Types of Course
Levels
Teaching Method
FAQ

isla spanish courses - learning spanish in spain - the isla team writes:

COURSES FAQ
  • What should I do if I can’t keep up with the rhythm of the group? You can attend tutorials (free sessions with our head of study), and if you are still struggling you can move down a level.

  • Are all the courses compatible or is any combination not possible? All combinations of courses are possible.

  • Do I need to have a minimum level of knowledge to take part in any of the courses? Yes, for Commercial Spanish you should have at least a Pre-Intermediate level (A2). For the DELE Intermediate you need to have a B2 and for the DELE Superior a C2 level.

  • Are the classes in Spanish? Yes. First because full immersion is best for you, and secondly, as the classes are international, it would be quite incorrect to speak a language which is not Spanish, like English, which some group members might not understand.

  • Should I bring a dictionary? Yes, for use at home. While you are in the school library you can use ISLA’s dictionaries.

  • Is there a minimum amount of participants required for a course to take place? No, we guarantee all our courses, regardless of the amount of participants.

  • Which DELE exams do you prepare for? The DELE Intermedio and Superior.

  • Does the course get cheaper the longer I stay? Absolutely! There are discounts built into our price lists so the longer you stay the cheaper it is.

  • How can I carry on learning after class? By coming to our extra-curricular program of movies, conferences and workshops and requesting an intercambio (conversation partner).

  • Do I have to come to all the classes to get a diploma? Nearly, to get an ISLA diploma you should come to at least 90% of the classes.

  • How does the marking system work? The marks are the following: “aprobado” - pass, “bien” - fair, “notable” - good, “sobresaliente” - excellent.

  • And what are the teacher’s criteria for awarding these marks? Teachers take into account your participation in class, your homework and the results of your weekly tests.

  • Are the tests compulsory? No, not if you don’t require a diploma.

  • How do you decide in which group I am in? This depends on the results of your classification test which you take on your first day here.

  • If the weather is really nice, can we have our classes on a beach, cafe terrace or in a park? Sorry, our experience is that this kind of class doesn’t work as student´s concentration is distracted - so no, not usually!

  • Can I find out my level before I come? Yes, just do our online test and your level will be analysed.

  • Is homework compulsory? Yes! In order to keep up with the rest of the group and to participate in the day’s activities it is imperative that students come properly prepared. This way you get the maximum out of your classes.

  • Can I get extra homework? Yes, come along to the tutorials or ask your teacher for extra practice.

  • Do I have the same teacher for the whole day? No, you usually have a different teacher for each module.

  • Can I split my course time between Salamanca and Barcelona? Yes, and at no extra cost. For example 6 weeks at the Barcelona centre costs the same as 3 weeks in Salamanca and 3 weeks in Barcelona. Keep in mind, that there is no Power Course in Barcelona.

  • Who decides on the course contents of individual classes? Usually you, in conjunction with your teacher.

  • How long do I have for the ISLA Classification Test? Usually about an hour.

  • How many hours of homework do I get per day? This depends on your course but about 1 to 2 hours per day plus your daily vocab.

  • What do I do if I’ve got a problem with my course? Talk to your teacher or the head of studies.

  • What is a head of studies (jefe de estudios)? This is the person in charge of coordinating courses and teachers.

  • Are all the teachers native Spaniards? Yes. And all speak “Castellano” as their mother tongue.

  • What are the teacher´s qualifications? All are Spanish Philology graduates and have experience teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language. Additionally, they possess personal qualities fundamental to a good teacher: patience, friendliness, cultural awareness and an open, enthusiastic demeanour.

  • How many Spanish levels are there at ISLA? A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2

  • Are the extra curricular activities compulsory? No, of course not, though they are a great way to improve your Spanish after class.