Patagonia, 1994

Need some distraction? Here Nick Tapp (a long-term El Patio student) tells the story of his amazing mountain climbing adventure in Patagonia in 1994. It makes us want to start planning the next trip!
(PS: if you need a very good editor, check Nick's site: www.detail-ed.com.au)

Champeta - What's the hype? / Champeta - ¿Por qué tanto bombo?

One of the most rewarding aspects about studying Spanish is the opportunity it offers to engage with Hispanic cultures from across the world.

Let Naira, one of our staff from Colombia, tell you all about 'Champeta' - a dance style that burst onto the world stage in February this year. As you find yourself spending more time inside and in need of new exercise ideas, why not try the Champeta ​Challenge at home!

Know your Empanada

The empanada is a hand-sized savoury pie or turnover that can have many different fillings and be cooked in different ways. You can find them all over Latin America and Spain, and they are a good representation of the each region's culture and taste.

With the Strength of the Sun Andean Carnival - Carnaval Andino con la Fuerza del Sol

The annual International Andean Carnival called, 'With the Strength of the Sun', is one of the most important in Latin America. Learn more about this unique celebration of the Andean culture of northern Chile, Peru and Bolivia.

I Teach Spanish ... Martina Zuccaro!

Meet Martina from Argentina!


Martina's career started in Barcelona, after moving there from Buenos Aires with her family. It was her love for books and languages that lead her to teaching.

Read on to find out what's her favourite thing about Australian students and her advice to them.

El Patio Photography Competition 2020

Calling out to all Instagram fanatics, travel photography whizz-kids and landscape framing afficionados - here's your chance to get more than just 'likes' on Instagram for your efforts! Enter into our photography competition and we will display your beautiful piece for an entire month in both of our centres AND you could win a whole 15 hour course!

To make it both more fun and fair - the winner will be selected by popular vote: a people's choice award!

Read how to enter here! (It's super easy)

Know your Arepa

The Arepa is a traditional flat corn cake that you can eat for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, making it an essential food for many. It can be fried, baked, fried and baked, grilled or steamed. It can be a side or a main, have fillings or toppings, making it without a doubt one of the most versatile Latin-American dishes.

Mujer sin nombre (B1-B2)

España, principios de la década de los sesenta (Presente, Imperfecto e Indefinido).

"Mujer sin nombre" es una historia sobre el desarrollo turístico en la costa del levante español y las consecuencias que tuvo en su población y paisaje. A la par, se nos presenta una mujer cualquiera que se queda sin su medio de subsistencia, sin que se le ofrezca ninguna otra alternativa que la de ir a servir a la ciudad. Esta historia, aunque inventada, podría ser la vida de muchas mujeres que tuvieron que abandonar sus pueblos para ir a trabajar de sirvientas a las grandes urbes.

Los Van Van - then and now!

Los Van Van's music tells the story of Cuba itself, from its conquest by the Spanish to its modern, turbulent history - all the while celebrating the vivacity, toughness and community that defines Cuba today! This year Los Van Van celebrated their 50th anniversary - let's look at how they've evolved!

Meandering along el Camino de Santiago

In late 2015, Chris (one of our admin team) and his partner, walked el Camino de Santiago. Here he provides a brief history of the pilgrimage, recounts some of his experiences and offers some advice for those planning on undertaking the long walk across Spain.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Each month we'll send you Spanish language tips, practice exercises, useful links, special offers and fun upcoming events.

View past newsletters


Join our online community!

Become our friend on facebook or follow us on twitter. Connect with us and become part of our online spanish community.