Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re curious about course details, accommodation options, or cultural activities, we’ve compiled this information to help you find everything you need to know. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
FAQS
Table of Contents
Welcome to our FAQs page! Here, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our Spanish language programs, school facilities, and what to expect during your time with us.
Spanish Courses
The price of your Spanish language course mainly depends on two factors: the intensity of your course (amount of lessons per week) and the destination. The price of 1 week of the Spanish course in Barcelona will not be the same as in Cadiz. At the same time, if you want to study full-time (20 or more lessons per week) is going to be more expensive than attending Spanish classes twice a week in the evening.
In Estudio Sampere we offer Spanish classes in Madrid, Alicante and Salamanca and you can choose from 4 to 30 Spanish lessons per week.
First, you have to decide where and when you want to study Spanish. After you know these details, get in touch with our administration department sending an email to sampere@sampere.com or book your course online.
You can start your course every Monday of the month.
We recommend you book your course at least two weeks before it starts. However, if you want to start as soon as possible, contact us and we will see what options are available.
Once your booking is confirmed, we will send you the invoice for your course with our bank details. We will also send you a secure link in case you prefer to pay by card.
Yes! Once your booking is confirmed, we will send you a link for our level test. On your first day, you will have an oral interview with one of our teachers to confirm which level is the right one for you.
In that case, please inform one of our staff members so we can see what options are available for you.
Yes. You will receive a certificate that includes the dates of your course and the Spanish level you obtained.
The school offers morning, afternoon and evening shifts. However, the class schedule depends on the student’s level of Spanish and the availability we have for that week. If you have preferences about the schedule of your classes, we will do our best to respect them.
Our private lessons are tailor-made so we always try to adapt to the student’s needs also regarding the schedule. If you have chosen this option, please let us know what your preferences are.
Please note that if you want to cancel one of the private lessons you booked, the school must be informed at least 24 hours before the start of the lesson. Otherwise, the class will be counted as taken.
Visa application process
It depends on your country of origin and the duration of your stay. You do not need a visa for Spain if you are coming from another European country. US citizens do not need a visa to stay up to 90 days. If you are coming from non-European countries like Russia, China, India, or African states, you do need to apply for a visa even if you come for less than 90 days.
We recommend checking the rules in the embassy of your country. Also, you can find more information here: https://fedele.org/visados/
It depends on your nationality. We recommend you to check the requirements for the Student visa in Spain in your embassy.
This also depends on your nationality, but from our experience, if the documents are presented correctly, it should not take longer than 1 month.
You will need to present a valid passport, a letter of acceptance to an accredited school for full-time studies, a recent photograph and a proof of financial means. You can find more information visiting the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Spain.
The school will issue the invitation letter necessary to apply for a visa. This letter will contain your details (like your full name, birth date, and passport number) and details related to your course (the starting and ending dates of your course and the level expected to achieve).
Remember that to apply for a student visa you have to book an intensive course (20 lessons per week minimum).
The full payment for the course is required to receive the invitation letter.
If your application is rejected by the Embassy, Consulate, or the Immigration Department, we will proceed to refund the full payment minus 350€ which will be charged as an administrative fee upon receipt of the rejection letter.
Exams
If you want to take an official Spanish exam, you have to take an exam offered by Instituto Cervantes: DELE or SIELE.
DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) and SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española) are both Spanish language proficiency exams, but they have some key differences in the structure, format and recognition. For more information, visit this page: https://sampere.com/blog/dele-vs-siele/
You will receive the results by email within three months from the date you took the exam. You can also download your DELE certificate from this page: https://examenes.cervantes.es/es/usuario/inicio-sesion entering your login and password. The physical diploma will arrive at your examination center within six months from the date you took the exam.
20 working days. You will receive the results by email within 20 days from the date you took the exam. You can also download your CCSE certificate from this page: https://examenes.cervantes.es/es/usuario/inicio-sesion entering your login and password.
Accommodation
Estudio Sampere offers host family and student room accommodation. If you are looking for a private apartment or hotel room, let us know! We collaborate with many hotels and apartments located in the school area, we will check availability for the dates of your course and will let you know the price.
If you stay with one of our host families, half board (breakfast and dinner) will be included. If you stay in a student room, meals will not be included, but the kitchen will be available so you can cook for yourself.
The double room option is only available for students travelling together.
20 working days. You wiIn that case, please inform one of our staff members so we can see what options are available for you.
Spanish summer camp for Juniors and Teen
As it can be deducted from the name of the program, the main difference lies in the age range of the students accepted. The Junior program comprises the ages from 12 to 14 years old and the Teen program is for students from 15 to 17 years old.
Estudio Sampere offers a summer Spanish program for juniors in Salamanca only, while the summer program for teens is offered both in Salamanca and Alicante.
Please let the school know what upsetting food is for your kid and we will make sure that their host families know about any dietary restrictions in advance.
There is always a monitor assigned to the students under 18 years old. However, after classes they are given some free time to enjoy and discover the cities of Salamanca and Alicante by themselves. Junior students are expected to be back to the host families by 11pm during the weekdays and by 12:30am during the weekends and Teen students by 12am during the weekdays and by 1:30am during the weekends.
Bearing in mind that the accommodation, meals and excursions are included in the program price, the students will need pocket money only to buy some souvenirs or to go out with friends.
A few examples of standard prices in Spain:
- Coffee: €2
- Lunch: €10-20
- Bus ticket: €1,5
Life and security in Spain
Spain is generally considered a safe country for travellers. Like in any other place, it’s advisable to take common-sense precautions, such as safeguarding your belongings and being aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas.
Spanish culture is known for its rich history, art, music, and vibrant traditions. It’s a blend of influences from various regions, including Moorish, Roman, and Celtic. Spanish culture places importance on family, food, and socialising. Flamenco music and dance, bullfighting, and siestas are iconic elements of Spanish culture.
Spanish cuisine is diverse and renowned for its flavours. It includes dishes like paella, gazpacho, tapas (small plates), and an array of seafood dishes. Spanish food often features olive oil, garlic, saffron, and paprika. Each region has its specialties, so there’s a lot to explore.
The cost of living in Spain varies depending on the region. In general, smaller cities and rural areas are more affordable than major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Rent, food, transportation, and lifestyle choices significantly impact expenses. A rough estimate for a comfortable standard of living in a major city could range from €1,200 to €2,500 per month.
Job hunting in Spain typically involves networking, online job portals, and sending applications directly to companies. Learning Spanish is often a plus. The demand for English teachers is relatively high, and there are opportunities in tourism, tech, and various other sectors.
Spain has an extensive and efficient transportation network, including high-speed trains, buses, and a well-developed road system. Major cities also have metro systems. Domestic flights are available for longer distances. Spain is known for its picturesque train journeys, making travel by rail a popular choice.
While Spain is generally safe, like any country, it’s not without security risks. Petty theft, especially in tourist areas, can be a concern, so it’s essential to safeguard your belongings. There have been occasional incidents related to political demonstrations or strikes, so it’s wise to stay informed about local events when visiting. Spain is also prone to wildfires in certain regions during the summer months, so being aware of fire warnings and restrictions is crucial if you’re in those areas.
In Spain, if you encounter an emergency situation, dial 112 for immediate assistance from the police, ambulance, fire services, or coastguard. This universal emergency number, equivalent to 999 in the UK or 911 in the USA, serves as the go-to contact for emergencies in Spain and throughout Europe. Importantly, dialling 112 is free of charge.
