Frequently Asked Questions
Read the most frequently asked questions regarding Spanish courses, Spanish learning, accommodation, and more, in our Spanish school in Buenos Aires
1. General Information
- 1.1 Why should you choose Expanish over other Spanish schools in South America?
- 1.2 Do I need a visa to study in Argentina?
- 1.3 Am I too old for a language school? Too young?
- 1.4 How do I choose between the Spanish courses?
- 1.5 How do I get from the airport to my accommodation?
- 1.6 How will I meet other people and make friends in South America?
- 1.7 Are the accommodations close to the school?
- 1.8 Is there someone I may speak with about your Spanish School?
- 1.9 What additional services do you offer?
2. Spanish Language Courses
- 2.1 What level of Spanish language classes should I take?
- 2.2 What qualifications do language teachers have?
- 2.3 How many weeks should I study Spanish in Argentina?
- 2.4 What is the focus of the advanced classes?
- 2.5 What is the average class size?
- 2.6 Should I bring any materials to class?
- 2.7 When are the class start dates?
- 2.8 What is a typical day like?
- 2.9 How long is each Spanish class?
- 2.10 I would like to focus on business, health care, law, etc. Do you offer such programs?
- 2.11 May I receive university credit?
3. Housing
- 3.1 Do I need to book accommodation with my course?
- 3.2 May I begin my homestay before my classes start?
- 3.3 What do you offer for accommodation?
- 3.4 What is the difference between a homestay and shared apartment?
- 3.5 Can I find less expensive housing once I come?
4. Workshops
- 4.1 How many workshops can I take per week?
- 4.2 How far are the workshops from school?
- 4.3 What are the benefits of the workshops?
5. Pricing & Payments
- 5.1 Can you help me find a discount airfare?
- 5.2 When is the program start date?
- 5.3 When should I pay for my Spanish courses?
- 5.4 How is my payment determined for Spanish courses?
- 5.5 How should I pay for my Spanish classes?
- 5.6 What is your cancellation policy for Spanish courses?
- 5.7 Why do you use PayPal / Why did I receive an invoice from PayPal?
6. Registration
- 6.1 How does registration work?
- 6.2 How far in advance must I register?
- For cancellations made 15 days or more prior to departure The School will refund all but the deposit.
- For cancellations made between 15 to and including 10 days prior to departure The School will retain the deposit and the student will receive a refund of 50% from the remaining invoice value.
- For cancellations made less than 10 days before departure no refund will be issued.
- After a course has started there is no refund for any course, accommodation or other item booked. In the case of cancellation, the Student will also be subject to an administration fee of USD 100 plus the following charges, depending on the method used to provide the refund: USD 30 for a domestic (US) wire transfer, USD 60 for an international wire transfer or 4% of the total to a credit card.
1. General Information
1.1 Why should I choose Expanish over other Spanish schools in South America?
Expanish has taken on the challenge of creating the context for an enriching, unforgettable experience for students seeking to study Spanish in South America. Unique among Spanish schools, our programs are meant to offer students a high quality language education in Argentina. Each day we attempt to make Expanish synonymous with the chance to live, breath, and truly experience the Spanish language. We are convinced that all students who choose to study with Expanish will leave Latin America with improved communication skills and wonderful memories involving the language in and out of the classroom.
1.2 Do I need a visa to study Spanish in Argentina?
Citizens of many countries only need a passport to enter Argentina and may stay legally for up to 90 days. You should, however, check our Student Visa page for country details, and ask your Consulate to determine specific entry requirements.
1.3 Am I too old for a language school? Too young?
We welcome all students of all ages to study Spanish at Expanish. A diversity of ages, nationalities, professions, and interests contribute to the unique learning experience at Expanish.
1.4 How do I choose between the Spanish programs offered at Expanish?
Group classes are great for those who like to learn in a group atmosphere, practice with their peers, and want to study in an intensive setting. On the other hand, individual lessons or customized individual lessons would be suitable for those wanting to focus on a particular aspect of the language or who cannot devote 20 hours per week to Spanish. Ask our student advisors for more information regarding what Spanish program in Buenos Aires is best for you!
1.5 How do I get from the airport to my accommodation?
For student convenience, we offer an Airport Pick-up service where we arrange for you to be met upon arrival at the airport (located 45 minutes outside of Buenos Aires) and transported to your accommodation - please check the Prices page for the Airport Pick-up cost.
We recommend that students take advantage of our service as it is the most secure way to get to your accommodation. However, for students who are not interested in this option, they can arrange a taxi once they arrive at the airport. For your safety, please arrange a taxi from the taxi desk at the arrival entrance where you will pay a flat rate up-front.
1.6 How will I meet other people and make friends in South America?
You will begin your stay in Buenos Aires with a program orientation where you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants. You will be able to meet individuals in your classes, during workshops and weekly activities, in your homestay or shared apartment, and through the local Expanish staff.
1.7 Are the accommodations close to the school?
We place you as close as possible to your Spanish language school, however regardless of your placement, all of our accommodations are within short walking distance to public transportation and reasonable access to your classes.
1.8 Is there someone I may speak with about your Spanish School?
You can contact the Expanish staff with any specific questions you may have, using the information listed on the Contact Us page.
1.9 What additional services do you offer?
A comprehensive list of our support services is available under the Support Services link. You can be assured, however, that all the necessities of your stay, both foreseen and unforeseen, will be taken care of by the Expanish team. Whether airport transportation, insurance, conversational partners, staff assistance, etc., Expanish students can count on our assistance from the very first day through the very last no matter what the circumstance may be.
2. Spanish Language Courses
2.1 What level of Spanish language classes should I take?
All students will take a basic placement test upon registration for Spanish courses, sent via email by an Expanish staff member. Do not worry if you do not speak a word of Spanish - many of our students have no prior Spanish knowledge before they arrive. You will, however, be speaking Spanish in the classroom from your first day.
2.2 What qualifications do Spanish language teachers have?
All of our teachers are native Spanish speakers and have extensive prior experience teaching Spanish to foreigners. In addition to their professional credentials, teachers are chosen for their abilities to keep students entertained and interested in intensive classes over a long period.
2.3 How many weeks should I study in Argentina?
It generally takes four to six weeks of full immersion courses (15 - 20 hours of classes per week, plus a homestay) to advance to the next language level. A 10-14 week course is recommended to move from the most basic level to an advanced knowledge of Spanish.
2.4 What is the focus of the advanced classes?
Advanced Spanish classes focus on learning the finer points of grammar, such as uses of the subjunctive and idiomatic expressions, as well as conversational and written skills. Discussion topics vary according to student interests.
2.5 What is the average class size?
The average class size is made up of 4 students. We keep the class sizes small to ensure rapid language development.
2.6 Should I bring any materials to class?
We provide students with a notebook and pen on the first day of class! And also recommend that you consider keeping a pocket Spanish dictionary and a grammar reference book handy.
2.7 When are the class start dates?
Official start dates are every Monday, unless there's a National Holiday. We realize that students cannot control flight abilities and that not everyone can meet these dates. If you will be starting on another date, it is possible to take additional private hours to catch up with the group courses.
2.8 What is a typical day like?
Classes normally begin at 9am. Students and teachers generally show up 15 minutes early for coffee, tea, etc. Your class may occasionally take place outside of the school, at a cafe or a park, for example. After class most students eat lunch with other students and/or teachers. Afternoon classes (2PM-6PM) are usually reserved for students requesting private lessons. Many days include cultural activities in the afternoon or the evening.
2.9 How long is each Spanish group class?
Expanish Spanish group course classes are 4 hours per day, Monday-Friday. They're oftentimes in the mornings, and include two breaks.
2.10 I would like to focus on business, health care, law, etc. Do you offer such programs?
Students wishing to have specialized classes have two options. You can either enroll in Private Lessons or Customized Content Course in order to focus on your specific area of interest. Your other option is to enroll in the Combined Course program and take group classes with supplemental private lessons in the afternoons.
2.11 May I receive university credit?
Students that would like to receive university credit for Spanish language courses should sign up for a Study Abroad program with ExpanishStudyAbroad.com. Programs include regular university courses, semesters in English, and various Spanish language programs. Please visit ExpanishStudyAbroad.com for more information.
3. Housing
3.1 Do I need to book accommodation with my course?
No. You can book your Spanish courses without accommodation, however a local homestay or shared apartment is highly recommend for Spanish language practice.
3.2 May I begin my accommodation before my classes start?
Yes, you may begin your accommodation at any time. You are also able to stay in your accommodation after your course is over. As we want to find you the best match for your length of stay, we encourage students to register as early as possible to ensure availability.
3.3 What do you offer for Accommodation?
We maintain a well-established network of high quality apartments and houses located in the some of the best neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Decide between the camaraderie and social dynamics of a shared apartment, the hospitality and cultural opportunities of a homestay, or the independence of a hotel. For more information, visit our accommodation in Buenos Aires page.
3.4 What is the difference between a homestay and shared apartment?
These two types of housing usually fit two different needs and student expectations. Students who stay in a homestay often want to live with a family and see the local customs and culture of the country played out on a daily basis (two daily meals included). Students who stay in a shared student apartment usually want to live with other young people and are looking for a greater level of independence. Both experiences, however, allow you to practice your Spanish skills on a regular basis, meet locals, and see local culture played out in a home environment
3.5 Can I find less expensive housing once I come?
Expanish does its absolute best to cut costs for students and keep our prices as close as possible to real rates within Buenos Aires. While you may be able to find your own housing once you come, you must keep in mind that prices are always higher for short-term renters (less than six months to one year), as well as for foreigners, as sub-letters have no access to credit checks or assurance that the renter will indeed keep up their end of the contract. Additionally all our housing options are fully furnished and include utilities, combining both costs into one price per week for our students. Bear in mind that we don't require a deposit.
4. Workshops
4.1 How many workshops can I take per week?
You can take as many workshops as you want as long as they do not conflict with your course schedule (usually in the afternoon or evening). We generally recommend students take 2 or 3 workshops per week.
4.2 How far are the workshops from school?
All of our Workshops are less than 30 minutes away from our Spanish school and are always within close distance of local public transportation.
4.3 What are the benefits of the workshops?
The core of our programs revolves around various skill workshops, from polo lessons to photography, and cultural activities that offer students the opportunity to enhance their linguistic skills while they participate in endeavors outside of formal classes. Decide on one or several of our cultural immersion options from our constantly growing list.
5. Pricing & Payments
5.1 Can you help me find a discount airfare?
Expanish works with several discount travel agencies and can help students make their travel arrangements. Simply Contact Us and mention you would like this assistance!
5.2 When is the program start date?
Each program start date is defined as starting on the first day of classes or the first day of accommodations, whichever comes first.
5.3 When should I pay for my Spanish program?
You will be sent an invoice for the total amount after you have registered for your complete Spanish program. If it is more than one month before the program start date, you may choose to pay either the deposit or the total at that time. If you are registering less than one month before the program start date, you must pay the full amount of the program. If you elect to pay only the deposit, you must pay for the complete program one month before the program start date.
5.4 How is my payment determined for Spanish program?
You must pay a deposit of minimum U$S 500 (or the full amount for programs less than U$S 500) to confirm class registration and accommodation. For programs over U$S 2500, a deposit of 20% of the total program fee is required to confirm registration. If registration is submitted less than four weeks before the Spanish program start date, clients must pay the full program fee. The client must always pay the full program fee by the program start date.
5.5 How should I pay for my Spanish programs?
Payments for Spanish programs can be made by credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express), via PayPal or with a bank transfer before the program start date. Current students who want to extend their programs can also pay in cash (U.S. dollars or Argentine pesos) in person at the school.
5.6 What is your cancellation policy for Spanish programs?
If the Student wishes to cancel their booking this must be done in writing by the person who signed the booking form or who made the online order. The date of cancellation will be taken as the date that The School receives the written notification.
5.7 How is my payment processed?
Once you register, you will receive a follow up email from an Expanish staff member with an invoice that includes payment instructions. If you choose to pay by credit or debit card, we use PayPal virtual terminal because it is a secure database where credit card numbers are protected that does not charge international fees.
6. Registration
6.1 How does registration work?
To sign up for our Expanish Spanish courses, click on the link that says Book Now at the top of any page. Complete the registration form to register your Spanish program, verify that you have read and agree to our Terms and Conditions, and then submit the form.
Once Expanish receives your registration form, you will be sent a confirmation email with an attached invoice, along with a Spanish level test (beginner-advanced students). If it is more than four weeks before the program start date, you may choose to pay either the deposit or the total at that time. If you are registering less than four weeks before the program start date, you must pay the full amount of the program. Expanish cannot guarantee a spot until payment is made. Once the deposit or course fees have been paid, Expanish will book all of your Spanish courses, and accommodation in Buenos Aires
Once the deposit or course fees have been paid, Expanish will book all of your Spanish courses, and accommodation in Buenos Aires.
6.2 How far in advance must I register?
To guarantee a spot in our Spanish school, we recommend that you register at least four weeks prior to your program start date. For last minute registrations less than four weeks before the start date, we cannot guarantee a place in a Spanish course or in accommodation, but we encourage you to contact us for availability and we will do our best to accommodate you.
