iberian Turn: thematic trips that help to know better the culture and the Spanish landscapes. 3. DELE exam preparation: The Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry for Education.

• The Spanish Diploma Level A1 (Starter level). This qualification attests to sufficient linguistic ability for a very basic range of the most commonly simple expressions used in the Spanish-speaking world and in order to satisfy inmediate needs of a concrete type.
• The Spanish Diploma Level A2. This qualification attests to sufficient linguistic ability to understand sentences and frequently used daily expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (ex. basic information about yourself and your family, shopping, local geography, employment, etc.).
• The Spanish Diploma Level B1 (Beginner level). This qualification attests to sufficient linguistic ability for understanding and responding appropriately in most normal day-to-day situations and for expressing desires and needs in a basic way.
• The Spanish Diploma Level B2 (Intermediate level). This qualification validates sufficient linguistic ability to get by in average day-to-day situations in normal communication circumstances, which do not require specialized use of the language.
• The Spanish Diploma Level C1. At this level, users are expected to be able to use the structures of a language with ease and fluency. Users are able to adapt their language use to a variety of social situations, and express opinions and take part in discussiones and arguments in a culturally acceptable way.
• The Spanish Diploma Level C2 (Proficiency level). This qualification accredits the necessary linguistic competence to integrate in situations requiring an advanced use of the language and knowledge of the cultural customs embedded within it.

General conditions. Candidates wishing to sit Diplomas in Spanish examinations must meet the following requirements: 1.1. When registering, they must be able to provide documented proof that they are nationals of a country in which Spanish is not an official language. 2.Nationals of Spanish-speaking countries resident in countries where Spanish is not an official language may apply to register if they fulfill at least two of the following conditions:

• Spanish is not the native language of either of their parents.
• Spanish is not the first language that they learned.
• Spanish is not the language they use in normal everyday communication.
• They did not receive their primary or secondary education (partially or completely) in Spanish.
• The candidates referred to in Section 2 above must declare in writing that they meet at least two of the aforementioned requirements.

In the last two years (2008 and 2009), out of the 19 students who took the DELE, 15 of them passed (79%). Accredited or Associate Centers:

• Meet certain quality standards in the teaching of Spanish.
• Meet the legal requirements for carrying out teaching activities.
• Have adequate teaching resources.
• Have a properly qualified and trained teaching team.
• Have a teaching plan guaranteeing satisfactory progress.
• Set a maximum number of students per class.
• Issue certificates.
• Present publicity which reflects accurately the services offered.
• Outline course and supplementary services fees clearly.
• Address complaints.
• The Instituto Cervantes carries out periodic inspections and renews accreditation permits every two years

	1 week	2 weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 weeks	8 weeks	9 weeks	10 weeks	12 weeks	16 weeks
Letra por Letra	160 €	320 €	480 €	600 €	700 €	800 €	900 €	1.000 €	1.100 €	1.200 €	1.400 €	1.800 €
Con Todas las Letras				680 €								2.720 €	3.950 €
Preparacion DELE				350 €

Conditions and guarantees:

The fees of registration and accommodation must be paid in the first three days of the course or program. For courses that last more than three months, the total amount can be divided into three months periods.

• Pre-registration fee (120,00 € euro) will be substracted from the total amount of registration.
• Students will be returned 80% of the pre-registration fee if they notify us about the cancellation a month prior to the beginning of classes and they will be returned 60% if they notify us seven days prior classes. In case of later cancellations, no amount will be returned, but the pre-registration in Letra Hispánica will remain valid for a year.
• Cancellations must be made in any written form.
• If for illness or any other serious reason a student has to interrupt their studies in Letra Hispánica once classes have started, the fees they have paid will remain valid for a year, so that they can finish their studies.
• The students can ask for a change of family without having to give reasons.
• Letra Hispánica reserves the right to cancel a course or program. In the case of cancellation, the students will be informed ahead of time and will be given various alternatives. If an agreement is not reached, the student will receive the full amount of the fees paid to Letra Hispánica.

Host Families: students stay with a family carefully selected by our experts. Students will be able to make contact with their host family prior to their arrival. Host families provide students with healthy mediterranean diet, high in fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds, olive oil, dairy products, fish and poultry consumed in low to moderate amounts and little red meat.

Host families also can take care of special health, accomodation and diet needs or preferences. After registration, we provide students with a secure form to telling us about these needs and preferences. The students can ask for a change of family with no need to give reasons.

Other modalities of accommodation.

Letra Hispánica also provides accomodation in apartments, residences, hotels, hostals or shared flats.

Lodging in family:

Single room

• Laundry service included Full Board 22,00 € per day
• Half Board: breakfast and one main meal 21,00 € per day

Double Room

• Laundry service included Full Board 20,00 € per day
• Half Board: breakfast and one main meal 19,00 € per day

Student Residence:

Single room

• Laundry service included Full Board 25,00 € per day
• Half Board: breakfast and one main meal 23,00 € per day

Double Room

• Laundry service included Full Board 23,00 € per day
• Half Board: breakfast and one main meal 21,00 € per day

In flat:

• Single Room 295,00 € / month
• Double Room 250,00 € / month

Other types of accomodation: studios, apartments, hotel, hostal we look for the best option.

Price for the service: 60 €".

Transport and Pick-up service:

• Madrid airport transfer to your accommodation in Salamanca or viceversa
• Taxi, pick up in the airport waiting room, 1 passenger 220,00 €
• Taxi, pick up in the airport waiting room (max. 3 passengers), total price 250,00 €
• Dedicated Bus (max. 18 passengers), total price Ask for information
• Accompaniment service representatives Letra Hispánica 110,00 €

What is included in the registration?

• The number of lessons in the chosen course or program as well as the activities included in them.
• A folder with useful information about Salamanca and a Letra Hispánica student card which enables students to get discounts at a number of places.
• Material used in class
• Accommodation in carefully chosen families or student residences, with the right to change the family during the course.
• Socio-cultural activities.
• Free internet access.
• Tutoring
• Emergency phone.
• Diploma of Proficiency from Letra Hispánica (after examination) or Diploma of Attendance (if the students attends 90% of classes).
• Issue of certificate of registration to obtain a visa, if needed.

Important: Health insurance is not included. Students from the European Union need to obtain the insurance in their countries of origin to cover for the Spanish Public Health Institution. Other students can choose between bringing their own health insurance (they will need to provide a copy for Letra Hispánica) or asking for help in our offices to get one here in Salamanca.