Old students

Comments

Letters & E-mails

Letter from Melody:

"I am writing to thank you very much for giving me such a wonderful week when I came on the course at the start of October.

The lessons were excellent and I learned a lot and gained more confidence in my ability to speak Spanish. The house was very comfortable and the food was delicious, with Merche managing to produce two terrific meals every day. The excursions were very interesting and it was great to see and learn about Cantabria, which is a beautiful region.

From the moment I arrived I had the most wonderful time and I am very grateful to you for everything you did to make my stay such a good one.

I had read the information on your website and I did not expect to be able to do a lot after lessons. I thought that I would sit in the garden and relax whilst revising what I had been taught. I hope that you understand I was not expecting to be given special treatment and I did not take it for granted that you would look after me. However your kindness, thoughtfulness and considerateness meant that I did far more than I had expected to.

Thank you very much for the best week I have had for a long time.

With best wishes

Melody

(Written in English because it is important that you can understand all I am saying to you!)"

Email from Steven:

"I spent 3 weeks with Fernando and Merche prior to taking my A level exam. My speaking ability needed a boost and so did many aspects of the grammar, especially the subjunctive!

It was money very well spent as I improved greatly in all aspects, especially the speaking.

I found Fernando's style of teaching very straight forward, stimulating and patient when needed. The total immersion in the language helped me to improve rapidly- although I had 3 hours of one to one lessons in the morning, the stimulation to use and improve was there from them both all day and in the evening, i.e. I was expected to give an account of my day during dinner using the grammar that I had revised - correction was always given in a friendly and helpful way !

I learned more about the culture, history and politics of Spain during my time there than I had from the previous adult learning courses. Conversation was stimulating.

They made me feel extremely welcome and a member of the family to the extent that when they had an invitation from other members of their family to a social gathering I was not only invited but expected to attend - everyone that I met were friendly and interested.

When meeting their friends in a bar, etc. I was introduced as a friend studying Spanish - never as a client or student.

I came away much more enthused, competent and confident about my grasp of spanish.

For me the 3 weeks were right, however, I would recommend to any one a minimum of 2 weeks to obtain the benefit of the immersion teaching - the longer the better!

I will return next year prior to my OU exams as I consider that I received excellent value for money - the accommodation is excellent and the food is local authentic fayre.

I researched many of these immersion courses over many months and I am so pleased that I chose this one.

Steven Bennet"

Email from Tricia:

"My week in Puente Viesgo with Fernando, Merche & Puky the dog was a very enjoyable learning experience. The excellent tuition in Spanish in classes with Fernando was complemented by the ongoing general conversation in which I had the opportunity to put into practice what I had learnt each morning.

Their beautifully renovated Cantabrian farmhouse combines total comfort with the timeless charm of the distinctive houses of this region and Merche's excellent cooking, (including great vegetarian meals) provided fuel for all the beautiful walks available from their doorstep. I would highly recommend the course to anyone interested in learning more about Spanish language and culture and in having a very enjoyable week."

Tricia Harkin, Dublin

Email from John Airey:

"Si quieres aprender español en un ambiente acogedor y agradable has encontrado el sitio absolutamente apropiado para ti. Desde el momento que llegas a la casa de Fernando y Merche te sientes “at home” y ambos hacen lo que pueden para asegurar que tendrás una verdadera experiencia española mientras estás mejorando tu conocimiento del idioma.
Ubicada en un paisaje muy bonito la casa ofrece un buen centro para hacer senderismo, montar en bicicleta, o hacer viajes por todo Cantabria, siempre con buenos consejos.
Antes de venir no sabía lo que encontraría, ¡pero si lo hubiera sabido habría venido antes!
Esta es mi tercera visita y estoy seguro de que volveré. Me encanta Cantabria, me alegra tener la oportunidad de vivir con una familia española amable y aprender español como se habla en casa y recomendaría sin reserva que te aproveches de esta única experiencia."

John Airy

Comments from a group of expats:

"A whole new aspect of Spain to be experienced. I felt more absorbed in Spanish life." "Everyone must visit Cantabria. Vistas fantastic, wonderful places to see." "Being in this part of Spain ensures you must speak Spanish more. It's a beautiful part of the country." "I have enjoyed the clases, the area and advice given." "It is a very beautiful area, such a contrast from the Costas. Good to get away to experience the culture."