What methodology is followed in the courses?
All our courses follow an interactive and dynamic methodology aimed at integrating you into a new community, the Spanish-speaking community, and through new experiences, transforming your linguistic and cultural identity. Language is understood as the tool that enables you to communicate both orally and in writing, activating linguistic resources that go beyond grammar—such as vocabulary, pronunciation, textual genres—and non-linguistic ones—such as sociocultural aspects.
In what language are the courses taught?
The language of communication used at all levels and from the first day of class is Spanish. The purpose is to encourage you to speak in this language from the beginning and to gain confidence in yourself.
Who is the teaching staff?
Our teaching staff consists of a group of qualified professionals with specific training in Spanish as a second language, coming from different Spanish-speaking countries.
What language levels are there and how many courses does each one comprise?
The curriculum of the Instituto Cervantes de Los Ángeles is structured according to the six reference levels established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Each of these levels is further subdivided into different courses that must be completed to achieve the expected level of proficiency. Each course lasts for 30 hours. To access any course from A1.1 onwards, it is necessary that you have previously studied at the Instituto Cervantes de Los Ángeles or that you take a placement test with which we can assign you the course that best suits you.
Level | Courses comprising each level | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A1 | A1.1 (30 h) | A1.2 (30 h) | A1.3 (30 h) | ||||
A2 | A2.1 (30 h) | A2.2 (30 h) | A2.3 (30 h) | A2.4 (30 h) | |||
B1 | B1.1 (30 h) | B1.2 (30 h) | B1.3 (30 h) | B1.4 (30 h) | B1.5 (30 h) | ||
B2 | B2.1 (30 h) | B2.2 (30 h) | B2.3 (30 h) | B2.4 (30 h) | B2.5 (30 h) | B2.6 (30 h) | |
C1 | C1.1 (30 h) | C1.2 (30 h) | C1.3 (30 h) | C1.4 (30 h) | C1.5 (30 h) | C1.6 (30 h) | C1.7 (30 h) |
What will I be able to do when I reach each language level?
- Level A1 (Courses A1.1 + A1.2 + A1.3)
At the end of this level, you should be able to understand and use very frequently used everyday expressions as well as simple phrases aimed at satisfying immediate needs.
You should be able to introduce yourself and others, ask and answer basic personal information about your home, belongings, and the people you know.
You should be able to interact in a simple way provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to cooperate.
- Level A2 (Courses A2.1 + A2.2 + A2.3 + A2.4)
At the end of this level, you should be able to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
You should be able to communicate during simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
You should be able to describe in simple terms aspects of your background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need.
- Level B1 (Courses B1.1 + B1.2 + B1.3 + B1.4 + B1.5)
At the end of this level, you should be able to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
You should be able to deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in areas where the language is spoken.
You should be able to produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
You should be able to describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
- Level B2 (Courses B2.1 + B2.2 + B2.3 + B2.4 + B2.5 + B2.6)
At the end of this level, you should be able to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialization.
You should be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
You should be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
- Level C1 (Courses C1.1 + C1.2 + C1.3 + C1.4 + C1.5 + C1.6 + C1.7)
At the end of this level, you should be able to understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning.
You should be able to express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
You should be able to use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.
You should be able to produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.
How is the placement test?
After enrolling in your Spanish course, we will contact you to find out if you already have a DELE diploma and we can assign you a course directly or, if not, to schedule an appointment for you to take a placement test. The purpose of this test is to assess as accurately as possible your real level of Spanish when you express yourself or interact orally and in writing.
The placement test takes place online and has two parts:
- Conversation with a teacher (about 10 minutes, via Zoom)
- Writing two texts (between 25 and 60 minutes, depending on the level)
If you are interested in taking a placement test without enrolling in our courses, you can take it for a fee of $25.
What textbook will I use in the course?
For full participation and real benefit from the course, it is mandatory to purchase the textbook for your course, either in paper or hybrid format. The textbooks we use are:
COURSES | TEXTBOOK |
|---|---|
A1.1, A1.2, and A1.3 | Aula Internacional 1 Plus |
A2.1, A2.2, A2.3, and A2.4 | Aula Internacional 2 Plus |
B1.1, B1.2, B1.3, B1.4, and B1.5 | Aula Internacional 3 Plus |
B2.1, B2.2, and B2.3 | Aula Internacional 4 Plus |
B2.4, B2.5, and B2.6 | Aula Internacional 5 Plus |
C1.1, C1.2, C1.3, C1.4, C1.5, C1.6, and C1.7 | Aula C1 |
You can purchase them through https://klettwl.com/store/content/losangeles-cervantes.
Is class attendance mandatory?
Attendance is mandatory. Missing 50% or more of the classes may mean that you do not pass the course or receive the certificate. For sessions you cannot attend, we recommend that you contact your teacher or other group members to ask about homework and how to prepare for the next session.
Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?
After completing the course, if you have passed it satisfactorily, you will receive a learning certificate issued by the Instituto Cervantes de Los Angeles. This certificate acknowledges your progress in learning Spanish, which has occurred during the course, but does not officially certify your knowledge of Spanish. To officially certify your mastery of this language, you must take a DELE exam.
What is the size of the groups?
Groups consist of between 6 and 12 people; however, under special circ*mstances and depending on the course's needs, the Instituto Cervantes reserves the right to adjust the group size. We recommend that you enroll as soon as possible to offer you the most convenient schedules.
How are teachers assigned to each group?
Teachers are not assigned to a group until a few days before the course starts. The Instituto Cervantes de Los Angeles reserves the right to change the teacher once the course has started.
Can I change groups?
Courses can be paid online, through our electronic purchasing service, or in cash during the center's office hours. During early registration periods, you can benefit from discounts only when paying for the course in cash. Discounts are not applicable to installment payments, even during the early registration period. The installment sale implies your commitment to pay the full course fee at all times. Failure to pay on the dates indicated for payment will result in automatic expulsion from the course.
Can the Instituto Cervantes cancel a course?
The Instituto Cervantes reserves the right to cancel courses and workshops. Courses are canceled if the minimum number of required enrolled students (at least six) is not reached. If your course is affected by a cancellation, we will notify you, and you can choose to switch to another group or receive a refund. Likewise, the Instituto Cervantes reserves the right to switch from face-to-face to online mode in case of force majeure (weather conditions, building works, etc.)
Where can I find out about the latest news?
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