FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1 - Spanish Language Courses
2 - Accommodations & Housing
3 – Pricing & Payments
4 – Registration
5 - Activities & Workshops
6 - General Information

1 - SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES

1.1 - What level of Spanish language classes should I take?
1.2 - How many weeks should I study?
1.3 - What is a typical day like?
1.4 - What is the average class size?
1.5 - How do I choose between the group and individual Spanish programs?
1.6 - What is the focus of the advanced classes?
1.7 - Can I get university credits from taking these Spanish classes?
1.8 - Are there Spanish courses that are customized to learning the language as it applies to a specific profession?

1.1 - What level of Spanish language classes should I take?

When you register for a course with Elebaires, we will send you a placement written test and an oral evaluation. From these two tests an assessment will be made and you will be placed accordingly in a group of students that have a similar level of Spanish as you do. Do not worry if you do not speak a word of Spanish - many of our students have no prior Spanish knowledge before they arrive. You will, however, be speaking Spanish in the classroom from your first day.

1.2 - How many weeks should I study?

For beginners we recommend at least four weeks (20 hours classes). At the very least we recommend a two week course.

1.3 - What is a typical day like?

Classes are held Monday - Friday from 9:00 to 13:00 leaving the rest of the day free to explore Buenos Aires. The first two hours of class typically focus on grammar. After a 15 minute break, the second two hours will focus on oral and written practice of that grammar. Private Spanish lessons take place in the afternoons.

1.4 - What is the average class size?

We keep the class sizes small to ensure rapid language development. While class sizes vary depending on here will never be more than 7 students per class.

1.5 - How do I choose between the group and individual Spanish programs?

Group classes are great for those who like to learn in a group atmosphere, practice with their peers, and want to study in an intensive setting. On the other hand, individual lessons are best for those wanting to focus on a particular aspect of the language or who cannot devote 20 hours per week to Spanish.

1.6 - What is the focus of the advanced classes?

WThe advanced classes will focus particularly on Argentine culture, the more complex grammatical rules such as the uses of the subjunctive, and oral expression to improve your conversational Spanish which will be particularly useful for your travels in Argentina.

1.7 - Can I get university credits from taking these Spanish classes?

Yes, it is possible to get university credit if you choose to study abroad with us. Elebaires is accredited y a private University in Buenos Aires. If you are interested in getting university credit, let us know in the registration form.

2 - ACCOMMODATIONS & HOUSING

2.1 - What do you offer for Accommodation?
2.2 - Do I need to book accommodation with my course?
2.3 - Can I get in the accommodation before the commencement date? Can I stay longer than the course?

2.1 - What do you offer for Accommodation?

Here at Elebaires, we can help you find a housing option that best suits your needs and expectations for studying abroad in Argentina. We offer several different options such as student residences, family home-stay, shared apartments and hotels or hostels. It is very important that our students have a great stay in the city, that's why we carefully screen all of our places and only recommend the most interesting places. For more information, visit our section of accommodation or visit our blog for our postings on accommodation.

2.2 - Do I need to book accommodation with my course?

No. You can book your Spanish courses without accommodation, however a local home-stay or shared apartment is highly recommend for Spanish language practice.

2.3 - Can I get in the accommodation before the commencement date? Can I stay longer than the course?

Yes, you may begin your home-stay at any time. A student is always welcome to extend their housing and if the same housing is available during the requested extension dates the student will stay in their same housing. Otherwise, the student will be offered an alternative housing option for the additional dates. As we want to find you the best match for your length of stay, we encourage students to register as early as possible to ensure availability.

3 - PRICING & PAYMENTS

3.1 - What does the course price include?
3.2 - When should I pay for courses?
3.3 - What payment types do you accept?
3.4 - What is your cancellation policy?

3.1 - What does the course price include?

The course price includes enrollment, course materials, and classes with dynamic and qualified teachers. We provide you with onsite assistance with student coordinator or 24-hour help desk. In addition we provide you with discounts to various cultural and social activities in order to have unforgettable time in Buenos Aires: sports, guided visits, tours, weekend trips, tango dinner and shows, accommodation, family home-stays, hostels and a lot more!

3.2 - When should I pay for courses?

Courses must be paid for in full before the program start date (either the first day of housing or the course start date, whichever is first). The student must pay for the entire program of scheduled classes before the first day of his/her program. In order to reserve the Spanish Program, the student must pay a deposit of US$500 two weeks before the program start date. If the program cost is less than US $500, the total program balance must be paid. One week before the program start date, any remaining program balance must be paid in full.

3.3 - What payment types do you accept?

Payments for Spanish programs can be made by credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express) via PayPal or with a bank transfer before the program start date. Current students who want to extend their programs can also pay in cash (U.S. dollars or Argentine pesos) in person at the school.

3.4 - What is your cancellation policy?

Group courses or lessons cannot be cancelled, students will still be charged for cancellations. Students will not be charged for private lessons if they cancel with at least 24 hours notice. All cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged.

If the student wishes to cancel, refunds are as following:

• For cancellations made 15 days or more prior to arrival, Elebaires will refund 80% of the total program cost.
• For cancellations made 10 days prior to arrival Elebaires will refund 50% of the total program cost.
• For cancellations made less than 10 days before arrival 25% will be refunded of the total program cost.
• After a program has started there is no refund for any course, accommodation or other item booked.

4 – REGISTRATION

4.1 - How do I register for Courses?
4.2 - How long in advance do I need to book courses?

4.1 - How do I register for Courses?

To sign up for our Spanish courses, click here. Complete the registration form to register your Spanish program, verify that you have read and agree to our Terms and Conditions, and then submit the form. Once we receive your registration form, you will be sent a confirmation email with an attached invoice, along with a Spanish level test (beginner-advanced students).

4.2 - How far in advance must I register?

To guarantee a spot in our schools, we recommend you register at least four weeks in advance. For registrations less than four weeks before the start date, we cannot guarantee a place in a group class or in a home-stay, but we encourage you to contact us for availability and we will do our best to accommodate you.

5 - ACTIVITIES & WORKSHOPS

5.1 - Do you offer any additional activities besides Spanish courses?
5.2 - Do you offer volunteer programs?
5.3 - Do you offer internship opportunities?
5.4 - What workshops do you offer?

5.1 - Do you offer any additional activities besides Spanish courses?

Yes! Elebaires offers a large variety of optional activities for students to enjoy, practice and learn more about Buenos Aires while taking the Spanish Course. Each week you will receive a guide with all the activities that Elebaires organizes for you. Some of them are: walking guided visits in the most traditional neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, bike tours, tango shows, visits to museums, soccer tickets to exciting matches, and a lot more each season! For a complete list of these activities check out our Student Life section here.

5.2 - Do you offer volunteer programs?

The Elebaires Volunteer program is an extraordinary opportunity for anyone wanting to improve their Spanish skills while you simultaneously acquire meaningful work experience. Our Volunteer program is available on a year-round basis. All students enrolled in an Elebaires Spanish course (for a minimum of two weeks) are eligible. Typically, a time commitment of at least 2-4 weeks of volunteering is desired from the volunteer. There is no minimum Spanish level requirement although some organizations require intermediate to advanced Spanish ability.

5.3 - Do you offer internship opportunities?

The Elebaires Internship Program is an excellent resource to help gain indispensable skills learned in Buenos Aires' dynamic foreign marketplace. Elebaires works with a number of organizations in various fields, such as Marketing, Architecture, Technology, NGOs, Environmental Sciences, Medicine, Law, Finance, Media, Communications, etc. Internships are available on a year-round basis and require a minimum commitment of at least one month with 15-20 hours of work a week on the part of the intern. The ability to read and understand spoken Spanish at an intermediate level is essential.

5.4 – What workshops do you offer?

Elebaires offers a number of special courses where you will learn about the Argentinean culture and daily life. For a complete list check workshops page on our website here

6 - GENERAL INFORMATION

6.1 - What makes Elebaires different from other language schools?
6.2 - What qualifications do the teachers have?
6.3 - When are program start dates?
6.4 - Should I bring any materials to class?
6.5 - Am I too old for a language school? Too young?
6.6 - How do I get from the airport to my accommodation?
6.7 - Why should I choose to study abroad in Buenos Aires?
6.8 - Do I need a Visa to travel to Argentina?
6.9 - Do I need any vaccinations to enter the country?
6.10 - Is there someone I may speak with about your schools?

6.1 - What makes Elebaires different from other language schools?

The successful combination of Elebaires classes, workshops, home-stays, excursions, and social and cultural activities allows students to truly live like porteños and learn Spanish. Elebaires students experience Buenos Aires's language and culture on the most profound level possible. Our way of teaching is direct, active learning using language structures, vocabulary and idiomatic expressions in the context of areas most useful for attaining fluency as quickly as possible. We guarantee a fast and fun way of learning Spanish, guided by a young and professional team, who will listen to each student's needs and who is prepared for each circumstance!

6.2 What qualifications do the teachers have?

Our professors have graduated with a degree in Language and Literature, specializing in Spanish instruction. They have a very strong understanding of Latin American language and culture. They highly enjoy teaching, and make a special effort to not only teach Elebaires students Spanish, but also to get to know them as individuals and connect with each and every one of them on a personal level, both in and outside of the classroom.

6.3 - When are program start dates?

Official start dates are every Monday year-round. If you will be starting on another date, we will design a special program for you in order to catch up with the group. Private courses can start any day of the week.

6.4 - Should I bring any materials to class?

We provide students with a notebook and pen on the first day of class! We recommend purchase a pocket Spanish dictionary.

6.5 - Am I too old for a language school? Too young?

Too old? Definitely not! Here at Elebaires, we have students in all age groups. The diversities of ages, nationalities and interests of our students contribute to the unique experience you will have here. Too young? If you are under 18 we will parental consent.

6.6 - How do I get from the airport to my accommodation?

We offer an airport pick-up service where you to be met upon arrival inside the airport and transported to your accommodation. For students who are not interested in this option, we recommend you arrange a taxi from the taxi desk at the arrival entrance where you will pay a flat rate up-front.

6.7 - Why should I choose to study abroad in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan capital, bursting with grand avenues, old-time cafes and numerous cultural attractions. Wander the cobbled streets, marvel at architectural glories and colorful painted houses; discuss world politics and fútbol (soccer) in an atmospheric cafe; then tuck into a parrillada for a delicious Argentine steak dinner!
It is perfect for students looking for an affordable city to study Spanish abroad while enjoying an extraordinary cultural experience.

In addition, the country of Argentina offers diverse travel opportunities, from the majestic waterfalls of Iguazú in the subtropical north down to the mountainous south of Bariloche with its magnificent glaciers.

6.8 - Do I need a Visa to travel to Argentina?

Citizens of many countries only need a passport to enter Argentina and may stay legally for up to 90 days. You should, however, contact your consulate for more specific and updated information on Visa regulations for your country. Please note, as of December 2009, travelers from the USA, Canada and Australia entering the country via Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires are required to pay a fee.

6.9 - Do I need any vaccinations to enter the country?

No vaccines are required to enter the country, but the yellow fever vaccination is recommended especially if you are planning to travel to Brazil or Paraguay. For updated travel alerts, potential health hazards, and other related issues, please consult Travel Health Online.

6.10 - Is there someone I may speak with about your schools?

For more information, complete the form below
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