Spanish school in Uruguay

Spanish courses our school La Herradura offers at both our schools

Intensive Spanish course in small groups. This is the standard and most popular course, available at all levels from beginner to advanced. Groups will be made up according to the results of the Level Tests Two hours daily will be dedicated to grammar, in which you can expect a teacher-led explanation of an area of grammar, with spoken and written examples, exercises, and opportunities to practice and ask questions. The focus in these classes is on understanding and accuracy. Two hours daily will be dedicated to conversation, with a discussion appropriate to the level led by the teacher but taking into account the students’ interests and views. The focus in these classes is on self-expression and fluency, although the teacher will correct errors or clarify grammar as appropriate.4 group lessons per day / 20 lessons per week.

Super intensive Spanish course. This is course is appropriate for people who want to dedicate more time to their Spanish and advance rapidly in a short time. Students will participate in Course A group classes, and have an additional 2 classes per day in which other areas of grammar and lexis will be studied (the content of the Course A classes will only be repeated at the student’s request). It is common for these additional classes to be in a smaller group or even one-to-one (in which case it would be one extra class rather than two), which means that the teachers are able to tailor the programm more specifically to the individual student’s needs, abilities and interests. 6 group lessons per day / 30 group lessons per week

One-to-one lessons. You can choose how many classes per day you want, between 2 and 4 hours, with the guidance of the teachers. If you want Semi-Private classes you need to book together with your partner. One-to-one and semi-private classes are a highly intensive option, appropriate for people who want to progress quickly. They are also the best classes if you are learning Spanish for a specific purpose, such as for your work. The content of the course is flexible according to the individual student, and can be arranged through discussion with the teachers. For example, you may wish to focus on certain areas of grammar, or on specialist language (medical Spanish, business Spanish etc.), or you may choose to study general Spanish through private classes. 2-4 lessons per day / private or semi-private

Business Spanish. Designed with business in mind, this course offers the ideal combination of general Spanish and individual attention. You will take part in four group classes per day, as per Course A, to provide you with a sound basis of general use Spanish in both grammar and conversation. An additional daily one-to-one class, as per Course D, complement this by focusing on the specific needs and purposes of the individual learner. You will have the opportunity to learn the language you need in everyday work situations, such as meetings, presentations, conferences or talking to clients, customers or patients. 4 group lessons (Course A) + 1 one-to-one Business lessons per day/ 25 lessons per week.

Children and Teenagers course. Students aged 6 to 17 will learn Spanish through 2 Spanish one to one lessons per day, covering grammar, conversation, creative activities, and audition. Outdoor activities will be organized as well, in company with one of our teachers, visiting an interesting monument, museum, market, or exhibition, depending on the interest of the student. 2 one to one lessons per day / 10 lessons per week. Small groups can be organized.

60+ course. A lower-intensity course aimed for students who prefer to take their time and wish to balance their Spanish studies with cultural immersion. There will be two group lessons, covering both grammar and conversation and 1 one-to-one lesson, individually adapted to each student’s specific needs.   The cultural activity will be with one of the teachers or other staff members, visiting an interesting monument, museum, market, or exhibition, depending on the interest of the student. 2 one-to-one / semi private / small group lessons per day and 2 weekly cultural activities / 14 lessons per week.

Specific courses a preparation for the DELE exam (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language). The DELE diplomas are internationally recYouognized and enjoy a high reputation both in the academic field and businesses, facilitating labor promotion and access to higher education in Spanish speaking countries. In these courses we focus on the learning and strengthening of the grammar contents required on each level as well as the oral expression and interaction skills, taking into account the different varieties of Spanish. We work with concrete examples based on the exams of previous years with the help of specific textbooks and other audiovisual materials, with the main objective to offer our students the necessary skills to pass the exam successfully. The different options to attend a DELE course: 1) combine an intensive course (Course A) with 1 or 2 hours of preparation for the DELE exam daily. 2) Private lessons exclusively for the preparation of the DELE exam. Long term courses for those students who stay in Montevideo for several months. The duration of the course depends on the respective level of the student.

Special purpose courses. Spanish course for a specific purpose. The content and structure of the course is flexible according to your needs. We offer one to one or semi-private lessons, tailored to the student´s special requirements. You don´t necessarily need to take lessons every day. Lessons can be taught at the school, the student´s home or at the student´s workplace during the day, afternoon, or evening. What kind of course can you book. Preparation for a special exam, Preparation for a business trip abroad, Preparation for students starting university in Uruguay, Preparation to obtain your residency or passport document.

Spanish and culture. Learn Spanish exploring the city with your teacher.

Curso de formación de profesorado de ELE

Online lessons. Our school is adapting to the reality, with the pandemic we change had to change due to the new circumstance and we added the online lessons. We want to accompany you not only in your time in Uruguay but also help you to maintain your Spanish level in your home country or be when you are travelling. With the online lessons you could improve your Spanish while traveling  in South America.

What can I expect to learn?

The areas of grammar studied will depend on the length of your stay and on the previous knowledge of the students in the group, but here are some of the grammar topics you can expect to cover at each level:

• Elementary: regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, the use of ser and estar, reflexive pronouns, the present continuous tense, comparatives and superlatives, forming questions.
• Intermediate: regular and irregular verbs in the past tense, the perfect tenses, reflexive verbs, direct and indirect object pronouns, reported speech (statements), the use of por, para and other prepositions.
• Advanced: contrasting the past tenses, the present and past subjunctive, the future tense to express possibility, the conditional tense, and reported speech (requests and commands).

Conversation classes allow students to develop their speaking skills, listening skills, fluency and vocabulary through guided discussions of topics appropriate to the level of the group. The teachers may provide material, such as a picture, short text or questionnaire, to prompt the conversation. Topics may include personal information, likes and dislikes, past experiences, giving your opinion, asking for advice, the differences between Uruguay and your home country, current affairs, travel and culture. Conversation classes tend to be informal, fun classes – conversation can also be outside in the garden or terrace or an outdoor activity to practice the Spanish with the locals.