don Quijote Barcelona

Our school in Barcelona is very popular and occupies an entire 5-story building and is located in the heart of the centre, just opposite the “Ritz Hotel” on the famous boulevard “La Gran Vía”. The school has 65 classrooms all with windows and many with balconies. The ground floor is dedicated to the teachers’ room, multimedia classroom, central meeting and recreational area where you can watch TV, read the newspapers, have a coffee with your fellow students or do your homework. The last you can also do of course on the magnificent roof terrace!

In a privileged position on the northeastern coast of the Iberian peninsula and the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain in both size and population. It is also the capital of Catalonia, 1 of the 17 Autonomous Communities that make up Spain. There are two official languages spoken in Barcelona: Catalan, generally spoken in all of Catalonia, and Castillian Spanish. The city of Barcelona has a population of approximately 1.900.000, but this number spirals to more than 4.000.000 if the outlying areas are also included. The capital of Catalonia is unequivocally a Mediterranean city, not only because of its geographic location but also and above all because of its history, tradition and cultural influences. The documented history of the city dates back to the founding of a Roman colony on its soil in the second century B.C. Modern Barcelona experienced spectacular growth and economic revival at the onset of industrialization during the second half of the 19th century. Culture and the arts flourished in Barcelona and in all of Catalonia; the splendor achieved by Catalonian modernism is one of the most patent displays. Barcelona, more than just a single city, is really a collection of multi-faceted and diverse cities. The visitor unfamiliar with its history might be surprised that such a modern and enterprising city preserves its historic Gothic center almost intact, or by the curious contrast between the maze of narrow streets and the grid-like layout of the Eixample, the urban planning "Enlargement" project of the end of the 19th century. The city offers a wide variety of art, a lively street life, an extensive nightlife and an international ambience.

At the don Quijote schools we use an interactive method of teaching based on learning by practice. That means that grammar is covered – after all, one of the key building blocks of any language - as much as possible by using practical situations. Speaking and actively using the language is central to the continuous interaction between teacher and student. don Quijote has refined the communicative teaching method by constantly evaluating and applying students suggestions. Successfully implementing the interactive method totally depends on the personal attention your teacher is able to give you. Our groups never have more than eight students on all intensive and super-intensive courses. We determine the make-up of the group according to students’ abilities. The first day of the course begins with an oral and written test. (Although, if you know you are a beginner, you will start directly in a beginners group). We work with six levels, fixing the goals for each based on our experience and in accordance with the curriculum of the Instituto Cervantes. When you have finished the course, you will receive a certificate of participation from don Quijote noting that you have taken part in at least 90% of the lessons.

Homestay: It is good to know that most of the host families have worked with us since the beginning. The families know from experience what the role of a host is. Accommodation in a host family allows you to get the maximum out of your course. Nowhere else will you so directly experience real Spanish life. Nothing could be better to help improve your language skills. The word “family” should not be taken too literally, because your family could also be just a single parent who takes in students because he or she enjoys the company. You wouldn’t be the first to go out together, or to keep in contact with your family after your return home. You can choose from a room with breakfast, half-board (breakfast and you can choose between a cooked meal in the afternoon at about two o’clock or light dinner at ten) or full-board (breakfast and two meals). It is obvious that you will have to adjust a little to the rules of the house. Remember, too, that locals have different eating habits. Apart from that, you are free to do what you want. You will be given your own keys, so you can come and go as you like. During your home-stay you will be able to receive phone calls. Student Residence: The residence is located in the heart of the city on the famous boulevard “La Gran Vía” and in the same building as the school in Barcelona. Can you imagine? It will take you only 5 seconds to reach the school to take your Spanish classes! No need to spend money using public transport in this big city! The residence has 25 rooms, all with private bathroom, TV and 24-hour security guard service. Hungry? Prepare your own meals in the fully equipped kitchen with cookers, ovens, microwaves, electric coffee makers and refrigerators, dining room, living room (smoking and non-smoking) with TV, video and hi-fi are also available, as well as washing and drying machines. Sunbathe after your classes on the 840 m² terrace! Do not think twice! This is the perfect place to relax in comfort.

The number and diversity of excursions to interesting places in the vicinity at the weekends is great. There is no question of a standard offering. The students have an important voice in the excursion destination. The excursions, for which you will pay a nominal fee, only go ahead if a sufficient number of people take part. The activities and excursions are announced weekly in the office, where you can go with any queries or to put your name down. Sports enthusiasts can really enjoy themselves at don Quijote: aerobics, basketball, fitness training, golf, hockey, swimming, football, tennis, horse riding, skiing and much more. Ask in the office about practising individual sports.