Student Information Guide

Trip to Valencia

Welcome

to Conversa Spanish Institute

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Address: Conversa Spanish Institute

Marqués de sotelo 3,
planta 2 puerta 4

Email: [email protected]
School’s phone: +34 961 25 87 67
Emergencies mobile: +34 656 73 71 45
Administration’s mobile: +34 611 58 75 47

Welcome to our Spanish school in Valencia, where you can immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture while enjoying the wonderful climate and beauty of this Mediterranean city. At our school, we take pride in offering a welcoming and stimulating environment for learning Spanish. Our highly trained teachers will help you achieve your language goals through interactive and personalized classes, which include practical activities, cultural excursions, and thematic workshops. We hope you enjoy your stay in Valencia and make the most of your Spanish learning experience with us.

We are more than just a language school

 

Our mission

At Conversa Spanish Institute, our mission is to offer transformative education that transcends conventional language learning. We utilize advanced information and communication technologies, along with artificial intelligence, to create a personalized and effective learning environment. These technologies allow us to tailor our teachings to the individual needs of each student, fostering a deep understanding of both the language and the rich Spanish and Latin American culture. We are committed to forging personal and cultural connections, making each student feel part of our community, not only during their stay but throughout their learning journey.

We believe that learning a language is not just about mastering grammar and vocabulary, but also about experiencing the culture and lifestyle associated with it. Our approach integrates cultural immersion and interactive learning, ensuring that students gain practical language skills they can use in real-life situations. By participating in our sociocultural activities, students engage with local traditions, cuisine, and social practices, enriching their educational experience and deepening their connection to the Spanish-speaking world.

Our vision

We aspire to be a leader in the teaching Spanish sector, recognized for our innovative integration of technology in education. Our vision is to create a learning ecosystem where technology and cultural interaction intertwine to provide a comprehensive educational experience—a true 360 degree experience. This approach allows us not only to effectively teach the language but also to inspire our students to live and breathe Spanish culture, preparing them to use Spanish in any professional or personal context.

Our vision includes expanding our reach and impact, continuously improving our methodologies, and staying at the forefront of educational innovation. We aim to build a global community of Spanish learners who are well-equipped to navigate diverse cultural landscapes and communicate effectively across borders. By fostering a deep appreciation for Spanish and Latin American cultures, we hope to promote mutual understanding and global citizenship among our students.

At Conversa Spanish Institute, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where students can thrive. We encourage continuous learning and curiosity, empowering our students to pursue their goals with confidence and enthusiasm. Join us on this transformative journey and become a part of our vibrant community committed to excellence in language education.

PREPARATION BEFORE DEPARTURE

Documentation in the
EUROPEAN UNION

PASSPORT or ID CARD

For those under 18, it is mandatory to carry a passport. The ID card is valid as long as it is accompanied by an official parental authorization. Only those over 18 years old can travel with the National Identity Document.

FOR THOSE TRAVELING FROM OUTSIDE THE EUROPEAN UNION, A PASSPORT IS ESSENTIAL.

It is obligatory to bring everything both on the outbound and on the return trip.

Documentation

All participants in our courses have to bring:

Documents:

  • Passport
  • Necessary medical documentation
  • Medical insurance or European
    sanitary card

PREPARATION BEFORE DEPARTURE

Your visiting teacher

From departure to return, they will be the key person in your experience. They are aware of the responsibility they have for you, but you should respect and obey them above anyone else. They will be your helper and trusted person, never hesitate to share your problems or complaints with them. They will be your first point of contact.

Tell your visiting teacher if you encounter any problems and he/she will work with the school to solve them.

Luggage (for Europe)

We recommend that you bring only one suitcase. For those traveling by plane, the maximum weight is 20/23 kg depending on the airline you are traveling with.

The small cabin bag and the possibility of carrying a backpack depends on the airline.

Please check the documents you have received by email from your airline to comply with their luggage regulations.

Don’t put your money or passport in your suitcase and DO NOT FORGET TO IDENTIFY YOUR SUITCASE AND HAND LUGGAGE!

PREPARATION BEFORE DEPARTURE

Clothing

Weather in Valencia is warm and you should be prepared as if for spring if you come through the year. Between June-August it gets really hot at around 35° (95 degrees Fahrenheit). In addition to the clothes you think are suitable to bring, we want to remind you of some of the items you should not forget.

  • Jeans
  • T-shirts
  • Sweater or sweatshirt
  • Raincoat
  • Underwear
  • Sport clothes
  • Pool towel
  • Swimsuit
  • Toiletry bag with everything necessary for personal hygiene
  • Comfortable shoes

Pocket money

We recommend about €100 as pocket money. It is highly recommended to bring a credit card for emergencies. We do not advise carrying large amounts of cash. 

On the first day, we will buy the SUMA 10 transport card together, which is a 10-trip pass for the metro and bus that costs around €8.

If you run out of money

Conversa will provide a bank account number to those who need it so that a wire can be made, and we can then transfer the money to the student once received. The processing fees for this operation must be paid by the parents.

THE SCHOOL

The school is located at Marqués de Sotelo number 3. Around the school you will find pharmacies, banks, supermarkets, places to eat, and shops.

referencia

  • Farmacia
  • banco
  • parada de autobús
  • supermercado
  • zara (tienda de ropa)
  • primark (tienda de ropa)
  • starbucks
  • mister churro
  • pastelería nuezcafé
  • hard rock café
  • naked & sated (comida sin gluten)
  • city poké
  • 100 montaditos
  • lizarrán
  • heladería bautista
  • palacio de bellota
  • malila (restaurante vegano)
  • estación kebap (halal)

THE SCHOOL

Save the school’s address and phone number on your mobile phone and on a piece of paper to carry it in your wallet.

The school is equipped with spacious and well-lit classrooms. It has screen and projector equipment for interactive activities.

You can see a video of the school

The facilities are modern and welcoming to provide students with a conducive environment for language learning. Classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including interactive screens and advanced audio systems that enhance the learning experience. In addition, the school has a well-stocked library with a wide variety of Spanish learning materials..

trasportation to school

On the first day we will give you the SUMA 10 transport pass so you can come to school by bus or metro. Accommodations are usually between a 20-30 minute walk from the school, but public transportation in Valencia is very safe, reliable and affordable. Private vehicles are not allowed in the city center, as Valencia is a green city.

The school is equipped with spacious and well-lit classrooms. It has screen and projector equipment for interactive activities.

IF YOU STAY WITH A HOST FAMILY

Your family will be waiting for you at the school on the first day to take you home with them. In case of any unexpected event and they cannot come to the meeting point, the school will arrange for transportation to the home.

On the first day, your family will show you the way from Conversa to your home. The next day, they will bring you back to the school to make sure you are comfortable with the trip.

The Conversa host family is a crucial part of your language course stay. All of our families are interviewed by our team, and most of them have been working with us for years.

For us the quality of a host family is essential.

When staying with a host family, it’s important to understand and respect their way of life and customs.

Learning the cultural differences of a foreign country and being able to live with a local family is almost the most important part of this experience.

You will have breakfast and dinner with your host family, so it is essential that they know your schedule or any activities that might prevent you from keeping your mealtime.

As a general rule, dinner is the time for the family to gather. In the mornings, schedules may not coincide (children going to school, work schedules, etc.), and it is common for each member of the family to have breakfast at their preferred time without waiting for others, including children.

In some programs, for lunch, your family will provide you with a Packed Lunch and you will eat it with your teacher and classmates during the corresponding break.

IF YOU STAY WITH A HOST FAMILY

Keep in mind that the family model can be much broader than the idea we may have. It can be elderly couples, individuals, or single parents.

Your host family might give you a key to the house, but you should know that this is usually reserved for students who are over 18 years old. If you do not have a key to the house, the family will inform you of their schedules.

In the house there may be other international students. Practice Spanish with them!

Respect the meal times and the curfew time for returning home. Try to make the most of the time you spend with the family.

Although in Spain dinner and bedtime are later than in other countries (between 9pm and 10pm), if you go to bed later than the rest of the family, remember to respect quiet times.

Some families have pets. If you don’t feel comfortable with any of the pet’s habits, let your family know and they will do their best to accommodate you. It is essential that you inform us if you suffer from any allergies or asthma.

If families invite you to an event they are attending, accept the invite. It’s a great way to get to know new places and customs. If they decide to use public transportation, offer to pay your share.

IF YOU STAY WITH A HOST FAMILY

Meals

We cannot force host families to change their lifestyle and adapt to yours. Enjoy Spanish food!

Breakfast

It usually consists of coffee or cocoa with milk accompanied by toast, cereal or biscuits. If you want something different, ask politely, the family may offer you other options. Although churros are very popular, we only eat them on special occasions.

Dinner

It usually takes place between 8:30 and 10:00 pm. It is normal that it will take you a few days to get used to this schedule. If you feel hungry, it’s best to have a snack in the afternoon (merienda), around 5 or 6, after your Conversa activity.

IF YOU STAY WITH A HOST FAMILY

single room or
shared with a roommate

We cannot guarantee that you will have a single room. In most cases, you will share the room with a fellow student.

Some advice

It’s a good idea to bring a small gift for the host family. Why not something typical from your country? For example, an English book about your city, a traditional sweet, etc.

Do not forget that you must communicate with your family in Spanish

 Washing clothes

Normally the stay is short so there’s no need for laundry. However, if you need to wash your clothes ask your family to help you out.

Most families wash the students’ clothes, although they are not obligated to do so.

Remember, you will not be the only one using the washing machine and it is easy for the clothes to get mixed up.

IF YOU STAY IN A RESIDENCE / HOSTEL

acommodation

The bedrooms in the hostel or residence are all similar: they can be rooms with multiple beds and storage spaces for clothes. You must make your bed before breakfast and keep it tidy and clean. Do not talk or make noise, as there are other students in your room who will want to sleep. Please respect them, and they will respect you in return.

PLEASE NOTE THAT STAYING IN A RESIDENCE AT NIGHT MEANS FULLY LIVING WITH YOUR CLASSMATES.

This means that you must respect the rules with utmost care.

laundry service at Residence/Hostel

Students are responsible for their own laundry, with the assistance of their teacher.

facilities

Normally the stay is short so three no need for laundry. However, if you need to wash your clothes ask your family to help you out.

Most families wash the students’ clothes, although they are not obligated to do so.

Enjoy this experience with your classmates.

IF YOU STAY IN A RESIDENCE / HOSTEL

general rules in Residences and Hostels

We expect that in the Residence/Hostel your activity will be as respectful as possible, complying with its instructions and regulations. Below are some points not to forget:

  1. You cannot leave the Residence/Hostel without permission from your teacher.

  2. You will have to attend all meals. You must form and respect the queues.

  3. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the premises.

  4. In order to not disturb others, please do not run in the corridors and facilities of the residence, and try not to scream.

  5. You must remain inside the building once it gets dark. The lights will be turned off around 11:00 PM, and each student must be in their bed, doing so quietly. (Applicable to minors or junior courses).

  6. During the day, you should avoid entering the dormitory area as much as possible, unless it is absolutely necessary. Please do not play there and always keep your bed and space tidy.

  7. We ask that you be careful with the facilities and valuable objects within them, and please do not litter or throw papers on the floor.

  8. Class attendance is mandatory, and you must be punctual for both classes and activities.

  9. As the most important objective of your experience is the language and culture of the country, you will have to encourage yourself to interact with them.

  10. If you cause any damage to the facilities of the residence/hostel, you are OBLIGATED to inform your teacher. Hiding it will cause you many problems.

  11. Do not keep money in your room. Your teacher or the staff of the residence can keep it in a secure place inside.

The COURSES and your teachers

The courses and your Conversa teachers

Attendance to class is mandatory and the classes are taught by qualified teachers. Conversa teachers have a lot of experience and surely, they will prepare fun activities and dynamics.

It is important that your conduct contributes positively to the classroom environment and helps create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.

This not only helps maintain a certain discipline but also contributes to making learning and coexistence easier for everyone. You will not be allowed to drink or eat in class. Likewise, it’s important to be mindful of keeping the classrooms, hallways, and other areas clean and tidy, and to avoid creating unnecessary mess.

BEHAVIOR in public

behavior in public

QUEUEING is a deeply rooted custom and you should ALWAYS keep it in mind, whether waiting for the bus or in stores, post offices, etc. If you try to jump ahead, you will probably be reprimanded.

In most cases, as long as you behave appropriately with your teachers, classmates, and others, you should not encounter any issues. It’s a good idea to strive to be a positive role model and avoid putting others in the position of having to correct your behavior.

If you are on an escalator or moving walkway in an airport, you should always stay on the right side so that others who want to pass can do so.

conversa rules

The following are the rules that all students enrolled in our courses must comply with. They are designed for the safety and comfort of everyone and will be supervised by our staff and host families. Please read these rules carefully, it is very important that you respect them. Failure to comply with any of them, along with those expressed in the general conditions of the program, will result in the student’s expulsion from the course, and all expenses incurred for the return trip will be borne by the student or their parents or guardians.

  1.  Contact your teachers or our staff in case of need. Your teachers are the responsible people and the ones you should go to in case of need. It is vital that you always obey them for your safety.

  2. Class attendance is mandatory. Both daily attendance in class and attendance to the activities and excursions included in the price are mandatory. Your teachers will verify that everyone is in class every day. In case of illness, the host family will justify your absence from class.

  3. Respect the way of life of the host country. Customs vary from one country to another. You must respect the way of acting of each country and get used to it, and adapt to the family, not the other way around. It is part of the culture.

  4. Respect your host family. The hospitality of host families should not be taken advantage of. You should collaborate with household tasks. You must keep your room tidy and make your bed in the morning. It would be a nice gesture to help set or clear the table and clean the bathroom after use. In Valencia, it does not rain much, and water may be scarce in some seasons, so please do not abuse it. The family meal times must be respected. Please inform them if you will be late for dinner or if you have a full-day excursion or activity.

  5. Take care of the belongings of your host family. If you break something or lose the keys to the family’s home or residence, for example, and the lock has to be changed, you will be responsible for the costs incurred by your damages. Conversa is not responsible for any intentional or unintentional damage.

  6. You have to be punctual and respect the curfew. The host families will indicate the schedule, but if you are going to be late, for example, for dinner, you must inform your family.

  7. You will not be allowed to leave the city where the language course takes place without authorization.
    You will also not be allowed to spend the night at another classmate’s home without the knowledge of your teachers, the authorization of both host families, as well as your parents or legal guardians.

  8. Permits and medical and allergy information. A parental authorization is required if you want to practice any water sport or any activity that involves danger. It is also mandatory to fill out the medical and allergy information.

  9. DRUGS AND ALCOHOLIC DRINKS, INCLUDING WINE OR BEER, ARE PROHIBITED. Noncompliance with this rule will result in immediate expulsion of the student. No compensation will be refunded for failure to complete the course. THIS RULE IS ALSO APPLICABLE TO THOSE STUDENTS OVER 18 YEARS OLD.

  10. SHOP LIFTING. If any student is caught taking something without paying from a store (even if it is just a pencil), they will have committed a serious offense abroad and will be immediately handed over to the police and removed FROM THE PROGRAM. In this case, the costs of return and legal procedures will be borne by the student. Conversa is not responsible for the current or future consequences that such an act may entail.

  11. It is prohibited to hitchhike.

  12. No motor vehicle may be rented or driven.

  13. It is not allowed to get tattoos, piercings or alter your physical appearance.

  14. NO BULLYING. Conversa has a zero-tolerance policy towards students who exercise social, digital, or any other form of pressure on their peers. Our goal is the safety of our students, and any such act will be penalized with immediate expulsion from the program. The costs incurred by the expulsion will be borne by the parents or guardians.

A little more information for Parents

OUR TEACHERS

They are the responsible for the group and the ones that students can turn to at any time. They are professionals with experience in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language and they keep their teaching methods and classroom management techniques current and up-to-date.

Only the best become teachers at Conversa after a tough selection and training process. It is important that you encourage your children to report any problems to their teachers since day one.

It’s important that you encourage your children to tell their teachers about any problems from the first day.

the host family

Most families host our students year after year, and many of them repeat with the same families. Customs and habits vary from country to country. It is the student who must get used to meal times, for example, and not the family who must get used to the student. From our experience, we can tell you that it is very easy to get used to the pace of life in our language courses. As parents, we must be prepared for the cultural shock that our children will experience.

It is very important that you prepare your child so that the  experience is as enjoyable as possible. #openyourmind

MEDICAL AND ALLERGY Information

It is important to inform Conversa of possible allergies, illnesses, medications, etc. that may affect the student’s stay so that the team is aware and thus avoid major problems.

PROGRAM RULES

Before departure, we kindly ask you to review the rules again with your children. These rules are established in order to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone.

Braking the rules could lead to immediate suspension from the program, and the costs would be paid by the student.

SENDING MONEY

If your child runs out of money during their stay, you can always send them the amount you deem appropriate via bank transfer. In this case, Conversa will provide you with a bank account number, and once the transfer is made, we will give the student the agreed-upon amount. The transaction fees for this operation must be paid by the parents.

contact

In case of emergency you can contact the accompanying teachers or you can also contact the Conversa team through email or by phone: 

Email: [email protected] 
School’s phone: +34 961 25 87 67
Emergencies mobile: +34 656 73 71 45
Administration’s phone: +34 611 58 75 47