Montevideo - Uruguay The Location Bordered by the large territories of Argentina and Brazil, by large rivers and by the Atlantic Ocean, Uruguay is located in a great setting in South America. People are amazed by the pure white sand of its beaches, the dunes alternating with creeks and its small bays with peaceful waters. Spanish is the only language spoken over the whole of its 176.215 km2, demonstrating the uniformity of its population, its cultural and ethnic unity, characteristics that have helped to develop a democratic and tolerant country. Of its 3,156,708 inhabitants over 95% are literate.   Security and healt The capital city, Montevideo, has been declared as the 2nd safest capital city in the world. Security is also complemented by the high standard of health in Uruguay, due to the good quality of its tap water, perfectly drinkable and its complete sanitation system. Montevideo, the capital of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay, more than two centuries and a half of existence is one of the only continental capitals with a ring of beaches incorporated into the urban landscape. This singular feature has given the city's appearance a special character and serves as a "purifying lung". The city maintains historic testimonies both in its new and old sectors. Old mansions that once belonged to notable citizens have been turned into museums, magnificent monuments, the Legislative Palace, countless plazas, promenades, sculptures and wide avenues that immediately capture the visitor's attention due to their charming harmony of form and elegance. All these wonders are complemented by big parks which are used for cultural events, book fairs, markets or the Montevidean Carnival, which last more than 40 days. The first class maritime terminal is a magnet that concentrates the commercial, industrial and cultural development of the whole country and is the gateway to several tourist attractions in the country and to the warmth of its people. Montevideo, this beautiful green city also offers a wide range of cultural and sporting activities. There are many high standard sport clubs, where visitors can integrate themselves with the locals, whilst enjoying their favourite sport. Our school Situated in a very good part of Montevideo, called: "Parque Rodo". This is a residencial area where you can find the National Library, bars, restaurants, shops and the University of Architecture and a beautiful big park. It is well known as a quiet area to live and for its safety. The school itself is a very nice old house. On the ground floor there is the reception, the office, four large classrooms, a library, two toilets, a fully equipped kitchen, recreation room with television, a terrace and a yard where students can spend their breaks or meet after classes. This will be the place for meetings, like a welcome drink on the first day, barbeques or paella's on Friday evenings. On the first floor you can find the school residence. The school is at approximately 5 minutes walking distance from the beach main Centre of Montevideo. Close by there is a sport centre with a gym where you can play: volley ball, basket ball, tennis and football. A perfect opportunity for our students to get in contact with the locals and at the same time practice a sport. Teachers Graduated in Spanish philology and specialized in teaching foreigners. They have many years of experience in teaching Spanish to speakers of other languages and are very enthusiastic and friendly with our students. They are always ready to listen to any doubt or problem students may have with the Spanish language. Weekly meetings are hold with the teachers to discuss the progress of our students and to take on board their suggestions and comments. Every day, after classes one of our teachers is in the school during one hour to discuss difficulties with the students and to help them with any problem they may have in their Spanish study. Each student has his own tutor to help them in case they have difficulties with the study program. At the end of the course, students realize that they have not only learned Spanish but made new friends as well!! The courses ·        Course A: Intensive course consisting of four 55 min. lessons daily incorporating grammar, conversation, practical application of Spanish. Groups of 3-5 students. ·        Course B: Super intensive course consisting of six 55 min. lessons daily. As above, with more focus on conversation and practical application. Groups of 3-5 students. ·        Course C: One to one or semi private tuition. Course individually adapted to each students specific needs. Min. of two and max of six 55 min. lessons daily ·        Course D: Commercial course, for business people needing a basic adequate knowledge Spanish plus acquiring skills and vocabulary for use in the commercial world. Individuals’ needs met. 4 group lessons daily (3-5 students). 1 private or 2 semi private lessons. ·        Course E: A special course for children, consisting of three 55 min. daily classes incorporating basic grammar, conversation, educational games. Minimum age of 8 years, maximum 15 years. Groups of 2- 4 students (all students will need to be accompanied to Montevideo by an adult). ·        Course F: Leisure/learning course consisting of three 55 min. lessons daily incorporating grammar, conversation and practical application of Spanish. Groups of 4-6 students. ACTIVITIES  The school offers a wide range of complementary activities aimed at leisure and free time. An excellent way to learn more about the Spanish culture, of relaxing, discovering the surrounding area and to increase and practice the Spanish knowledge while enjoying the company of one of our teachers or a Spanish local guide. We have noticed how the leisure occupations of our students are oriented more and more towards sports and activities which are to do with ecology or nature, interested in preserving and not attiring the surroundings which are so hard to maintain. Student opinion about our activity program: You can try your hand at any, or all, of the activities offered by this marvelous school and if you find one you particularly enjoy - you can take the course! Do as much or as little as you like. It's all here waiting, just for YOU. ·       Jeep excursions: to the country side and enjoy the beautiful views in totally natural surroundings. The lunch: will be taken in a ranch/estate and we will swim in natural swimming pools. ·       Boat trips: we will go with local fisherman and they will explain us what kind of fish you can find and showing us what they fish. In the evening there will be a fish barbecue. ·       Exploring the coast: we will go all along the coast until the border of Brazil. We will stay overnight in a bungalow situated in a fishing village. ·       Horse riding: cantering across a sandy beach or an excursion in the country side. ·       Mountain biking: the beautiful countryside of this area provide the ideal location for biking the scenery is spectacular. We will race down through naturally formed valleys and rush through wooded sides. ·       Beach volley ball ·       Rambling: a walk through the area, where you can enjoy the different landscapes ·       Camping: we will go to the country side and spend 2 days in a ranch. During the day students go for rambling, horse riding or canoeing. Barbeques will be organized at nights. ·       Rock Climbing: for our real adventure students. You can try anything from bouldering to full rock climbing or abseiling. Take a course or pit your skills against a variety of climbs from beginner to advanced. ·       Canoeing: students will be walking, climbing and jumping in rivers, this is a marvelous excursion for any age. ·       Diving: anyone over 12 years old - in good health - who is reasonably comfortable in the water can become a diver for the day. After watching a video and being briefed by a fully qualified instructor you can explore the wonders of the marine reserve. You are accompanied by an Instructor to ensure your safety and enjoyment "fiestas", we prepare a paella, barbecue, sardines or several " tapas" (a small Spanish snack) in the school . ·       Cooking lessons, one of our teachers will show, with the assistance of the students, how to prepare those typical meals in order to learn something more about the Spanish kitchen. ·       Evening excursions to the theatre in Montevideo. Accommodation  School Residence There are 5 big bedrooms, suitable for 2 persons. One of them has its own bathroom and the other 4 share a bathroom and toilet in the corridor. There is a lovely terrace for communal use. There can be a maximum of 10 students in the residence. The kitchen, living/dining room and all other facilities have to be shared with other students from the school. Students will receive a key, so they can go in and out whenever they wish to doso. Linen and towels and weekly cleaning included. For a small fee, student clothing will be washed. Half board can be booked as well. Linen/towels and weekly cleaning included. We can really recommend this accommodation, as you will be living in a nice Uruguayan house while enjoying all the facilities it has to offer. Families Living with a local family encourages practice of the language and enriches the cultural knowledge. Carefully selected and sympatric towards the students, knowing they want to learn more about the Uruguayan culture and their way of living. The student will be treated as one member more of the family. Linen/towels and weekly cleaning included. Apartments Apartments or small houses, situated at walking distance from school, Centre and beach in a quiet area of Montevideo. Two or three bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, living room and terrace or garden.