Quito stands at 2,850 metres and the altitude, together with the latitude, provide for year-round spring. The city is set in a hollow at the foot of the Pichincha Volcano, and is divided into two parts: on the one hand, the colonial centre with steep cobbled streets and on the other, a modern centre with wide avenues and parks.

Language Programme

• Maximum number of students per class - 4.
• Average number of students per class - 2.
• Spanish levels offered - 9 levels: Low/mid/high Beginner, Low/mid/high Intermediate, Advanced, High advanced, Superior.
• Teaching Method - Based on the 4 language skills: grammar, oral, aural and written comprehension. No English should be used in class.
• Private Instruction - Limited availability and extra cost.
• Arrival first day of class - 8:30 am.
• Placement test - A written and oral proficiency test is held on the first school day.
• Orientation - A city tour takes place on the first Monday and information is given to students about the city, school, family life and culture. No formal Spanish classes take place on the student's first Monday.

School Atmosphere

• Students nationality - About 50% Europeans and 50% North Americans.
• Age Group - The majority are professionals and college students.
• Facilities - The school is located in a quiet residential area. A converted ambassador's house with garden, small indoor pool, sauna, barbecue area, kitchen and volleyball/soccer field and cafeteria.
• Capacity - About 70 students per day.
• Organised activities: Optional activities are organised by the school 2-3 times a week.

Homestays

• Distance to school - Most families live within walking distance of the school. Some live a 10-15 minute bus ride away.
• Number of students per home - One unless otherwise requested.
• Private or shared room - Private unless otherwise requested.
• Meals included - Breakfast and dinner is provided by the host family
• Private bath - Practically all homes provide a private bathroom for the student.
• Extra homestay nights - Available at extra cost. Homestay included in the cost starts on a Sunday and ends on a Saturday.
• Laundry service - Provided by host family.

Family Consideration - One of the most important parts of your learning and cultural experience is the homestay. You will receive a key to the outside door and will be able to come and go as you please. You are not obliged to eat your meals with the family but you should notify your family when you will not be eating at home.

Your host family respects your beliefs and we ask that you show the same respect for their beliefs. It is a good idea to bring some pictures of family, friends, your house and even a map that shows where you live. These can be used to begin discussions with your host family.

Notify the director of the school if you wish to change families (there is no charge for this).

General Info

Please note that the US dollar is now the official currency in Ecuador.
Remember that there is a departure fee of about $25 when you leave Quito by plane.

Additional Campuses: Sierra Azul Cloud Forest Programme

• There is an additional campus in Sierra Azul, in the cloud forest by the Artisana Reserve which protects one of the most unspoiled and beautiful tracts of cloudforest in the country.
• Includes 4 hours group tuition per day, and one excursion per day.
• Accommodation is at the lodge (2 beds in each room), 3 meals per day.
• Electricity and phone service available.
• It is not possible to come here your first week. You sign up for the one week Sierra Azul cloud forest reserve when registering or when in Quito. The cost is an additional $470.