Study Abroad in Spain with World Link Education - Learn Spanish Language in Spain: Courses and programs at language schools in Barcelona, Madrid, Marbella, Salamanca and Valencia.

Experience Spain and Spanish Culture with World Link Education

Study Abroad Programs in Spain
Language Immersion Program

Study Abroad in Spain
Learn Spanish and discover Spain

Learn Spanish in Spain
Free Social Activities

Study Spanish in Spain
Interactive teaching methods

Spanish Language Schools
Study Spanish Language in Spain

Marbella

Learn to master Spanish in the heart of Marbella, one of southern Europe’s most exclusive summer resorts famous for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, luxury hotels, vibrant life, and rich culture. Marbella is situated on the Costa del Sol, Spain’s region of Andalusia, and boasts 27 kilometers (17 miles) of beachfront and a total of 24 different beaches. Classes are taught in the leading Academy of Spanish Studies, located a 5-minute walk from the beach. The Academy has excellent facilities including fully equipped classrooms, computers for Internet use, a student common room, a large 2000 square meter terrace, and a video library. The Academy is easily accessibly by public transportation.

Within this central location students can stroll through the narrow streets of Casco Antigua (Old Town) lined with quaint shops and sidewalk cafés to the historic church and bell tower and view La Trinidad and San Francisco convents and the crumbling walls of the Moorish castillo. For art lovers the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo exhibits works by renowned Spanish artist, Picasso, Dalí and Miró.

AIM

The Golden Age Program is a 2 week program held in Marbella. This program is designed for those who are fifty years or older and wish to learn or improve their Spanish while expanding their knowledge of Spain's art, traditions and culture. The program aims to enable participants to acquire a greater knowledge of the Spanish language as well as the customs and culture of the country, while enjoying the Spanish way of life through organised activities. The curriculum consists of semi-intensive Spanish language classes in the morning and daily cultural activities, trips and excursions to the surrounding area of Marbella in the afternoon. Activities include flamenco dancing, Spanish cooking classes, and numerous cultural events.

For additional immersion in language and culture, after class workshops, 'intercambio' language exchange (Madrid and Barcelona only) and social activities are provided at no additional cost. Students are given ample opportunity to use Spanish and take part in a comprehensive learning experience. Participants gain valuable information on modern-day Spanish culture and society and improve overall communication skills.

FEATURES

Total immersion in the Spanish language
Accelerated learning in small classes
Classes devoted to Spanish Language
Cultural activities and guided excursions held daily
2 week program
All Levels: Total Beginner to Proficient levels
Free Culture Classes
Free 'intercambio' language exchange with native Spanish speakers (Madrid)

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

The Golden Age Spanish Language Program consists of:
20 Spanish Language classes per week
5 Spanish Culture classes per week

Each class is 55 minutes long with a 5-minute break. Classes are held at the Academy of Spanish Studies, Centro de Estudios Internacionales, one of Spain's leading institutions specialized in Spanish language studies. It is centrally located with modern teaching facilities and easy access to public transportation.

SPANISH LANGUAGE CURRICULUM

The Spanish Language classes focus on teaching and improving every aspect of the language, including speaking, reading, writing, listening and grammar. Interactive teaching methods ensure that participants gain valuable information about modern-day Spanish culture and society. Emphasis is placed on developing participants' oral expression, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and grammar skills. Up-to-date materials introduce Spain's culture, history, literature, and current social and economic life. The curriculum is based on the needs of each proficiency level (please see Placement Test and Proficiency Levels) and designed to allow participants to progress rapidly and gain language fluency. Class exercises, such as writing and reading documents, presenting reports, commentaries and speeches, class interaction, and debates are aimed at the development and improvement of listening and comprehension skills, building fluency in oral expression and developing advanced writing styles and techniques. Modern teaching methods focus on instilling linguistic, practical, communicative, and cultural aspects of the language, as well as the Spanish way of life.

Class Schedule:

Morning Language classes 09:30am to 13:30pm

Workshops 13:30pm to 14:30pm

Afternoon Language classes 15:30pm to 19:30pm

At the start of the program, participants are provided their class times. Classes are held everyday from Monday to Friday. Ninety percent of classes are held in the mornings, however, some classes are scheduled in the afternoons due to the number of participants their Spanish levels. Each class is 55 minutes long with a 5 minute break.

SPANISH CULTURAL EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Each day different cultural activities are organized, providing a greater knowledge and understanding of Spanish customs and traditions. Lectures are given by various professors, complemented by reports or videos. Activities include Flamenco dancing, Spanish cooking classes, wine tasting, studies of Spanish art, the Monarchy and Spanish celebrations, and numerous cultural events and excursions. In the gorgeous locations of Marbella , not only will students have the opportunity to enjoy the Spain's traditional center (Madrid), beautiful local beaches (in Marbella) and one of the first academic centers of Europe (Salamanca) , but they can also receive special classes in areas such as Flamenco dancing and Spanish cooking to enhance their cultural experience. Visits to museums and tours to cities close to Madrid such as Toledo, El Escorial, Segovia, Museo del Prado and Reina Sofia are held.

SPANISH CULTURE CLASSES

To further accelerate the participant's learning, culture classes are offered in the Intensive Plus, Super-Intensive and Part-Time courses. These culture classes encourage active participation and allow students to gain insight into Spanish Language in all its contexts. Class topics cover a variety of areas including cinema, art, civilization, history and literature.

INTERCAMBIO LANGUAGE EXCHANGE (Madrid)

Getting to know locals is an integral part of this program. It provides language and cultural interaction between non-Spanish and Spanish participants, marking the beginning of many lasting friendships. The program provides the perfect opportunity to practice the language and encourages cultural and social exchange. Participants schedule to meet with one another at their convenience. A wide range of activities with native speakers throughout the program provides further opportunities for immersion into the Spanish language and way of life.

PLACEMENT TEST & PROFICIENCY LEVELS

There are 6 main Spanish proficiency levels that are further divided: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate(1 & 2), Advanced and Proficient. All the levels, with the exception of the Proficient level, are sub-divided into 3 groups containing a higher, medium and lower level.

First, participants are placed according to the level proficiency level they indicate on the application form. At the start of the program, non-beginners take a written and oral placement test. Second placements are made according to the results of the placement tests. Placement tests are held between 9:00 and 9:30am on the first Monday of the program. As soon as the test is completed, classes start immediately.

TOTAL BEGINNER
This level is for participants who have never learned Spanish or who have learned a few words but cannot express themselves in complete sentenc es. Classes focus on introducing basic vocabulary, grammar, sentence structures and simple texts. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants learn correct pronunciation and intonation. Class work includes basic knowledge of Spanish culture and society to build a good foundation to the language.

ELEMENTARY
This level is for those who have learned Spanish, have a grasp of simple sentence structures and learned basic grammar systematically. Classes focus on improving participants' vocabulary, sentence structures and improving listening, reading, and speaking skills. Written exercises include composing simple letters, short essays and reports. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants learn the correct pronunciation and intonation. Class work includes topics on Spanish culture and society encouraging participants to converse on daily topics and express themselves using elementary sentence structures.

INTERMEDIATE (1 & 2)
This level is for those who are able to converse on general topics and express themselves using elementary Spanish. Classes build on the level of grammar and vocabulary, enabling participants to express themselves functionally in different contexts. Class work use current Spanish events, civilization and literature to build vocabulary and provide a greater awareness of Spanish culture and society. The participant's writing skills, oral expression and comprehension skills are focused on. Intermediate grammar and syntax is taught. Oral expression skills include discussion of current events according to subject matter. Exercises to improve writing, spoken and grammatical skills include writing reports, letters, narratives and essays. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly master the correct pronunciation.

ADVANCED
This level is for those who can discuss general topics, raise complex questions, and express their viewpoints clearly using correct pronunciation. They can express themselves systematically using appropriate expressions and language norms. Curriculum is focused on enabling participants to express themselves effectively using complex sentence structures. Spanish literary, cultural and journalistic texts are studied. Class work include advanced writing and oral expression styles and techniques such as commentaries and essays to improve written expression, and exercises in speech making or debates to build on fluency in oral expression. A wide range of carefully selected advanced Spanish study materials are used and include current events, civilization and literature to provide a greater awareness of the culture and society.

PROFICIENT
This level is for those who posses a high command of the Spanish language and culture and are able to converse fluently and effectively using appropriate the expressions and language norms. Curriculum is focused on enabling participants to master the language, expressing themselves in a proficient manner at an abstract level. Class work focuses on perfecting oral and writing skills and developing a global perspective of the Spanish culture in relation to the participant's particular field of interest.

To test your current level of Spanish using the Quicktest, click here

TEACHERS & TEACHING MATERIALS

Teachers are native Spanish and are highly qualified and experienced in teaching Spanish Language and Art. They hold a degree in teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language and an additional degree in Spanish Art. Up-to-date, carefully selected materials are used in class, giving participants valuable information on Spanish Art and at the same time developing linguistic skills in the context of modern day Spanish culture and life.

ASSESSMENT

Participants' progress is continuously assessed through homework, assignments, a midterm and final examination. Class attendance is obligatory. A Diploma is awarded certifying the type of program; amount of hours studied and completed level of proficiency at the successful completion of the program. A transcript is also provided including a detailed account of the participant's progress according to specified linguistic skills. Participants may obtain credits to be transferred to their home college or university.

ACCOMMODATION

To cater for individual needs, a range of accommodation options located close to school is offered: Host Family, Student Residence, Shared Flats, Private Apartment or Hotel. Participants who have enrolled in the program are given details of the accommodation pre-departure. These include a description of the accommodation, the address, and the location in relation to the school.

For information on accommodation options, click here

For the privacy and convenience of participants, single rooms are provided. Double and Triple share rooms are available, for more information please contact WLE

FEES AND DATES

Total Program Fees include Tuition, Accommodation, Registration and Enrollment, Placement Test, Certificate and Transcript, Visa Support Documentation, Airport Pickup and Transfer to Accommodation, Orientation, Books (1 set), Welcome Pack, Language Travel Medical Insurance, e-mail and Internet access, and more. Free afterclass workshops, social activities and guided tours are held throughout th e program. International Program Advisors provide information and assistance pre-departure and throughout the program.

For Total Program Fees, click here

Tuition Fees only are for those who do not require accommodation or other program features and wish to participate only in the classes, see Tuition only Fees click here

REQUIREMENTS

The program is open to participants from all over the world, who are at least 50 years old. For exceptions, contact WLE Offices.

APPLICATION

Apply early before deadlines. The last application day is 6 weeks before the start of the program.For late applications, contact WLE Offices.

For the How To Apply procedures, click here

For the Application Form, click here

TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE

For peace of mind, Total Program fees include Emergency Travel and Medical Insurance. StudentCare Insurance covers emergency medical and dental treatment, pro-rata return of program fee in case of curtailment, personal liability, and more. Participants are insured for the duration of the program.

For terms and conditions and further information, click here

Those who do not require Language Insurance coverage, contact WLE Offices.

ACADEMIC CREDIT TRANSFER

Past participants have been awarded US credit transfers after completing this program. Participants are required to contact the Study Abroad Advisor or Spanish Language Department in their home college or university regarding the procedures for academic transfer. For a copy of the program syllabus to be submitted to the Study Abroad Department or Spanish Language Department for assessment of credit transfer, contact WLE's Offices.

AIRFARES

For cheap airfares to Spain, starting from US$500, click here

ARRIVAL TRANSFER

Free pickup from the bus, train station or airport, to your accommodation is provided in the total program. Details of your arrival such as the date, time and place are required at least 10 days before your arrival.

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