2015 CITY DETAILS Marbella, the undisputed highlight of the Costa del Sol, is an exclusive Mediterranean resort town with some of the best beaches in Europe. Its beautiful parks and gardens, top-notch golf courses and picturesque old quarter, the Casco Antiguo, make Marbella a relaxing yet stimulating place to learn Spanish. Due to its geographical positioning and the La Concha mountain that shelters the coastal town, Marbella enjoys a unique micro-climate. The temperature is mild throughout the year - there are neither harsh winters nor suffocating summers - and you can sunbathe almost everyday from June to September, as well as many warm days from March through to October and sometimes even November. SCHOOL DETAILS What is the building/area like? School Address Av. Ricardo Soriano, 43 Telephone Fax Number Email For more information please contact your LSI local For more information please contact your LSI local study.abroad@lsi.edu Language Studies International 2015 Page 1 of 11
Website LSI on Facebook http://www.lsi.edu/en/spanish/spain/marbella/school http://www.facebook.com/lsi.worldwide New, 3-story building Our school in Marbella is a unique center: the building itself is constructed around open air, sun drenched patios, which allows our students to enjoy a multitude of outdoor common areas and the smell of the Mediterranean as they walk between classes or take a break with friends. OUR TEACHERS How many teachers do you have? 5 teachers currently active, but this figure changes depending on the needs What are your teacher qualifications? All of our teachers are specially trained in teaching Spanish as a foreign language and many hold a Master's or Doctorate degree in their area of specialization. They are seasoned experts in a variety of specific courses and topics such as Spanish Linguistics, History, Marketing and Tourism. In addition to their many years of experience, our faculty is dinamic, open-minded, friendly and incredible motivated OUR STUDENTS Where do your students come from? We have students from more than 72 countries join our programs every year How many students do you have during high and low seasons? Low season: 100/150 and high season: 200/250 What is the minimum and average age of your students? The minimum age is 14 years old. The majority of our students range from 17 to 22/23 y.o. Language Studies International 2015 Page 2 of 11
OUR COURSES When are the start dates? Courses start every Monday of the year, even for absolute beginners Courses we offer Course General Courses Part time 10 Intensive 20 Intensive 20 + 5 Super Intensive 25 + 5 Academic semester/year One to One (1 lesson per week) One to One (5 lessons per week) One to One (10 lessons per week) One to One (20 lessons per week) One to One (30 lessons per week) General Intensive Spanish short duration (10, 20, 20+5, 20+5+5 lessons per week) General Intensive Spanish long duration (12+ weeks) (20+5 lessons per week) Language Studies International 2015 Page 3 of 11
Semester or Academic Year (20+ weeks) One on one private lessons & Spanish for professionals Do you offer work experience? We offer a Paid Work Course:Tourism is one of the most important industries in Spain, so we have specially designed this Spanish Paid Work course to help you improve your Spanish then use your language skills in a paid position at a Spanish hotel. What is the length of each lesson? Every lesson lasts 55 minutes and two teachers are assigned to each class, rotating every two lessons. What is a typical class time table like? Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 2:30pm or 2:30pm to 6:30pm. Cultural workshops take place at 1:30pm and are available to both morning and afternoon students. The majority of the time, students will be placed in the morning shift. Afternoon sessions are normally reserved for our super intensive courses What is the maximum/average class size? Our classes contain a maximum of 10 students; the average class size is 5 What levels are offered and how fast does a student progress from level to level? There are 6 levels: Basic, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced, Superior and Proficiency. Each level, wiith the exception of Proficiency, is divided into 3 sublevels varying from lesser to greater linguistic capability. Are textbooks included in the fees? Study materials are not included in the course price. You can buy your books at the school on the first day, once you know your level (35 ). This amount includes one textbook and one exercise book. If you change levels, you will need to buy a new set for that level Do you receive a free certificate once the course has ended? Yes, when you complete a Spanish course, you will receive an official diploma that states the type of course, total hours completed and achieved level of proficiency. You will also receive a Certificate Report Card that includes a detailed account of your progress in each specific linguistic skill. Language Studies International 2015 Page 4 of 11
Can I switch my course type/length once I have started it, or decide to add an additional course? You can combine or change programs throughout 12 destinations in Spain at no extra chrage, since all of our schools use the same teaching method and syllabus, you`re guaranteed a continuous program. When are the school holidays? Schools open all year round, even during Christmas and Easter. Course break: 1 free week off for every 12 weeks of the course (4-weeks advance notice required) How do we teach? We select highly qualified Spanish teachers dedicated to implementing the most up-to-date methodologies and effective, proven pedagogical techniques. This, combined with carefully designed academic materials, structured language levels and plenty of extras, ensures a successful experience for every student that passes through our doors. We combine different pedagogical techniques, centered on a communicative approach, in order to reach every kind of learner. Our goal is to equip you with the skills and concepts necessary to feel comfortable understanding others and making yourself understood in any Spanish-speaking environment. In order to achieve this goal, the teacher combines both theory and practice, addressing all of the linguistic and functional pragmatic aspects of the spoken language, along with key socio-cultural information essential for gaining proficiency. Grammar, reading, writing, listening, speaking and vocabulary are always integrated in order to approximate the student to an authentic communicative environment. What is a typical class time table like? Hours Standard 20 Afternoon 10 Morning Shift 1st SESSION 2nd SESSION CULTURE (+5) 9:30-10:25 AM 11:35 AM 12:30 PM 1:35 2:30 PM 10:30 11:25 AM 12:35 1:30 PM Afternoon Shift CULTURE (+5) 1st SESSION 2nd SESSION 1:35 2:30 PM 2:35 3:30 PM 4:35-5:30 PM 3:35-4:30 PM 5:35-6:30 PM Language Studies International 2015 Page 5 of 11
ORIENTATION What time should I arrive on my first day and what should I bring? On your first day of class, you should go to the school at 8:30AM. You will receive overall orientation information (about the school, the city, etc.). Every student except for very beginners will take an oral and written placement test, in order to be placed in the most suitable class. AIRPORT TRANSFER Who meets me at the airport and where? Students, upon arrival, will first take their luggage and then pass through customs. After clearing customs, students will find the driver waiting, with his/her name on an Enforex sign. Together with the confirmation of your transfer you will also receive an emergency phone number, +34 636 450 998 What alternative transport is there from the airport to the City or my host family accommodation? Students who wish to make their own way from the airport to the school could take: Bus: Several bus lines connect the airport to the centre of Málaga, nearby towns and various Andalusian cities. Are airport transfers available? Malaga airport to accommodation in Malaga PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM Bus System The first day we provide our students a Student Manual with a lot of useful information including the public transport system. A lot of people in Spain use the public transport system; being in most cases the most convenient, fast and cheap way to travel. Other Travel Options If you would like to travel by train and need information about the timetable and destinations you can call for information at 902 240 202 or also find it on the web: www.renfe.es Language Studies International 2015 Page 6 of 11
PAYMENTS/ CANCELLATIONS/ REFUNDS Can I receive an invoice? Yes, you will receive a proforma invoice whenever you need it What are your payment terms and conditions? First, you must send a 250 /350$ deposit fee* along with the completed registration form. If you prefer, you may pay up-front at this time for the complete course price (course + accommodation). In any case, the complete program cost must be paid in full at least 3 weeks prior to the start of the program. How do I cancel a course and will I get a refund for the course and/or the accommodation? Courses All program fees must be paid 3 weeks prior to arrival otherwise we reserve the right to cancel the student's place. The 250 /350$ deposit (450 for the Paid Job and Internship programs) will not be returned for any cancellations made. For cancellations prior to 2 weeks before the arrival date, there will be a penalty of 250 + 5% of the total cost. For cancellations made during the last 2 weeks before arrival, there will be a penalty of 250 + 10% of the total cost. Credit issued must be used within one year No refunds can be given for any cancellations made during your stay. Exceptions can be considered on request, but a minimum of four weeks of your program will be charged. All refunds will have an administration charge of 10% (a minimum of 65 ). Refunds of less than 100 will be paid by Spanish cheque at no extra cost whilst the student is still in Spain otherwise the refund will be made by bank transfer and will carry a minimum administration fee of 35. All students who wish to cancel their program (course and/or accommodations) prior to their arrival should notify us in writing by fax, e-mail, or letter. Cancellations not received by one of the 3 previously mentioned means will not be accepted. We cannot be held responsible for cancellations due to Act of God, health or personal problems. Cancellation fee after a Visa is issued is a minimum of 350 or 35% of the total cost. Break in the course : 1 free week off for every 12 weeks of the course (4 weeks notice must be given in advance). In all other cases, taking a break during your course will incur a fee of 50 and accommodation must be paid in full for the original program length (subject to availability) After arrival, students may change their destination, school, or program at no extra charge. How do I pay for my course? Send a bank transfer using the below information. Please do not forget to clearly make transfers payable to "IDEAL EDUCATION GROUP, S.L.", include your personal information and the purpose of the payment and send a proof of the transfer by fax or e-mail. Send us your VISA or MASTERCARD information via e-mail, mail or fax using the aforementioned addresses, and please be sure to indicate the exact amount that you are authorizing us to charge to Language Studies International 2015 Page 7 of 11
your credit card. ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS What happens if I get sick? We can offer you a medical insurance of general character Do you offer insurance? We do not cover students for any illnesses, accidents, or loss of personal property (neither at the accommodation nor in or out of the classroom). We therefore recommend that you purchase an optional study abroad insurance for Spain. If you decide to use our private insurance, we'll take care of the paperwork. When you arrive, we'll give you an individual insurance certificate valid during the requested period you'll be in Spain. It's that easy! The price of insurance is 45 euros, for a period of 4 weeks or less. Study abroad insurance in Spain includes: Sanitary assistance Unlimited medical and surgical assistance in case of disease or accident Hospital internment for medical procedures - up to 1,502.53 Refund on medicines prescribed outside of the hospital - 100% Repatriation of insured in case of disease or accident - up to 901.52 Repatriation of insured in case of death - up to 2,103.53 Individual accidents Death by accident - 1,502.53 Total disability - 6,010.12 Partial disability - 3,005.06 Luggage Theft or damage - up to 150.25 Loss or small theft - up to 90.15 Can I take a holiday during my course? You will have 1 free week off for every 12 weeks of the course, 4-weeks advance notice required Do I need a visa to study at your school? Citizens of countries belonging to the European Union do not need Visas to enter Spain. Citizens of many countries (such as USA, Brazil, Japan, Korea, etc.) can enter Spain for a period of 3 Language Studies International 2015 Page 8 of 11
months without a visa. If you are going to stay longer you should apply for student visa (type D) before coming to Spain Students coming from other countries should inform themselves about the requirements for obtaining a VISADO (VISA) at their nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate. We assist students in applying for visa and can issue a special invitation letter. How much spending money should I bring? It will depend on what sort of lifestyle you'll be maintaining, as every student is different it is very difficult to estimate how much you will spend when you i.e. go out at night or go on excursions Can I get a job while I am studying at the School? Yes, as you are an European citizen, you are able to work in Spain Can I arrange work experience through the School? Yes, we offer unpaid internships placement and a Paid Work Course Who can I talk to if I have a problem? Can I speak my own language? Our staff speak a variety of different languages in order to help and support every single student, from the moment they step foot in Spain until the completion of their course Can I open a bank account? Yes, you can open a bank account MARBELLA FACILITIES What facilities are available to students? 17 classrooms (14 inside and 3 outside) with natural light from the terrace. Classrooms have audio-visual equipment. Huge terrace, 3,500 m2 Air conditioning Large common room with vending machines Study hall / reading room Books and video library services Teachers room - computers with free Internet access Wi-Fi (wireless internet) throughout the school How many classrooms are there? 17 classrooms (14 inside and 3 outside) with natural light Language Studies International 2015 Page 9 of 11
Do you have a cafeteria? No, but we have a large common room with vending machines WHAT MAKES THE SCHOOL SO SUCCESSFUL Well Established Our partner school is part of the largest and most prestigious language education organization in the world, with more than 24 industry leading Spanish schools in both Spain & Latin America. Since 1989 we have been offering top quality Spanish courses taught by the best professors. Our courses stand out because of their elaborate design and carefully selected contents that, in addition to teaching the Spanish language, also address the cultural background of the country in question. Value for Money Our #1 concern is the quality of your Spanish language education, which is precisely why we have spent years fine-tuning our proven teaching method. Like A Family Students feel at home in Spain, we will take care of you from the very moment you arrived International Atmosphere We have an international, multicultural atmosphere: over 35,000 students from more than 72 countries join our programs every year Language Studies International 2015 Page 10 of 11
Excellent Location The location is also an attractive characteristic. In the heart of the city and just a few minutes from the beach, the school is perfectly located within easy reach of the main attractions of the city. This means that it makes a perfect departure point for cultural visits, walks or beach trips organized by students after class. A great place not only to learn but also to have fun! Interactive Classroom Techniques During each session teachers will focus on: Grammar, reading, writing, listening, speaking and vocabulary Integration of skills Cultural reading and listening exercises Grammar Self-testing If you have any additional questions that we have not answered please contact us at Av. Ricardo Soriano, 43 Marbella 29600 Telephone: For more information please contact your LSI local Fax Number: For more information please contact your LSI local Email: study.abroad@lsi.edu Website: www.lsi.edu We hope to see you soon! Accreditation and Membership Language Studies International 2015 Page 11 of 11