FAQ
MADRID
How big is the city?
About 3 million people live in the centre of Madrid. Including the suburbs there are about 4 million inhabitants.
How can I get to Madrid?
Madrid is well-connected with all airports worldwide. You can also take a coach from some European cities to Madrid - and of course you can also come by train or by car.
What is public transport like?
Public transport in Madrid is excellent, you can get everywhere by metro or by bus. The best thing about it: it is cheap!
Can I come by car?
Of course it is possible to come by car. We can help you find a car park.
What is the weather like?
Madrid has a warm temperate climate, with hot, dry summers (30-35ºC) and moderately cold winters (10-15ºC).
What kind of Spanish do people speak in Madrid?
People in Madrid speak clearly and without any accent. No dialects are spoken in Madrid.
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BARCELONA
How big is the city?
In the center of Barcelona live about 1,6 million people and in the province about 4 million.
How can I get to Barcelona?
Barcelona is well-connected with all airports worldwide. From some european cities you can also take a bus to Barcelona - and of course you can come by train or by car as well.
What is public transport like?
Public transport in Barcelona is excellent, you can get everywhere you want by metro or by bus. The best thing about it: it is cheap!
Can I travel by car?
Of course it is possible to travel by car. We can help you to find a parking place.
What is the weather like?
Barcelona has a warm temperate climate, with hot, dry summers (30-35ºC) and moderately cold winters (10-15ºC).
What kind of Spanish do the people in Barcelona speak?
People in Barcelona speak clearly and correctly. They also speak catalan, they are bilingual.
Could the catalan language be any problem?
Everyone does understand and speak Spanish. You only have to ask for it…
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ALICANTE
How big is the city?
Alicante has about 325.000 inhabitants.
How can I get to Alicante?
Alicante is well-connected with all airports worldwide. From some european cities you can also take a bus to Alicante - and of course you can come by train or by car as well.
What is the public transport like?
Public transport in Alicante is excellent, you can get everywhere you want by metro or by bus. The best thing about it: it is cheap!
Can I travel by car?
Of course it is possible to travel by car. We can help you to find a parking place.
What is the weather like?
Alicante has a warm temperate climate, with hot summers (30-35ºC) and temperate winters (15ºC-20ºC).
What kind of Spanish do the people in Alicante speak?
People in Alicante speak a clear spanish.They also have their own language, valencian, which is similar to catalan.
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GRANADA
How big is the city?
Granada has 240.000 inhabitants.
How can I get to Granada?
Granada is well-connected with a lot of airports worldwide. Another possibility would be fly to Malaga or Madrid and then go by train or by bus. From some european cities you can also travel by bus to Granada - and of course you can come by train or by car as well.
What is public transport like?
Public transport in Granada is excellent, you can get everywhere you want by metro or by bus. The best thing about it: it is cheap!
Can I travel by car?
Of course it is possible to travel to Granada by car. We can help you to find a parking place.
What is the weather like?
Granada has a warm temperate climate, with hot, dry summers (30-35ºC) and moderately cold winters (10-15ºC).
What kind of Spanish do the people in Granada speak?
People in Granada speak a correct Spanish, with an andalusian accent.
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TopVALENCIA
How big is the city?
Valencia is the third biggest town of Spain. It has 800.000 inhabitants.
How can I get to Valencia?
Valencia is well-connected with almost all airports worldwide. From some european cities you can also take a bus to Valencia - and of course you can come by train or by car as well.
What is public transport like?
Public transport in Valencia is excellent, you can get everywhere you want by metro or by bus. The best thing about it: it is cheap!
Can I travel by car?
Of course it is possible to travel by car. We can help you to find a parking place.
What is the weather like?
Valencia has a warm mediterranean climate, with hot summers (30-35ºC) and temperate winters (15ºC).
What kind of Spanish do the people in Valencia speak?
People in Valencia speak clearly. They also have their own language, valenciano, which is similar to catalan
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TopSEVILLA
How big is the city?
Sevilla has 700.000 inhabitants.
How can I get to Sevilla?
Sevilla is well-connected with almost all airports worldwide. From some european cities you can also take a bus to Sevilla - and of course you can come by train or by car as well.
What is public transport like?
Public transport in Sevilla is excellent, you can get everywhere you want by metro or by bus. The best thing about it: it is cheap!
Can I travel by car?
Of course it is possible to travel by car. We can help you to find a parking place.
What is the weather like?
Sevilla has a warm climate, with hot, dry summers (30-40ºC) and moderately cold winters (10-15ºC).
What kind of Spanish do the people in Sevilla speak?
People in Sevilla speak correctly with an andalusian accent.
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COURSES
How can I know if there are still places available?
Just send us an e-mail to info@academiacontacto.com to check the availability of places.
Can I stay for just 1 week?
Yes, we are one of the very few schools which accept students for only one week (but your language course will be more successful if you stay longer).
Are there any discounts?
There are discounts if you stay for 12 weeks or more.
Is it possible to stay longer than previously booked?
Yes, you can increase the duration of your stay. However, the same accommodation cannot always be guaranteed.
When does the course start?
The course starts on the Monday of any week you wish (except absolute beginners, see "planning").
How many different levels are available?
We offer 5 levels from beginners to superior. Oft there are more than those 5 levels.
How do I know what is my level ?
You can try our placement test
Can I change the group if I feel that the level is not right for me?
Yes, any time
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, on the last day of your course you receive a certificate indicating the time spent at school, the progress made and the level achieved.
How big are the groups?
The groups are always very small: minimum 2 students, maximum 7 students.
What happens if the minimum number of students per group is not reached?
This almost never happens as the minimum number of students is 2, but if it does we offer you less hours of private tuition for the same price.
How can I enrol?
You can either enrol online or print the enrolment form and send it by fax (++34 91 3661622) or by post (Academia Contacto, c/ Mayor 18, 5º Izda., 28013 Madrid, Spain).
How can I pay?
You can pay by credit card, by bank transfer (please note that all bank charges are to be carried by the customer), or by cash.
When do I pay?
Before the course starts you have to pay at least the deposit of 150 € to reserve your place. The rest can be paid at the very latest on your first day at school (Madrid) or two weeks before your course starts for Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Alicante und Granada.
Do I have to pay the deposit?
Yes, the deposit needs to be paid to reserve your place / accommodation.
Can I cancel the course?
Please read our general conditions.
What is the minimum age to attend?
The minimum age to attend is 18, we can make an exception if you are 17.
Do you offer one-to-one lessons?
Yes we offer one-to-one lessons. It is also possible for 2 people to share private lessons.
Can I book one-to-one in addition to group lessons?
Yes, you can book as many additional one-to-one lessons as you want.
What happens on the first day at school?
You arrive at 9:00 am at school, where you do your oral placement test, then you have lessons from 9:30 till 13:30 (with a coffee break). You will meet the other students in the school.
What time shall I come the first day?
You should be at school at 9:00 am. The lessons start at 9:30 am.
Shall I bring course material?
Bring pens and paper - and a dictionary if you wish (we have some at school, but you may prefer to have your own). You get your books from us.
What happens on national holidays?
There are no lessons on national holidays but an alternative programme is offered. No more than one national holiday will be celebrated in any one week. Half the cancelled lessons will beheld during the same week for courses in Madrid.
Can I take a break in the middle of my course?
It is not advisable for your general progress, but if you wish to take a break it is possible.
Can I choose my schedule?
In case of individual classes we are very flexible. But in case of classes in group its pretty difficult…
Can I start the course on Thursday or Wednesday?
You can, as an exception. But if you have booked classes in group you have to pay the price for the whole week.
Which is the proportion between grammar and conversation?
In school we deal with all subjects: grammar, exercises, reading, writing, listening comprehension, conversation, songs… We make you to speak as much as possible.
Can we choose the subjects we want to deal with in class?
Only in case of individual lessons you can choose the subjects.
Can we build a group and study together?
Yes that’s possible ! Send us an E-mail and we attend to your order.
Could I combine different cities while I´m doing the course?
Yes you can. No problem!
Can I enrol at short notice?
Yes, we welcome late applications.
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SCHOOL
How many students are there at Contacto?
We have small / medium-seized schools, having an average of 25 to 45 students at the same time.
What is the average age of the students?
The age ranges are: 18-30 (70%), 30-40 (20%), over 40 (10%).
Where are the students from?
Our students are from all over the world: Europe (75%), America and Australia (15%), Asia and Africa (10%). Most are university students or young professionals.
Since when does the school exist?
Since January 2001.
Can I study in Contacto if I don´t book accommodation?
Yes, that´s possible.
Shall I take out medical insurance?
Yes. We can also organize travel, accident and health insurances for you.
Can I use the Internet at school?
Yes, you can use the Internet at school free of charge.
Can I receive faxes for free?
Yes.
Can I make phone calls at school?
There is a pay phone you can use at school.
Can I receive letters, parcels...?
Yes, you can give our address or the address of the place you are staying at.
Is the school always open?
The school in Madrid never closes, in the other cities we close 2 weeks for Christmas
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ACCOMMODATION
What is the distance between flats and school?
It depends. Most flats are central and all are well connected with underground and bus. (Sometimes you can even walk to the school)
When can I first get into my room, when do I have to leave?
Arrival day is the Sunday before you course starts and departure day is the Saturday after the end of your course.
Could I arrive some days before the beginning of the course?
Only as an exception and in case we have rooms available. If not so, we will recommend you a pension for these extra-nights.
Can I select the quarter where I would like to live?
You can tell us your preferences, but we can´t guarantee it.
Can I keep my room after finishing my course?
Yes, but only by previous special arrangement with us.
Can I change my accommodation if I´m not satisfied?
Yes, as long as we have something similar available.
How many people are there in one flat?
Three to ten people share a flat.
Is there a washing machine in the flats?
Yes!
Do I need bed linen for the students flats?
No, bed linen is provided.
How many students are there per family?
Our guest families have just one or two rooms for students.
I don't want any other students from my country in my flat. Can it be arranged?
Just let us know
Can Contacto find accommodation for a friend or relative too?
Yes, of course.
Can I split my accommodation between flat and family?
Yes.
Can I receive phone calls in my flat / family?
Some flats have a telephone, others don´t. You can receive calls in all the families.
Who shall I inform if there is a problem in the flat / family?
Whatever problem you may have, don´t hesitate to inform us immediately.
Shall I communicate my arrival to Contacto or to my family?
You communicate details of your arrival to Contacto.
Shall I bring a present for my family?
The family doesn´t expect anything, it´s not usual.
Do I get the information in advance?
Yes, we send you the address, how to get there and how to get to the school, about two weeks before your course starts. If you need any further information, don´t hesitate to ask us.
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OTHERS
Who can I call if there is an emergency?
You will get an emergency telephone number. You can call any time.
When do the excursions take place?
The excursions are usually on Saturdays, sometimes on Sundays.
Do I have to take part in all the activities?
No! You are free to choose what you want to do.
Can I suggest activities?
Yes, all suggestions are welcome.
What does the cancellation insurance cover?
You can cancel the course before your arrival and we´ll give you your money back.
Is the airport transfer one-way or both ways?
It is one-way. If you require both ways, please contact us.
How much is 1 € in US $?
At the moment 1€ is 1,40 US $
Can I split the payment?
We are sorry, but that’s not possible.
I have more questions. Who can I ask?
Send us an e-mail to info@academiacontacto.com