GENERAL SPANISH

• All levels: from beginners to advanced
• Linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• Courses are flexible in length and timetable
• Top levels correspond to the levels of the Instituto Cervantes Diplomas.

CERVANTES QUALITY

The quality of our teaching has been recognised internationally by the Instituto Cervantes, the world authority for the teaching and testing of Spanish, with our appointment to its worldwide network of Associated "Calidad Cervantes" Centres. This is a form of quality assurance and a point of reference that students can rely on when faced with choosing a Spanish school in a foreign country.

Here at IH Costa Rica Instituto Britanico we teach Spanish as a foreign language for students who are committed to learning. Although the classes themselves are as enjoyable as they are instructive, you will not find them combined with beach parties or cooking lessons.

Our courses are the preferred choice of students from all over the world, often from multi-national companies, government departments, universities and development agencies, and often referred to us by satisfied students. Our Spanish Programme offers:

• three levels of General Spanish, each of which is set at the level of one of the international examinations we are authorised to offer
• courses customised to the specific needs of Spanish for Professionals
• a quick fix for tourists with Spanish Express
• all three International Examinations of the Instituto Cervantes, which give worldwide recognition of achievement, and preparation courses to practise exam technique

Levels

Ranging from Beginner to Advanced, our three levels encompass the entire spectrum of Spanish as a Foreign Language. Each level represents completion of a textbook.

Students’ progress from one level to the next depends on satisfactory evaluation.

Spanish for Professionals presupposes an existing knowledge of Spanish of at least Intermediate level.

Timetables

General Spanish courses start on Mondays and have classes in the mornings, Monday to Friday.
Spanish for Professionals is by arrangement.
Spanish Express lasts one week from Monday to Friday with classes in the mornings.
Tutorials are by arrangement.
Corporate Training is by contract.

For details, see Dates and Prices.

Tutorials

For specific objectives, specialised language needs or personal timetable requirements, one-to-one tutorials are available by arrangement.

Placement

All new students are allocated to the level that is best suited to their ability by means of a written and oral Placement Test. This has to be done at the IH Costa Rica Instituto Britanico before starting your first course.

Course books

Due to our "Calidad Cervantes" appointment, we are currently changing books. The latest information can be obtained by email.

Evaluation

Evaluation is a mix of continuous assessment and final examinations.

Throughout a course, students are assessed on their communication skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) and at the end of each level there is an oral and written examination.

Homework is an important part of the mix to consolidate what is learnt in class. The writing exercises that are an essential element of homework also count towards students’ final grades.

International qualifications

Increasing numbers of young professional people are appreciating the career value of objective, independently managed qualifications in Spanish that conform to international standards and give them recognition all around the world.

The IH Costa Rica Instituto Britanico is uniquely placed in Central America to offer the facilities for obtaining these. See International Examinations.

Language training for organisations

We offer a comprehensive range of language training services with general and customised courses and management support in consultancy and personnel selection.
See Corporate Services.

Cervantes Links

www.cervantes.es
Website of the Instituto Cervantes

http://cvc.cervantes.es
Cervantes Virtual Centre is a reference centre for Spanish and Spanish culture.

www.diplomas.cervantes.es
Cervantes Diplomas in Spanish as a foreign language are official qualifications defining levels of competency and command of the Spanish language.

www.ave.cervantes.es
Virtual Spanish classroom is an educational resource of self-access tools for learning via the internet.

http://oesi.cervantes.es
Instituto Cervantes information and documentation centre specialising in the diffusion and promotion of Spanish linguistic technology.