By Shruti Menon Seeboo
AIL Español, a leading Spanish language school, is excited to announce its participation in the Annual Study Fair hosted by Campus Abroad on November 23 and 24. With a strong commitment to promoting Spanish language learning, AIL Español offers immersive courses designed to cater to students of all levels. From beginners to advanced learners, students can expect a vibrant learning environment that enhances their language skills through dynamic classes and cultural activities.
Ms. Mariana Le Cocq-Bravo, Communications Representative for AIL Español in Mauritius, expressed her excitement about engaging with prospective students, stating, “Language education is a gateway to new opportunities and cultural understanding,” inviting them to explore how AIL Español can help them achieve their academic and personal goals.
A tailored and dynamic learning experience
At AIL Español, the approach to teaching Spanish stands out due to its personalised and dynamic methods. With nearly 20 years of experience, every class is designed to be interactive and tailored to students’ interests and proficiency levels. Mariana explains, “Classes are taught by native Spanish-speaking teachers who are specialists in ELE (Spanish as a Foreign Language), ensuring complete immersion in the language from day one.” The school maintains small class sizes, with a maximum of eight students, allowing for more individualised attention and greater participation.
Student testimonials illustrate the effectiveness of this approach. Coralie, a Spanish teacher, shares her experience: “I had the opportunity to work with AIL Madrid in 2022 for a school trip of 46 students. AIL organised everything! It was a pleasure to work with them. This experience was incredible for both me and my students.” Her enthusiasm reflects AIL Español’s commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience.
Zulaika, an adult professional, also found success through AIL’s tailored courses: “Last year in April, I went to Malaga for two weeks. The classes were in two different places: in the city and near the beach. My experience was very interesting… After two weeks, I felt more confident speaking to my teacher and colleagues.” Such personalized learning experiences not only build language skills but also foster confidence in real-world communication.
In addition to group courses, AIL Español offers various programs, including intensive group courses and individual classes tailored to specific needs. A particularly popular offering is the Pathway Program, which helps non-native Spanish speakers achieve the B2 level necessary for university studies in Spain. This program, along with exam preparation courses (DELE and SIELE) and Spanish for business, ensures that each student’s unique learning objectives are met.
Jean Michel, an adult professional, describes his experience: “After a year and a half of private tuition, I enrolled at AIL Madrid for a 2-week in-class course last July. These two weeks were meant for me to practice as much as possible my Spanish communication skills. During these two weeks, I took accommodation organized by AIL Español in the apartment of a Spanish lady with whom I could communicate only in Spanish.” His immersion in the language environment contributed significantly to his learning.
The role of cultural activities in language learning
AIL Español understands that language learning extends beyond the classroom, which is why it offers a unique “Fun Afternoon Program.” With over 80 cultural and social activities, students engage in guided city tours, cooking classes, dance workshops, and excursions. Mariana highlights, “These activities allow students to practice Spanish in real-life settings while engaging with Spanish culture.”
Zulaika emphasises the impact of these activities: “The activities of visiting places of interest, such as the Camino del Rey, Alcazaba, Ronda, etc., helped us too.” Such excursions are designed to enhance students’ understanding of the language through practical application in cultural settings.
Gregory, a professional sailor, reflects on his initial challenges and the support he received from AIL Español: “My experience began two years ago in Mauritius. I didn’t speak a word of Spanish… My Spanish teacher in Mauritius put me in contact with AIL Español. I did two packages of 10 hours online each, with a teacher from Madrid, and it was really a great experience! After that, I was not fully fluent, but I had a very good basis for taking up my new position on the ship.”
Today, Gregory feels more confident: “When I arrived, it wasn’t always easy, but fortunately, I had done those 20 hours of Spanish because it helped me a lot. Now, I can easily hold a conversation in Spanish.” His success story exemplifies how AIL Español prepares students for practical situations in their personal and professional lives.
Naaziah, another adult professional, reflects on her cultural immersion experience: “My experience with AIL Español in Madrid has been simply incredible. The group classes I followed during the pandemic helped me stay connected to the Spanish language. Living in a totally Spanish-speaking environment for two weeks helped me improve my oral, audio, reading, and writing skills in Spanish. It also represented a unique opportunity for me to live with a Spanish family and assimilate Spanish culture more rapidly.”
These cultural activities and immersive experiences are pivotal in creating a holistic learning environment that encourages students to engage with the language and culture in meaningful ways.
Supporting international students: A warm welcome
AIL Español is dedicated to supporting international students as they adapt to life in Spain. From personalised orientation upon arrival to practical advice on accommodation, AIL Español ensures that students feel at home. Mariana explains, “From the moment they arrive, students receive personalised support to help them adapt to life in Spain.” This support includes guidance on local customs and practical tips for daily life.
Sophie, a Spanish teacher, highlights the enriching experiences her students had during their trip to Madrid with AIL Español: “Last year, 25 of my students had the incredible opportunity to participate in a linguistic and cultural trip to Madrid… The interactive activities and exchanges with their hosting families made learning fun and motivating.” This positive reinforcement encourages students to embrace their learning journey and build connections within the community.
Doruk’s mother shares her son’s impactful experience at AIL Madrid: “My son Doruk’s time at AIL Madrid was truly transformative. The school provided him with an engaging and supportive environment that helped him thrive in his language studies. The curriculum was immersive, and the teachers were incredibly encouraging, fostering his confidence in speaking Spanish.” The nurturing environment is essential for young learners to flourish.
Doruk’s experience extended beyond the classroom: “His host family, a mother and her adult son, played an essential role in making his stay memorable. They were incredibly kind and welcoming, ensuring he experienced the culture of Madrid firsthand.” This kind of immersion fosters language proficiency and cultural understanding, essential for any language learner.
Cultivating community and connections
AIL Español fosters an inclusive and multicultural atmosphere where students from various backgrounds feel supported. “The administrative and teaching staff are always available to provide personalised assistance with cultural or personal matters,” Mariana states. This accessibility is crucial for international students as they navigate life in a new country.
Students also have numerous opportunities to engage with local communities and practice their Spanish in real-world settings. Mariana emphasises, “Apart from offering the opportunity to live with Spanish host families, AIL Español provides numerous opportunities for students to engage with the local community.” This engagement includes visits to local markets, museums, and cultural events, allowing students to apply what they learn in the classroom to everyday life.
Gregory adds, “Thanks to AIL Español, I can easily hold a conversation in Spanish.” This confidence is vital as students seek to interact with locals and fully immerse themselves in their learning experience.
Sophie’s students benefited greatly from their trip: “Visits to museums and walks through emblematic neighbourhoods allowed us to immerse ourselves in Spanish history and daily life.” Such experiences increase curiosity and foster a deeper connection to the language and culture.
Building lasting friendships and networks
One of the often-overlooked aspects of studying abroad is the friendships and networks students build during their time in another country. AIL Español promotes an environment where students can forge connections not only with locals but also with fellow international students. This multicultural interaction enriches their experience, as they share diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
Naaziah reflects on her experience: “I made long-lasting friends in Spain! These connections have been invaluable as they provide both support and camaraderie. We continue to practice Spanish together, even after returning home.” This ongoing practice helps maintain the language skills they developed during their studies.
The friendships formed at AIL Español extend beyond mere social interactions; they create a support network that can help students navigate challenges, whether related to language barriers or cultural adjustments. By fostering these connections, AIL Español ensures that students not only learn Spanish but also grow personally and socially.
Mariana underscores this aspect of the AIL experience: “Our students often stay connected long after their courses end. We encourage them to share their experiences and support one another, creating a vibrant community that extends beyond the classroom.” This commitment to fostering relationships highlights AIL Español’s dedication to holistic language education.
Conclusion: A gateway to new opportunities
The testimonials from AIL Español students highlight the profound impact of learning Spanish. From personal growth to professional opportunities, their stories illustrate the transformative power of language education. As Mariana aptly puts it, “Language education is a gateway to new opportunities and cultural understanding.”
If you’re considering taking your Spanish skills to the next level, AIL Español offers the perfect environment to embark on your journey. Join AIL Español at the Annual Study Fair to discover how immersing yourself in the Spanish language and culture can lead to academic and personal growth. To further illustrate these experiences, AIL Español invites you to watch this video where a group of Mauritian students share their stories at AIL Español, describing how immersing themselves in the Spanish language and culture has helped them grow both academically and personally.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your career prospects, connect with new cultures, or simply enrich your personal life.
For more details, please reach out to:
Ms. Mariana Le Cocq-Bravo
Bravo Language & Communications
Email: marianalecocq@me.com
Tel: +230 598 26 497
