Learning Spanish in Granada

Colin Heath
5 weeks in Granada
Standard Course    

I really hadn’t a clue what to expect, but hoped to receive a background in conversational Spanish which I could build on in the years ahead.

I certainly received a very broad insight into Spanish grammar in very pleasant surroundings whilst enjoying my stay and learning Spanish in Granada.

I thought the approach to the instruction as excellent.  The informal and good natured manner of the tutors created the right environment for teaching in the size of group.

The Spanish school in Granada, was excellently situated, really could not be better.  Not only is it in a very pleasant part of Granada away from the worst of traffic noise etc. and is in a delightful building.  The staff were more than approachable – they were welcoming and always willing to help.

I felt the best part of the course was the positive, friendly and cheerful ambiance of the school.  The composition of the group changed during my time there.  This was inevitable with people studying for varying lengths of time.  I am very familiar with that part of Spain so I was not all that interested in the excursions to other cities etc but other more local events were interesting.  Other students seemed to be making more use of the school social activities which seemed well organised.  I certainly could not have handled more lessons – the information was coming thick and fast.  I thought the morning instruction with free time in the afternoon and evening worked very well.

I think Granada is an excellent venue for a course such as this.  It is a very lively place and the large university input to the town makes it quite a young place which should suit the many students in late teens, 20’s and early 30’s on the courses I’m in my 60’s but still loved it).  Spain is not as cheap as it used to be but you can still find a wide range of places to eat, from cheap upwards.  I found the night life to be excellent.  The tapas bras probably had a detrimental effect on my ability to study as hard as I could have!

In many ways the accommodation made the stay for me.  I suspect someone asking for an apartment is a bit unusual but you found me a very good one.  The situation at the back of the hill from the Albazan but still overlooking the city with terrific views from the roof terrace was great!  The apartment had obviously been recently refurbished or converted from an old building and had all the facilities I needed and I lived there very comfortably for 5 weeks.

Special thanks to the CESA staff – the booking process was painless and all the arrangements worked as promised.

I would most certainly go again.  Indeed my daughter who managed to visit me while I was there thinks she would like to go too.