Class Schedule
Classes take place between Monday and Friday from 9:00.

The total number of students can reach 90; the average group size is 5 students with a maximum of 8. You can also join our programme of language exchange with other Spanish students. You will quickly see that it is not difficult to practice your Spanish with natives and out of the classroom.

Please note that during the summer months, the course timetable may be adjusted and some programs may be taught in the afternoons. In such a case, the cultural activities would take place in the morning, rather than in the afternoon. Your instructors will keep you informed.

You should bring a dictionary, notebooks and colored pens. It is useful to have 2 notebooks, one for new vocabulary, and one for the exercises in class. Textbooks and other teaching materials are provided, but it is advisable to have a good system of keeping your notes together.

Activities & Excursions
In Santiago, especially in certain periods of the year, there are also many things to do or to see: concerts in all the historic district squares during the summer, many of which are free; museums, also free, as the Etnográfico del Pueblo Gallego (Galician People Ethnographic Museum); and all kind of exhibitions. We will let you know everything that is happening in Santiago while you are here.

We organize at least 2 free activities weekly. In the summer the average is of 4 activities a week. On the first day of your course, and provided there is a minimum of 5 students beginning the course, we invite you to a guided tour around the city followed by tapas in the historic district.

An IF teacher will take you for a coffee (or a chocolate con churros!) to one of the superb cafes in the Old Town. The point that you can have a pleasant chat with your teacher and have a nice time. But you have to take part in it!! Enjoy some of the following activities:

Traditional night: In this musical evening, the teacher Iván will give us some interesting hints on Galician traditional music, and he will play at the bagpipe some extracts of the most representative traditional songs. Right after this, we shall enjoy a queimada, the typical Gallician drink. Queimada is made of aguardiente, lemon and coffee. The elaboration of this drink is linked to a ritual which expresses ancient beliefs and pagan traditions deeply rooted in the Galician folk culture.

Film showings: In the facilities of IF you can enjoy showing of Spanish or Latin-american films. All students can attend these projections for free. Afterwards, and provided there is some time left, an IF teacher leads an open discussion about the film.

Spanish music samplings: We select some songs, bands and singers that adequately represent the current music scene in Spain or Latin America. We also listen to some “classics” of modern music. This activity is complemented with comments from the teacher, texts and explanations about the lyrics.

Excursions
Half or full day excursions to places of great historical or ecological interest: Natural Park of Corrubedo / Barbanza Peninsula, ciudades (A Coruña, Pontevedra), Rias Bajas and Fishing Villages, Finisterre, National Park of Atlantic Islands, Ribeira Sacra, hiking around Santiago. The cost of these activities will depend on the place we visit.

Natural Park of Corrubedo / Barbanza Peninsula: We shall go to the coast, where we can find some of the most beautiful beaches in Galicia. We shall visit two places of great interest: Castro Baroña (the remains of a pre-roman village, located in a small peninsula over the Atlantic Ocean) and Corrubedo (a protected Natural Park with some breathtaking sand dunes right in the sea-shore and surrounded by unspoiled beaches). Then we shall climb to A Curota Mount, where we shall enjoy a view over the Galician coast line, from the Portugal border to Cape Finisterre.

Excursion to A Coruña: The 2nd biggest city in Galicia. We visit the most interesting parts: the Old Town, the sea promenade and Riazor Beach, the harbour and marina, the Torre de Hércules (a Roman lighthouse which is still in use)… Afterwards we can visit the aquarium, looking over the sea, and the interactive museum Domus-House of men.

Excursion to Pontevedra: The capital of the Province, this city houses one of the best preserved (though less known) historical quarters in Galicia. We shall also visit the Provincial Museum and its impressive collection of Celtic remains: jewellery, masks, tools…

Rias Bajas and Fishing Villages: An excursion through the Rías Baixas (Lower Bays), in the South Coast of Galicia. We visit the fishing village of Cambados, where the famous Albariño wine is produced. We shall be able to visit a “bodega” and enjoy a wine tasting. Afterwards, we visit the picturesque fishing village of Combarro; the National Trust maintains and preserves this site because of its medieval streets and typical buildings like “horreos” (grain stores) and “cruceiros” (stone crosses). We will taste some wine and seafood in one of the typical terraces over the sea.

National Park of Atlantic Islands - Cies Islands: A visit to the Cíes Islands, recently declared National Park. It is placed at the entrance of Vigo Bay, in the South of Galicia, in the Atlantic Ocean. The visit is especially worth paying because of the wonderful landscape, made up by unspoiled beaches and high cliffs. There is also an excellent seabirds observatory. If you want to enjoy a nice day on the beach away from noises and crowds, this is the place to go.

Excursion to the Ribeira Sacra: One of the most beautiful natural sceneries in inland Galicia. Along the canyon of River Sil, we visit several monasteries from different periods which give name to this area (Sacred Bank). The excursion includes a visit to Ribadavia (with a well preserved Jewish quarter), a hiking route among monasteries and a boat trip along the river Sil canyons.

Hiking around Santiago: Climbing to Monte Pedroso, in the outskirts of the town. One of the biggest parks of the city has been recently built in this hill. From there, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the old part of Santiago, and learn about the growth and development of the town. It is not a hard route, but comfortable shoes and a water supply is strongly advised.

Booking this vacation is easy and we accept most major credit cards. We require a deposit of $300 and a completed booking form. After checking availability we normally confirm a booking within 24 hours.
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