Caramba is a language school, situated in southern Spain, where the focus is on high quality Spanish courses and excellent accommodation in the bustling town of Jerez in south-west Andalusia.

We offer

Spanish courses to suit your needs: standard courses, conversation courses, exam oriented courses or specially adapted courses on a one-to-one basis. You decide the level of progression you wish to aim for and the duration of the course.

Our location

Is in a thriving town in a historical region of great cultural interest. We have had the pleasure of teaching many people with cultural backgrounds. If you are young and require international work experience, our language courses can easily be combined with work/internship in a Spanish company.

In your leisure time you have a great choice of activities such as golf, horse riding, visits to beaches and water sports in Spain’s best surfing spots.

We can offer you great solutions for housing such as shared accommodation, or high standard housing all to yourself. Whatever your requirements, age or interest, we’ll take care of it.

Our main concern

Is for you to experience excellent learning conditions in an exciting and authentic environment. If you’re looking for a school that makes a difference as well as the security of being taken care of by innovative and motivated teachers, this is the school for you. We guarantee you an enjoyable and memorable stay.

« If I were to sum up the Spanish classes and the stay in three words they would be: quality, follow-up and service ».

Roar Sandvei, manager

« Maria inspires and explains it all in such a way that everything seems so easy. I can honestly say that every day has been packed with fun ».

Brita Blomquist, journalist

The school’s location

Is in the centre of Jerez. The courses are held in a sheltered area and we usually go out together to grab a bite to eat and for refreshments during the day. Socialising and getting to know one another, creates the framework for a safe and efficient learning environment.

Away from mass tourism,

Yet close to the sights of Andalusia and all means of transportation. You can get to us by plane, car or train. We can help you choose the simplest and most reasonable way of travelling. We are happy to pick you up at any of the following airports: Jerez de la Fontera, Faro, Seville or Malaga, should you so wish.

On arrival

Our knowledge of Jerez and Andalusia ensures a safe and easy stay. The school’s administration will provide an individual follow up until you know your way around. You will be given a telephone number where you can reach us 24 hours a day.

You will of course be driven to school on your first day.

Five good reasons to choose us….

1.Favourable prices and conditions for paying.

The price level in this region enables us to offer our services at advantageous prices. With us, you are not obliged to pay in advance. With the exception of a small deposit, you pay the remaining amount after arrival and after getting to know us, the town and the school.

Cf. conditions.

2. Upon completing your studies at our school, we will make sure that you can continue by yourself. As an additional service you will be able to email us questions for a period of four weeks after completing the course, and one of our teachers will assist you in making further progress. A maximum of 20 questions will be free of charge.

3. Small classes with an average of 4-8 students enable us to guide each one of you so you can learn the language at your own pace. Should you prefer to participate in a smaller group or on a one-to-one basis, this can be arranged as long as it is agreed upon in advance.

4. Our teachers are highly esteemed by their students who give them great reviews.

5. The apartments that we have at our disposal are all of a high or very high standard. You can either stay by yourself, or together with family members for an additional fee. We also offer shared accommodation, bedsits or rooms with Spanish host families. The prices listed include tuition fees and accommodation in shared apartments of a high standard.

How do I sign up for Spanish lessons?

You can fill in the application form attached to the catalogue.

You can use the application form on our website www.carambalanguage.com

You can print out the application form that you’ll find on our website and send it to us by post or fax.

The deposit can be paid either by a money transfer or by enclosing the required information on your credit card, whereupon we will charge you the amount of €195.

You can sign up for one of our courses at any time, however, we cannot guarantee you a place if you contact us at the last minute during busy periods.

We advise you to contact us and check out the availabilities to avoid possible disappointment.

Quality courses in Spanish

You decide the hours and the duration of the course.

We specialise in courses of varying duration and levels, and for people and groups with different backgrounds and reasons for learning Spanish. The focus is on your ability and motivation for learning, to ensure a healthy balance between leisure and studies, plus a progression adapted to each one of you.

Many of our students just wish to acquire a basic knowledge in order to be able to practice Spanish in every day life. Our courses are open to everyone, from beginners to those who already have a good grasp of the language.

For some, the lessons form part of further studies or terms of reference which will lead to an exam. Those people will be offered recognised exam oriented courses.

« Four weeks at Caramba in Jerez has given me an excellent basis for conversing in Spanish. Small groups and professional teachers create a positive learning environment ».

Sigurd Hartmann, NRK News

« Maria, one of the teachers, is a real find »

Brita Blomquist, journalist

Harmonised lesson plans

You decide the number of hours and the duration of the course. The teaching takes place in small groups of 4 - 8 people in order to be as efficient as possible. You also have the option of being taught on a one-to-one basis.

All our teachers are highly qualified and experienced language teachers. Not many Spanish language schools can compete with our excellent references. Nearly half of our students return on one or more occasions for further Spanish lessons.

« A highly qualified and engaging teacher made this the ultimate learning experience ».

Grethe Tenneboe, teacher

« With enthusiastic teachers like Maria and Marina you just have to learn Spanish, both of them so talented and likeable. You won’t find better teachers ».

Inger Mette Fossmo,

Interior decorator

Internet

The school has wireless Internet access and the computers are free of use to our students. To assist you in your learning, the school can offer you a compendium and a text book.

Extensive information about our courses can be found on our website, or by emailing or phoning the school.

The Standard Course

Is 20 lessons per week. The course is tailored to suit your skills. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, you can rely on us to meet your needs at the appropriate level.

The course is a good base for further studies, either on your own or through organised classes.

The Intensive Course

Is 30 lessons per week and is organised as the standard course, but there is particular focus on exercises that enhance oral skills. If you start out as a beginner, you will normally be able to hold a simple conversation after 4 weeks.

The long-term Course

Is identical to the Standard Course, but is adapted as your knowledge of the language improves. This is a favourable choice when you consider the stay, the learning and prices all together. Generally, the most efficient way of learning is to be around native speakers.

A Course at University level

The course is similar to the Standard Course, however, one of the teachers will assist you with the curriculum that is required at your university/college. We are experienced in preparing future Spanish teachers.

Individual Classes

For those of you who want to make the most of your stay or feel the need for extra help in connection with one of our courses, we offer supplementary tuition on a one-to-one basis. Here you have the teacher’s full attention all to yourself which, again, will ensure flexibility and efficiency.

D.E.L.E

Should you need official documents that confirm your knowledge of the language, this is your choice. Upon completing your exam, you will receive an authorised certification/diploma stating your level. The course is based on 30 classes per week over a period of 6 weeks. Highly recommended for those who plan to use the language in Spanish-speaking countries.

Internship

The course participants have the possibility of taking a language course whilst working for a Spanish company. We cooperate on projects issued by the EU with the intention of giving young people opportunities for experiences across the borders. The combination of a language course and an internship is a unique, professional and personal experience which would be a great asset on your CV.

For an average student without prior knowledge of Spanish, we recommend a 6 to 12 week course before starting the internship.

You will live well!

The school will provide accommodation

You have the choice between staying with a Spanish host family or modern town apartments housing 1-4 people. Normally, two people share an apartment. Our accommodation is always of a high standard with all necessary inventory. All the apartments are situated in central parts of Jerez town and within walking distance of the school. If you prefer to stay on your own the choice is yours. A popular choice as well. For those who seek the additional comfort of superior standard, we offer executive apartments.

There are spacious apartments available should you need room for your family. Let us know what you are looking for and we shall do our utmost to fulfil your needs.

« I have attended a Spanish course in Barcelona before and, in my experience, the accommodation has not always been up to scratch. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the standard at this language school. I highly recommend Caramba ».

Kine Andra, student

« I stayed with a fantastic Spanish host family and got to know the language as well as the culture ».

Christopher, student

Our apartments

Most of our students prefer accommodation in an apartment. You will have your own room, whereas other facilities accommodate 1-3 people. Normally you will share with other students from the school, but there is also limited accommodation available where you can stay with Spanish students.

Host families

We are in contact with several friendly and hospitable Spanish families. You will have your own room while sharing other facilities with the family members. This is your chance to practice the language and to get a good feel for the Spanish way of living.

Executive standard

If you want the extra comfort, this can be arranged at an additional cost. Our high standard apartments are found in old traditional Andalusian houses, upgraded with all modern facilities while the historical architecture is intact

Hotels and boarding houses

We have favourable agreements with hotels and boarding houses, from simple apartment blocks to exclusive town hotels. Let us know your wishes and we shall do our utmost to please you.

All are high standard apartments which are fully furnished. We are responsible for bed linen, towels and laundry. The apartments are cleaned once a week. The apartment is reserved from the Sunday afternoon prior to the start of course, until 12:00 noon on the Saturday after the course.

Should you require accommodation beyond the period mentioned above, please contact us and we will help you with this. Any alteration regarding the accommodation must be agreed on by a written confirmation.

A picturesque and unspoilt town

We are located in Jerez de la Fontera, the southernmost part of Spain, close to Costa de la Luz with its beautiful, long sandy beaches. We chose this place because of its charm, low cost of living and the possibility of combining « business with pleasure »

« Jerez and Caramba allow you the freedom to choose exactly what you are looking for; all year around. Jerez is a perfect place to learn Spanish.

Torgrim Lauritsen, researcher

Jerez de la Fontera, with its roots in both Moorish and southern European history, is a town yet to be discovered by the hordes of tourists. The sherry production and dancing horses at the riding school, have all the same contributed to making the town known to the rest of the world. Its central location makes it an excellent base to explore the rest of Andalusia.

« Staying here gave me the opportunity to get to know parts of Spain other than the typical holiday resorts ».

Sigurd Hartmann, NRK News

« Caramba Language School combines language, culture and history in the most interesting way »

Kjell Kemi, lecturer

« Andalusia and Jerez provide an unforgettable setting for the course ».

Kirsten Holmegaard, general manager

When you choose Caramba, you also choose an excellent learning environment. In addition to offering you inspiring Spanish classes, the school organises outings, concerts and exhibitions.

Jerez is the Flamenco’s town of origin, it’s even more Andalusian than Seville itself. We make the most of the area’s rich cultural traditions in our teaching, and for your enjoyment, during your stay.

« Many thanks for a great language course and talented and convivial teachers who place the language within the culture so it becomes really interesting ».

Ragnhild Bjoergan

One is easily seduced by the life in this town, with its abundance of shops, tapas restaurants and bars. Here you can find good bargains, enjoy a drink and a nice meal in splendid surroundings in the shade of the palm trees. There are small stages and bars where you can watch Flamenco and saetas all year around. The enthusiasm and applause of the locals can be equally impressive as the musicians on stage.

During the La Feria de Abril festival, the sherry, the horses and the gypsy culture play an important part. One way of celebrating Easter, is a ceremony where people carry icons through the streets of town.

The wine festivals is a centuries old tradition, celebrating the agriculture and wine production in the region. The town has every reason to be proud of its fish, meat, cheese and vegetable market.

« The contact with the locals and the culture is completely different in Jerez compared to the holiday resorts. You get much closer to the local culture this way ».

Kjell Kemi, lecturer

After class

When the classes have finished for the day, there are a multitude of options open to you: swimming and sunbathing at one of the beaches in the outskirts of Jerez, discovering small « white » Andalusian villages, exploring magnificent mountain and coastal landscapes, visiting the old towns of Jerez and Cadiz, visiting museums and places of historical interest or playing golf at well reputed golf courses, and so the list goes on.

You have a rich choice from horse riding along sandy beaches in the nature reserve of Conil, to discovering the capital of Andalusia, Seville, either on your own, or together with us. We organise excursions to Alhambra, Morocco, Gibraltar and the « White Villages ». We know what the possibilities are and have favourable agreements with riding schools, bodegas, rental companies, hotels and so on.

In order to experience this manifold of culture, sights, entertainment and leisure, we recommend that you rent a car. The school also organises guided tours if several people get together to explore Andalusia with us. David, the director of the school, makes sure you get to see all the best places and sights.

« Likeable David provides for a meaningful and adventurous leisure time. I highly recommend this school ».

Grethe Tenneboe, teacher

« We got to see and experience lots of exciting places that we would never have found on our own. Thanks to a great guide we experienced a Spain off the beaten track »

Roar and Nina, boyfriend and girlfriend

« Morocco is extremely exciting, but I’m glad David was with us. Morocco is such a contrast to our every day life ».

Lisa Pedersen, student

Welfare and comfort

Your welfare and comfort is our highest priority. Signing up for one of our courses should be educational, pleasant and exciting.

All requests and preferences will be answered in full, either on the phone or by mail.

We speak and write fluent English, as well as Spanish.

We look forward to hearing from you!

P.S. We will gladly put you in touch with our referees.