Spanish Language Programs

Our Approach to teaching..
The natural approach.

Excel offers its students an exciting and highly effective alternative to most other Spanish courses.

All of our classes utilize an approach to language acquisition called the Natural Approach.

The Natural approach focuses on the development of proficiency in the four basic communication skills: speaking listening , reading and writing. And because proficiency is obtained through the four basic skills we do not separate our courses into "conversation" and "grammar" components.

Courtyard of EXCEL Spanish Language School

In the Natural Approach the ability to express yourself in a particular situation is stressed and all of the activities in the program are carefully selected to help you understand Spanish better. Learning grammar, although still an important component, is considered secondary to the development of oral communication skills.

Because we believe that each student has his or her own unique strengths, the structure of our courses is flexible. Most courses will use a textbook that serves as a guide and study reference for students, however, we actively encourage our teachers to augment the course through the use of additional books and periodicals and through the preparation of additional materials.

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A Typical day at Excel

Each course in the Excel Spanish program meets for four hours daily, either in the morning or in the afternoon, for a total of twenty hours per week. This four-hours-per-day structure leaves ample time for self study (one to two hours at home), extra-curricular activities and also to enjoy Cusco and the surrounding area.

A typical day at Excel might include a classes from 9:00 to 11:00 with a half hour break for refreshments usually taken with classmates in the garden.

Private Classes at EXCEL Spanish Language Centre

Tea coffee and biscuits, included in the program fees, are generally available throughout the day. Classes continue until lunch at one and in the afternoon students combine one or more of the following activities; extra-curricular activities, visits to one or more of our English language classes, conversation with the other students and teachers in the Spanish program.

Alternatively, there are plenty of interesting activities around town, including shopping, museums or local markets, or simply hanging out in the many scenic parks and plazas in Cusco.

In the evening, there is a variety of night-life around the center of the city, where students can socialize and meet both Peruvians and foreign traveler's.

Please see our References page to learn more from the personal experiences of some of our students.

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Extracurricular Activities

All programs include optional outside activities that are included in the tuition fees. The frequency and availability of activities depends on the season of the year (climate), and local festivities and holidays.

• Day hikes to area historical ruins and religious sites.
• Cultural and historical lectures
• Musical recitals and concerts (as available)
• An introduction to Latin American dance
• Cultural and historical videos
• Weekly evening social activities, including dancing, and/or dinner (cost of refreshments is not included in the tuition)

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Courses currently offered

There are six levels of programming, and a total of nine programs offered on a one-to-one basis, or in small groups of a maximum of four students.

Excel employs a teaching method that permits a highly individualized method and course of study for all levels. This level of intensity requires an accurate assessment of the student’s proficiency prior to designing a course, or placing a student in one of the regular programs, however it also permits the greatest gains in language skill proficiency.

Typically students self-submit their level of proficiency on the application, and on the first day of class a written skills assessment is completed, and through conversation an oral assessment is made by the Director of Education. Adjustments to course design are made immediately prior to, or following the first class, if necessary.

On occasion, Excel works directly with sponsoring schools and universities who submit student assessment and placement information directly, along with a description of the student’s study goals.

Beginners Spanish

For those with little or no previous experience with the Spanish language. This course covers all of the conversation basics needed for travel (introductions, asking questions, food, etc.), along with an introduction to Spanish grammar and basic writing skills.

Elementary Spanish

For students with a limited background in Spanish. This course will expand the student’s conversational skills, build his or her vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and strengthen beginning grammar and writing skills.

Students at this level understand 50% of conversations when they are clear and presented slowly and can have a casual conversation about events in the present. Limited use of the past and the future.

Intermediate Spanish: Lower Intermediate, Intermediate & Higher Intermediate

For students with either one year of College Spanish, or two or more years of Spanish instruction at the high school level, this course includes intensive conversational development, review and expansion of grammatical structures, reading and discussion of selected literary excerpts, and the development of listening and writing skills.

Advanced Spanish

This course includes advanced conversation, listening, grammar and composition skills, and is customized to the needs of the student.

Intensive Conversation

This course is specifically designed for students who need to develop their speaking and pronunciation skills very rapidly. An intensive oral interview determines optimal class placement and course design.

Spanish for Professionals

This course is for professionals with specialized needs. Examples include doctors, needing to communicate with Spanish speaking patients and clinicians, and business people or other professionals who require assistance in the preparation of reports and presentations, translations, or rapid enhancement of their existing skills.

After assessing the professional’s level of proficiency and determining their needs, an individualized course is designed based on the time they have available to meet their goals. This typically includes selecting a teacher with specialized education and/or experience in the area of particular interest to the student. The student and teacher agree on course design, and ongoing assessments and adjustments are made to ensure meeting the goals of the student. Often the students needs require one-on-one instruction. This is a highly tailored course of study, and our students have ranged from beginners to advanced levels.

Spanish for Young People

We offer tailored courses at all levels to meet the needs of children and teenagers. Several of our teachers specialize in teaching the younger populations.

Individualized Program Study

Excel will design an individually tailored program for anyone requiring or desiring one-on-one, focused study, at any level. An assessment is made as to the student’s level of proficiency prior to designing the course, the student’s goals are identified, and a course of study is individually tailored to meet their goals. Ongoing assessments and adjustments are made throughout the course to ensure that goals are met. Teachers are carefully selected to complement areas of the student’s interests.

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Class Study Options

Group Classes at EXCEL Spanish Language School

Excel offers two basic study options to its students: small group classes and one-on-one tutoring. Small group classes generally contain between two and four students with approximately the same level of Spanish knowledge. Completing exercises with other students helps each student develop his or her conversational skills more rapidly and is usually a lot of fun too. Small group classes are particularly suitable and advised for beginner and intermediate students of the language.

One to one study is more suitable for advanced and professional students who have more specific requirements. All Intensive Conversation and Professional Spanish courses are handled in this way.

Excel will provide any student at any level with his or her own private tutor if specifically requested.

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Certificates

Each student who completes an Excel Spanish course receives an official certificate for that course. This certificate states the student's name, the course / level completed, the number of class hours completed for that course, and the dates of study.

Typically, EXCEL works with schools and students individually with regard to securing college credits. All arrangements must be commenced prior to studies.

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College Credits

Typically, EXCEL works with schools and students individually with regard to securing college credits. All arrangements must be commenced prior to studies.

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Price Information

Current price information is available on request. Prices include course fees, accommodation, tours and our pickup service when you arrive in Cusco. For home stay students, prices include full board.

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