School
The Apu Inty Spanish School was established in May, 2001. It is recognised by Ecuadorian Ministry of Education, (Reg.287 DINNEPP) providing a suitable learning environment for students from around the world seeking to learn/improve their Spanish.
Apu Inty, means “Señor Sol” in the local Quichua language. For centuries, the Sun was the center of worship for many indigenous cultures throughout the Americas, and represents to this day a powerful symbol of identity in the Ecuadorian culture.
In March, 2006, Apu Inty moved to a new location in the city center, with more facilities for students. The school's size allows for a properly structured learning program, while guaranteeing individual attention for every student.
Apu Inty is also a center of cultural and artistic exchange, where those interested in gaining a deeper knowledge and experience in the Ecuadorian social, cultural and artistic life can participate in activities organized for this purpose.
Students from all over the world attend our school, where they enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Our Methodology
Our personalized, student-centered methodology is based on individual interests, needs and learning styles.
You will learn Spanish with up-to-date textbooks and additional materials suitable for practice purposes, such as cassettes and video tapes.
Regular homework assignments will help to gain a deeper understanding of the course material and to ensure that every student can maintain the class’s pace. Your teacher will give you individual advice on exam preparation.
Our program is flexible in terms of length, content and sequence.
Instead of employing a rigid grammatical teaching method, we use a more conversational and interactive approach. Students learn not by endless grammar tables and repetition, but by using them in contexts that clarify their meaning and use. We feel that this method enhances language development, accelerates oral proficiency and is altogether more enjoyable for both student and teacher.
Teachers
All of our teachers are highly experienced in teaching Spanish to foreigners.Each holds a university degree in Spanish and Literature, or other related subjects, as a minimum requirement.
Materials
Teachers draw on a vast variety of texts and exercises from the best Spanish grammar and teaching books. Through the use of audiovisual aids, oral and written comprehension, reading, writing and self-expression skills will be honed.
Students also enjoy access to our Spanish-language library and collection of Latin American films.
Certificate
Upon completion of the course, and having obtained at minimum 90% attendance record, students will receive a Spanish language certificate from the Apu Inty Spanish School reflecting the number of hours studied and the level attained.
In addition, students who have completed a minimum of 120 class hours and pass the exam will receive a diploma sponsored by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education.
Timetable
The school is open from Monday to Friday. Morning classes start at 8:30 am and finish at 12:30 pm. Afternoon classes run from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm. We offer private lessons of 20, 25, 30 or 35 hours per week at all levels from beginners to highly advanced students, with a 1 week minimum.
Upon request, we can arrange individual programs on specific days and times (e.g. Mon-Wed-Fri or weekends).
Both the morning and afternoon classes include a coffee-break of 15-20 minutes. Free coffee, tea and fruits are provided by the school.
The school is only closed on December, 25th and on January, 1st.
After-hours and on weekends you can always leave a message on the answering machine. In case of emergency you can dial the following number from inside Ecuador (593) 099031824
Services
Our school has a warm atmosphere, with comfortable classrooms and audio and video facilities. We offer free coffee and tea, free internet access and wireless connection, and an updated calendar of all of the city’s cultural activities. Our school also has free international calls through the skype system.
The services that our programs provide free of charge are:
- Registration fee.
- Placement test.
- Language Certificate.
- Study materials.
- Assistance in accommodation
- Free map and information about the city.
- 24-hour emergency phone line.
Arrival in Quito
Our students will be picked up at the airport by a member of the school and taken to their host families. In case of flight delay or cancellation, our team will be informed and present in the airport upon your arrival. Our 24-hour emergency number is 593.99031824 or you can contact us by e-mail at: info@apuintyspanishschool.com
Leisure activities
Among the activities offered free of charge to students there are:
- Weekly tropical dancing and local Ecuadorian cooking classes.
- Our 'Conversation Club', every Wednesday evening, in a local bar/restaurant for a chance to practice the Spanish learnt in class, discussing diverse topics together with Ecuadorian students, in an informal, relaxed setting.
- Weekly Spanish Movie Night (Noche de cine Iberaméricano)
In addition, Apu Inty periodically offers other activities and excursions for students, such as visits to cinemas, museums, markets, soccer games and places of cultural interest. Weekend excursions include visits to indigenous markets at Otavalo and Saquisili, trips to Baños, Mindo, Riobamba, the Mitad del Mundo, and Cotopaxi.
Activities vary from week to week and depend on the number of participants, their interests and wishes. Upon request we can also organize trips to the jungle and the Galapagos Islands.