There's a Verb Workshop for You!

Untangle the knot of Spanish verbs with our 3-hour workshops. We reveal hidden patterns of even the most difficult-to-handle irregular verbs. We shine a light on the unruly forms and uses of the world-famous past tenses. We demystify and help you feel at home with the present subjunctive. Sign up for one - or more if you want that cosy comfy verb feeling!

Travel Tips for Latin America: How to Get the Most Out of Your Trip and Travel Stress Free!

Heading to Latin America soon? Take a look at our tips to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible!

I Teach Spanish ... Cande!

Meet the smiley and energetic Cande from Argentina, one of El Patio's amazing teachers! Cande has used her Spanish teaching abilities far and wide, from teaching in schools and volunteering among migrant communities in her native Argentina, to joining El Patio's team here in Melbourne. These different experiences have allowed Cande to hone her skills and learn plenty along the way. Read on for more about her story, top tips for Spanish learners, as well as an activity on the past tenses!

Artists Behind the Aulas - Celia Cruz

At El Patio Northcote, each of our classrooms (aulas) are named after an artist from the Spanish-speaking world. The classroom right down the back in our Northcote Centre is named after Cuban singer Celia Cruz, known as "La Reina de la Salsa" (The Queen of Salsa). Here we wanted to tell you a little bit about who she was and why we love her!

El Patio's guide to the 2023 Spanish Film Festival!

It's that time of the year again, and the Moro Spanish Film Festival is back in Melbourne from 15 June-5 July, with a brand new range of Hispanic cinema for 2023! With movies from Colombia to Spain, Mexico and beyond, take a look at El Patio's top 2023 Spanish Film Festival recommendations!

Tapas and Pintxos - what's it all about?

Despite all the delicious food on offer in the regions of Spain, one style of dish has become synonymous with the country: tapas. Their fame is perhaps only matched by pintxos, its Basque cousin. Read on for a history of these iconic delicacies, and some of the best recipes you can try at home - or in one of our upcoming Tapas and Pintxos Workshops!

I Speak Spanish ... Carmel!

Get to know our lovely, bubbly Carmel, one of El Patio's warm and friendly student support team!

Carmel's Spanish learning journey began with an incredible 6-month volunteering trip through Latin America in 2019. She's just returned from another whirlwind adventure, exploring Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and beyond. Suffice to say, her Spanish is top-notch!

Benefit from Carmel's hard earned wisdom and discover her insightful advice for those on their own language learning quest.

Get acquainted with Carmel and her intrepid adventures!

Know Your Salsa

We love salsa! Not just the dance, but also the food! While both are equally important in Latin culture, one is significantly easier to do than the other!

Simply made from chopped fresh ingredients, they can be spicy or mild and there is no need to cook them! Salsas are a very distinct aspect of Latin cuisine, learn more about them here!

Ser or Estar … Dying to Know the Answer? (A1-C1)

When students first learn that there are two very different forms of 'to be' in Spanish they are often confused and perhaps even a little annoyed! "But why!?" is a very common reaction! Yet grasping the difference between 'ser' and 'estar' is often a watershed moment in the Spanish acquisition journey!

Best Tacos in Melbourne?

Once upon a time in Melbourne, Mexican food was solely hard shell tacos and nachos with sour cream. Thankfully our ever evolving, beautiful Melbourne has exploded with authentic, fresh, bursting with flavour REAL MEXICAN FOOD. We've made a list of our favorite taco spots - we don't want to fight about it but LET'S TACO 'BOUT IT.

Do you have a favorite? Did we miss something? Tell us on our Instagram! @elpatiospanish

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