Study Spanish enjoying the sun ..............................
Top School In Spain
Guadassuar 6, C.P. 03202 Elche (Alicante) Spain Tel (+34) 96 542 49 66 | www.topschoolinspain.com | info@topschoolinspain.com
Index
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Welcome
> 04
Why Top School ?
> 06
Study In Spain
> 08
Study In Elche
> 10
Levels
> 12
Courses
> 14
Standard Courses
> 15
D.E.L.E. Exam Courses
> 16
Special Courses
> 17
Activities
> 19
Accommodation
> 20
Host Families
> 21
Residence
> 22
Apartments
> 23
Useful Information
> 25
How To Get There
> 26
Top School In Spain
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Welcome
··························· Founded in 1983 as a language school for Spanish students, TOP SCHOOL started working as an agency sending students abroad for language courses; and has been doing so since 1993.
Top School is a family-run company and is proud of its excellent reputation which has been achieved as a result of hard work over many years. The main goal is to provide students with a high quality service and a caring friendly learning environment. Now we have started a new venture for students who are eager to learn Spanish and who want to study in Spain. As agents ourselves, we know perfectly well what students and agencies require. Therefore, we will endeavour to fulfil all their requirements and more! Top School has a dedicated team of enthusiastic staff and teachers whose main goal is to assure quality in every aspect of the business: - Excellence in teaching using technological pedagogical tools - Accommodation in Spanish host families, student residences and studios - Fun educational social programmes - Very fluid and fast communication with our agents and prospective students You can be sure that Top School and its entire staff will do their best to make your stay and course in Elche a great success and an unforgettable memory.
Christine Top | Managing Director
We are pleased to announce our new Spanish School in Elche. Here we offer an excellent study programme focusing on a communicative and effective way of learning combined with a wide range of cultural activities. Our enthusiastic teachers are all highly qualified and make use of hi-tech learning tools within the classroom, therefore ensuring both students and agents receive the very best of attention. Elche is a wonderful Mediterranean city where students will have plenty of opportunities to put into practise what they have learned in class.
Juan Piqueras | Head of studies 4
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Why Top School ?
··························· > It is a family-run school with a long established reputation with years of experience.
> Highly qualified, well trained and experienced Spanish language teachers.
> Brand new school premises. Modern air-conditioned classrooms with interactive whiteboards, audiovisual equipment and free Internet access via wi-fi connection.
> Dynamic high quality courses in a warm and friendly learning atmosphere.
> Spanish language courses designed and focused to help students achieve real and effective communication with Spanish speakers.
> A social programme with a wide range of activities.
> Carefully selected caring host families.
> Facilities and access for disabled people.
> A lending library with access to books, Dvd, magazines, games, learning materials...
> Maximum 10 students per class.
> Free bus pass to travel around Elche and to the beaches.
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Why Top School
PORQÚE TOP SCHOL FOTO
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Study in Spain
··························· Learning a foreign language will improve both your personal and professional life. Spanish is the fourth most spoken language in the world and also has a rich cultural, educational and literary tradition.
Learning Spanish within a total immersion environment enables a more comprehensive understanding both of the language and its culture.
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Study in Elche
··························· Elche, with a population of 250.000 people and 20 kms from Alicante, is the third largest city in the region of the Valencian Community after Valencia and Alicante. A stroll through the city’s streets will reveal the splendid Muslim past combined with a magnificent Baroque style. Elche is a wonderful place to study Spanish for many different reasons.
It is a typical Mediterranean city with an excellent climate. Elche also merges culture and history with modernity.
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It is also a young and dynamic city with a unique location in Europe’s largest palm grove. The Palm Grove, a legacy of the Andalusian farming culture, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Elche also boasts a second cultural asset that has been declared a World Heritage by UNESCO, the Mystery Play of Elche.
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Levels
··························· A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
I can recognise familiar words and very basic phrases
I can understand phrases and the most frequently used vocabulary. I can catch the main point in short messages
I can understand the main points of standard speech
I can understand extended speech, lectures, TV news and films
I can understand extended speech even if it is not clearly structured, television programs and films without effort
I have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language
I can understand simple sentences
I can read very short, simple texts and personal letters
I can understand texts of everyday life and descriptions
I can read articles and reports and contemporary literary prose
I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, articles and technical instructions
I can read with ease virtually all forms of the written language
I can interact in a simple way and ask and answer simple questions
I can communicate in simple and routine tasks. I can handle very short social exchanges
I can deal with most situations. I can enter into unprepared conversations
I can interact with fluency and spontaneity and take an active part in discussions
I can express myself fluently and I can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes.
I can take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and have a good familiarity with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms
I can use simple descriptive phrases and sentences
I can use a series of descriptive phrases and sentences
I can connect phrases in a simple way and give reasons and explanations
I can present clear, detailed descriptions and explain my point of view giving advantages and disadvantages
I can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects developing particular points with an appropriate conclusion
I can present a clear, smoothly flowing descriptions or argument in a style appropriate to the context and with an effective logical structure
I can write a short and simple text. I can fill in forms
I can write simple notes, messages and personal letters
I can write simple connected texts and personal letters describing experiences
I can write clear, detailed texts, essays or reports, passing on information or giving reasons for or against
I can write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining salient issues
I can write texts, complex letters, reports or articles in an appropriate style and logical structure
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Reading Spoken Production Writing
Writing
Speaking
Spoken Interaction
Understanding
Listening
A1
Levels
13
Standard courses
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Standard courses
··························· Intensive Course
> 20 lessons / week
This Spanish course consists of 4 teaching hours per day with a 15 min break. The minimum duration is 1 week. The course is designed to help students understand grammatical structures, essential vocabulary, phonetics, writing and functional content, whilst developing communication skills at the same time.
Start Date : Any Monday. Beginners (A1) check set dates
Minimum age : 17
Level : Beginner to Proficiency • Basic User: A1, A2 • Independent User: B1, B2 • Proficient User: C1, C2
Intensive Plus Course
Maximum Students per class : 10
Lesson : 55 minutes Accommodation : Arrival on Sunday
> 25 lessons / week
This Spanish course consists of 5 teaching hours per day with a 15 min break. The minimum duration is 1 week. The course of Spanish is designed to help students understand grammatical structures, essential vocabulary, phonetics, writing and functional content whilst developing communication skills at the same time. The additional class focuses on oral interaction and expression within the Spanish social-cultural content.
Start Date : Any Monday. Beginners (A1) check set dates Level : Beginner to Proficiency • Basic User: A1, A2 • Independent User: B1, B2 • Proficient User: C1, C2
Maximum Students per class : 10 Minimum age : 17 Lesson : 55 minutes Accommodation : Arrival on Sunday
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D.E.L.E. exams
··························· D.E.L.E. Course
> 20 lessons / week + 5 lessons for D.E.L.E.
This course combines the intensive course with 5 lessons per week to prepare for the DELE exam. The D.E.L.E are official certificates accrediting levels of competence and command of the Spanish language, issued by the Cervantes Institute on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education.
Start Date: Every Monday prior to the exam: usually from April to May; from July to August; and from October to November. Level: Beginner to Proficiency Minimum Students per class: 3 Minimum age: 17 Lesson: 55 minutes
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Special courses
··························· Combi 1
> 20 lessons / week + 5 hours One to One
Start Date: Any Monday. Level: Beginner to Proficiency Maximum Students per class: 10 in group/1 in private tuition. Minimum age: 17
This course is a combination of the intensive course with 5 hours of personal tutoring in the afternoon. The private tutorials are focused on the student’s specific requirements or professional needs. It is designed by the teacher to match these specific needs
Lesson: 55 minutes
Combi 2
> 20 lessons / week + 10 hours One to One
Start Date: Any Monday. Level: Beginner to Proficiency Maximum Students per class: 10 in group/1 in private tuition. Minimum age: 17
This course is a combination of the intensive course with 10 hours of personal tutoring in the afternoon. The private tutorials are focused on the student’s specific requirements or professional needs. It is designed by the teacher to match these specific needs.
Lesson: 55 minutes
One to One Course
> 10 to 30 hours / week
Start Date: Any Monday.
This is the personal tutoring option designed to get the highest progress in the shortest possible time.
Level: Beginner to Proficiency Minimum age: 17 Lesson: 55 minutes
ONE TO ONE is the most personalised course available with the highest level of flexibility. It focuses 100% on the learning needs of the students according to their Spanish language level.
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Activities
··························· TOP SCHOOL organizes a variety of social and cultural activities as an essential part of learning a foreign language. These provide a better immersion in the culture, customs and social life of the native speakers.
Visits in Elche: the Alcudia Museum and Deposit, the Santa Maria Basilica, the Arabic baths, the Archaeological Museum, the Municipal Park, etc....
Nightlife: Visiting the lively Spanish bars and restaurants, tasting Tapas and enjoying the local cuisine. Enjoying Spanish music & dance.
Going out to theatres, cinemas, concerts, local festivities ...
Weekend trips: Granada and The Alhambra, The Oceanographic and The City of Arts and Science in Valencia, Madrid and its museums and theatres. Other trips can be arranged according to the students’ interest. 19
Accommodation
··························· For Top School, accommodation is an essential part of the success of your stay in Elche. All our varying types of accommodation have been carefully selected according to quality standards and proximity to our school.
Whatever your type of accommodation: homestay, shared apartment, studio apartments, student residence or hotel, Top School will make you feel at home, ensuring that the selected accommodation meets all your needs and requirements.
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Host families
··························· All our host families are carefully selected by our Accommodation Officer.
Choosing the option of a homestay is a great opportunity to get to know and understand the Spanish way of life and customs. Spanish families are very caring and will make you feel at home.
- The student is never placed with another student who speaks the same language. - Breakfast and dinner are provided during the week and full board at the weekend. - Single rooms, unless the student travels with a friend and wants to share the bedroom. - Maximum of three students per family, although most Spanish families only accommodate one student. - The accommodation will be changed as soon as possible if for any reason the student is not happy.
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Residence
··························· Our cosy residence is located in the centre of Elche, in front of the Torre de la Calahorra and the Basilica of Santa Maria.
The Palacio de Altamira is just behind, only 50 metres away, and the residence is also next to the MAHE (Museum of Archeology and History of Elche), not far from the City Park, which is the centre of Elche’s Palm Grove. The residence is 10 min walk from our school. It is also near the bus and train station. It is so close that it is not necessary to take a taxi or a bus!
- 24h. reception
- Free Internet access.
- Room cleaning once a week.
- WIFI connection.
- Full board with typical and
- Living room with fridge. You can rest, watch TV or chat
varied Spanish food. - Laundry and ironing for a very small charge - Bed linen provided.
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with your friends in the residence. - 15 single and double rooms. - Study room. It is the perfect place to do your homework. - 2 bathrooms for every 4 bedrooms.
Apartments
··························· Self-catering
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• We offer a variety of apartment accommodation. Most accommodation has single rooms, although double rooms are also available. • The shared apartments have a living room with TV and video, bathroom, a full equipped kitchen, and also a washing machine. • The apartments are cleaned and the bed linen changed once a week. • Bathroom facilities are shared. Students are always advised to bring their own bath towels. • If the student shares a room, he will be staying with a Top School student of the same sex. • Students are advised to book as early as possible as availability is limited. • The minimum age to stay in apartments is 18. • Many of the apartments are located near the school.
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Useful information
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Useful information
··························· Visa Requeriments
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Health Care
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INFORMACIÓN
• Citizens from the European Union do not need a Visa and can enter Spain with an ID or valid Passport.
• Citizens from Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and the USA do not need a Visa if they plan to study and stay in Spain for less than 90 days. If citizens from these countries wish to study for more than 90 days, they need a Student Visa. The Student Visa must be obtained prior to departure from their country at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate.
• Citizens from other countries should check with the nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate in their countries. • If the student needs a Visa in order to study in Spain, we strongly recommend that they apply very early, as they may need several weeks to complete the Visa application procedure.
Facts and Figures
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• Spain has a medical assistance agreement with all the countries of the European Union. If the student is from the EU he/she will need the EU health card to get medical assistance from the National Health system in Spain. • Students who are not EU citizens will need to check with the Spanish Embassy if there is an agreement with their country or get a private health insurance. • If a student is on medical treatment, we advise him/her to bring sufficient medicine since names can change from country to country.
ÚTIL
• Students are encouraged to get extra insurance and bring proof of their current insurance covering medical expenses, loss of luggage, cancellation, etc. Top School can supply this insurance at a very competitive rate.
Living expenses in Spain
• Elche is situated in the south-east Mediterranean coast of Spain. • 250.0000 inhabitants. • 20 minutes from Alicante. • 3 hours from Granada, 3h45 from Madrid and 1 hour and a half from Valencia. • 10 minutes from Alicante International Airport. • Average summer temperature: 30º (May to October) • Average winter temperature: 14º (November to April)
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• Spain is quite cheap compared to some other countries. Students can get a three meal-course from 9 to 10 euros (drink included) in cheap restaurants offering menu of the day.
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How to get there
··························· To get to Elche is very easy. Alicante International airport is actually in Elche and 10 min from our school. If your company flies to Madrid or Barcelona, there are very cheap flights to Alicante or you can come by bus or train. Visit this web site http://www.renfe.es/horarios/english/index.html and you will find information to get to Elche.
Direct flights to Alicante
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ALGERIA
ORAN
AUSTRIA
VIENNA
BELGIUM
BRUSSELS, OOSTENDE, LIEJA
BULGARY
SOFIA
DENMARK
AARHUS, BILLUND, COPENHAGUE
FINLAND
HELSINKI
FRANCE
MULHOUSE, LILLE, PARIS
ICELAND
REYKJAVIK
IRELAND
DUBLIN, CORK, KNOCK, SHANNON
ITALY
BOLONIA, MILAN
ENGLAND
BIRMINGHAM, BLACKPOOL, BOURNEMOUTH, BRISTOL, DONCASTER, TEESSIDE, EXETER, LEEDS, LIVERPOOL, LONDON, MANCHESTER, NEWCASTLE, NOTTINGHAM, SOUTHAMPTON
GERMANY
BERLIN, BREMEN, DUSSELDORF, FRANKFURT, FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, KARLSRUHE/BADEN-BADEN, MEMMINGEN, MUNICH, NIEDERRHEIN, NUREMBERG, PADERBORN, STUTTGART
HOLLAND
AMSTERDAM/SCHIPHOL, EINDHOVEN, MAASTRICHT, ROTTERDAM
MOROCCO
FEZ, MARRAKESH
N. IRELAND
BELFAST
NORWAY
BERGEN, HAUGESUND, KRISTIANSAND, MOSS, OSLO, STAVANGER, TRONDEIM
POLAND
WARSOW, GDANSK, KRAKOW
RUSSIA
MOSCOW
SCOTLAND
EDIMBURG. GLASGOW
SLOVENIA
BRATISLAVA
SWEDEN
STOCKHOLM, GOTEBORG
SWITZERLAND
BASEL, GENEVE, ZURICH
WALES
CARDIFF
Madrid
Barcelona
Elche
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Alicante
Study Spanish enjoying the sun
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Top School In Spain Guadassuar 6, 03202 Elche (Alicante) Spain Tel (+34) 965 42 49 66 Fax (+34) 965 42 50 04 www.topschoolinspain.com info@topschoolinspain.com