Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
When can I start the course?
We will let you know the exact dates via e-mail. It also depends on the type of course and your level. Should you decide on an Intensive Course, please have a look at our homepage, to find out the starting dates. Individual Courses are scheduled depending on what other courses are running at the time.
What should I expect on the first Monday? What time does the course begin?
The courses normally begin at 9 in the morning. You should arrive punctually at 9 and the coordinator will take you to the classroom and give you your materials. If you are taking individual calsses we will tell you the times of the classes by e-mail. On Mondays all the studens and teachers have a break at 11 o’clock and the school organises a breakfast on the terrace of our cafe. There we will explain all the activities and excursions we organise and give you any other information you may need to know.
What is my level?
To find out your level of Spanish, we ask you to fill out the placement test on our website, as we then can place you in the most suitable course. For you it will only take a few minutes, but it helps us greatly to organise the courses in advance.
Does the Academy organise flights?
All students must make their own flight and insurance arrangements.
What is the average age of the students?
It varies a lot, we have students from age 18 to 60.
What is the maximum number of students in each class?
Normally the maximum number of students in each class is 8 except during July and August when the maximum is 10.
If there are less than 3 students registered for a course the hours will be reduced to 75% and to 50% when there is only one student.
Is it possible to extend my course once I am there?
Extending the course is possible as long as the maximum number of pupils in one class is not exceeded. This can be arranged by talking to the coordinator. In order to organise this in the best possible way we ask you to inform us as soon as you can if you wish to extend the course.
Is the course recognised for Bildungsurlaub?
The intensive 30 course is recognised for Bildungsurlaub in the following German states: Niedersachsen, Hessen, Berlin, Rheinland-Pfalz, Hamburg, Scheswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
What happens with my course on Public Holidays?
In general, there are no classes on Public Holidays. If there are two Public Holidays in one week, we will split the hours of one Public Holiday and distribute them over the other days. Of course, we will let you know this in advance. In 2008 these are: 01.01., 07.01., 02.02., 20.03., 21.03., 01.05., 03.05., 30.05., 15.07., 15.08., 12.10., 01.11., 06.12., 08.12., 25.12.2008.
How will I get from the airport to my accommodation?
The school offers a transfer service from the airport to the accommodation and vice versa. If you would like to arrange this please contact us in advance by e-mail and we will inform you of the cost. Alternatively you can take the local TITSA bus (gua gua, pronounced “wha wha” in Canarian). There is a regular service from both the north and south airports. For details of the times see: www.titsa.com.
TIP: For a 50% discount buy a BONO BUS card at the bus stop as you come out of the aiport, this can be used for other journeys as well. Cost €12 or € 30. Once you arrive in Puerto de la Cruz you will be met by a member of staff from the Academy who will show you to your accommodation and explain how to get to the school on Monday morning and any other information you may need.
Do you have to be over 18 to study at the Academy and stay with a family or in an apartment?
All our students must be over 18 unless accompanied by an adult.
Where is my accommodation located?
The apartments, as well as the host families, are in the local area of our Academy in Puerto de la Cruz. They are well situated to make sure you can reach school on foot or by bus.
Is there always accommodation available through the school?
In general, our school organises an apartment or a host family. Should this not be possible, we will let you know in advance, so you have enough time to look for alternatives.
What will my host family be like?
The term host family can be either a family with children, without children, with pets or even a person living alone.
Do the host families speak other languages?
According to the guidelines, all families are Spanish and, therefore, speak Spanish. However, there are families, of which some members might speak other languages.
Is it possible, to accommodate a member of my family or a friend in the school accommodation?
In case of a shared flat, it is possible to accommodate a family member or friend, provided that you tell the reception in advance and that you are prepared to pay an extra fee.
In case of a host family, your host family would have to agree and you would have to pay the additional cost.
How many rooms do the apartments have?
All apartments consist of one living room and three bedrooms, of which one is double and the other two single rooms.
What furnishings do the apartments have?
All apartments are completely furnished and fully equipped with kitchen utensils, living room furniture, bed linen, TV, etc. - everything necessary for your stay. Please bring your own towels.
How do I get the keys to my apartment?
If you arrive on Tenerife while the school is open, please collect the keys at the reception. If you arrive on an evening or weekend, we will arrange by e-mail for a meeting point to hand over the keys.
What documents will I need in Spain?
If you are a citizen of a European Union member country, your passport or your national ID card will be sufficient for your stay.
What documents will I need in case of illness or an accident?
For students in the European Union, we recommend you request the form E-111 in your home country. If necessary, you can present this form to the Spanish Health Service and you will be attended by Spanish doctors, with no problem.
Where can I do sport?
There is a gymnasium on the school premises with a wide range of courses, such as Latin dancing, Yoga, Pilates, and it has convenient opening hours. We grant special discounts to our students.