INTERNATIONAL HOUSE: Course Information

IH Barcelona offers ten levels ranging from absolute beginners to very advanced. On the first day of the course, if you have any prior knowledge of Spanish, you will have both an oral and a written entry test so that your level of ability can be ascertained and you can be placed in the most appropriate group.

The main objective is to improve your communicative skills. The emphasis of classroom activities is the development of your abilities to speak and understand spoken Spanish. For this reason, classes are conducted entirely in Spanish and you will be given plenty of opportunity to practice the sort of language you are likely to need outside the classroom. Attention is paid to grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing skills. All materials are provided free of charge with each course.

The Courses

1. Intensive Courses
4 hours of class per day. Classes held from 9:30am to 1:30pm, Monday through Friday. Average group size is 7-8 students with an absolute maximum of 12.
(A note from Language Link - Although this maximum number is higher than in most of our programs, the highly interactive and dynamic method of teaching in this program produces consistently outstanding results among the students. We have observed classes carefully and feel very comfortable in recommending them.)

2. Spanish Culture
To be added in the afternoons Designed to add a cultural focus to your other classes. From 2:30 to 4:00pm, Tuesday to Friday, 6 hrs total per week. The social program starts at 4:00pm, so you can still participate in all school activities. Lower intermediate level required. Each course lasts one week and deals with various aspects of Spanish Culture: Art, The Media, The Spanish Civil War, Spanish Literature, Flamenco, Fiestas, Cultural Diversity in Spain, Social Customs. Develop speaking skills while exploring the culture.

3. Business Spanish
Minimum level required: Upper intermediate. A two or three week course. The focus will be on developing the language skills specifically needed for the workplace. IH Barcelona is recognized by the Madrid Chamber of Commerce.

2010 Start Dates: February 22, July 12, November 15

2011 Start Dates: July 4, November 7

4. Intensive Group and DELE Preparation Course

Students who are interested in taking the DELE Exam will benefit from this four week course which includes Intensive Group Spanish combined with a DELE Preparation course.

5. Private Classes
You can study entirely this way with a 4 hours per day program.

6. Intensive Group Plus 1 Private

7. Intensive Group Plus 2 Private
Combine an Intensive Group Course in the mornings with 1 or 2 hours of private classes in the afternoons.

8. Executive Plus
All levels. This superintensive immersion program is designed to meet the needs of those of you who want to learn as much as possible in a short period of time. 30 hours of individual instruction per week, guided project work, and optional visits to Spanish companies. You will also have a working lunch with a teacher, and two dinners with the teacher per week. Each course is tailor made and is designed for your needs. A five day course which can be extended.

9. Summer Course for Teenagers (Ages 13-17)
This course takes place in Tarragona, a city on the Mediterranean coast about 60 miles south of Barcelona (1 hr by bus or train). The population is around 115,000, and it is an ideal location for a teen program. Beaches are within walking distance of the school. Students can enroll for 2, 3 or 4 weeks. The program includes 3 hours per day of Spanish classes in groups of 12, accommodation in shared rooms in families or student residences with full board, a very full range of activities and excursions, and transfers to and from the Barcelona airport. Please request detailed information. Start dates 2011: June 27, July 4, July 11, July 18, and July 25.

10. 50+ Spanish and Excursions as well as a 50+ Creative Arts Workshop plus Excursions

This two week course includes 3 hours of tuition per day as well as a varied program of activites and excursions specific to this age gropu (flamenco show, full day excursion to Costa Brava, Figueas and Dali Musuem for starters).

If you want to supplement this course you can add on the Creative Arts workshop which includes four 1.5 hour workshops on painting, ceramics, glass fusing, pottery and sculpture.

Start Dates 2010: March 8, May 3, October 18

Start Dates 2011: March 14, May 9, September 26

STUDENTS

Coming from all over the world, about 18% are from the USA, with Europeans being the highest percentage, 67%. The minimum age is 17 (but there is a special Teen Program for ages 13 - 16). IH has a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Some adults come as couples or with a friend, but many arrive unaccompanied and are quickly able to find interesting friends both in the school and in the city. The reasons for studying are just as varied...some for professional purposes, others for travel, and even those who just enjoy the cultural and intellectual stimulation. Students also come at any level of Spanish, ranging from absolute beginners to advanced.

CALENDAR

For special programs please see start dates under program description.

Holidays 2010: January  1, January 6, April 2, April 5, May 1, May 24, June 24, September 11, September  24, October 12, December 6, December 8, December 25

Holidays 2011:  January 1, 6; April 22, April 25; May 1; June 13, 24; August 15, September 11, 24; October 12; November 1; December 6, 8, 25, and 26

If you are not a complete beginner or in all private classes, you may begin on any Monday. If you are a beginner you must start on one of the following dates

Start Dates 2010 (for complete beginners) – January 11, 25; February  8, 22; March 8, 22; April 6, 19; May 3, 17, 31; June 14, 28; July 12, 26; August 9, 23; September 6, 20; October 4, 18; November  2, 15, 29; December 13, 27.

Start Dates 2011 (for complete beginners) – January 3, 17, 31; February 14, 28; March 14, 28; April 11, 26; May 9, 23; June 6, 20; July 4, 18; August 1, 16, 29; September 12, 26; October 10, 24; November 7, 21; December 5, 19

 

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