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About us 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.
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