HomeDestinationsLearn Spanish in ArgentinaFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Spanish Lessons
Spanish Lessons
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many people are there in a group?
There is a maximum of 8 students per class. However, the average number of students per group is between 3 and 5. If you are the only student at your level, we will offer you 2 hours of individual lessons instead of the group lessons.
What are the class schedules?
Your classes will be from Monday to Friday, in the morning from 9:00 till 13:00. You can request extra private lessons in the afternoon. Class schedules are subject to change on holidays and during the high season. On Tuesday afternoon there is a conversation club, where you will come together to talk in Spanish in order to become more acquainted with the language. On Thursday afternoon, there is the Tutorial; it is a free lesson where you can ask any questions you may have
How much time do I need to become fluent in Spanish?
This depends a lot on the person. Our experience shows that a person, who does not speak any Spanish, can achieve a high beginner level in four weeks of intensive group lessons. This is enough for traveling around or for starting your volunteer work. It means you can understand easy, slowly spoken sentences and that you can make yourself understood at a basic level. Of course, this is all subject to your own efforts as well.
How much can I learn in one week?
Our goal is that a beginner in his/her first week will learn to have a basic conversation including basic speaking and understanding. You will review the present tense (regular verbs) and learn a few irregular verbs such as "ser", "estar", "tener". You will be able to understand easy, slowly spoken sentences.
What do you recommend I take, group or private lessons?
For beginners, we recommend you start with group lessons, as it is more fun and there is more interaction during class. Of course it is also possible to take individual classes, which will give you more opportunity to talk and to adapt the classes to your specific needs. We recommend this option especially for older students and students with specific learning goals. For more advanced students, who want to focus on a specific area or who need to learn Spanish quickly, we recommend you take individual lessons, although we offer group classes at all levels, from basic to very advanced. If you want to combine group classes with Spanish classes we recommend you our Best of Both Program.
Do the teachers give homework?
The idea is that almost all the work is done in class. However, especially at the beginner levels, your teacher may ask you to do some exercises at home or to memorize some vocabulary to help you progress the following day.
Where is the school located?
The school AMAUTA Buenos Aires is located in the center of Buenos Aires, on the Avenida de Mayo between Congreso and Casa Rosada, on the third floor of the well known Palacio Barolo.
What level should I take?
Just before you leave to Buenos Aires, you receive a test on the computer; with this test we will evaluate your level of Spanish. Every Monday, at 8:30 am, all the new students come together for an explanation of the school, neighborhood, etc. After the meeting we will say in which group you are placed. If you think after the first Spanish lesson that the level is too low or too high for you, than we will place you in another group the same day. Please address your needs to our head of studies.
What exactly is included in the course price?
Included in the course price are 20 hours of Spanish classes, one hour of conversation club on Tuesday, one hour of extra tutoring classes on Thursdays where you can come with your questions. We offer a full program of activities which you can join during weekdays and weekends. Included are also the placement test, education materials and the certificate of completion.
Do the teachers speak English?
All of our teachers speak English, however all classes will be held in Spanish for faster learning.
Help! I do not speak any Spanish at all!
You are not the only one! Every week we start with groups of complete beginners, people who haven´t studied any Spanish before arriving to Buenos Aires, just like you.
What is my first day at school like?
Every Monday the new students come together at 08:30 for an introductory conversation. In the break students often go to the restaurant located on the opposite of the school to taste the typical Argentine empanadas. This is a good possibility to meet other students. At two o'clock starts the first activity where you get to know the city and the other students.
Can I change my program after enrollment? Are there any additional costs involved?
This depends on the change you want to make. If you want to change from group to individual classes, you just pay the difference without any additional charge. If you are uncertain about what is the best for you, please consult and we can give you advice. Certain changes, such as shortening your stay and cancelling part of your booking, are not possible once the program has started, except in emergency cases (see our booking politics).
When can I start my course?
Any Monday throughout the year for group classes, and any day for private classes.