ECOS Escuela de Español
carrera 17 #16-05 Barrio manga, Cartagena, Bolivar 130001, Colombia
ECOS Escuela de Español
Courses specially designed for those who in addition to the standard course(20 hours group lessons), want to improve in some particular language skills because includes 10 private lessons, increase their communicative fluency or emphasize some aspects of the language at their own rhythm and with full attention on their requirements.
Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities
Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.
Average | 2 students |
Maximum | 5 students |
Age range | 6 years old and older |
Average | 32 years old (10 in the summer) |
ECOS is located in MANGA neighborhood, 5 minute walking from old city and the Bay of Cartagena and places of interest like The Fishing Club, The Yacht Club, Maritime Terminal, and The Walled City with all its tourist attraction. Manga is connected to the rest of the city by 4 bridges; ECOS Spanish School is located right near the bridge to the heart of the city, passing through the important historical and popular neighborhood of Getsemaní, whose authenticity and atmosphere of cultural openness makes it a mandatory destination to be visited and walked around for all kinds of travelers.
ECOS Spanish School counts on professional licensed teachers, with considerable experience in teaching at public and private level in private and group classes that promise a participatory and productive environment based on the use of previous knowledge and effective progress in the process of teaching-learning. The Spanish teachers from Ecos have extensive experience in the different levels of Secondary Education, teaching Spanish and English. It also has a solid background, trajectory and professional profile. Our experience is centered in the area of teaching and our passion is teaching Spanish as a foreign language.
ECOS counts with its own teaching material designed specially for the learning process of its students. The guide book contains exploring, grammar, practicing, reading, writing and culture.
The nationality and age mix at ECOS Escuela de Español varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 32. In the summer, the average age is 10.
ECOS teaches students from all over the world, including:
ECOS is located in MANGA neighborhood, 5 minute walking from old city and the Bay of Cartagena and places of interest like The Fishing Club, The Yacht Club, Maritime Terminal, and The Walled City with all its tourist attraction. Manga is connected to the rest of the city by 4 bridges; ECOS Spanish School is located right near the bridge to the heart of the city, passing through the important historical and popular neighborhood of Getsemaní, whose authenticity and atmosphere of cultural openness makes it a mandatory destination to be visited and walked around for all kinds of travelers. In brief, we use all that is around, not only to offer you Spanish courses in Cartagena and salsa and other rhythms, but also to guarantee interaction with other Spanish-speakers and intercultural connection that will mark the rest of your life in many aspects.
I was living in a small apartment in ECOS. was ok maybe the bad room need a little renovation but general was good. The teachers was PERFECT. I had before problem in conversation but after this lessons I try to talk and it is not to bad. I overcame shame and fear. Thank you for that. I also had extra salsa lessons and it was amasing. Cooking lessons that is a great idea. I remember this time well and recommend it to other. I only regret that I was there for such a short time.MUCHISIMAS GRATIAS
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Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time at ECOS and that the classes helped you gain confidence in conversation. We strive to provide an enriching experience, and it's wonderful to know that you also enjoyed the salsa and cooking lessons. We appreciate your recommendations and will take note of your comments about the apartment. We're sorry that your stay was short, but we hope you take away great memories and consider returning in the future. We wish you all the best in your learning journey!
Best,
Wayleen Arrieta-Ariza
Academic Director
Victoria was a really good teacher and pleasant person. She explained things thoroughly and well. Actually, every thing about the school was nice, but I just had one thing which I found very inefficient: on the first day, an introduction and placement test was done. This took almost 3 hours and we had approx. 1 hour of lesson on the first day. It was frustrating that basically one of the five days was spent on this - considering that the course was only for one week, it didn't make sense in my opinion that it the test was so thorough and long. Additionally, most language schools normally have a written test prior to the start of the course and then an oral placement test on the first morning. I would have preferred if the first day weren't spent the way it was.
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Hola Garrett.
Thank you so much for your review. It is good to know that you feel good with the Spanish lessons. Thank you so much for your opinion about the placement test, we are in continuous progress and we always care about our student's opinion, however the placement test is an important part of the process that is why the academic director indicates what points you can work on the test, because you have all the levels in one test.
We will work on the placemest test, so that it won't take long next time.
I enrolled my family in language courses, and the school did a great job of placing us in the right groups based on our skills. The teachers were so wonderful - very knowledgeable about language, about Spanish, and about how an English speaker learns Spanish. I could tell that each person at the school - from the teachers to the director to the front office staff - really cares about the success of their students. We enjoyed cultural activities including a cooking class and a dance class. I learned so much while there and very much appreciate ECOS!
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Hola, Sally.
We are so happy that you and your family had a good experience with us and that you improved a lot your Spanish. We love to teach and we do it with love.
We hope you can come back in the future.
Why I went to Colombia and why I wanted to learn Spanish.
I am US Citizen, in my 60's and a Zumba Instructor. I speak French but never really learned Spanish and this was an issue for me with all the wonderful Latin music I was using in Zumba. I have many Latina friends from Zumba as well. The founder of Zumba, Beto Peres is from Colombia and so are many of my favorite singers, such as Carolos VIves. I had been using several apps to learn Spanish through music.. and that was the most I was really doing. I also recently had started doing Duolingo consistently and that gave me more vocabulary although I still could not speak confidently. My husband and I wanted to go on a vacation to Cartagena.. in the end he stayed with me one week in a nice hotel and after he left, I started the school. It worked out well.
I found the school from an online search and signed up with help from Language International. In the end, I was only there one week but it was a great experience. It was mostly an introduction to Colombian culture and getting the basics of Estar and Ser.
I was excited with the school before I arrived and I was not disappointed in the least.
All the staff at the school was extremely friendly and helpful.
The teachers were experienced and consistent. Classes are small. I was with 3 other Beginners from Switzerland, all ages.
I especially enjoyed the extra activities, such as the Cooking Lesson, the Volunteer experience and Salsa Lessons.
I was impressed by other unexpected programs such as their program honoring the women teachers and students on the International Day of the Woman.
The school was easy to find and in a good location in Manga and a short walk to the popular area known as Getsemane.
The home stay was a decent room in a big house very close to school but it was not for me... even though I thought it would be a good fit. As a beginner it was not easy to communicate and except for the Señora, who worked during the day , the rest of the family was not really available or interested in entertaining a visitor. It was lonely! I am sure families are very different.
The school apartment was ideal being on top of the school , so convenient. It was nice being with another student.
On the last day, I was so sad to leave. I want to return to Cartagena and I would definitely stick with ECOS. I highly recommend.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! It’s inspiring to hear about your journey to learn Spanish, especially given your background as a Zumba instructor and your love for Latin music. It’s wonderful that you chose Colombia, the home of Beto Peres and many of your favorite artists, as the place to immerse yourself in the language and culture.
We're delighted that you had a positive experience at our school and that the classes, activities, and staff met your expectations. It’s great to hear that you enjoyed the extra activities like the cooking lessons, volunteer experience, and salsa lessons, as well as the special programs we offer. We appreciate your feedback on the homestay experience and are glad that the school apartment provided a more comfortable alternative.
We’re sorry that your stay was so short, but we’re thrilled that you’re already thinking about returning to Cartagena and continuing your journey with ECOS. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Safe travels and best of luck with your continued Spanish learning!
Homestays are carefully selected and offer students the opportunity to learn more about the local culture in a comfortable setting while studying Spanish in Cartagena de Indias. These homes are often between 5 - 15 minutes away from the school by public transport. Families usually offer affordable meal plans that allow you to sample the local cuisine. If you have special requests or diet restrictions (because of religion or health reasons), please let us know in advance. You must check out 1 day after your classes end (usually a Saturday). Learn more about homestay housing
It is possible to live in a rented apartment during your study in Cartagena de Indias, but this tends to be more expensive. ECOS provides some assistance with apartment rentals or you can rent an apartment on your own. Learn more about apartment housing
We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.
Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.
Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Cartagena de Indias based on your budget, schedule and preferences.
Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.
Have questions? Get answers from ECOS Escuela de Español staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.
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