 Valencia,
the third largest city in Spain with a population of about 800,000
people, is located directly on the Mediterranean. Compared to the
rainy weather in the northern parts of the country and to the heat
waves of over 40¼ C in the southern parts, Valencia enjoys almost
a perfect climate, where the sun shines an average of 320 days a
year. A mild winter and a not-to-hot summer combine to put the annual
average temperature at 18¼ C. With a coastline of more than 485
km, the area of Valencia has some of Europe's finest beaches. Numerous parks and countless palmtrees help make Valencia a very green Spanish city. In the dry riverbed of the Turia, which was re-routed some years ago, sport and recreation facilities are intermingled among even more green areas. Valencia also has a very good infrastructure. The international airport has direct flights to many important European cities. A motorway brings the traveller from the French border directly to the city. And for those wanting to take a quick trip to the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, daily ferries are there to whisk you across the water. Agriculture is the largest economic sector in Valencia. This area produces 80% of the Spanish citrus crop. All types of fruits and vegetables can be found growing in the Huerta, the cultivated area that encircles Valencia like a green belt. These colourful crops, together with the daily seafood catch netted by the local  fishing
fleet, are offered for sale at both the Central Market, one of the
largest in all of Europe, and at the various smaller markets sprinkled
throughout the city. A truly incredible variety of foodstuffs, which
one notices especially when ordering
the most typical and famous of all dishes from this area - the Paella.
Valencia is also very rich in culture and history. For the past two thousand years, many different peoples and nationalities have added their own passages to the history of this grand city: the Iberians, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Muslims, and the Christians are but a few. In fact, some of the impressive buildings from throughout the ages are still standing today in the historic city centre. |
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Our teaching staff is formed by young, dynamic native teachers all of whom have a modern language degree from the University of Valencia. The majority have completed extensive pedagogical courses again at the University of Valencia along with other vocational courses concerning the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language. Our teaching methodology is based on the progressive grading of vocabulary, functional language and 
grammatical structures within small, homogeneous groups. Our teaching aims are to prepare the student in linguistic competence and in the appropriate of language to enable the student to perform confidently and fluently in all types of contexts. It is in this way that we present language as a living, active language. At the basic levels the teaching has a function bias to enable students to integrate and be able to actively form part of everyday life. At more advanced levels the content and objectives of the classes become more demanding. In order to maximise results we try to keep numbers of students per class to a minimum setting the limit to 7 students a class. In this way it is possible to check students individual progress daily and provide remedial help where necessary. Our teaching material has been developed to be dynamic and motivating using many diverse situations and activities which help develop the four major skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The materials used in class are as interactive as possible with both vocabulary and grammar incorporated in such a way as to give language life and purpose. With only a few students per class (a maximum of 7) we are able to offer better, more efficient and personalised teaching. In this way the teacher can combine group activities with individual activities and address the differences and needs that there may be within the class so that after only a short time there exists greater homogenisation.
Elementary Level The Superintensive Course
The majority of students who come to the School stay in accommodation organised by the school. We are able to offer a variety of possibilities, all of which have been carefully chosen and which are either close to the school or in the historical quarter of the city or the beach. Accommodation in the school's flats This is the most economic option available to students. All our flats are within 10 minutes walking distance from the school. In each flat it is possible to choose between a single or double room. There are generally about 4 to 5 students in each flat.  Accommodation
in university residence A more interesting option perhaps is stay in university residences near to the school. It is again possible to choose between a single or double room, only accommodation , breakfast, half- board or full- board. The rooms all have a separate bathroom, telephone and a connection point for internet. Within each residence there is a library, TV room, a laundry service, canteen, computer room and a cleaning service available. This type of accommodation is ideal for those who are looking for independence and privacy but at the same time meet Spanish undergraduates. Accommodation with Spanish Families The families are carefully chosen by Costa de Valencia for their experience and hospitality. Options available are half- board (breakfast and dinner) or full- board (breakfast, lunch and dinner). There is usually only one student per family so the only language spoken is Spanish. Moreover, in choosing this type of accommodation is it easier to see how Spanish people really live and participate fully in Spanish habits, customs and lifestyles. Accommodation flatsharing with Spanish students During the academic year, from October to June t is possible to organise a flatshare with Spanish university students. This requires greater organisation and so should be reserved well in advance of the arrival date. The great advantage is that the only form of communication is that of Spanish and allows foreign students to find out more about Spanish student life. Accommodation in Hotels or Hostels A more expensive option is to stay in a hotel or hostel. The School has at its disposition several agreements with hotels which will give students a more economic price.
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In
order to guarantee optimum performance from the students' linguistic
stay in Valencia the School offer a wide variety of courses. 
Advanced
Level 
At
the School we think that the teaching of Spanish should not only
be limited to learning how to read and write the language but to
gaining a greater understanding of Spanish society, culture and
lifestyle. For this reason we have carefully prepared a daily a
cultural and free- time activity programme for our students. We
very much believe in our slogan "come, learn Spanish... an live
it!" and we hope that our students take the opportunity and live
during their stay in Valencia as one Valencian more.
student visiting Valencia. Events such as the notorious "Tomatina"
in August or the Battle of the Flowers and the most famous of all
Spanish fiestas "Fallas" in March.
