When can I start a course?
Courses for absolute beginners start the every first Monday of the month.
All the other courses start every Monday throughout the year.
How
much is the entrance fee and when do I have to pay?
There is a fee of 30 € that is due after you have received
the invoice.
Where is the accommodation
located?
The student apartments as well as the host families are always situated
within a short distance from the schools. From your place of residence
to school will usually only take 5 to 10 minutes by foot.
Where is the school located?
The school is located in the centre of the city, just a ten minute walk
from the centre of Barcelona (PlaÇa de Catalunya), a fifteen
minute walk from beach and with numerous possibilities to use public
transport nearby.
When do the classes start?
All classes start at 8:30 in the morning and finish between 12:30 (Standard
course) and 15:30 (Intensive Plus course). This way you will have plenty
of time the rest of the day to plan your own activities.
Can I prepare my own meals if I choose
to stay in an apartment?
Yes, your completely furnished apartment includes a fully-equipped
kitchen that you have at your disposal. In Addition, you will find there
are shops and supermarkets nearby.
Do I have to take my own sheets and
blankets if I choose to stay in an apartment? What about towels?
Blankets and sheets are all included and will be changed every week. The
only thing you have to bring are your own towels.
Does the school organize any outings or trips, and if so, are they included
in the price?
The school organizes all kinds of trips within Barcelona and to nearby
cities, but they are not included in the tuition fee.
Does
the school organize any social activities or parties?
Yes we do! Every Tuesday there is a welcome-party for the new students
and we also organize beach parties with a traditional Spanish barbacoa
or paella.
Are there any sports activities?
Yes, we organize tennis tournaments, horse-riding outings, volleyball
matches, biking trips, etc.
What advantages does Barcelona
have to offer?
Barcelona is an international and cosmopolitan city, which evidently retains
its Spanish flavour. It has a mild climate,it is a city with Mediterranean
emotions and a European attitude,offers considerable cultural attractions
a varied and vibrant nightlife and beautiful golden beaches right in the
middle of the city.
Is it cheap to get to Barcelona?
There are great deals to Barcelona, Reus and Girona airports if you book
in advance.
Is Barcelona is a cosmopolitan
city with all kinds of attractions for visitors?
Barcelona is a city which combines history, tradition, art and culture.
It is particularly noted for its architectural riches ranging from Gothic
to the most contemporary of styles. Barcelona's location is privileged.
It is a city within easy reach of beautiful beaches and mountains where
you can enjoy long walks and breathtaking views. Barcelona is also a modern
city which offers its visitors all the advantages of a dynamic and go-ahead
society whilst retaining its own cultural identity.
Does Barcelona have a metro system?
Yes, Barcelona has 5 metro lines and is an extremely cheap and efficient
way to travel around. Barcelona's Instituto Internacional is situated
at the Gran Via, 5 minutes beside the Plaza de Cataluña metro station
that is the centre of the town.
What
is the climate like? It is Mediterranean; so even in winter
you can get very warm days. In summer temperatures are high but with a
sea breeze. The snow is very close in the Pyrenees - and the beach , is
on Barcelona's doorstep.
How many inhabitants does
Barcelona have? In Barcelona itself, excluding dormitory towns,
around 1.6 million, and in Catalonia there are a total of 6 million inhabitants.
How well is Barcelona connected
by road? Very well indeed, with several motorways leading to
the city from around the country and from France.
And its train connections?
Also, excellent. There are direct train connections to all the
main Spanish cities and to various French ones (via Port Bou).
What day trips do you suggest?
Tarragona is interesting with its Roman heritage, the Monastery
of Montserrat, the natural parks of the Pyrenees, Figueras and Cadaqués
(Dalí museums and the latter a pretty seaside town) and to the
River Ebro.
Is Andorra worth a visit?
Yes, for skiing and cheap shopping .
So, skiing? Yes, just 2,5
hours away by car.
Do people in Barcelona speak Catalan
instead of Spanish? Catalans always speak perfect Castellano
and are happy to do so with people who don't speak Catalan. Naturally,
Castellano is the only language used among our teachers and families.
Is Barcelona expensive? Accommodation
is more expensive than in smaller cities, though getting to Barcelona
nearly compensates for this as flights can be extremely cheap and there
are no transfer costs. There are restaurants and bars for all pockets.
Is Barcelona safe? As is
any big city that attracts a lot of tourists, you should get used to carrying
your personal belongings where no one will relieve you of them, especially
on the Ramblas, in the old town and on the beaches . Barcelona's Instituto
Internacional is located in an especially safe and clean part of Barcelona.
Are there a lot of concerts in Barcelona?
Yes, it is a major venue for national and international artists.
Our office team will keep you informed.
Are there many bars and discos?
Yes, even by Spanish standards, Barcelona's night time vibrancy is quite
extraordinary. Tapas bars, top-class clubs, 19th century dance halls,
place for everyone.
How do I get to the Balearic Islands
from Barcelona? There are regular flights and boats.
What are the culinary highlights of
the city? Wonderful rice and pasta (usually with fresh fish
and seafood), “Calçots”, a sort of roasted leek and all washed
down with “Cava” the local high quality sparkling wine .
What are the shop and bank opening
times? Shops in the centre are open all day from 10.00 - 20.00,
though smaller shops in the suburbs close at midday from 14.00 - 16.00.
Banks open in the mornings from 09.00 - 14.00 and some also open on Thursday
afternoons and Saturday mornings except in the summer.
Are there many tourists?
Yes, Barcelona is a major tourist destination, with national and international
visitors and also with many international students.
Should I tip? No, as in the
rest of Spain you can round off a bill and leave a little more in classy
restaurants but never as much as 10%.
Which are the best months for me to
come and do my language course? Different months offer different
advantages. In winter there are fewer tourists and you can go skiing .
In summer you can swim in the sea and lie around in the sun!
I'm coming alone. Is this a good idea?
Yes, most people travel alone and are thus open to making new
friends.
For more information please contact us
at:
Barcelona7
Spanish School
C/ Bruc, 55
08080 Barcelona - Spain
info@barcelona7.com
Phone: (0034)933 172 062
