PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
ACADEMIA LATINOAMERICANA

The Academia Latinoamericana resides in a former ambassadors compound located in one of the many beautiful residential neighborhoods of Quito. The school was founded approx. 17 years ago, and today is considered one of the premier language schools in all of Ecuador and South America. The facilities are excellent, the teachers are experienced and enthusiastic, and the administration is very helpful.

Academia Latinoamericana offers an extensive variety of Spanish language programs to prospective students. The standard program consists of small group instruction. In addition to the standard program, the school offers a variety of other programs including private classes designed to fit the needs of any individual. The variety of Spanish language programs offered by Academia Latinoamericana allows students to "tailor" their immersion experience.

In addition to the Spanish language programs offered in Quito, Academia Latinoamericana also offers a wonderful program in a rainforest preserve known as SierrAzul. What better way to learn Spanish than in the lush rainforests of Ecuador. SierrAzul is a cloud forest reserve located where the Amazon jungle meets the Andes mountains. You will be able to admire a variety of species of orchids and birds like the Giant Antpitta long thought to be extinct, the mountain tapir and the spectacled bear. You can relax by a waterfall, and enjoy breath-taking landscapes while you feel in complete harmony with nature. After classes, you will spend time on different treks through the cloud forest with an experienced local guide. This area of Ecuador offers Spanish students a once in a lifetime experience! Contact us for more information about these options.

Besides offering excellent Spanish language programs, Academia Latinoamericana also offers (and or assists in arranging) a variety of interesting cultural activities and weekend excursions allowing student the chance to really get to know Quito and the rest of Ecuador. Some of the more popular activities include Salsa dance lessons, visits to the colonial center of Quito, or trips into the Andes.

As with many of our other schools, Academia Latinoamericana not only provides general Spanish language study, but can also provide specialized programs for businesspeople, medical personnel, teachers, lawyers, etc.

• Quito is probably the nicest big city found anywhere in Latin America.
• The colonial part of Quito is world famous. It is full of old houses, Spanish colonial churches, museums, and more.
• The city has an abundance of bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and shops, enough to satisfy any taste.
• Most sites of interest within Ecuador are just a matter of hours away from Quito.
• In the mountain valleys outside of Quito, are numerous Indian villages, all very much worth a visit.
• Quito houses most of the good travel companies. As such, it is very easy to arrange various trips from the city.
• From Quito, one is just 4-5 hours away by bus from the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin.

Group Program: Study Spanish for 4 lessons per day (4 students max per group). All classes will be in groups with a maximum 4 students per class, 20 lessons per week. Students will have highly structured grammar lessons, interactive activities, conversation and written exercises. Specific homework assignments are given daily and every student is evaluated and tested on a weekly basis.

Combined Program: Study Spanish 6 lessons per day (4 lessons per day in the small group setting, and 2 lessons per day of private classes). The morning section is identical to the Standard Group Program. However in the afternoon the student will receive an additional 2 lessons of individual instruction. This is an ideal program for individuals who require specialized instruction, or just want something more intensive.

Activa Program: Combine 4 lessons per day of group classes with 3 lessons of tours/excursions in the afternoons. Just you and your teacher. Everything of course is in Spanish. A great way to learn Spanish and get to know Quito!

Jungle Branch Program

Word is just starting to get out about the - SierrAzul - Academia Latinoamericana de Español academic program at a lodge and reserve tucked on the eastern doorstep of Antisana reserve, protecting one of the most unspoiled and beautiful tracts of cloud forest in the country. Now is the time for nature lovers, researchers, biologists and Spanish students to begin studies here in SierrAzul in order to better understand the roles eastern slopes cloud forests play in the evolution and maintenance of vast amounts of tropical biodiversity. Students will be participating in the highly regarded Spanish program and also helping to preserve this beautiful natural area by providing the biological information on which eco-tourism thrives.

• Private room with a local host family (students have a private bath).
• 2 meals per day with host family (breakfast and lunch)
• Laundry service with host family.
• Access to email, the internet, phone, and fax service (some services not free).
• Books, handouts, etc.
• Airport pickup
• Cultural activities
• Weekend Excursions (not free)
• Academic credit available (see academic credit section)

Classes begin every Monday of the year. Except when Holiday's are on Monday.

Note: All classes will be recovered except those on May 1, December 25 and January 1.

• Volunteer Work

Two weeks preparatory classes, followed by a one month minimum of volunteer work. After this requirement is met, students may extend their program with work only. The student will need to send us a resume of their studies in order to arrange part-time work according to their needs. Student will receive a certificate from the organization and the Academia Latinoamericana at the end of the course.

• Ecuadorian Culture Program
• Professional Internship Program