International Spanish Diploma

Academia de Español Quito is a recognized training and examination center for the International Spanish Diploma (D.I.E.) that certifies the degree of mastership and competence in Spanish as a second language. The school is accredited through FIDESCU , (Fundación para la Investigación y Desarrollo de la Cultura Española) which, under the protectorate of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Spain, has the mission to promote Hispanic culture on an international level with emphasis on the different aspects of the Spanish language.
The International Spanish Diploma is an academic accreditation of the title-holder's ability to communicate effectively with other Spanish speakers. The Diploma is expedited by the Pontificate's University of Salamanca (Spain) and follows the guidelines for learning, teaching and evaluation of languages set by the European Community's Frame of Reference and the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

The International Spanish Diploma is the most thorough examination and language certificate available for Spanish because it offers a complete variety of levels and modes: Ten spoken levels, three written levels and four specialization levels.

Exams' contents are flexible and varied. The candidate may choose the themes for conversation and undertake the appropriate level according to his or her knowledge of Spanish. Likewise, the candidate can choose the mode of the exam: spoken, written, or both. Exams are scheduled for the first Tuesday of every month, year round.
Advantages of the International Spanish Diploma:

• International Spanish Diploma holders can display in their resumes or curriculum vitae their proficiency in Spanish, which will automatically boost their qualification
• The possibility for adults of all ages, teenagers, and children (age 10 and up) to be awarded official certificates on their degree of linguistic competence in spoken Spanish.&
• Flexible and varied exams; candidates may choose the topics of conversation.
• Candidates may prepare for the examination at any level through any of Academia de Español Quito's learning programs.
• Candidates with a determined knowledge of Spanish may take the exam without a preparatory course.
• Candidates are not required to test for every level in progression towards 10th level, instead they may test at a level appropriate to their knowledge of Spanish each time.

Class Styles

Our private program involves from four to seven hours daily of private Spanish instruction. By having your own instructor you are guaranteed efficient progress and rapid learning at your own pace. The instructors are rotated weekly.

Books are provided by the school and cover structure and cultural information. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 12:30pm and 1:30 - 4:30pm.

The Courses

1. Private-4

2. Private-6

3. Private-7

4. ACTIVA
You take your classes emphasizing structure in the mornings for four hours. Each afternoon you and your teacher set off in the city and area to visit various cultural sites, your teacher serving as guide. In this way the community becomes a great classroom. All transportation costs, entry tickets, and an afternoon drink are included in the cost of this program. This is a wonderful way to learn your way around the area and increase your vocabulary at the same time. Some students do a week or two of this program and then have just classes after they know their way around. You can do it that way, in a combination, or you can choose this program for your entire study period.

5. ANACONDA AMAZON JUNGLE PROGRAM
Make your Spanish learning experience an unforgettable ecotour, in a combination of professional teaching and a jungle adventure in one of the most beautiful places in the Ecuadorian rain forest. You will be in a small groups of 3 to 5 students, under the direction of a teacher and native guides (non English speaking). This one week program is available year round and includes four hours of classroom teaching and a daily excursion. Avg. temp 83 F. Your participation helps create indigenous employment and helps preserve the rainforest. Recommended as your last week of study in order to maximize your Spanish.

Departure from Quito Saturday at 7:00am and return back to Quito Friday at 4:00 pm. Transportation: You arrive at Tena by bus, passing through Papallacta and Baeza. In Tena, your last contact with civilization, you take a minivan to Amarongachi Cabins, situated in the Cando Region near a cluster of Quichua families. Upon arriving, you will be introduced to a native family. The cabins are a 15-minute walk from the banks of the Napo River. There are double bed and triple bed cabins, without electricity, but you will have a real bed and running cold water. Candles are used at night. Three daily meals included. Excursion schedule of the Anaconda program is:

Day 1: You begin a long walk to learn about the uses and medicinal properties of plants of the indigenous people. You return to the cabins for dinner and a welcome drink of cane liquor.

Day 2: You take an excursion which begins by walking along the river bed of a small river until arriving at the first waterfall, in which you can swim. Then you climb this waterfall and continue walking and climbing until you reach five waterfalls, each one awe-inspiring. You return through a primary forest, with trees of thousand years old wood. You may also practice balancing and swinging on vines like Tarzan!

Day 3: You begin a 4km walk to a lagoon in the middle of the jungle. You return by canoe (life jackets provided) or innertube, 20-30 minutes of rafting until you arrive at the cabins.

Day 4: You take another 4 hour excursion to canyons in the jungle. Here you see parrots, butterflies, bats, migratory birds and insects, and many wildflowers.

Day 5: Today you go to the riverbank of the Anzú River, where you raft across thrilling rapids. Returning to the riverbank, you meet an indigenous community. You visit a family’s house in which you see how to prepare the traditional drink chicha. Then you continue along the river where you learn techniques for panning gold.

Day 6: You go to the port of Misahuallí to the riverbanks of the Napo River. By morotized canoe you travel to the Jatún Sacha Biological Station, where you are guided through the forest. You can climb a tower to view the landscape along the river. Later you go to the Botanical Garden before returning to the cabins for a farewell with traditional music.

Day 7: Return to Quito

Students

Students come from many parts of the world, creating a stimulating atmosphere for all. We accommodate people of all ages (children also) and at all levels of Spanish. Students stay varying lengths of time and have various purposes. Most come unaccompanied, but we do accommodate couples and families. Because classes are one on one, we have had many entire families with children of all ages participate.
 

Calendar - open during Christmas holidays

You can begin classes any Monday year round, and you determine the number of weeks and program. Most students stay four to six weeks, but shorter or longer stays are also possible.

HOLIDAYS: No classes made up nor are discounts in tuition provided on these days:

• Good Friday
• January 1

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