School Blog

Monday, 07.12.2015
There will not be any classes at Escuela Montalban on Monday as it is a holiday in Spain (Dia de la Constitución).

Tuesday, 08.12.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

20.00-21.30 h
Visit to the Arabic bath Hammam de Al-Andalus (includes massage).
Meeting point: C/ Santa Ana N° 16 (next to Plaza Nueva)
Price: 25 €

Wednesday, 09.12.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of Spanish levels, filled with students from all over the world!

15.00-16.30 h
Enjoy yourself and improve your Spanish with a movie at Escuela Montalban. The movie is called "Vivir es fácil con los ojos cerrados" (with Spanish subtitles), and is directed by D. Trueba

Thursday, 10.12.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

20.30-22.00 h
Learn how to prepare the traditional Spanish Paella which you will get to eat afterwards.
Address: Cooking school Javier Vilchez, C/ San Marcos N° 1
Price: 15 €

Friday, 11.12.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

15.55-19.00 h
Horseback riding at Sierra Natural Park. While enjoying the horseback riding itself, you will also be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery around you.
Price: 30 €

21.00 h
Flamenco performance "Raiz y Duende" at the Taller Vimaambi
Address: C/Cuesta de San Gregorio, nº 30 - 38 (Albaicín)
Price: 15 €

Monday, 30.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

14.00-15.00 h
Information session for new students about the courses at the school as well as Granada.

Tuesday, 01.12.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

20.00-21.30 h
Visit to the Arabic bath Hammam de Al-Andalus (includes massage).
Meeting point: C/ Santa Ana N° 16 (next to Plaza Nueva)
Price: 25 €

Wednesday, 02.12.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of Spanish levels, filled with students from all over the world!

15.00-16.30 h
Enjoy yourself and improve your Spanish with a movie at Escuela Montalban. The movie is called "Un cuento chino" (with Spanish subtitles), and is directed by S. Borensztein

Thursday, 03.12.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

21.00 h
A dance performance called "Lowland" by Roser López Espinosa in the Alhambra theatre.
Meeting point: In front of the Alhambra threatre
Price: 7 €

Friday, 04.12.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

15.55-19.00 h
Horseback riding at Sierra Natural Park. While enjoying the horseback riding itself, you will also be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery around you.
Price: 30 €

21.00-22.00 h
Flamenco show in La Casa del Arte Flamenco
Address: C/Cuesta de Gomerez 11
Price: 16 €

Friday/Saturday/Sunday, 04, 05, 06.12.2015
3 days trip to Northern Morocco. This trip includes visits to historical cities such as Tetuan, Tanger and Chef Chaouen
Price: 195 €

1. Teachers:

Grammar: Berna
Conversation: Maria in my second week, cannot remember the teacher´s name who did the teaching during my first week

2. What I liked

We were a small group of students so that everyone could (and actually had to) participate quite extensively. No place to hide :-)

3. What I didn´t like

I studied some Spanish more than 30 years ago. In the meantime I had not had any contact at all with the Spanish language. When I did the level test at home I stated that the only tenses I could somewhat remember were the present tense and the pretérito perfecto. All other tenses had totally escaped me.
When we started to work on the use of the préterito perfecto and the préterito indefinido on my very first day in class, I was a bit shocked. Trying to work out which tense to use if you do not even know how to form the different tenses (not even for the regular verbs) is rather hard. It is also very taxing to make a conversation when your knowledge of vocabulary is so pathetically restricted (unfortunately mine is). Trying to put a sentence together by looking up more or less each and every word in a dictionary is actually not inspiring. It is a bit frustrating because it doesn´t make you feel confident about what you have already achieved but it makes you feel disappointed about all the things you would like to say and you just cannot.

4. Conclusion:

I enjoyed my time at the Escuela Montalbán. I learnt a lot - my listening skills have much improved. During the first 2 days I had severe problems to follow what the teachers said. At the end of the second week that was no problem at all. I would have preferred, however,  that the individual results of the level tests had been taken more into consideration when allocating the students to their classes. But maybe the reason is that you just do not have enough students in November to set up so many different classes.

Anyway I will continue my studies here in Germany because the time I spent at your school certainly prodded me to try to further improve my Spanish. Thanks a lot.

Andrea Vater-Adler from Germany

Monday, 23.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

14.00-15.00 h
Information session for new students about the courses at the school as well as Granada.

Tuesday, 24.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

20.00-21.30 h
Visit to the Arabic bath Hammam de Al-Andalus (includes massage).
Meeting point: C/ Santa Ana N° 16 (next to Plaza Nueva)
Price: 25 €

Wednesday, 25.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of Spanish levels, filled with students from all over the world!

20.30-22.00 h
Learn how to prepare the traditional Spanish Paella which you will get to eat afterwards.
Address: Cooking school Javier Vilchez, C/ San Marcos N° 1
Price: 15 €

Thursday, 26.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

15.00-16.30 h
Enjoy yourself and improve your Spanish with a movie at Escuela Montalban. The movie is called Volver and is directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The movie has Spanish subtitles.

20.30-22.00 h
Free flamenco recital "Flamenco y cultura" at Residencia Universitaria Corrala de Santiago (UGR) with our Spanish teacher Marisa.
Meeting point: 19.45 h in front of the school.

Friday, 27.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

15.55-19.00 h
Horseback riding at Sierra Natural Park. While enjoying the horseback riding itself, you will also be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery around you.
Price: 30 €

21.00 h
Flamenco performance "Raiz y Duende" at the Taller Vimaambi
Address: C/Cuesta de San Gregorio, nº 30 - 38 (Albaicín)
Price: 15 €

Saturday, 28.11.2015
08.45-20.00 h
Excursion to The Alpujarra Mountains
Meeting point: Our guide Juan meets you at the Congress Palace
Price: 44 €

Friday/Saturday/Sunday, 27, 28, 29.11.2015
3 days trip to Northern Morocco. This trip includes visits to historical cities such as Tetuan, Tanger and Chef Chaouen
Price: 195 €

Monday, 16.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

14.00-15.00 h
Information session for new students about the courses at the school as well as Granada.

Tuesday, 17.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

20.00-21.30 h
Visit to the Arabic bath Hammam de Al-Andalus (includes massage).
Meeting point: C/ Santa Ana N° 16 (next to Plaza Nueva)
Price: 25 €

Wednesday, 18.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of Spanish levels, filled with students from all over the world!

15.00-16.30 h
Enjoy yourself learn Spanish with a movie at Escuela Montalban. The movie is called "Blancanieves" (with english subtitles), and is directed by Pablo Berger. 

Thursday, 19.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

16.00-19.00 h
Excursion with guide to Nigüelas. Here you will visit the oil mill, and get the opportunity to try a variety of different types of oils.
Price: 38 € 

Friday, 20.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

15.55-19.00 h
Horseback riding at Sierra Natural Park. While enjoying the horseback riding itself, you will also be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery around you.
Price: 30 €

21.00-22.00 h
Flamenco show in La Casa del Arte Flamenco
Address: C/Cuesta de Gomerez 11
Price: 16 €

Saturday, 21.11.2015
07.45-20.00 h
Excursion to Córdoba! The price includes transport, insurance, entrance fees, and guide!
Meeting point: In front of Palacio de Congresos
Price: 55 €

The Spanish course takes place during one week and consists of 4 Spanish classes lasting 45 minutes each, every day from Monday to Friday. The group will be divided in classes with a maximum of 8 students. Depending on the group's interests, we offer a tailor-made cultural programme with visits, conferences, dinners, Flamenco dancing, and day-filling guided tours. We will take care of everything during your stay, including accommodation. We generally offer accommodation in hotels, single or double rooms with breakfast.

Contact us for a cost proposal!

(A closed group of 17 mature students from Germany participating in our programme from 02.11. to 08.11.2015)

Monday, 09.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world

20.00-22.00 h
Tapas tour in the Granada city center with our Spanish teacher Marisa. Here you will get the opportunity to discover some of the local tapas bars as well as practice your Spanish with a native.
Meeting point: In front of the school.

Tuesday, 10.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

20.00-21.30 h
Visit to the Arabic bath Hammam de Al-Andalus (includes massage).
Meeting point: C/ Santa Ana N° 16 (next to Plaza Nueva)
Price: 25 €

Wednesday, 11.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of Spanish levels, filled with students from all over the world!

14.00-15.30 h
Watch a movie at Cine Madrigal. Have fun and improve your Spanish with the movie "Dheepan" by Jacques Audiard (Movie is in Spanish)
Meeting point: In front of Cine Madrigal
Price: 3 €

Thursday, 12.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

14.00-15.30 h
Feast at Escuela Montalban!! Socialize and enjoy different types of foods and drinks from all over the world. Bring a typical dish/drink from your country.

Friday, 13.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

15.55-19.00 h
Horseback riding at Sierra Natural Park. While enjoying the horseback riding itself, you will also be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery around you.
Price: 30 €

21.00 h
Flamenco performance "Raiz y Duende" at the Taller Vimaambi
Address: C/Cuesta de San Gregorio, nº 30 - 38 (Albaicín)
Price: 15 €

Saturday, 14.11.2015
08.45-20.00 h
Excursion to La Costa Tropical. An excursion that consists of visiting interesting places such as Europe's biggest cave.
Meeting point: Congress Palace
Price: 46 €

Friday/Saturday/Sunday, 13/14/15.11.2015
3 days trip to Northern Morocco. This trip includes visits to historical cities such as Tetuan, Tanger and Chef Chaouen

Monday, 02.11.2015
There will not be any classes at Escuela Montalban on Monday as it is a holiday in Spain (Dia de Todos los Santos).

Tuesday, 03.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

14.00-15.00 h
Information session for new students about the courses at the school as well as Granada.

20.00-21.30 h
Visit to the Arabic bath Hammam de Al-Andalus (includes massage).
Meeting point: C/ Santa Ana N° 16 (next to Plaza Nueva)
Price: 25 €

Wednesday, 04.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of Spanish levels, filled with students from all over the world!

15.00-16.30 h
Enjoy yourself learn Spanish with a movie at Escuela Montalban. The movie is called 14 kilómetros and is directed by Gerardo Olivares.

Thursday, 05.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

16.00-19.30 h
Olive tour in the Valle del Lecrín. This tour can be done in English or Spanish!
Meeting point: 15.50 in Hotel San Antón
Price: 35 € 

Friday, 06.11.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world!

15.55-19.00 h
Horseback riding at Sierra Natural Park. While enjoying the horseback riding itself, you will also be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery around you.
Price: 30 €

21.00-22.00 h
Flamenco show in La Casa del Arte Flamenco
Address: C/Cuesta de Gomerez 11
Price: 16 €

Saturday, 07.11.2015
08.45-20.00 h
Excursion to The Alpujarra Mountains
Meeting point: Our guide Juan meets you at the Congress Palace
Price: 44 €

I was in a group of four, a perfect size. Our teachers, José and Marisa, made sure we all got a chance to speak, and we learned a lot about Spanish culture and politics as well as help with the Spanish language.

Being so small, the school does not have its own cafe or social area so I didn't get much chance to meet other students. I had to miss the introductory session for new students on Monday afternoon because it clashed with the cookery class. It would have been nice to have some sort of social event on the first day, something which was offered at other schools I have attended. But that's my only real criticism.

I also did a couple of the excursions in Granada, one to the Hammam Arab Baths in the Albaizin (a wonderful experience and if you book via the school you get a third off), and a walk through the beautiful Lecrin Valle with OlivaTours, which I have reviewed separately.

I stayed at the Santa Ana apartments in Albaizin, about 20 minutes' walk from the school. I have reviewed this separately.

Overall, I can definitely recommend the Escuela Montalbán as an opportunity to learn or improve your Spanish.

(Claire Lloyd / 63 years old  / from UK)

Monday, 26.10.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world

Tuesday, 2710.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world

20.00-21.30 h
Visit to the Arabic bath Hammam de Al-Andalus (includes massage)
Meeting point: C/ Santa Ana N° 16 (next to Plaza Nueva)
Price: 25 €

Wednesday, 28.10.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of Spanish levels, filled with students from all over the world

20.15-21.45 h
Cooking workshop at Javier Vilchez cooking school: We prepare a Paella
Price: 15 €  

Thursday, 29.10.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world

21.45-23.00 h
Fado: Minha Lua presents his new album "O milagre"
Meeting point: in front of Teatro Isabel la Católica
Price: 10 €  

Friday, 30.10.2015
09.00-14.00 h
Spanish courses for all levels. This week we have 8 different classes of a variety of levels, filled with students from all over the world

22.00-23.00 h
Flamenco performance "Raiz y Duende" at the Taller Vimaambi
Address: C/Cuesta de San Gregorio, nº 30 - 38 (Albaicín)
Price: 15 €

Saturday, 31.10.2015
08.45-20.00 h
Excursion to The Alpujarra Mountains
Meeting point: Our guide Juan meets you at the Congress Palace
Price: 44 €

Friday/Saturday/Sunday, 30.10. - 01.11.2015
3 days trip to Northern Morocco. This trip includes visits to historical cities such as Tetuan, Tanger and Chef Chaouen
Price: 195 €