FAQ

1. Will I be able to say something after studying for a year?
2. When will I be able to communicate freely in this language?
3. I took a course that concentrated almost entirely on grammar. Now I care most about speaking. What are your courses like?
4. Who are your teachers?
5. Are the classes taught by native speakers?
6. Does BUENA VISTA ensure consultations with the teacher?
7. What is the Newsletter?
8. Do the courses at BUENA VISTA prepare for the DELE exams?
9. What are the benefits of passing DELE exams?
10. Which textbooks are used at your school?
11. Are any other materials used throughout the course?
12. Is the textbook included within the course price?
13. Does BUENA VISTA have a cultural program?
14. Does BUENA VISTA have a library?
15. Is it possible to pay in instalments?
16. Are there discounts for continuing students?
17. How big are the groups?

Will I be able to say something after studying for a year?

Even after the first day! And definitely much more after a year!

The first year programme consists of learning to deal with everyday situations (shopping, restaurant, school life, telephone calls, airport, doctor, getting around a city etc.), talking about yourself (university, work, family, your home), describing the world (objects, places, cities, countries), talking about the past (dates, events from your life and the life of others) and the future (expressing plans).

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When will I be able to communicate freely in this language?

Success in achieving language competence depends mainly on the student him/herself. “Freely” is a relative term and means something different to everyone. Some people can master reading and listening comprehension, but have trouble speaking due to lack of practice or their own hidden fears.

In accordance with the BUENA VISTA programme, as early as level B1 you begin constructing extensive speeches and compositions and learn to express opinions, desires etc.

It can be assumed that getting through the basic levels of study (A1-B2), provided that the student fully commits will enable one to hold a free-flowing conversation.

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I took a course that concentrated almost entirely on grammar. Now I care most about speaking. What are your courses like?

At our school, every lesson is a "conversation" – a group of people meets and for the duration of the lesson talks in a foreign language about subject matter related to the language itself as well as other topics.

If you are just thirsting for conversation you can easily sign up for the standard course. Grammar is a natural element of each lesson, but not a topic in itself. It always appears in context and only to the degree necessary for expressing the given idea: first we decide what it is we want to say, then we figure out how to say it. For instance: “today we are learning to ask someone to do something of to give orders, and for this we use the imperative form”.

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Who are your teachers?

Our team is made up by people possessing these necessary qualities: they are linguists, and therefore have a deep knowledge of the language taught in addition to an understanding of the specific culture – the country's history, art, current social and political issues, which enables to conduct the classes in an interesting and enriching manner. On the other hand, they must have a talent for teaching. Working at BUENA VISTA is their hobby and passion, and so they are committed and happy.

The school provides its staff with regular training and all the necessary help so that they do their job the best they can.

Our team»»

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Are the classes taught by native speakers?

All classes are led with the use of one method and in the language we are studying. So you don’t need to worry about the quality of the course depending on the teacher. Some courses are divided between a native speaker and a Polish teacher, and other groups have only one teacher, a native speaker or a Polish teacher (this concerns A1 level courses mainly).

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Does BUENA VISTA ensure consultations with the teacher?

After class we are at your disposition through the internet. All questions can be directed to our teacher-on-call using a special application form Profe Virtual. Questions are answered promptly, usually within 1 or 2 days.

All students are given their teacher's e-mail and can direct their questions straight to him or her. It's also common practice to make an appointment for a short consultation – for instance, 15 minutes before class starts.

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What is the Newsletter?

It's an information bulletin sent out electronically.

Sign up and receive the following:

- Up to date information about the courses, promotions and cultural activities organised by the school;
- Access to free additional study tools such as games, exercises or tests;
- The chance to enter contests and win prizes;
- Access to interesting articles regarding language and culture.

You can withdraw any time you like using a special form available on the website.

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Do the courses at BUENA VISTA prepare for the DELE exams?

The school does not organise special courses preparing for the DELE exams. That is becuase a regular course provides you with the knowledge necessary to obtain an international certificate.

While at the B1 level you can easily walk in and take the test for the Certificado Inicial de Español. The B2 level makes it possible to take the Intermedio exam, but it requires additional individual work. All students interested in passing the Intermedio exam will receive individual support from the school.

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What are the benefits of passing DELE exams?

A DELE diploma certifies your knowledge of Spanish at a certain level. It's not a professional certificate, and therefore doesn't provide you with a job. However, often people in possession of the Diploma Superior de Español end up getting hired to teach Spanish or as translators. If you are searching for a job in Spain, a Diploma Intermedio will be a definite strong point in your CV.

Exam information can be found at http://diplomas.cervantes.es/index.jsp

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Which textbooks are used at your school?

We use modern, updated textbooks, published in Spain . At the A1-B2 levels we follow a four-part course called Nuevo ELE published by SM. At the higher levels we use Abanico (published by Difusión) or Sueña 3 and Sueña 4 (published by ANAYA) and others, depending on the needs of the group.

You can familiarize yourself with these by visiting the Spanish Bookstore on Maly Rynek 4.

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Are any other materials used throughout the course?

Of course, the textbook remains the basis but in class we use various other materials from other publications or prepared by the teachers themselves.

We especially strive to provide our students with the chance to work with materials coming from the most popular sources such as the Internet and television.

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Is the textbook included within the course price?

Each student is to provide himself with the chosen textbook. The Spanish Bookstore (Ksiegarnia Hiszpanska) on Maly Rynek 4 gives our students a 5% discount. A cash deposit enables you to borrow a book from the school for the duration of the course.

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Does BUENA VISTA have a cultural program?

Naturally! That, besides professional teaching, is our other great ambition. BUENA VISTA has its Film Club and Culinary Club. We also organise presentations, discussions, concerts, slide shows, trips and other fun activities.

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Does BUENA VISTA have a library?

Yes – it contains “real” books as well as so-called simplified reading. You can use dictionaries and grammar handbooks on the spot.

Reading is educational and calms you down and when reading in a foreign language you naturally absorb new vocabulary. Use the library – we created it especially for you.

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Is it possible to pay in instalments?

The fee is paid in whole before the start of the course. In exchange, the student receives a Guarantee of Satisfaction from the school.

Sign up for the course»»

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Are there discounts for continuing students?

There are no fixed discounts, but there are promotions. Catch them by visiting our website and signing up for the newsletter .

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How big are the groups?

The maximum number of people in a group is 12. That's purely theoretical though, an average number is 6 people, often as low as 4.

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