| General Questions |
| Instituto Babel and Courses |
| accommodation |
| Reservations, payment, and conacellations |
| Other |
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| General Questions |
| Where is Granada? |
| Granada is located in the south of Spain in the region of Andalusia, about 250 miles from the capital of Madrid. It is an ideal location, nestled below the Sierra Nevada mountains (with some 45 miles of ski slopes) and 80km from the beaches and the coast. |
| How do I get to Granada?
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| As the Granada airport offers national flights, it is often easier (and cheaper) to fly to Malaga (2 hours from Granada by bus) or Madrid (5 hours by bus). |
| What is Granada like? |
| Granada is one of the most beautiful cities of Europe, with a rich tradition of architecture dating from 800 years of Islamic reign and the era of the Catholic Monarchs. Granada is also a vibrant city that lives to the rhythm of the fiesta. |
| What is the weather like in Granada?
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| Granada, like much of Andalusia, has hot summers and cool winters. Despite the fluctuations of the temperature, the days are almost always sunny with blue skies. Summers can reach 35ºC/95º F but with the welcome evening breezes, Granada stays cooler than many Andalusian cities due to its altitude of 2600 feet |
| Do you organize excursions?
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| Yes, we offer cultural and sporting excursions every week! (click here)
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| What is the population of Granada?
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| Roughly 300,000 people |
| Is it a city for tourists? Is it expensive?
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| Like all beautiful cities, Granada has its fair share of tourism. However this tourism tends to be quality oriented instead of the mass tourism seen by coastal locations. The city is very affordable, one of the least expensive in Europe. |
| What sports are available in Granada?
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| Granada is a sporting paradise. “City sports” such as gyms, tennis, swimming, soccer, basketball and cycling are readily available. With the proximity of nearby valleys and mountain ranges, naturalists and adventurers alike will find hiking trails, ski and snowboard slopes, parasailing, mountain biking and rock climbing, among other sports. |
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| Instituto Babel and Courses |
| What does “Babel” mean? |
| The “Tower of Babel” has its origins in biblical literature. The citizens of the land wanted to create a tower to reach heaven. God, looking down, decided to punish this act of folly by giving each one a different language, so ending their ability to communicate. Today the variety of languages reflects the immense cultural inheritance of our world today. At Instituto Babel we want to offer you the keys to this inheritance opened up by language. |
| Is the Instituto located in the city center?
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| Yes, we are located in the heart of Granada. |
| How can I know my Spanish level?
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| We offer an on-line test (click here) to give you a rough idea. The first day of class we hold a level test to help with placement. |
| What will my first day of class be like?
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| The first day of class there is no formal class! We will be waiting for you at for a presentation of the teaching staff, level test (absolute beginners can omit this test) and organized activities and refreshments so you can get to know your classmates immediately. This day is always a big hit, and a great time to ask all your first day questions about the city, etc. |
| What is included in the price of the Spanish course?
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| We offer totally transparent costs, no hidden surprises. Course fees include class instruction, instruction materials, access to the lounge with internet, tv, library and games as well as weekly activities (click here). |
| Will I receive a diploma?
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| Yes, at the end of your stay with us you will receive a diploma stating course results and attesting to your current abilities in Spanish. |
| What time do classes start?
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| Classes start at 9am |
| How many students are there per class group?
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Groups are made up of between 5 and 10 students
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| If I am a beginner, do I have to take the level test?
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| No, we will put you straight into the beginner level class. |
| Can I change my class level if later I believe I should be in another level?
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| Yes. Speak with the staff and we will change your group. |
| Can I sign up for just one week of courses?
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| No, the minimum is two weeks. |
| Do you propose Individual classes? |
| Yes |
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| accommodation |
| What types of housing do you offer?
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| We offer two styles: apartments (shared and full rental) or residence halls. |
| Will my housing be close to the Instituto?
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| Yes, all housing is located less than 15 minutes distance from the school. |
| What is included in the housing?
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| Apartments and residence halls are fully furnished. You only need to bring sheets and a towel. |
| Is food included in the price of housing?
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| Food is not included in the price. All apartments contain an equipped kitchen and most residence halls offer the option of paying for meals. This allows our students to visit local restaurants and tapas bars, or eat in, on their own schedule. |
| If I will be arriving in Granada before the Sunday check-in date, where can I sleep?
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| Please contact us and we will be happy to organize and/or provide you with a list of inexpensive hotel options. |
| What if I arrive in Malaga at night and the last bus has already left for Granada?
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| With advance notice, we can help you find an inexpensive hotel room or a transfer. |
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| Reservations, payment, and cancellations |
| Is there a deadline for registering?
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| No, you can register up until the first day of classes. Early registration is recommended to guarantee your space in the case of full classes (especially during peak summer and holiday seasons). |
| What cancellation fees apply if I change my mind?
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For cancellations with two weeks or more notice from class start date: 150€ (taken from deposit).
For cancellations within two weeks from class start date: 300€ (taken from deposit).Sorry, no refunds can be offered once course has begun for classes or accommodations.
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| What types of discount are available?
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| Many! Click here to see the variety of offers open to you. |
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| Other |
| Do I need a visa to visit Spain?
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| If you are a citizen from a country in the European Union, you do not need a visa. If you are a citizen of a country outside of the EU, it is best to check with the embassy of your country for the most up-to-date information. Generally speaking, nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the US do not need visas for stays of up to 90 days. |
| Can I request a scholarship?
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| Yes, we offer a limited number of scholarships. Please contact us for more information.
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What is the country code for calls to Spain?
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| (34) |
| Do I need to have health insurance?
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| Yes. If you are from the European Union, you are entitled to Spanish national health care on presentation of an E111 form. For other nationalities, we recommend that you check with your existing health care plan for details on coverage abroad or with private travel insurance companies. Proof of health insurance is not required to enroll at Instituto Babel, but we highly recommend you are covered before going abroad. |
| Can I send faxes from the Instituto Babel?
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Yes, and for free! |
| I have heard a lot about your tapa tours. What are they?
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| Going to “tapas” is a typical Spanish pastime and traditional custom of Granada. “Tapas” are a form of appetizer eaten around lunch and dinner hours, offered free with each drink. Frequently different bars will have signature tapas based on the local cuisine, for this reason we tend to visit 3 or so different bars to sample the different specialties offered. |
| In what language are the films offered during movie night?
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| Shown in Spanish with subtitles |
| What clothing do I need to bring?
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| In Granada, winters (November to February) tend to be moderately cold with the occasional week hitting below 0ºC/32ºF. We recommend a warm jacket and winter wear. During the summer (June to early September), the days are hot with temperatures that can reach 35ºC/95ºF. During spring and fall, the temperature tends to jump around a bit, but with a common constant of almost always blue skies and sun. |
| Do I need a car?
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No, Granada is a very walkable city and well connected by local buses.
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