Description

Spain provides a unique variety of language and cultural experiences. Fun and festivals, a wide variety of scenery, relaxed and warm people, historic sites, and a multitude of architectural and artistic treasures make Spain a perfect destination for Spanish language learners. Take classes at a leading language school as you fully immerse yourself in Spanish culture and society. Travel to vibrant cities and soak up the exciting European atmosphere. Join us for a life-changing adventure in a country that will captivate your heart!!

During our Spain programs you will:
* Participate in an enriching homestay, dorm, and/or immersion experience in an exciting, youthful city in Spain as you absorb the culture and practice the language.
* Study at prestigious schools dedicated exclusively to teaching Spanish in Spain with the opportunity to earn three units of college credit during most sessions.
* Interact with local university students during Language Partner sessions.
* Choose from a variety of afternoon and evening activities such as swimming, soccer, tennis, volleyball, basketball, salsa or flamenco dance lessons, tapas tasting, cooking, and horseback riding.
* Enjoy the food, ambiance, and unique people-watching opportunities of the Spanish cafe scene.
* Experience the exuberance, originality, and passion of a Spanish flamenco show.
* Meet other students from around the country.
* Be Encouraged by your chaperones to exceed your language goals.
* Immerse yourself in the language, culture, and daily life of Spanish culture.
* Travel up to one week to some of the most amazing destinations in Spain!

ECI Chaperones:
ECI carefully selects chaperones on the basis of language ability, maturity, patience, judgment, professionalism, and their ability to earn the respect and trust of our teenage participants. Most chaperones are high-school language teachers with extensive travel abroad experience; some are full-time ECI staff with educational backgrounds, and all are enthusiastic leaders, fully trained by ECI, and highly dedicated to promoting intercultural understanding on the global level.

ECI, a study abroad organization based in Northern California, is dedicated to making our summer programs the best of their kind available to US high school students. Our coordinators and leaders are experienced, qualified educational professionals who provide guidance and support throughout the trip.

Our Language Schools:

Academia Mester (Salamanca):

Academia Mester, established in 1991, is today a prestigious organization that specializes in teaching Spanish to foreigners. All language teachers have degrees in modern languages and have had wide-ranging and solid professional experience teaching Spanish as a foreign language.

The centrally located school in Salamanca is comprised of buildings designed and equipped for teaching, with spacious modern classrooms, reference libraries, computer rooms with Internet access, assembly halls and common rooms for study and meetings, all of which are air conditioned.

Students are grouped into one of eight levels, based on a placement test that is taken before leaving the US. There are four fifty-minute classes each morning, Monday through Friday, and the maximum number of students per class is ten. In the first two classes (grammar), students study different grammatical structures and their practical applications. In the second two classes (conversation), vocabulary and colloquial expressions are analyzed.

Escuela De Idiomas (Nerja):

The ECI commitment to high standards also extends to our choice of language schools. We always take great care in choosing schools that meet all the ECI quality requirements. Escuela de Idiomas "Nerja," personally selected by our ECI directors, was established in 1980. Today it is a highly reputable organization that specializes in teaching Spanish to foreigners. All language teachers have had solid professional experience teaching Spanish as a foreign language. The school has a range of educational resources, including a bookstore, library, multimedia room, and Internet terminals (small fee). There is also an on-site cafe with a lounge and beautiful Andalusian patio. This, together with the library, is located at the school's cultural activity and communications center just a two-minute walk from the main part of the school.

Whenever possible, we also incorporate Language Partners into our programs. These young people are usually university students who work to enrich the total experience by providing our group with lots of opportunities for integration into the community and practice in conversational Spanish. Together with small groups of our students, they explore the town, participate in a variety of activities, and discuss an assortment of topics in Spanish, such as entertainment, school, politics, travel, vacations, sports, and much more.

Our chaperones supervise a variety of afternoon and evening activities. Although some of these activities are optional and therefore not included in the cost of ECI's program, most are free or nominally priced. They include sports activities such as swimming, soccer, tennis, volleyball, ping-pong, basketball, and pool. Every week two documentaries are shown, as well as a variety of Spanish films (original version or dubbed). There are other options, such as salsa/flamenco dance lessons, cooking, horseback riding in the Castilian countryside (Salamanca programs), special dinners, etc. Local visits to important city monuments and interesting sites are done on an on-going basis.

Highlights

Madrid - You will visit a selection of the main gems of this great capital city, such as the Gran Via, Plaza Espana, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol (a square marking the geographical center of Spain), the Royal Palace, the world renowned Prado and the Reina Sophia art museum.

Segovia - The medieval town of Segovia is where Isabella was declared Queen of Castile in 1474. A highlight here is the Alcazar palace, her former home, which many describe as looking almost like a fairy tale castle. Christopher Columbus made out his will in the fortress, which is complete with a throne and many ornate rooms for the nobles that once inhabited it. Also fascinating are the 16th century cathedral build by Carlos V and Segovia's still-functioning Roman Aqueduct, dating from the first century.

Cordoba - Although primarily known for its mosque, the Mezquita, it is also enchanting to wander the narrow streets of the old Arab and Jewish quarters, taking in the ambience of the whitewashed houses and balconies overflowing with flowers.

Seville - Seville, the beautiful capital of Andalusi­a, is one of Spain's most charming and romantic cities. With its flower-filled patios, blue skies and winding medieval streets, Seville's unique culture contains a fascinating blend of folklore and tradition.

The Costa del Sol - You'll spend at least two days of your trip relaxing in the beautiful coastal town of Nerja enjoying the cool, blue water of the Mediterranean and appreciating the warm sun and sand.

Type of Programs

• High School Study Abroad
• Cultural Exploration
• Language Immersion

Languages

• Spanish

Subject Areas

• Culture
• High School Program
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD4,450 - USD6625

Program Fees Include:

Price includes all group activities and excursions plus:
* All transportation abroad / All accommodation / All group activities, excursions, admissions, most meals.
* Medical Expense / Emergency Assistance Insurance / Travel Delay Protection / Baggage Delay or Loss Coverage.
* Three full-time chaperones per group of 30 students.
* Roundtrip chaperoned airfare is also available from San Francisco and JFK or Boston.

Experience Required

yes

Two years of Spanish

This Program is open to

American and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 30

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Edu-Culture International (ECI)'s Mission Statement

To broaden the academic horizons of students and to create well-rounded, culturally aware student leaders. Goals: ECI provides young people with opportunities to embrace new cultures, to improve foreign language ability, and to develop interpersonal skills. We strive to make each program a high-quality, unique, and enjoyable experience. ECI's programs engender in students an interest in the pursuit of education, especially in the humanities and acquisition of foreign languages; motivate learning and independent thinking; promote world friendships and cultural understanding; educate students about the culture, language, people, and ideas of other nations and ethnic backgrounds; help students to realize their potentials; and become aware of their roles in our global community.

Year Founded

1998