don Quijote Valencia

don Quijote Valencia is located in the centre of the university district, on the campus of the Polytechnic University of Valencia. Set amongst hundred of acres of new academic buildings, palm trees, and rolling lawns, the school is close to a variety of sports facilities, within easy reach of the city centre and just a few minutes walk from Valencia beaches. don Quijote offers you the opportunity to switch between schools in Spain, or even between Spain and Mexico with guaranteed continuity and progression in the learning process. As just one of several possibilities, you can begin your course in the Spanish tropical paradise of the island of Tenerife, discover the charm of Granada and the famous Andalusian traditions of Seville, relax on the country´s longest and finest sandy beaches in Valencia and to finish... You still have more possibilities!

Valencia has an international airport and it is Spain’s third largest city. Valencians love fiestas and delight in sharing their joy with others. By far the most popular of festivities are the world famous Fallas (12-19 March), or festive bonfire, with their explosion of colours, fireworks, and the smell of gunpowder. Leisure and entertainment activities in Valencia constitute one of the most exciting and extensive ranges throughout the Mediterranean. Everywhere, discos, nightclubs and pubs provide the right kind of scene for enjoying a night out. In Valencia, there are many museums to be visited and monuments to be admired: you cannot miss a visit to the Cathedral and the Royal monastery of Santa María. A fantastic climate and more than 500 kilometres of coast. The Valencia coast is one of the Spanish coastal areas with the most extensive beaches and therefore it is decidedly one of the country’s most touristic areas. If you want to discover more than just sun and sand, you will find remains of most remote civilisation, Phoenicians, Greeks, Iberians and Romans. No one will believe you on your return if you say you didn’t have authentic Valencian paella. Trying one is a must! Critical comment: Valencia is a big, industrial city and the level of humidity is really high.

At the don Quijote schools we use an interactive method of teaching based on learning by practice. That means that grammar is covered – after all, one of the key building blocks of any language - as much as possible by using practical situations. Speaking and actively using the language is central to the continuous interaction between teacher and student. don Quijote has refined the communicative teaching method and by constantly evaluating and applying students suggestions. Successfully implementing the interactive method totally depends on the personal attention your teacher is able to give you. Our groups never have more than eight students on all intensive and super-intensive courses. We determine the make-up of the group according to students’ abilities. The first day of the course begins with an oral and written test. (Although, if you know you are a beginner, you will start directly in a beginners group). We work with six levels, fixing the goals for each based on our experience and in accordance with the curriculum of the Instituto Cervantes.

Homestay: It is good to know that most of the host families have worked with us since the beginning. The families know from experience what the role of a host is. Accommodation in a host family allows you to get the maximum out of your course. Nowhere else will you so directly experience real Spanish life. Nothing could be better to help improve your language skills. The word “family” should not be taken too literally, because your family could also be just a single parent who takes in students because he or she enjoys the company. You wouldn’t be the first to go out together, or to keep in contact with your family after your return home. You can choose from a room with breakfast, half-board (breakfast and you can choose between a cooked meal in the afternoon at about two o’clock or light dinner at ten) or full-board (breakfast and two meals). It is obvious that you will have to adjust a little to the rules of the house. Remember, too, that locals have different eating habits. Apart from that, you are free to do what you want. You will be given your own keys, so you can come and go as you like. During your home-stay you will be able to receive phone calls. Student Flat: You share a student flat with four or five other don Quijote students. We always do our best to accommodate you in a student flat with different nationalities. The student flats are not very luxurious but they have all the basic facilities (a bed, chair and wardrobe). Each student flats has a living room with TV, a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine and iron. In student flats there are no telephones available. You can make phone calls from one of the many phone boxes. You share the kitchen and the bathroom and, together, keep the house clean. Shared areas are cleaned once per week. Student Residence: If you are looking for comfortable, well-equipped accommodation just a quick walk from your classroom, our student residence in Valencia has what you are looking for! You’ll feel right at home in your single or double room, with separate areas for studying and relaxing, a private bathroom, air conditioning and heating, plus telephone and internet connection. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to mix with native Spanish speakers, as well: the residence also houses Spanish university students. We’ve worked hard to be sure our Valencia residence will help make your stay abroad as comfortable as possible. Best of all, you’ll be guaranteed to make the most of your time. Our residence is located right in the don Quijote school building, smack dab in the centre of the campus of the University of Valencia.

The number and diversity of excursions to interesting places in the vicinity at the weekends is great. There is no question of a standard offering. The students have an important voice in the excursion destination. The excursions, for which you will pay a nominal fee, only go ahead if a sufficient number of people take part. The activities and excursions are announced weekly in the office, where you can go with any queries or to put your name down.