About the Spanish Programs for Spanish immersion:

1. How many hours per week does the course include?
2. What levels of instruction are offered?
3. What are the average costs including accommodation?
4. What are the teachers qualifications?
5. What is the teacher-to-pupil ratio?
6. What is ILISA’s teaching methodology?
7. How long does it take to learn Spanish?
8. Am I too old to learn a language?
9. People from the US are not particularly good at learning languages, are we?
10. What is the average age of the students?
11. What nationalities are represented in the students?
12. Do you use standard textbooks, or do you create your own materials?
13. What is the hourly fee for instructions?
14. How would you describe the first day at ILISA?
15. What’s the class schedule?
16. If I feel that I have been placed in the wrong group, can I change?
17. Do you change teachers during the course?
18. Do you have other teaching aids available?

1. How many hours per week does the course include?
   We offer programs of varying durations and intensity, with classes running Monday through Friday.
   • Group-4 Program: Includes 4 hours of group classes daily.
   • Group-4 Plus Program: Combines 4 hours of group classes with 2 additional hours of private lessons in the afternoon.
   • One-to-One Private Classes: Available for either 4 or 6 hours per day.

   The different components of these programs can be combined to suit individual needs.

2. What levels of instruction are offered?
   

   On the first day of your course at ILISA, the program director will conduct an interview to assess your language proficiency. Based on the results, you will be placed in a group that matches your level and language skills. We offer six levels of instruction and also consider factors such as age, background, and prior language experience when forming groups.

3. What are the average costs including accommodation?

   We offer a variety of programs with different durations, both with and without homestay options. Prices start at $285 for one week of group classes without homestay. With homestay included, the cost is $600. Please refer to our price list for detailed information.

4. What are the teachers qualifications?
   At ILISA, we believe that a great teacher is not only professionally qualified but also possesses key personal qualities such as patience, imagination, creativity, flexibility, and a genuine interest in others. These attributes are innate and shaped by experience, rather than being solely acquired through a university degree.To ensure excellence, ILISA provides ongoing in-house training and support for our teachers. Our team consists of 10 full-time teachers and 8 part-time associates, enabling us to create diverse groups tailored to students’ levels and learning styles.
5. What is the teacher-to-pupil ratio?

   We ensure that no group has more than 4 students, even during peak season. Our average group size is between 2 and 3 students. With this favorable student-teacher ratio, your active participation is guaranteed.

6. What is ILISA’s teaching methodology?

   ILISA’s communicative approach is built on years of experience in blending applied grammar with practical use of the target language. Continuous interaction with native Spanish-speaking teachers helps you develop flexibility and fluency, without relying on rote memorization. Our teachers, along with the use of audiovisual aids, keep the learning process engaging and ensure maximum retention of the material. This dynamic approach allows you to apply your new language skills almost immediately, both inside and outside the classroom.

7. How long does it take to learn Spanish?

   The time it takes to learn a language varies for each individual, depending on factors such as prior knowledge and language learning experience. For example, if you have studied one or more languages in addition to your native tongue, learning another will likely be easier.

   As a general guideline, someone with no prior knowledge of the language typically needs around 100 hours to reach a basic conversational level and another 100 hours to achieve limited working proficiency, especially if they are living with a host family and making a dedicated effort.

   At ILISA, we don’t promise quick fixes like instant fluency through a super-intensive course – that’s just marketing hype. What we do offer is the ideal environment for effective learning. So, how long should you study? As much as your schedule and budget allow; the more you invest, the better. Language learning is a continuous journey—one that is well worth the effort, exciting, and opens the door to a whole new world.

8. Am I too old to learn a language?

   Age can be a factor, but it is not the most important one. While younger people may have an advantage due to their familiarity with classroom settings and being in a student mindset, you bring the valuable experience of age, goal-setting, and organization. Regardless of your age, what matters most is feeling comfortable with the learning process and not being afraid to make mistakes. Never think, “I’m too old for this.” That simply isn’t the case.

9. People from the United States aren’t particularly good at learning languages, are we?

   Nationality itself is not a determining factor in the ability to learn a language quickly. Americans are no less capable of learning languages than, for example, Europeans. However, many Americans may lack foreign language experience, which means they don’t have the advantage of already speaking one or more other languages. The most significant factor influencing the success of your training program is your motivation and dedication. We can provide the best teachers, a well-designed program, and small class sizes, but without your effort and the right attitude, the results will fall short. We expect that you come to ILISA with the right mindset to learn—and if you do, you will succeed.

10. What is the average age of the students?
    Most of our students are between the ages of 25 and 45.
11. What nationalities are represented among the students?
    
    Sixty-five percent of our students come from the United States, with the remainder primarily from Europe, particularly Germany and Switzerland. We also frequently welcome small groups from Denmark, the Netherlands, and other northern European countries, as well as from Japan and Turkey.
12. Do you use standard textbooks, or do you create your own materials?

    ILISA uses materials created by its teaching staff, ensuring they are fully tailored to the intensive learning environment. This approach also allows us to develop additional materials that align with the unique interests of our students.

13. What is the hourly fee for instructions?
    The price for private tutoring is $23 per hour. In the case that a student books classes in addition to their original registration of a four or six hour a day class, the price per hour is $20.
14. How would you describe the first day at ILISA?
    The first Monday of school is slightly different from other Mondays, as it marks the start for most new students, and we welcome many new faces. The program director, assisted by one or more teachers, conducts interviews with all new students (except absolute beginners) to assess their language levels. Once all students have been tested, a brief orientation takes place, followed by group formation, professor assignments, and the start of classes.Please note that the group placement interviews are designed to help ensure you’re placed in the right group. However, if either you or the teacher feels that you’re in the wrong group during the first few days, a change can be arranged. On regular Mondays, students who have already begun classes can start right away with their new teacher.
15. What’s the class schedule?
    
    Classes typically run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with a coffee break from 10:00 to 10:20 a.m. For those enrolled in 6-hour per day programs, classes continue from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m., with a break from 2:10 to 2:20 p.m. During peak seasons, some group classes may be scheduled from 1:15 to 5:15 p.m., with afternoon sessions running from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

16. If I feel that I have been placed in the wrong group, can I change?
    If you feel you are in the wrong group you will of course discuss this first with the program director who will talk with the teacher. If in their professional opinion you are right, you will change groups. But sometimes you will find out it’s not as bad as it looks. Sometimes students have very specific interest that can’t be dealt with in a group situation: in such cases we suggest they take additional private instruction if possible.
17. Do you change teachers during the course?
    
    You will have a different teacher each week, providing you with the opportunity to experience a variety of voices, accents, and teaching styles. However, the core methodology remains consistent. Keep in mind that language learning is a personal experience, and each student has their own unique learning style, just as each teacher has their own approach. What works well for one student may not be the best fit for another. By rotating teachers weekly, we minimize the risk of a student being “stuck” with a teacher whose style doesn’t match their learning preferences.

    In the case of private classes, if a student and teacher develop a strong rapport, students may choose to extend their classes for an additional week. This can typically be arranged easily through the program director.

18. Do you have other teaching aids available?
    We have 13 computers available to students, equipped with software designed to help you practice Spanish, build vocabulary, and improve reading and comprehension. All computers are fast, 486/66 MHz multimedia systems with 4x CD-ROM drives. We offer a variety of interactive CD-ROM-based software as well as hard disk-based programs. Additionally, a multimedia encyclopedia in Spanish is available on CD-ROM.ILISA has integrated computer-based training through a unique partnership with Transparent Language Inc., a leading U.S. educational software provider. Transparent Language’s advanced multimedia software complements your regular classroom instruction with 2 hours per week of personalized computer-based practice. Together with the language lab teacher, you will select a theme to focus on and refine your skills. You can review grammar, expand vocabulary, improve reading comprehension, or practice pronunciation—at your own pace, based on your individual needs.