Spanish course for teachers: blended learning programme (Palencia, 2022)

The University of Valladolid and Mester Academy have organised a Spanish course aimed at British and Irish teachers interested in learning or improving their Spanish language skills.

Three different levels are being offered: Spanish for absolute beginners (A1); Spanish for beginners (A2); and intermediate Spanish (B1). All students except absolute beginners will take a level test to ensure they are assigned to the correct level.

The course consists of two different forms of teaching: the first being online and the second through face-to-face classes onsite in Palencia (Spain). Both forms of teaching are complementary with the online part presenting language contents which are then put into practice during the face-to-face teaching.

The first part of the course will be held online between February and March 2022. There are 33 hours of self-study modules which include tutorial videos, interactive exercises, and audiovisual materials. In addition, course participants will have the support of a WhatsApp consultation service.

The self-study organization gives participants the chance to take the course when it suits them best, and adapts to their pace of learning, allowing them to revise and go over the course content as many times as they wish.

Full online course contents

The second part of the course will be held onsite in Palencia (Spain). This part of the course will last one week, and we will be offering three different start date options. The preferred week can be chosen from the following:

• Option I: 3rd-8th April 2022
• Option II: 10th-15th April 2022
• Option III: 17th-22nd April 2022

The week of onsite classes combines a language learning programme along with a number of fun and interesting cultural activities (visits around the city, guided tours and afternoon trips).

Full onsite course content

Cultural programme

This course is aimed at teachers working in schools in the UK or Ireland (non-native speakers of Spanish). Primary school teachers will be given preference, but the application is also open to secondary school teachers.

The organization provides a partial grant to the participants covering most of the costs.

THE GRANT COVERS:

• Accommodation in a double room (half-board) in halls of residence. A single room can be requested by paying a supplement of 25€ for the five days (5€ per day). For those wanting to arrive or leave one or several days before or after the course, accommodation in a single room with half board costs 35€ per day.
• Meals:
  • Breakfast from Monday to Friday is included.
  • Sunday and Tuesday dinners are also included. On Monday there will be a tapas route that will cost 12€. On Wednesday there will be another tapas route costing 12€. On Thursday the farewell dinner will cost 25€. For those who want to participate, the payment must be made on the day at the university before or after classes.
  • Monday, Wednesday and Thursday lunches at the residence are included. On Tuesday there will be an inaugural reception at the university which will include tapas and wine.
• Transfers from/to Madrid airport to/from Palencia, will be provided at the following times:
  • On Sunday (3rd, 10th and 17th April): from MADRID to PALENCIA at 17:00.
  • On Friday (8th, 15th and 22nd April): from PALENCIA to MADRID at 14:00 (arrival at the airport at 17:30).

Please do not book a flight arriving after 17:00 or leaving before 18:30 if you want to use the transfers provided.

• Medical insurance with SANITAS.

In addition, it is mandatory to travel with the UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) or the UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC) in case of having to access a public hospital. In the case of catching coronavirus, it is mandatory to follow the guidelines of the Regional Health Service, Sacyl

The expenses generated by any mandatory quarantine requirements for travel will NOT be covered by the grant and will have to be paid by the participant.

• The socio-cultural programme. Please note that the cost of the 2 tapas routes (12€ each) and farewell dinner (25€) is NOT included in the grant.

THE GRANT DOES NOT COVER:

• The plane ticket or allowances for travelling with your own vehicle.
• Management fees amounting to 200€ (*)
• Pocket money.
• The tapas routes (24€) or the farewell dinner (25€).

(*)The method of payment for the 200€ administration fee will be communicated to the selected participants. This amount will be refunded if three students from the participating teacher´s school enrol in a Spanish course for at least one week at Mester Academy.

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Application deadline: 3th February