FAQ: Classes & Credits

Are the credits general, or can I take specific classes?
Will my university accept the academic credits from La Universidad Rural?
Which textbooks does the school use?
Do you have classes for children?
What about holidays? On which days is the school closed, and are lessons made up?
What do you focus on in the lessons?
How do you correct pronunciation?
Is there homework?
What is the average length of study?
How can I start thinking in Spanish?
When can I start lessons?

Are the credits general, or can I take specific classes?

The academic credits are all general. What happens is that after 70 hours of study a student is eligible to take the university exam. With every exam the student gets 2 credits. Although these credits are general, we can structure your course around a specific topic or topics. Some examples would be: Spanish Legal Terminology, Medical Spanish, Latin-American Literature, Mayan Studies, etc.

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Will my university accept the academic credits from La Universidad Rural?

It is up to each university to decide whether to accept the credit issued by Universidad Rural. We do know that all schools that issue credits work only with this university. You do need to take a minimum of 70 hours of instruction to qualify to take the exam.

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Which textbooks does the school use?

Our focus is on communication, hence the lack of a standard textbook. You can only learn so much from a book, and with language the most important thing is to start speaking. We realize that some students are visual learners, and prefer to use such a book. We therefore allow each teacher to use his or her own course book. Also, rather than force a certain text on a student, we suggest that if he or she wishes to use a certain book that they go with their teacher to borrow or purchase a textbook, suitable to their level and interest. We also use the book written by the school director Juan Carlos Martínez, What’s Up Dude? / ¿Qué Onda Vos? (special price $15), and for grammar, vocabulary, lecture, exercises and especially for homework our text Español en Latinoamerica (Spanish in Latin America) which is used by all of our teachers (special price $15)(special offer both books for $25).

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Do you have classes for children?

Yes, we have teachers that are specialized in teaching children as well as special material, and the prices are the same as for adults. For more information, please check out the section Special Service for Kids under Other Services, or contact us or visit us for more information.

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What about holidays? On which days is the school closed, and are lessons made up?

The school is generally closed only on Christmas Day, New Years Day, and Good Friday (the Friday before Easter). These days can be made up on another day (such as Saturday), and no extra fee is involved.

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What do you focus on in the lessons?

Of the four main language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), we focus on speaking and listening the most, but the others are covered. We place an emphasis on speaking because many students need this the most, plus reading and writing can usually be practiced at home and corrected later with the instructor. This maximizes your lesson time with the teacher.

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How do you correct pronunciation?

For pronunciation correction, repetition can work to a limited extent. Our teachers are experts at correcting a student’s errors to improve pronunciation. This is done in part by pointing out the differences between sounds; giving examples; explaining the position of the tongue, lips; listening to music in Spanish; as well as some audio and video exercises, etc.

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Is there homework?

There is no assigned homework as the lessons each day are sufficient, so in the evening hours we give the students a chance to rest and absorb what they have learned for that day. Exercises and practice are provided during the lessons as well. For really motivated students, we can put together challenging work for them to take home. So do not worry about this; nothing is forced! But if you love “tarea” (homework), then it will be a pleasure to give you some on a daily basis.

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What is the average length of study?

Our students enjoy a study plan designed around their schedule and structured according to their specific learning needs. We also offer specialized programs for those in the medical and legal professions. Typically, our students study 4 to 6 hours per day, from Monday to Friday, for 1 to 4 months. The number of lessons and length of study program, however, is entirely up to each individual student.

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How can I start thinking in Spanish?

It is not easy to achieve this, but there are techniques that we employ to assist our students. For example, lessons are conducted entirely in the Spanish language in order to avoid the confusion that occurs when two languages are used at the same time. Conversation is highlighted in the lessons, and association is applied to assist in the learning process. We also use music in Spanish to improve comprehension and pronunciation skills (we use Maná, Shakira, Carlos Santana, Gloria Estefan, Juanes, Ricardo Arjona, and many more, you will love this activity).

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When can I start lessons?

Lessons can begin on any day of the week including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (except as previously mentioned). Although most students prefer to arrive on Friday or Saturday, and begin lessons on Monday, midweek arrivals are not a problem. Time of study is generally sometime between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon, and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

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