Spanish Immersion

Spanish immersion at OISE Madrid is the most effective way to make real progress with the language. OISE Madrid aims to create a complete immersion experience so that every element of the students stay contributes to helping them communicate clearly and confidently in Spanish.

The Spanish immersion philosophy is built into the structure of the courses themselves. At OISE Madrid we only provide fully individual programmes or group training with a maximum of 4 students per group. We understand that the only way to make effective progress is to have the maximum possible contact time with the language which is why keeping a low student: teacher ratio is crucial.

Spanish immersion begins with the news review session in the morning. Over coffee the students look through the daily Spanish press and select an item for analysis and discussion. It is an excellent way to begin the day with a genuinely communicative activity, to introduce students to "real world" material and to begin to understand the issues which dominate contemporary Spain.

Throughout the day preparation sessions are programmed before the actual classroom lessons so that the Spanish immersion is maintained throughout the day  and the lessons themselves are as productive as possible. During breaks for coffee and tea the school staff are on hand not only to give advice about the course and local events but to ensure that students have plenty of opportunity to maintain their flow of Spanish conversation.

The social events are another excellent  way of keeping the Spanish immersion intact in a less formal environment. The OISE Madrid social programme is the perfect way to get to know Madrid in the company of an expert tutor but it also gives students to use their Spanish outside the official schoolday and interact with the madrileños themselves.

Finally, although we are always happy to help with hotel accommodation, we strongly recommend the host family option. Staying with a Spanish host family is the perfect way absorb the language and the daily rhythms of ordinary Spanish life. Combined with the intensive learning  at the school the whole experience combines to provide the fullest possible Spanish immersion.