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.

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.

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 includes classes from 9:00 to 11:00 with a 15 minute recess for refreshments usually taken with classmates in the patio.

Tea coffee and biscuits are served for students during recess. Classes continue until lunch at 1pm and in the afternoon students combine one or more of the extra-curricular activities, such as dancing lessons, Tandem classes, pottery class, cooking Peruvian food class, visit to the Folkloric theater, lectures in Spanish about Peruvian history and culture or extra Spanish lessons.

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 Facebook page to learn more from the personal experiences of some of our students.

Courses 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.

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.

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.

Class Study Options

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.

Certificates & College Credits

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.

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.