Methodology

The classes of the schools in Barcelona our principal partner Academy of Public Diplomacy is cooperating with,  are based on communicative method and a course book according to each level, as well as own didactic materials designed by schools’ academic coordinators and teams of Spanish teachers.



Classes

Reduced size groups, the average number of students per class is 6 and maximum 8 (10 in high season).



Teachers

Spanish teachers have gone through a strict selection process - only native teachers, who are original from Spain, university graduates that completed a specialised training to teach Spanish as a foreign language.

 

P U B L I C  

D I  P L O M A C Y

group

Spanish in Barcelona 2015

Раскрывая
потенциал
международного
сотрудничества

Location

All the schools we are cooperating with are located in the very heart of Barcelona.



Activities

Once a week on evening schools are organizing for our students activities, which are completely free of charge: a cultural class and social club.



Personalized service

Our principal partner Academy of Public Diplomacy is in a constant touch with its principal partner schools in Barcelona. The partner schools are also obliged to keep the doors open to the public all the time, you can consult them any time and talk to the teachers, the Academic Coordinator, the administrative staff and they will be happy to help you and ensure you a pleasant and unforgettable stay.

 

Our objective is to guarantee you the fullest linguistic immersion during your stay in Barcelona, therefore we choose for you only schools that use only Spanish in their classes.


The methodology that they apply focuses on giving you a solid grammar base in order to improve your speaking skills.


The Academic Programme of Academy of Public Diplomacy’s partners is designed by their academic department, based on the normative sources, such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the Education Curricular Plan of Instituto Cervantes.



 

Academic Department

The Spanish Academic Departments of our partners consist of  Academic Coordinator and a team of teachers. As far as the academic background is concerned, all teachers are Spanish native speakers graduated in, for example, international relations, philology, literature, history, translation and they are specialized in methodology to teach Spanish as a foreign language, having completed a MPhil or a special training course. Apart from that, they are dynamic professionals, open minded teachers with a clear vocation to share their knowledge and interests, providing you high quality and enjoyable learning process.


Academic Programme

One of the crucial aspects of your Spanish learning process is that your classmates have the same level as you have. This is the reason, why two weeks before the start of your course, we ask you to complete a written grammar test. Moreover, on the first day of your classes you’ll come before in order to make an oral exam, this will help our partners to place you in the most suitable group.


The structure of academic programme is designed to cover all the levels of The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

Basic (A1)

Elementary (A2)

Intermediate (B1)

Advanced (B2)

Superior (C1)

Proficiency (C2)


Modules

Our partner’s teaching methodology distinguishes two modules having as the primal objective working all four linguistic skills:


Grammar Module:

You learn grammar, vocabulary and functions in a communicative, dynamic manner. Our partner present you new content and concepts using texts, listening exercises or images and then they carry out various practices to exercise the use of new structures.


Conversational Module:

You will improve your communicative skills. The classes are focused on oral expression and comprehension in different areas - public diplomacy, foreign policy, international relations etc.


The Academy of Public Diplomacy partners’ Academic Department organise weekly reunions in order to monitor the evolution of each student. The Academic Teams analyse the progress of each student, evaluating possible changes of level that might be related to different, individual rhythm of learning.


At the end of the course, you will receive a course completion certificate or a course attendance certificate with the total number of hours completed (the minimum assistance required is 80%), the level achieved as well as the result of the test and the grade.

















Barcelona, no doubt is one of the most attractive cities thanks to its vast, distinguished cultural and leisure offers.


We should not forget its remarkable location: surrounded by the seaside and with excellent connections with main European cities.


Moreover, Barcelona stands out for its Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, which enables to enjoy beach during most of the year.






 

















It is a modern and cosmopolitan city, which showed to be able to preserve its historical legacy forged over centuries.


In the city centre prevails a bohemian atmosphere. A stroll around the Gothic Quarter, Rivera or Raval will help you uncover one of the best preserved medieval city quarters in the world.


But Barcelona is mostly admired for its landmarks such as: Sagrada Familia, Pedrera, Guell Park or Casa Batllo – all of them being real masterpieces of architecture, designed by our most international architect, Antoni Gaudí.


 
You can also visit well-known museums, such as: Picasso Museum, Museum of Modern Art (MACBA), Joan Miro Foundation or National Museum of Arts of Catalonia (MNAC).


Make the most of your stay in Barcelona, have a tapas tour, enjoy a party night out and live an unforgettable experience going to a football match of FC Barcelona.


Barcelona is a city full of contrasts, a marriage of modernity and history, a mixture of big avenues and narrow lanes, top notch restaurants and lovely tiny cafeterias.


Discover this and much more, enjoy Barcelona and learn Spanish in your future journey to Barcelona.
 

Test


Sign up and we’ll send you test of Spanish, so you can check it and define your level.


Questionnaire:


Name of the contact person:

Contact number:

E-mail:

Name and Surname of a student:

Street:

City:

City code:

Country:

Nationality:

Age:

Dates of the stay (From - To):

Level of Spanish:


Preferred course:

Intensive 10, Intensive 20, Intensive 20 + 5, Intensive 20 + 10, DELE Preparation, ELE Teachers’ Training, Private Tutition Voucher 5 hours, Private Tutition Voucher 10 hours, Private Tutition Voucher 20 hours


Preferred accommodation:

Super UNO+, Super UNO, Super DOS+, Super DOS, Super TRES+, Super TRES, Super CUATRO+, Super CUATRO


Transfer:

By your own, By us


Your comments:


If you need a invitation letter for visa, we’ll also need a copy of the first page of your passport.


Please send your application form to our e-mail:


office@artofdiplomacy.ru


Thank you!

AIRPORT PICKUP SERVICE FROM/TO


We offer you the possibility to book private transport the day of your arrival and the day of your departure.


VISA


Once you have enrolled and done the payment of the course we guarantee that our partners will send you a letter of acceptance and the confirmation documents for your course and accommodation, at no additional cost.

Check more information about Embassies and Consulates of Spain abroad

The accommodation is an essential part of your stay in Barcelona and therefore it is very essential for us that you feel comfortably well.


We offer a wide variety of accommodations and our aim is to offer you the type of accommodation that best suits your preferences.


The flat/apartment/shared flat/shared apartment accommodation gives you the opportunity to live alone/with  another student or two/three or four students of other nationalities or with local Spanish people who work or study. 


We’ll choose for you the most comfortable option for you:

  1. *Application fee for enrolling to school - 60 € together with first book included

  2. *Guidebook Barcelona In Your pocket included.

  3. *D.E.L.E: Exam fees not included in the price.

  4. *Private tuition vouchers are valid during 4 weeks, counting from the first day of classes.

  5. *The class cancellation should be communicated in writing at least 24 hours in advance, otherwise the class will be considered as done.

  6. *The shared flats and apartments are available only if 2, 3 or 4 persons come together.

  7. *Arrivals between 22:30 pm and 8:00 am will have a supplement of 30 €.

  8. *

Prices transfers to / from the airport


Airport transfer


Barcelona airport

1 student        70€

2+ students    50€


Girona/Reus airport

1 student        160€

2+ students    90€


These prices are for transfers from 8:00 am to 22:00 pm (Arrival / Departure).

If you need the transfer before or after these hours, the prices will increase in a 30%

Academy of Public Diplomacy’s main goal is to develop international cooperation so in Barcelona you will not only learn Spanish, we also give you the opportunity to discover Spanish culture, enjoy the experience of living with students from all around the world and discover the best kept secrets of Barcelona and its surroundings.


Below there are some of the examples of our rich cultural activities programme:


Social Club

Once a week in the afternoon/night our partners’ representative organise free activities: it can be a volley Beach match, Spanish beer treat, art exhibition visit, tour of Gracia district during Local Festivities, tapas cooking class, a language exchange with other students of Spanish or a Montjuic fountains light and music show.


 
Weekend Activities

During weekends we organize day excursions. You will discover the most charming places and towns in Barcelona area, among them: Dali museum in Figueres, Montserrat Monastery, coastline town of Sitges, enchanting beaches of Costa Brava, vineyards and cellars, etc.


Other

Celebrate with us main Spanish festivities such as: Carnival, Easter Week, Sant Jordi, Midsummer's Eve of San Juan, Castañada (Spanish variety of Halloween) or Christmas.


No minimum special level of Spanish is required in order to participate in these cultural activities - you simply must be willing to have fun.

Even though all these activities are in Spanish, a short resume in English is also provided for those students who are absolute beginners.

 

Courses


When do the Spanish courses start? Do they have a minimum duration?

You can begin a Spanish course of every level each Monday of the year. In case Monday is a bank holiday, classes start on Tuesday. The minimum duration of a course is 1 week.


How big are the groups?

The groups are reduced size; the average number of students per class is 6 people. The maximum number of students is 8 during whole year, except for high season when the maximum is 10.


Are the teachers native and graduates?

Yes, all of our partners’ teachers are native Spanish speakers, university graduates, who completed a special Spanish teaching training and, moreover, are experienced professionals.


What are the school's opening hours?

The schools are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 till 20:30, no break at midday. If you have any doubt, you can call the schools during the opening hours and obviously you can use school's facilities and the Internet, free of charge.


How can I enrol for a Spanish course?

Enrolling is easy and fast! In any case, do not hesitate to contact us and we will help you will all the arrangements.


Shall I book my course and accommodation in advance? How long before?

We ask you to enroll at least two weeks before the start date of the course. If you want to book last minute, for the following week, be sure to contact us and check if we have availability for the course you are interested in. In order to confirm your accommodation, especially in summer, we need to receive your enrolment as soon as possible. Do not leave it for the last moment!


Do I have to submit a placement test?

Unless you are an absolute beginner in Spanish, certainly you do. If you have some knowledge of Spanish, you should submit our placement test online at least 2 weeks before your arrival. Apart from that, on the first day of classes you should come a bit earlier in order to do the oral exam.

What method and academic materials do you use?


Our partners are using communicative method; the aim is to build a solid grammar base so you can improve your communicative skills, enriching your vocabulary. That will enable you to communicate actively in various situations and setting.


Are the courses accredited?

Our partners are Accredited Spanish Teaching Centres of Instituto Cervantes, which guarantees not only highest quality with regard to their courses but also concerning the additional services we offer.

They also have an agreement with Cámara de Comercio de Madrid and we are examining centre for Business Spanish certificate.


Can I do an extensive course in the morning hours?

Yes, any of our extensive courses can be scheduled any day and time. As soon as we have a minimum of 3 students, with the same level and availability, we can launch a course.



Do you offer accommodation as well?

We offer various types of accommodations according to the student's preferences respectively.


Do the accommodations facilities have the Internet connection?

Yes, they have internet connection (WiFi).


Where are the accommodations located?

All the accommodations are selected and supervised by us in order to make sure that these provide a maximum standard and therefore offer you the best service during your stay. The accommodations are located maximum 15-20 minutes from the school (either walking or by public transport).


How can I get from the airport to the accommodation facility?

You can take the bus or the train which connect the Prat International Airport with the centre of Barcelona. Another option is to book a pick-up service offered by us (from/ to the airport) and then a representative of our school will pick you up

How long does it take to complete a level?

Generally, you will need to follow 4 weeks of 20 Intensive course in order to complete the level, but that will depend always on your attitude, skills and classes assistance. The Academic Coordinator will asses you and help you choose the course according to your needs and objectives. More information


Other


What is the average age of your students?

Depending on the time of the year, the average age of our students may range between 20 and 35 but, in general, we accept students aged 16 plus. If you are under 16, you might do private classes or join a school group special programme.


Do you also organize cultural activities?

We offer free cultural activities on a weekly basis. Apart from that, we offer as well different low-budget cultural activities and visits so that you can explore the city and its surroundings.


Is there a free Internet access at the school?

Yes, there is a free Internet access at school all day long.


Do I need a visa, what are the procedures?

Afterwards you can enrol for a course and once you have paid the respective amount, we will send you the documents required in order to obtain your visa: a letter of confirmation and a certificate of acceptation for the cours


Is it possible to get a medical insurance through the school?

We can offer your travel and medical insurance that will cover you during your stay in school.

If your country is an European Union member, you can benefit from the services of European Health Insurance Card, you will find more information, here

If I am a minor under 18, can I still apply? Do I need a special permission?

Yes, your parents or tutors should complete and submit a special authorization form stating that they approve of your application for the course.

INTENSIVE 10


Description

2 hours of classes daily, to be chosen between the grammar module and conversation module



Start date of the course:

Every Monday

(except holidays) + Info


Duration:

1 - 52 weeks



Schedule:

Monday - Friday,

morning or afternoon schedule


Nº of hours/week:

10 classes of 55'



Levels:

A1 (basic) - C2 (Mastery)


Nº of students:

Average: 6, max: 8 (10 in high season)

INTENSIVE 20


Description

4 hours of classes daily, divided into the grammar module and the conversation module.


Start date of the course:

Every Monday

(except holidays) + Info


Duration:

1 - 52 weeks



Schedule:

Monday - Friday,

morning or afternoon schedule


Nº of hours/week:

20 classes of 55'



Levels:

A1 (basic) - C2 (Mastery)


Nº of students:

Average: 6, max: 8 (10 in high season)

COMBINED 20 + 5


Description

4 hours of daily classes and 1 hour of private tuition personalized academic programme tailored according to your needs.

Start date of the course:

Every Monday

(except holidays) + Info


Duration:

1 - 52 weeks



Schedule:

Monday - Friday,

morning or afternoon schedule


Nº of hours/week:

25 classes of 55'



Levels:

A1 (basic) - C2 (Mastery)


Nº of students:

Average: 6, max: 8 (10 in high season)

DELE PREPARATION



Description

4 hours daily of special purpose classes in reduced sized groups. The classes are focused entirely on DELE exam preparation (Diploma de Espanol como Lengua Extranjera).

The course is held 4 weeks prior to the examination session.

The price of the course includes: exam enrolment procedures; we do not charge extra for this service.

For further information related to dates and examination, please check the Instituto Cervantes website.



Schedule:

Monday - Friday,

morning or afternoon schedule


Nº of hours/week:

80 classes of 55'



Levels:

A1 (basic) - C2 (Mastery)


Nº of students:

Min: 3, max: 5



ELE TEACHER'S TRAINING



Description

Academy of Public Diplomacy’s partners’ ELE Teachers Training Courses are recognised by Instituto Cervantes.

It will show you the communicative methodology of teaching, as well as give you the tools, the strategies and the skills necessary for teaching Spanish as a foreign language.

The course consists of 64 hours (54h of theory classes + 10h of tutorials and practical classes) structured in 4 weeks.


Requirements

The course is aimed at beginner teachers and professionals who do not have specific training in the teaching area, both native Spanish and foreigners with a Proficiency level of Spanish.

You should be a university graduate (degree or bachelor).

The course is divided into two parts: theory and practice .



PRIVATE TUITION




Description

Decide your rhythm, the number, the schedule and the content of your classes.


Focus them on grammar, conversation, pronunciation, Business Spanish, Public Diplomacy, International Relations, Foreign Policy, Art and Literature, Medical Spanish or History, etc.















Flats


 

Accommodation

All of our accommodation facilities, are carefully selected and regularly reviewed.











 
Spanish Culture Class

Once a week at noon we offer a free class focused on Spanish culture.


Daily Activities

Every week, from Monday to Friday, we offer guided tours to city landmarks such as: Guell Park, Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, Joan Miró Foundation, the foodmarket of Boqueria, etc. We combine them with cultural activities and events, for example: conferences or Spanish cinema sessions.




 

COMBINED 20+10


Description

4 hours of daily classes and 2 hours of private tuition personalized academic programme tailored according to your needs.

Start date of the course:

Every Monday

(except holidays) + Info


Duration:

1 - 52 weeks



Schedule:

Monday - Friday,

morning or afternoon schedule


Nº of hours/week:

30 classes of 55'



Levels:

A1 (basic) - C2 (Mastery)


Nº of students:

Average: 6, max: 8 (10 in high season

Courses for groups




Would you like to organise a linguistic stay for your school or university?


Please submit the questionnaire and we will send you a quotation with a tailored made programme to suit your needs, interests and preferences.


We offer a wide variety of services, from a short several day mini-course with 2 hours daily classes or a 3 weeks' duration stay combining Spanish classes with outdoor cultural activities and guided tours.


We can also arrange your accommodation during the course as well as pick up service, from and to the airport.


Questionnaire:


Contact us and we will send you a financial estimate, without any obligation.


Name of the organisation/group

Name of the contact person

E-mail

Contact number

Nationality of the group members

Nº of students

Average Age

Nº of tutors

Dates of the stay

From - To

Nº of course hours

Activities - City Tour, guided visits, FC Barcelona tickets, spanish cuisine, etc.

Accommodation

Transfer - Private bus from any airport

Other comments

Methodology

Barcelona

Spanish courses

Accomodation and prices

Discover Spanish culture

Another services

Sign up

FAQs

Intensive 10


2 hours daily of group classes





Intensive 20


4 hours daily of group classes


Barcelona

Probably the best reason of all.

Sagrada Familia, Ramblas, Güell Park, Picasso Museum, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, Gothic Quarter, Dalí Museum, Costa Brava, Girona, paella treat, tapas tour, the beach...

Courses for groups








DELE exam preparation


4 hours special purpose group classes


Teacher-training








1 to 1 private tuition

Combined 20+5


4 hours of group classes and 1 hour of private tuition daily




Combined 20+10


4 hours of group classes and 2 hours of private tuition daily

MEDICAL INSURANCE AND ASSISTANCE

We offer you the possibility to book your medical insurance and assistance.


Insurance price

1w                        26 €                2w                       47 €                3w                       58 €

4w                       76 €                Extra week         20 €


Bookings of accommodation without the course have a supplement of 60€/person/week The main coverage benefits are detailed below:


Medical treatment    Up to 60.000 €

Emergency dental treatment Up to 150 €

Return airfare for family members to be at your bedside The full cost

Trip of a family member in case of hospitalization The full cost

Repatriation cover or body transport in case of death The full cost

Anticipated return due to family health issues The full cost

Baggage localization and sending The full cost

Baggage loss or damage Up to 900 €

Loss/cancellation of classes Up to 600 € (24 €/day)

Third Party liability policy Up to 60.000 €

Prices per person/week

Разработка и реализация коммуникационных стратегий  с применением ресурса публичной дипломатии для расширения географии и масштабов деловых отношений на региональном и международном уровне.