I Learn Spanish! … Rosemary Kelly
When her daughter fell in love with a Costa Rican, Rosemary decided she wouldn't be left out of the conversation! She enrolled at El Patio. She would not have guessed then, that 7 years later (in one of the longest running courses, Advanced Extended 4), she would have found new love too - the Spanish language! Read about Rosemary's Spanish learning journey and how she maintains, grows and enjoys her new language.
La máquina de escribir (B2/C1)
Read a story about a spooky Spanish typewriter, forgotten for decades and passed down through generations. What mysteries does it keep leaving? And what secrets has it kept throughout its life? Ana Ruiz has created another gothic tale, this one for the B2/C1 level. It's great for vocabulary, verb tenses, adjectives you've never seen before, history, and of course, a bit of suspense.
Write like Cervantes! Thou hast seen nothing yet ... (B2-C1)
Miguel de Cervantes was known to capture the human condition like no other - perhaps personified most poignantly through his famous creation, Don Quijote. Cervantes died 400 years ago, on April 23, 1616, leaving behind a most influential literary legacy.
Well here we have tried something in class. To commemorate this day (which is UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day), some of our advanced students have written an autorretrato (self-portrait) in the style of Cervantes for a class exercise.
To get an idea - Imagine describing yourself in the language of William Shakespeare (Cervante's English counterpart), who happened to died in the same year. (Some say even the same day. But that depends which calendar you're looking at!) This task is aimed at the higher levels - those studying either B2 or C1.
I Learn Spanish! … Li Juen Chang
Li Juen Chang started Spanish at University on a whim. Now he's powering through the El Patio levels - having jumped from Lower Intermediate 2 to Upper Intermediate 4 in one go! (That's 7 levels!)
In this interview Li Juen reveals his secrets to success, from the apps he uses to how he manages to practice speaking Spanish outside of class.
12 Essential Tips For Exploring Cuba Like a Pro
The smell of cigars, the sounds of salsa, the taste of rum surrounded by the gorgeous, crumbling buildings and cars, brace yourself; Cuba is going to knock your socks off. Yet Cuba isn't the easiest place to be at times, the bureaucracy, the shortages, the hustle can really wear you down. Nothing can quite prepare you for Cuba, but hopefully this article will give you a few pointers to make the most of your time.
Penny's been working behind the scenes at both centres in El Patio since 2014. Recently returned from her Caribbean adventure she shares her tips and travel pics!
Receta de escalivada (B1/B2)
Escalivada is a very traditional Spanish dish prepared along the Mediterranean coast of Murcia, Valencia, Catalonia, as well as in Aragón. It consists of roasted red peppers, eggplant, onion, tomato, zucchini, and any other veggie on hand. The name comes from the Catalan verb "escalivar" meaning to cook in ashes.
This recipe is not only healthy and delicious - it will also help you understand the tú form of the Imperative! Enjoy!
I Learn Spanish! ... Fiona Ernst
After hearing the passionate swearing of a Spanish tennis player, Fiona, impressed by such expression, quickly found herself enrolling in Spanish classes with El Patio! 9 years later Fiona has taken her Spanish around the world: to Cuba, Spain and Peru and beyond! Yet she shows no signs of slowing down her progress or her desire to travel further!
La acompañante del tren (C1)
Not everything is as it appears with a lost little girl on a train! This cuento by Ana Ruiz is designed not only to thrill... but to help C1 (Advanced) students with their tenses: pretérito indefinido, pretérito imperfecto, pretérito pluscuamperfecto, condicional y pretérito imperfecto de subjuntivo. This tale also comes with some helpful exercises and a translation at the end!
I Teach Spanish! … Beatriz Solera
Meet Beatriz; Spanish language teacher, intrepid traveller and proud new mother! Read about her pathway to Spanish language tuition along with her advice to new and continuing students.
Beatriz has also provided us with a fun song exercise to share!
El Encuentro - The Encounter (B1/B2)
Ever met someones eyes in a bar and thought "Where do I know you from?" Perhaps you've never met at all... Sometimes people just have one of those faces... Or perhaps you've known this person all along.
A short story for levels Upper Intermediate and Advanced (B1/B2) with help in the uses of "se" in all its forms.
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Gift Voucher $500
Easy! Surprise your Spanish-learning friends, family or colleagues with a Gift Voucher. This voucher could be used toward a course fee and even texts. Once you have purchased your voucher, please El Patio of the…
