This unique Spanish Language Program, held in Madrid, is designed for teachers of Spanish as a foreign language and those who wish to extend and update their knowledge of teaching a foreign language. This program is made up of two independent yet complementary programs (Program 1 and Program 2), each of which is two weeks long. Participants learn modern teaching methodologies as well as the latest innovative teaching techniques of teaching Spanish as a foreign language in both linguistic and extra-linguistic fields. This course is especially designed to extend and update knowledge on teaching Spanish as a foreign language, and to refresh participants' knowledge of the language itself. Teachers will have the opportunity to refresh, renew and improve their teaching methods and learn the latest innovative teaching technologies of Spanish as a foreign language.
- Total immersion in the Spanish language
- Accelerated learning in small classes: average 10 to 15 students per class
- Super Intensive program
- Flexible course: choose Program 1 (2 weeks); or Programs 1 and 2 (4 weeks)
- Daily Practical Activities
- Two Cultural Activities per week
- Gratuitous use of the Computer Room and Internet, Video and Library Facilities
All participants are provided their class times at the start of the program. Classes are 55 minutes long and are held both in the mornings and afternoons. Classes take place at the Academy of Spanish Language, one of Spain's leading institutions which specializes in Spanish language studies.
The Spanish for Teachers Program consists of the following two complementary and independent programs. Students may choose to participate in Program 1, Program 2 or both Program 1 and 2. Both Programs have their own specific curriculum designed for Advanced and Proficient Levels.
SPANISH FOR TEACHERS PROGRAM CURRICULUM 1
Program 1 focuses on the techniques and methods of teaching Spanish as a foreign language, and contains both theoretical and practical components. It is strongly recommended that students complete Program 1 before participating in Program 2. Classes focus on two major aspects: updating and improving the participant's fluency and proficiency in Spanish, and extending and renewing the modern methodologies and latest techniques of teaching Spanish as a foreign language. The curriculum covers a number of topics, used to improve language abilities and teaching techniques. Topics include:
- Methodologies: Examines the methods, programs and levels when teaching Spanish as a foreign language
- Cultural Component in the Classroom: Participants learn how to integrate linguistic and cultural information into the process of teaching the language
- Integration of Skills: Focuses on the development, integration and application of auditory, reading comprehension, oral and written skills when teaching Spanish
- Analysis of Teaching Materials: Analysis of the materials published for teaching Spanish
- Difficulties of the Spanish Language: Highlights difficulties in the Spanish language (eg. conflicting grammar)
- Tasks: Organisation of the course into educational units
- Spanish for Specific Aims: Correspondence and documents of commercial Spanish, enabling participants to develop specific situations in the different fields
- Audio-Visual Techniques in the Classroom: Application of visual and audio aids in the teaching of Spanish
SPANISH FOR TEACHERS PROGRAM CURRICULUM 2
Program 2 concentrates on analysing evaluating the techniques and methods of teaching Spanish as a foreign language. In order to participate in this course, students must have attended Program 1 or have attended some similar course previously. Classes focus on a range of topics and involve both practical and theoretical components. Topics include:
- Methodology in the Teaching of Spanish as a Foreign Language: Analysis and evaluation of the techniques, methods, programs and levels when teaching Spanish as a foreign language
- Education of the Lexicon: Concerns the acquisition of the lexicon and includes a range of activities for the learning and enrichment of the language
- Non-Verbal Communication: The integration of gestures within functional and grammatical contexts
- Phonetics: Including a range of activities aimed at the correction of pronunciation errors
- Fixed Expression: Studies the difficulties and explanations surrounding the determination and denomination of fixed expressions, as well as units of the language and practical work in context
- Literature: Examines the application and operation of Spanish literature in the classroom
- Advertising Documents: Focuses on the application of advertising documents such as video, radio, press, etc. in the classroom
- Evaluation: Involves reflection and analysis of variants of linguistic and sociolinguistic structures
First participants are placed according to the proficiency level they indicate on the application form. At the start of the program, non-beginners take a written and oral placement test. Second placements are made according to the results of the placement test. Placement tests are held in the morning of the first Monday of the program. Classes start immediately after the test is completed.
The Spanish for Teachers curriculum is based on the needs of advanced to proficient levels, as classes focus on updating and refreshing the participants' Spanish language abilities and teaching techniques.
ADVANCED
This level is for those who can discuss general topics, raise complex questions, and express their opinions clearly using correct pronunciation. Participants can express themselves systematically using appropriate expressions and language norms. Advanced writing and oral expression styles and techniques are used to improve writing skills and provide oral expression fluency.
PROFICIENT
This level is for those who posses a high command of the Spanish language and culture and are able to converse fluently and effectively using appropriate expressions and language norms. The curriculum is focused on enabling participants to master the language and express themselves in a proficient manner at an abstract level. Class work focuses on perfecting oral expression and writing skills and developing a global perspective of Spanish culture in relation to the participants' particular field of interest.
This course is organised and taught by professors who are specialists in techniques of teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Each has additional specialisations in a particular area in this field, and generally are authors and professors in many recognized universities. A wide range of carefully selected and didactic materials by academic authors are used in class, giving participants valuable information on teaching Spanish as a foreign language, while at the same time developing their language and communication skills.
To ensure a comprehensive learning experience, cultural and social activities and guided excursions are provided free of charge in the Total Program with admission and transportation included at no additional cost. These activities and excursions offer participants a deeper appreciation of Spain's rich and varied culture and traditions. The program and frequency of social and cultural activities held are varied and may include watching Flamenco performances, fiestas, guided visits to cultural and historical sites, museums, monuments, concerts, tapas parties and more. Overnight excursions to nearby cities are available at additional cost.
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Participants' progress is continuously assessed through homework, assignments, and examinations. Class attendance is obligatory. A Diploma is awarded certifying the type of program; amount of hours studied and completed level of proficiency at the successful completion of the program. A transcript is also provided including a detailed account of the participant's progress according to specified linguistic skills. Participants may obtain credits to be transferred to their home college or university.
To cater for individual needs, a range of accommodation options located close to school is offered: Host Family, Student Residence, Shared Flats, Private Apartment or Hotel. Participants who have enrolled in the program are given details of the accommodation pre-departure. These include a description of the accommodation, the address, and the location in relation to the school.
For information on accommodation options, click here
For the privacy and convenience of participants, single rooms are provided. Double and Triple share rooms are available, for more information please contact WLE
Total Program Fees include Tuition, Accommodation, Registration and Enrollment, Placement Test, Certificate and Transcript, Visa Support Documentation, Airport Pickup and Transfer to Accommodation, Orientation, Books (1 set), Welcome Pack, Language Travel Medical Insurance, e-mail and Internet access, and more. Free afterclass workshops, social activities and guided tours are held throughout th e program. International Program Advisors provide information and assistance pre-departure and throughout the program.
For Total Program Fees, click here
Tuition Fees only are for those who do not require accommodation or other program features and wish to participate only in the classes, see Tuition only Fees click here
There are three requirements for the Spanish for Teachers course:
- Participants must be a teacher with experience in the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language (those with no experience must be interested in teaching Spanish as a foreign language)
- Participants must have at least an Advanced level of Spanish
- Participants must be at least 22 years old
For exceptions, contact WLE Offices.
Apply early before deadlines. The last application day is 6 weeks before the start of the program.For late applications, contact WLE Offices.
For the How To Apply procedures, click here For the Application Form, click here
For peace of mind, Total Program fees include Travel Medical Insurance. StudentCare Insurance covers emergency medical and dental treatment, pro-rata return of program fee in case of curtailment, personal liability, and more. Participants are insured for the duration of the program.
For terms and conditions and further information, click here
Past participants have been awarded US credit transfers after completing this program. Participants are required to contact the Study Abroad Advisor or Spanish Language Department in their home college or university regarding the procedures for academic transfer. For a copy of the program syllabus to be submitted to the Study Abroad Department or Spanish Language Department for assessment of credit transfer, contact WLE's Offices.
For cheap airfares to Spain, starting from US$500, click here
Free pickup from the bus, train station or airport, to your accommodation is provided in the total program. Details of your arrival such as the date, time and place are required at least 10 days before your arrival.
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