Does anyone know of reputable language schools in Spain? I know of language schools in Italy that have 2 week courses and I'd love to do one in Spain - maybe Madrid or Barcelona?<BR><BR>Love to hear your thoughts...

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My daughter is signed up to attend the Don Quiojte Language school in Spain this summer. So far the dealings with them have been very good. they have a detailed web site. Other postive comments have been made on that school if you check back in these postings.

The University of Salamanca -- hands down. I researched this to death last fall and decided on the university. I went in January and can only say good things about both the university and the town.<BR><BR>Salamanca is about 2 1/2 hours west of Madrid. The language program there is rather famous and attracts folks of all nationalities and ages to the classes. I had a blast and made some friends I'll keep for life. I'm 35, if it's interesting to you...<BR><BR>Kristin, I'd love to hear what your research produced in Italy. That may be next for me!

Kit, I'd love to know more about the Salamanca program. I just found the university website and of course it's all in Spanish and I don't understand a word of it.<BR><BR>How long was the program you took? Tuition? your accommodations? what's Salamanca like?<BR><BR>In Italy, I've studied at the Istituto Europeo in Florence - small school located right next to the Duomo, fantastic teachers, students from all over, wonderful program, month-long courses, reasonable tuition. They don't have a website, but I found this partial listing of language schools in Florence:<BR>http://english.firenze.net/groups/1/2/10/<BR><BR>Rome - studied at the Torre di Babele school. They offer 2-wk long courses which is very convenient if you have limited time. http://www.torredibabele.it/<BR><BR>I can get more info from another friend who took a course last summer in a seaside fishing village. Let me know if you're interested!<BR><BR>Looking forward to hearing more about the Salamanca program!<BR>thanks again,<BR>Kristin<BR><BR>

Hi Kristin,<BR><BR>Here's a brief response, as I've only a few minutes!<BR><BR>Click on http://www3.usal.es/curespus/ and scroll down to the bottom. There will be a button for English text. This will help, though the calendar still lists the 2001 dates instead of the new year's. I always emailed them directly to verify information. Basically, you have options as short as two weeks and as long as you want them. Prices, etc. are all there on the website. The printed brochure is very beautiful and helpful, so if you have time, ask them to send it to you.<BR><BR>But I did everything on the web and it was very efficient.<BR><BR>The university is a real, live university with other academic programs beyond the language school, which they call "Cursos Internactionales." The physical buildings are 800 years old and unbelievably beautiful. The town, as you may know, is designated this year as a "Cultural CApital" of Europe. In practicality, this means there is much additional arts/entertainment programming scheduled to please the expected increase in tourists. For more information on Salamanca, look in any tour book (or web!); it's in all of them, and a favorite of many.<BR><BR>More later! Must run!

I haven't actually done any of these programs but have heard good things about both Don Quijote and the University of Salamanca. Don Quiojte has, I think, 8 locations in Spain, including Madrid and Barcelona. English website:<BR>http://www.donquijote.org/english/<BR><BR>Personally, I would go with Salamanca. It is Spain's oldest and still one of its best universities. I would trust it a little more than a for-rpofit private school like Quijote. Their website includes information on accomodations with local families and in the dorms during the summer (when the regular students are on break). The town is beautiful, reasonably priced, and well-located for exploring both Castile and northern "Green Spain."<BR><BR>Good luck.<BR><BR>