Frequent Asked Questions

 

COURSES
ACCOMMODATION
SCHOOLS, LEVELS AND CERTIFICATES
INSCRIPTIONS, PAYMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
VISA AND INSURANCES
OTHER QUESTIONS
 
 

Our Spanish Courses in Spain

How long are the classes?
 
At our schools in Alicante and Granada, the classes are 50 minutes. In Madrid and Barcelona, the classes are 55 minutes.

Do you offer ‘Erasmus +’ courses?

Yes we offer courses subsidized by the Erasmus + grant

The applications must be made through your institution and it is essential that you are registered with the Ministry of Education. It is essential that you ask your school´s coordinator or the person in charge of training to do the application. Ask them to put our school as the host organization and include the Erasmus + PIC number.

For Alicante and Granada (Proyecto Español) the PIC number is -  947084236

For Madrid (Academia Contacto) the PIC number is- 947390756

For Barcelona (Kingsbrook) the PIC number is- 947423154

Do I have to pay for anything other than the course?

Yes, you have to pay a registration fee which is 60 euros.

What is the course timetable?

The course timetable depends on the level, type of course and the city that you are studying in. The week before you start your course, we will send you an email confirming your timetable.

Approximate timetables:


 

Alicante

Alicante

Granada

Madrid

Barcelona

  moorning afternoon moorning moorning moorning
Standard Course 9:00 - 10:15 15:00 - 16:15 9:00 - 10:15 9:30 - 11:20 10:00 - 13:00
  10:30 - 11:45 16:30 - 17:45 10:30 - 11:45
           
Intensive Course
9:00 - 10:15 15:00 - 16:15 9:00 - 10:15 9:30 - 11:20 10:00 - 13:00
  10:30 - 11:45 16:30 - 17:45 10:30 - 11:45 11:40 - 13:30 13:30 - 14:30
  12:15 - 14:00 18:15 - 20:00 12:15 - 14:00    

If for family or work reasons you can only study during the mornings or only during the afternoons, remember to tell us clearly in the comments when registering and we will try to meet your request. Remember that we will not always be able to enroll you onto the timetable that you want. Also if you only want classes during the afternoon, we only provide this during the summer, only in Alicante and as long as it is for less than two weeks.

Can I take private classes?

You can take private classes on-site in our school, at home or via Skype.

Private classes will take place with a teacher one-to-one and the content and timetables can be adapted to your needs.

If you are interested in taking these classes, the next steps to take would be to complete the registration with your personal information and what you want from your classes and then make the complete payment. Once we receive the payment, we will proceed to find the most appropriate teacher and assign them to you. In a maximum of two working days afterwards, you could start studying.

Choosing teachers is not possible, but if you want to receive classes from a specific teacher, you can make a request and we will do everything we can.

To see prices, you can go to our website http://proyecto-es.com/es/calculadora

How can I book my course?

You can book your course through our website http://proyecto-es.com/es/inscripcion

Do I have to buy a book?

You do not have to buy a textbook.

At our schools in Alicante and Granada, you do not need to buy the book, although you can get it if you want to. We will lend you a book and ask you to return it once you have completed your course. Remember that you cannot write in the book.

At our schools in Madrid and Barcelona, we will give you a book that you can keep at the end of your course.

How many people are there in each class?

For classes in Alicante and Granada, there is a maximum of 10 people per adult course.

For our ‘Summer Camp’ courses in Alicante for young people, the maximum is 15 students per class.

In Madrid, the maximum number of students per class is 9.

In Barcelona, the maximum number of students per class is 12.

What is the minimum age of the students?

The minimum age to study in a group at our schools in Alicante and Granada is 18 years old. Except on the ‘Summer Camp’ course, where the age will be between 12 and 17 years old (‘Summer Camp’ course only available in Alicante). 

At the school in Madrid, the minimum age to study in a group is 17 years old.

In Barcelona, the minimum age to study in a group is 14 years old.

For younger students who cannot study in a group, we can always offer private lessons.

Do I have to take a level test before I start school?

Yes, you have to take a level test. Before the start of your course, we will send you an email asking you to take the level test and return it to us when completed. It is important for us to have your level test before you start the course so that we can put you in the correct class.

At the school in Barcelona, as well as doing the online test, you will have to arrive 45 minutes early to your first class in order to take the oral test.

Can I change my course type once the lessons have started?

Yes, you can change your course type as long as there is availability and the course that you want to change to has the same number of class hours or more.

Can people over 50 years old adapt to the courses?

People over 50 years old can adapt perfectly to the courses that we offer at Proyecto Español.

Are the courses only for students or can anyone sign up?

Our classes are for everyone, whether they are students or not.

When can I book my course?

You can book your course and save the place right now on our website http://proyecto-es.com/es/inscripcion. Remember that if you do it two weeks in advance, you will definitely have a place. If, on the other hand, you book your course less than two weeks in advance, we will not be able to guarantee you a place but we will do everything we can so that you can do the course at Proyecto Español.

How can I book my course?

You can book your course through our website http://proyecto-es.com/es/inscripcion 

If I become ill and cannot attend my classes, can I reclaim them?

In Alicante, Granada, and Madrid, you will not be able to reclaim classes in groups if you are ill since the rest of the group will have attended the class.

At the school in Barcelona, you will be able to reclaim missed classes if you are ill.

Can I change my email if I find it very difficult?

Yes, you can change your level if you find it too difficult as long as there is availability.

Can I attend a course in different cities?

Yes, you can attend a course in different cities and you will only have to pay the registration fee for the first week of the course in the first city.

Do you offer the Bildungsurlaub course?

Yes, we offer the Bildungsurlaub course for residents in Germany. You can see prices and conditions here  http://proyecto-es.com/es/cursos-espanol

Accommodation with Proyecto Español

If I am coming with another person who is not completing a course, can they stay with the same family or in the same flat as me?

If you are coming with another person who is not going to complete a course, it will be possible for them to stay in our accommodation, as long as there is availability.

How far are the accommodations from the school?

Our accommodations are not far from the school.

In Alicante and Granada, the accommodations are about 15 minutes from the school when travelling by foot or public transport.

In Barcelona and Madrid, the accommodations are approximately 30 minutes from the school when travelling by foot or public transport.

What days are included in a week´s accommodation?

A week´s stay at our schools in Alicante and Granada, when completing an adult course, is Saturday to Saturday.

For our students taking part in Alicante´s summer camp, a week’s stay is Sunday to Saturday.

In Barcelona, it can be Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday.

And in Madrid, it is Sunday to Saturday.

It is also possible to book extra nights (under request and depending on availability).

How much is the accommodation?

The price of accommodation depends on the city and the type of accommodation.

The prices are as follows: http://proyecto-es.com/es/cursos/alojamiento

Can I book an extra night and what is the price?

You can book an extra night of accommodation, whether you are staying with a family or in a shared flat.

For students in Alicante enrolled in the ‘Summer Camp’, the price for an extra night is 30 Euros per night.

For adult students staying in our apartments or with our families, the price for an extra night depends on the city that you are studying in.

Alicante and Granada (2020):

Shared apartment:

Double room- 20 euros per extra night.

Individual room- 20 euros per extra night.

Spanish family:

Double room half board- 21 euros per extra night

Double room full board- 24 euros per extra night.

Individual room half board- 25 euros per extra night.

Individual room full board- 28 euros per extra night.

Barcelona (2020):

Shared apartment:

Double room- 15 euros per extra night.

Individual room- 25 euros per extra night.

Spanish family:

Double room with breakfast- 25 euros per extra night

Double room half board- 35 euros per extra night

Double room full board- 45 euros per extra night

Individual room with breakfast- 30 euros per extra night

Individual room half board- 40 euros per extra night

Individual room full board- 50 euros per extra night

Madrid (2020):

Shared apartment:

Double room- 25 euros per extra night

Individual room- 30 euros per extra night

Spanish family:

Double room with breakfast- 30 euros per extra night

Double room half board- 35 euros per extra night

Individual room with breakfast- 30 euros per extra night

Individual room half board- 35 euros per extra night

Are there sheets and towels available in the accommodations?

Towels and sheets are included in the accommodation with Spanish families in Alicante, Granada, Madrid and Barcelona.

For shared apartments in Madrid and Barcelona, sheets are included. However, you should bring towels with you since they are not included and the schools do not have a rental service.

In Alicante and Granada, you should bring your own towels and sheets or hire them from our school. If you would like to hire them, send us an email saying what you would like at least three days before the start of your stay and make the payment.

You can hire only towels, only sheets or both. You will find them on the bed when you arrive.

The price of renting towels is 10 euros.

The price of renting sheets is 10 euros.

Can I bring a dog or some type of pet to my accommodation?

You cannot bring a dog or any other pet, we are sorry. Pets are not allowed in our apartments.

If I arrive on a Saturday or a Sunday and the school is closed, how do I pick up the key to my apartment or how do I contact my host family?

If you are arriving on a Saturday or a Sunday and you want to enter your accommodation, if it is with a family then you can go directly to the family´s house as soon as you arrive. It is important that you inform us in advance of your approximate time of arrival so that we can inform the family and they can be waiting for you at the house. If your accommodation is in an apartment, and you are going to study in one of the schools in Alicante or Granada, you will be able to pick up the key to your apartment from a nearby establishment from 15:00 onwards. We will send you all the information by email 2 weeks before your arrival.

In Madrid and Barcelona, you need to tell us your time of arrival at the apartment one week in advance. At the agreed time, there will be someone waiting at the accommodation to hand over the keys.

I want to receive information about the accommodation I will live in.        

We will send information about the accommodation you are going to live in two weeks before your arrival. The information will be sent by email and explain all the necessary information about your accommodation.

What is included in the price of apartment accommodation?   

The price of apartment accommodation in PROYECTO ESPAÑOL includes an individual or double room (as contracted), with a bed and wardrobe, use of the communal spaces, light, water, gas and internet. It does not include a cleaning service.

In Alicante and Granada, you should bring your own towels and sheets or hire them from our school. To hire them from our school, you must send us an email saying what you would like at least three days before the start of your stay and make the payment. You can hire only towels, only sheets or both. You will find them on the bed when you arrive.

The price of renting towels is 10 euros.

The price of renting sheets is 10 euros.

For the shared apartment accommodations in Madrid and Barcelona, the sheets are included, but you should bring your own towels since they are not included and the schools do not have a rental service.

What is included in the price of staying with a family?

The price of staying with a family in PROYECTO ESPAÑOL includes an individual or double room (as contracted), breakfast; breakfast lunch and dinner or breakfast and dinner (as contracted), use of the communal spaces, two laundry washes per week, room cleaning, sheets and internet. The use of the kitchen is only for the family unless you agree in advance that you are going to cook something.

Is there wifi in the apartments and when staying with a family?

Yes, there is Wi-Fi when staying with any of the families that host students from Proyecto Español and there is Wi-Fi in all of the school’s apartments as well.

If I am living with a family, can I cook?

You cannot cook when you are living with a family. The use of the kitchen is only for the family unless you agree in advance that you are going to cook something.

Am I able to move the apartment or change family?

Yes, you can move apartment or change your family. If you do not feel comfortable in your accommodation, do not hesitate to contact the school´s staff so we can solve the problem. However, we encourage our students to sort out the problem that may have arisen with the family or flatmates since, more often than not, it is an issue of misunderstanding language or culture… If it is not possible to fix and provided there is availability, we will proceed with changing the accommodation.

What are the families like? Are they Spanish?

Our host families are completely trusted by the school and are always Spanish-speaking. There is a lot of variety: couples with children, couples without children and men or women that live alone, all of the different ages.

Is there a hairdryer in the shared apartments?

We cannot guarantee there will be a hairdryer in Proyecto Español’s shared apartments. Therefore, if you do need one, we recommend you bring your own.

Can I cook and do laundry in the shared apartments?

Yes, you will be able to cook and do laundry in the shared apartments. The apartments come with a kitchen and washing machine.

Schools, levels and certificates with PROYECTO ESPAÑOL

What is the school´s address?

The addresses of our schools are the following:

Proyecto Español Alicante - Calle José Gutiérrez Petén, número 41. 03004 Alicante

Proyecto Español Granada - Calle Párraga, número 18. 18002 Granada

Kingsbrook Barcelona – Calle Ecuador, 82. 08026 Barcelona

Academia Contacto Madrid – Calle Raimundo Lulio, 7. 28010 Madrid

How do I get to School?

You can see how to get to the school on the next section of this website, depending on the mode of transport that you have chosen: http://www.cursos-espanol-espana.com/es/recursos/como-llegar-volando

Are the teachers Spanish natives?

The teachers at Proyecto Español are natives in the vast majority of cases. Additionally, they are experts in teaching Spanish as a foreign language.

Why is Proyecto Español so cheap?

Proyecto Español is so cheap because we are a company that carries out all the management of courses and accommodation, therefore we don´t need to hire third-party services that increase expenses.

What are the classes like at Proyecto Español? What makes them different?

The classes at Proyecto Español are classes that combine different skills in small and multicultural groups. something which allows us to personalize the teaching, improve the learning and encourage active participation from the students. The content is focused on real communication in different contexts and the student´s participation in them, contributing not only to grammar and vocabulary but also to competencies and communicative situations, together with sociocultural aspects of the Hispanic world.

What makes us different is the personalized teaching with highly qualified teachers with many years of experience, all in a relaxed and friendly environment, which allows us to go beyond the limits of the classroom and involve the students in all kinds of activities, from exchanges to cultural trips, so that the immersion into the city is complete and satisfactory.

Is the school officially recognized?

The schools in Alicante, Granada and Madrid are recognized and officially accredited by Instituto Cervantes. You can see the certification here:  https://acreditacion.cervantes.es/guia.pdf

Who can I talk to if I have a problem during my stay in Alicante?  

If you have a problem at the school in Alicante, you can talk to anyone from our team at the reception. However, these are the email addresses and roles of the staff:

Education-  welcome@proyecto-es.com  

Accommodation- estudiantes@proyecto-es.com

Social programme- grupos@proyecto-es.com 

Breaks, cancellations and payments- info@proyecto-es.com   

Can I receive packages during my course at Proyecto Español?

Yes, you can receive packages during your course at Proyecto Español. Have them sent to the school’s address with your name and we will be happy to give them to you when we receive them.

Will I get a certificate, qualification or diploma when I complete my course?

Yes, you will get a certificate when you complete the course. In Alicante and Granada, on finishing the course we send to all the students by email, a certificate stating the name of the student, the type of course taken, the hours of the course, the date the course was taken and the level obtained. At the schools in Madrid and Barcelona, we deliver the certificate by hand.

How long do I need to study to complete a level?

The time it takes to complete a level depends on which level it is. This scheduling is approximate and depends on the conditions and abilities of each person or group. It is based on an intensive course of 25 hours per week completed in Alicante.

A1: 5 weeks

A2: 7 weeks (+ 5 weeks of level A1)

B1: 9 weeks (+ 5 weeks of level A1 + 7 weeks of level A2)

B2: 16 weeks (+5 weeks of level A1 + 7 weeks of level A2 + 9 weeks of level B1)

C1: 32 weeks (+5 weeks of level A1 + 7 weeks of level A2 + 9 weeks of level B1 + 16 weeks of level B2)

C2: 48 weeks (+5 weeks of level A1 + 7 weeks of level A2 + 9 weeks of level B1 + 16 weeks of level B2 + 32 weeks of level C1)

How many levels of Spanish are there at Proyecto Español?   

The levels of Spanish available at Proyecto Español are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.

INSCRIPTIONS, PAYMENTS, AND CANCELLATIONS

Can you help me with registering?

Of course, we can do the registration for you and send you the confirmation. We would need you to send the following information:

The city that you would like to study in (Alicante, Granada, Madrid or Barcelona):

Name and Surname:

Complete address (house number, street, city, country and postcode):

Type of course that you want to do:

Approximate Spanish level (A1-A2-B1-B2-C1-C2):

Course start date:

Course duration:

Do you need accommodation? If yes, apartment or family (half board/full board)?

Do you need a transfer service from the airport or train station?

How can I pay for the course?

You can pay for the course using the following methods:

Credit card via the internet:

www.proyecto-es.com/en/pago-payment 

International bank transfer:

Banco Sabadell

(C/ Antonio Machado, 49; 03204 Elche)

ALC-Proyecto Español, S.L.

SWIFT: BSABESBB               

IBAN: ES07 0081 1205 7200 0125 2429

Can I pay for the course by credit card?

Yes you can pay for the course by credit card via the Internet: www.proyecto-es.com/en/pago-payment   

When do I pay?

You must pay the registration fee when you make the booking. The rest of the course must be paid one week before you start.

If I cancel the course, will I get all my money back?

If you want to cancel a course and know if we will refund your money, you can consult the terms and conditions on our website: http://www.cursos-espanol-espana.com/es/terminos-y-condiciones-de-inscripcion  

What happens in the case of cancellation?

If you want to cancel a course, you can consult the terms and condition on our website:

http://www.cursos-espanol-espana.com/es/terminos-y-condiciones-de-inscripcion 

VISA AND INSURANCE WITH PROYECTO ESPAÑOL

What documents and requirements do I need to get my visa from the embassy?

You can see all the documents and requirements that you need to get a visa from the embassy by clicking on the following link http://proyecto-es.com/es/recursos/visado

Do you refund my money if my visa is denied?

In the event of visa refusal, the student will have to send the original letter of refusal more than 3 weeks before the planned start date of the course in order to proceed to the refund of the amount they have paid for the course. Under no circumstances will the registration fee of 60 euros or the non-refundable charges (bank charges) be returned.

Cancellations are only valid if they are made by email to the following address: info@proyecto-es.com 

If I need an invitation letter to get my visa, when does the school send me it?

The school sends you the invitation letter after receiving either the full payment of your booking or part of it. You can see more information here: http://www.cursos-espanol-espana.com/es/node/1802  

Do you offer some insurance?

Yes, we offer insurance. We work with an insurance company for students which can offer you the medical and travel insurance that you need. You can inquire and make the purchase by clicking on the following link: http://proyecto-es.com/en/services/travel-insurance  

What do I do if I become ill whilst in Spain?

If you become ill in Spain and you belong to a country which is part of the European Union, you must go with your European health card to the health centre closest to your accommodation in Alicante to be treated. If you do not belong to a country which is part of the European Union, you must follow the instructions of your private insurance. If you don´t have private insurance, you will be able to attend the closest health centre with your passport. In this case, you should bear in mind that an invoice will be issued in your name for being seen which you must pay.

OTHER QUESTIONS

How much is the transfer from the airport or train station?

We offer a transfer service for our students and families, either from the airport, train station or bus station. When you arrive by plane, train or bus, there will be a person from the school waiting with your name. The driver will drop you at the door of your accommodation.

Do you offer some type of extra activities outside of classes?

Every week we offer a new program of activities for our students. Taking part in them will allow you to get to know the city better and its surroundings, as well as meet new people and practise the language.

Can I attend the activities that the school runs?

Yes, you can attend the activities that the school runs each week. All you need to do is communicate at the reception which of the activities you want to attend so that we can sign you up.

Are there any public holidays that you will close the school?

There are some holidays that we will close the school. In the calendar on our website, you will find all the days in which the school will remain closed.

Click on the following link and choose the city that you would like to see the calendar of http://proyecto-es.com/en/courses/calendar

Are the classes that are missed due to public holidays made up for another time?

In Alicante and Granada, the classes that are missed due to public holidays are not made up for another time apart from the programmes that include private lessons where the individual class will be done another time. The Christmas holiday week is not part of the academic year and there will be no classes but it will not be missed either. The end date of the course will simply be put back. The public holidays are shown on our web page: http://proyecto-es.com/es/courses/calendar

At the school in Madrid, in the weeks with public holidays shown on our webpage, half of the missed classes for that week will be done another time http://proyecto-es.com/es/courses/calendar

At the school in Barcelona, the weeks with public holidays shown on our webpage http://proyecto-es.com/es/courses/calendar will be made up for another time if the duration of the course is less than 4 weeks. If the course is 5 weeks or more then they will not be done another time. However, the two weeks of the Christmas holiday when there are no classes will be done another time for all students, regardless of the number of weeks they have booked.