"Everything about the school was fantastic. The course was very professional, they knew who I was when I arrived and were all very friendly and accommodating. They placed me in the correct group with two other girls similar to my age which was great because I also made two friends, and we were all happy learning to the level we were placed at.
We have listed below some questions and answers that you may find useful as you prepare for your Spanish language course abroad. If you have a question unanswered - simply send us an email or give us a call - we will be happy to help.
If you have chosen to stay with a host family you will probably be aware that this type of accommodation comes with the added benefit of giving you further immersion into Spanish and the chance to practise what you have learnt in class with your host.
But what will your host be like? Well its true to say that these days the idea of a host "family" doesn't always conjure up an image of 2 parents, 2 children and a cat. The hosts are sometimes older ladies whose children have grown up and left home, or they might be a younger person with a spare room in their apartment, they might be a young couple with kids or they might be an older couple who have a massive family and just can't stop looking after people!
Needless to say that all the hosts have an interest in foreign students and meeting people from all over the world. They care about their guests and will help you to get the most out of your stay. The food's usually great too!
It also takes some effort on your part though. If you stay in your room all evening then you won't see any benefit to living with a host family and you won't have the chance to get to know them. If you are a little shy, why not take some photos of your home and family as ice breakers and conversation starters.
The hosts are also used to hosting beginners in Spanish so don't worry if you can't yet express the subjunctive mood! Making an effort and having a big smile goes an awful long way.
Staying with a host family will not only give you a chance to practise Spanish outside the classroom but will give you an insight into Spanish family life, customs, culture and cuisine. What better accompaniment to your new improved language skills.
Every student will be awarded a certificate at the end of their course. Whether you have studied for 1 week or 12 weeks you will get a certificate that states the level of Spanish you have reached and how many hours you have studied. You just need to have attended 90% of lessons and not spent too much time partying instead of studying Spanish!
If you would prefer to take a course with a recognised certificate such as the DELE, please contact us for details of start dates and prices.
Use our guide below to see which description best suits your current level. The school will test your level, either in advance or on your first day, to ensure you are placed in the correct class for your ability.
Beginner
I have a very basic understanding and knowledge of the language – perhaps no more than a few key words and expressions. I have no real idea about the grammar, and have a very limited vocabulary.
Elementary
I can produce simple sentences and can formulate and respond to simple questions. I have a basic knowledge of grammatical structures, including different tenses and word order, and have enough vocabulary to ‘survive’ in predictable situations.
Lower Intermediate
I can understand and use simple structures fairly consistently, and can ask and respond to a wide range of simple questions. I have a reasonable idea of how the tense system works, and have an active vocabulary of around 700 words. I can express myself in familiar contexts, although I still make a quite a lot of mistakes.
Intermediate
I have a good understanding of many grammatical structures, but lack accuracy and do not feel at ease with them just yet. I need to consolidate what I know and I am also ready to learn new and more complex forms. I can express myself in most common situations and hold conversations on a range of topics.
Upper Intermediate
I have a good grasp of all the essential structures and can use them with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Although I have some language gaps and make some errors, I can communicate effectively and appropriately in most situations, including on unfamiliar topics. I am ready to learn more complex forms and more advanced vocabulary.
Advanced
I have a good understanding and knowledge of a wide range of language structures and functions, although I may continue to make minor errors syntactically. I have considerable passive knowledge, but need to expand my active usage. I am ready to learn different ways of expressing ideas, work on the subtle nuances of the language, and expand the range of what I can say and write.
Each level takes approximately 4 weeks of intensive study to complete.
It certainly isn't by reading a textbook alone. We believe the best way to learn a new language is with full immersion - living the culture and language on a daily basis and that can of course only be done in the country where it is spoken.
Gemini Courses understand that in order to learn a language, our courses need to be tailor-made to the needs of our students - combining classroom input with the excursions you are interested in, and carefully selected accommodation to give you the chance to continue to practise what you have learned in the classroom that day.
Follow these top tips:
- Take an intensive course abroad
- Do your homework!
- Watch TV and listen to the radio in your target language
- Give yourself as many opportunities as possible to practise speaking your target language
Each school we work with must conform to our Quality Standards which ensures that the quality of its teaching, resources and most importantly of all, its treatment of its students, is second to none.
At Gemini Courses we have done the groundwork for you and have chosen schools we feel are the best in each given location. We also listen carefully to students' feedback and will only work with schools where our clients have had consistently good experiences.
Gemini Courses is an independent language course agency with experience in working with many Spanish language schools abroad. We will take care of your booking from start to finish and it will be processed efficiently and professionally. We care about our clients' needs and listen carefully to all feedback.
The schools we work with, after having met our stringent selection process, are proven experts in ensuring our students get the most out of their Spanish language course.
The schools' impressive facilities and resources provide an excellent environment for learning, encouraging students to spend time outside the classroom developing their language skills. Our schools also use the latest multimedia and computer resources to make your Spanish lessons stimulating and motivating.
The international student mix in the schools means it is easy to meet fellow students from many different countries, some of whom could become life long friends.
