Learn Spanish in Quito with the Instituto Superior de Español

Instituto Superior de Español

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Course description

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is located at 2800masl in the Andes mountain chain, which stretches the length of South America, from Colombia to Patagonia. To the West of Quito towers the majestic Pichincha Volcano, a sleeping giant that humbles and inspires on a daily basis.

Our neighborhood is home to a vibrant food and crafts market and is filled with a variety of small restaurants and stores serving local delicacies and selling a random collection of merchandise. Conveniently located in Quito, students can access the north (airport, 10 minutes) or the south (Historic Quito, 15 minutes), with ease from the 10 de Agosto trolley bus stop, located just a 1 minute walk from our front door.

A 10 minute walk east of the Instituto Superior de Español is the famed Mariscal, a lively center for tourists with bars, restaurants, shops, and clubs to rival any capital. There is something for everyone in the Mariscal, from Salsa clubs to homely English pubs, and often live local music at weekends.

Spanish Classes:

Study Spanish for 4 hours a day or more in morning and afternoon sessions. We offer group and individual lessons, with weekly monitoring.

Host Families:

Many students choose to live with local families. This is the best way to immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture, and a great way to practice Spanish in a friendly environment. All of our host families are located in safe and quiet neighborhoods in close proximity to our school (within 15-25 minutes walking distance).

Each student has a private bedroom and receives three high quality Ecuadorian meals per day (all food and drinks are prepared to the highest standard and water is boiled or bought). You will be provided with keys to come and go from the house as you please.

Many of the families have been working with the Instituto Superior de Español for many years. Some families host more than one student at a time.

Weekly Excursions:

Historic Quito prides itself on its churches, museums, and art galleries, from Pre-Incan gold collections to Oswaldo Guayasamìn's world-renowned artwork. In addition, Quito hosts many cultural activities with traditional music and dancing. You can spend the afternoon strolling through the Parque La Carolina - the perfect place to people watch, enjoy a book, join in a soccer match, or visit the Botanical Garden.

Explore Quito and its surrounding points of interest with weekly excursions organized by the Instituto Superior de Español. Take a guided tour through Quito's historic old town and marvel at the colonial architecture and countless churches. Ride the Teleférico up Volcan Pichincha, and experience a breathtaking view from 4,050 meters. Visit the Mitad del Mundo, located 23 km North of Quito, where you can bounce between the hemispheres whilst performing scientific experiments.

Weekend School Excursions:
The following are some weekend excursions offered by the Instituto Superior de Español:

Cotopaxi National Park and Volcano
Less than two hours' drive from Quito stands the impressive Cotopaxi Volcano at 5897 meters above sea level. Cotopaxi is the highest snow-capped volcano on earth and attracts hundreds of visitors each year.

It is a playground for lovers of the outdoors and of adventure, with limitless opportunities for climbing, trekking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Explore Cotopaxi by bike. Bike on dirt roads through a variety of landscapes and enjoy the incredible view of 8 different volcanoes.

In addition, the Instituto Superior de Español can help you arrange your excursion to summit Cotopaxi, which requires specific climbing gear and acclimatization to the elevation.

Mindo Cloud Forest
The area known as Mindo, which encompasses the watersheds of the rivers Tandayapa, Nambillo and Mindo, is located approximately two hours from Quito and is world-renowned as one of the most bird diverse areas of the planet.

Its cloud forest environment is truly diverse, tumbling down from the icy peaks of Volcan Pichincha, at nearly 4,800 meters, to the steamy tropical rainforest around 1,000 meters. This difference in elevation explains the incredible biological diversity of Mindo. The varying range of elevations provides a variety of niches for different flora and, fauna to exploit. Explore this fantastical region of tranquility, beauty, and fun, where vegetation drips off vegetation and where adventure follows you everywhere.

With the Instituto Superior de Español you can take a guided tour through the forest and learn about the unique diversity of flora and fauna. Swim in a waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. Glide above the forest canopy on zip lines and get the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. Visit a butterfly farm and then tube down a river.

For early risers and bird lovers, there is also the opportunity to take a guided tour... you may even spot the famous Quetzal.

Otavalo
Otavalo, a small indigenous town of the northern Andean countryside, is located just two hours north of Quito. It has been made famous by the incredible success of its indigenous population, who sell handicrafts and quality textiles in the international arena. Lose yourself in the tapestry of rich-colored textiles and deep rural traditions, whilst looking for the perfect gifts to bring home.

In addition to visiting the vibrant market, you can hike to the Peguche Waterfall and the small village of San Pablo. Explore and learn about Cuicocha Lake and then visit Cotacachi, which is famous for its leatherwork; a weekend rich in culture, and the perfect opportunity to practice your Spanish.

Papallacta Natural Hot Springs
The perfect escape from Quito lies just 67 kilometers from the city. Here you will encounter wild, high-altitude terrain, great for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as a first-class spa and hot springs resort. Relax in the hot springs of Papallacta, with pools varying in temperature. After soaking in the pools, enjoy fresh local trout. Return to Quito refreshed and ready to study Spanish.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
1-52 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 55 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday

Class times

Morning session
08:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Afternoon session
01:30 PM - 05:30 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Quito.

Class size

Average 4 students
Maximum 6 students

Student age

Age range 12 - 90 years old
Average 23 years old

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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reviews

Reviews

100% recommend

based on 1 review
5 stars
1
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0
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1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
School location

"A great team who made me feel very welcome and supported"

bethany albrecht, student from UK

I felt my Spanish got so much better even with only a week. Janeth was a great teacher and I enjoyed how she took the time to help me practice conversations asides from the content in the work book. the location was really convenient in Quito and people were always happy to give recommendations on how I should spend my afternoons. My only regret is that I didn't have longer to carry on learning.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
School location
Date of study
15 Jul 2024 - 19 Jul 2024
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
housing

Housing

ISE - Quito offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - 2-person shared room - Breakfast and dinner - 2 students must book together

£ 116
weekly
Age range: 18 - 85 years old
Location: In the city center of Quito
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (12 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, wireless internet, and free internet
Distance to school: 20 - 25 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Sunday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
£ 116
If you travel accompanied and seek to have a unique experience living the culture as a true Ecuadorian, you can stay at the home of one of our families in a comfortable double room with a shared bathroom. You can also enjoy delicious breakfasts and dinners and time with the family.

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner

£ 145
weekly
Age range: 18 - 85 years old
Location: In the city center of Quito
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (12 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, wireless internet, free internet, and hardwood
Distance to school: 20 - 25 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Sunday, anytime
£ 145
Our families in Quito are located a few minutes from the school, close to tourist attractions, commercial and business areas. Within the families you will find a comfortable private room with a shared bathroom. As part of your experience you will enjoy breakfast and dinner with all the members of the family.

Homestay in Quito - 2-person shared room - Breakfast and dinner - 2 students must book together

£ 145
weekly
Age range: 18 - 85 years old
Location: In the city center of Quito
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (12 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, kitchen, wireless internet, free internet, and hardwood
Distance to school: 20 - 25 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Sunday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
£ 145
Travel without worrying while you learn the culture and practice the language daily living with a host family where you and your travel companion can have an adequate rest in a double room with a private bathroom, also together with the family you can learn about gastronomy during the breakfast and dinner.

Home Stay Quito - Single-person room - (2 meals/day)

£ 173
weekly
Age range: 18 - 85 years old
Location: In the city center of Quito
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (12 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, kitchen, wireless internet, free internet, and hardwood
Distance to school: 20 - 25 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Sunday, anytime
£ 173
Our Ecuadorian families have for you a comfortable private room with a private bathroom so that you can enjoy your stay in the city while you learn Spanish. The rooms have all the comforts you require, you can also learn about the culture and gastronomy during breakfast and dinner with the family.
student-residence

Student residence - 2-person shared room - Breakfast

£ 110
weekly
Age range: 18 - 85 years old
Location: In the city center of Quito
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast (6 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, and hardwood
Distance to school: 15 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Sunday, anytime
£ 110
If you are traveling with a friend or travel companion, we invite you to stay in our student residence where you can be comfortable and share with other students who, like you, have chosen Ecuador as part of their travel route. You and your partner can stay in a double room with a shared bathroom.

Student residence (off-campus) - Single-person room - Breakfast

£ 133
weekly
Age range: 18 - 85 years old
Location: In the city center of Quito
Housing type: Student residence (off-campus)
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (6 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, and free internet
Distance to school: 15 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Sunday, anytime
£ 133
The student residence is the perfect place to stay while you learn Spanish because you can live with travelers like you who come to learn Spanish and Ecuadorian people who will show you their culture. In the residence you can have your own private room with a shared bathroom.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged $100 when you register.

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Quito based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Instituto Superior de Español staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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