Student's Comments

Norbert Monti

Hungary

Standard course, 1 week

"Hi, my name is Norbert Monti and I am 17. I am a student in a Spanish bilingual school in Hungary. I really like languages ​​and I am lucky to speak several languages. Apart from that, I am interested in History, Geography, Literature and much more.

I completed an assignment and won a scholarship to come and study in Malaga for two weeks at Cervantes International School. This is my first time in Andalusia, so for me, it‘s a unique chance to experience the Spanish way of life (or rather the Andalusian way of life) and to learn, not only at school, but also by talking to people and by getting to know little by little the beauty of the region.

I'm very happy to be in the C1-level course. My teachers give me specific materials to broaden my knowledge: we see more advanced vocabulary, study texts, and grammar ... When I return to my school, I am sure that everything I have learnt during these two weeks will come in very useful.

In the future, I’d like to do a DELE course to have a certificate that provides evidence of my linguistic ability. Either way, I want to study Spanish in greater depth and keep improving my Spanish during my university studies.

Well, all I can say is that Spanish has changed my life and has opened many doors to the world. I'm glad I chose this language."

Courtney Rudge

England

Long duration Intensive course, 36 weeks

"I really enjoy studying at Cervantes. I've learnt so much since I started here. All the teachers are brilliant and the trips that the school organises are really fun. I'm extremely impressed with the school and am so pleased I decided to come here.

I've made loads of amazing new friends who normally I'd never have met, and more importantly have learnt so much Spanish. The course is great and I now have so many opportunities to use the Spanish I've learnt. Also I've learnt so much about Spain and customs here in my culture classes. I really love my course and find the school a perfect place to learn."

Emilía Fönn Andradóttir

Iceland

D.E.L.E. course, 4 weeks

"My stay at Cervantes was EXCELLENT!! I took the preparation course for the DELE exam and it improved my Spanish considerably. I have been learning Spanish for over five years here in Iceland but still couldn’t communicate effectively because we are more focused on grammar and reading. I believe that you need to immerse yourself in the language if you want to learn it properly. When I first arrived at the school, I was very excited as this was my first time outside of Iceland alone and I had always dreamt of experiencing Spain and its unique culture. The teachers and other staff at Cervantes were warm and welcoming. I particularly enjoyed the Bienvenidos and flamenco dancing; that was brilliant! Later we went on a trip with Miguel to the center of Malaga, he was the teacher in charge of the activities.

I also loved the classes; they were relaxed and the teachers were very helpful; since I took the B1 class all the lessons were in Spanish. As well as being a good school, the location of Cervantes is fantastic. It is in an old part of Malaga where not many people speak English and that made my trip even more challenging and fun!! During my stay there were people of many different ages and origins at the school, anything between sixteen and forty years old. Overall I would say that this was an excellent trip, both hugely educational and fun. I will definitely return some day."

Evgenia Starovoitova

Russia

Intensive course, 1 week

"The first city I visited in Spain was Malaga, and I loved it. The memories will be forever in my heart. For me, Andalusia is one of the best places in the Spanish-speaking world to learn the language. I love everything about Malaga: the diversity of its culture, the climate, the food, the friendliness and happy disposition of the people. There are so many things to see that it is hard to pick the most interesting ones.

As for the Spanish classes at Cervantes EI, I found the quality of the teaching and the experience of the teachers very high. All the teachers know how to turn the difficult task of learning a language into wonderful journeys and exciting adventures and thanks to their imagination, lessons go by ever so quickly."

Alexandra Ivanova

Austria

Spanish for Young People, 4 weeks

"My four weeks in Malaga were a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Everyone gave me a warm welcome when I arrived at the school. The course was neither too long nor too short and I was never bored. Thanks to the test that I took on the first day at school, I joined a group that suited me perfectly and as well as improving my Spanish, I learned interesting things about Spanish culture, watched amusing films and developed my vocabulary very quickly. The teachers were always cheerful and knew how to wake us up the day after the Spanish victory (European football Championships 2008).

What I also liked a lot was the activities with our group leader. Every day we could play lots of games on the school terrace; we played sport on the beach, went on trips to Frigiliana, went to the cinema in the evening, visited the center of Malaga and the Alcazaba, drank tea together in an Arab café and we had a great time. The group was made up of youngsters from all over the world and we still keep in touch!"

Linda van Groningen

Netherlands

27 weeks of work experience at Cervantes EI

"When I arrived in Malaga for my first day of work experience within the marketing department at Cervantes EI, I felt immediately at ease; all the staff (the teachers, admin. staff and the director) were very kind to me and by the end of the 27 weeks, they were like a family. I learnt a lot during my stay, not only about the language, but also about the culture.

In fact, although I finished my work experience more than 6 months ago, I have returned to Malaga twice as I missed the city! The first time was for a week, taking lessons in which I learnt a lot; learning Spanish at Cervantes EI is a lot better that having just two hours a week in Holland! The teachers are really friendly and know how to explain the theory in a simple, amusing and effective way. The school also organizes different activities every day and you can practise what you have learnt in class with the other students and have fun at the same time, tasting “tapas” in the evening for instance which is a custom in Malaga.

The second time I returned to Malaga was in August for the “Feria” de Malaga, one of the best fiestas in the world, honestly!, 10 days of celebrations non-stop, with music, people wearing traditional costumes, dances, delicious food and much more!

Thanks to everyone. It was an unforgettable experience."

Marisa Beier

Suiza

Curso Estándar y D.E.L.E, 6 semanas

"Hola me llamo Marisa Beier y yo estuve en Málaga durante seis semanas. Vivía con una familia española y pude hablar mucho con mi madre española. Si te alojas en una familia española no serás el uníco estudiante, tendrás hermanos de la misma u otras escuelas.
La escuela Cervantes me gustó mucho y pude aprender bastante. Para los profesores es muy importante que aprendas y por eso aprendes mucho en poco tiempo!!! Cervantes es una escuela estupenda para hacer nuevos contactos en todo el mundo!

Los actividades son muy divertidas, sobre todo el "Tapas Tour", donde puedes degustar diferentes vinos y tapas.

Málaga es una ciudad muy bonita pero también un poco loca!!! En Málaga puedes disfrutar de numerosas fiestas, tomar el sol, salir de compras y comer varias comidas típicas de España.

Echo de menos Málaga y el tiempo maravilloso que tuve allí!!"

Sophie Bourdel

France

Standard Course, 5 weeks

"I spent 5 weeks at the school and I really enjoyed the way they teach as it makes learning Spanish easy. I also enjoyed learning about the Spanish culture and meeting the other students was an enriching experience; everyone was very nice.

The other students come from all over the world and we are still in touch. The people who work at the school are very nice and always prepared to help, and now I speak Spanish. The activities that the school organized were also a good way to learn Spanish and made it feel like a game."

Lisa Ströh

Germany

Standard course, 2 weeks

"Doing the course at Cervantes EI has helped me a lot. Before I didn’t speak much Spanish. I have improved a lot now and I have a much wider vocabulary thanks to the teachers who do a really good job.

I would recommend to anyone who wants to learn Spanish to come to this school. When you want to learn a language, you need to immerse yourself in the culture of the country. Malaga has much to offer. First, there is the sea with beautiful beaches and you can also go shopping or visit very interesting historical buildings in town. At the weekend you have plenty of time to explore other places in the area (for instance Seville and Granada). Trains and buses are not expensive and run quite frequently. The school also offers a great choice of cultural activities in the evening and excursions at the weekend."

Andreea Georgescu

Romania

Intensive course, 4 weeks

"For me, coming to this school changed my life. When I arrived, I was looking forward to learning Spanish, making new friends and visiting new places, but reality far exceeded what I had expected. Although I had some basic knowledge of Spanish, in one month I managed to learn enough to take the step to move to Spain and start from scratch. For that I thank the teachers - not only for their patience with students, treating each one as an individual, but also for the confidence they give you to speak, to integrate yourself in Spanish life and to improve each day.

I made good friends with whom I remain in touch, although they live in other parts of the world. I have wonderful memories, and more importantly, a solid knowledge of Spanish, which has enabled me to live and work in Spain.

I must admit that every summer, when the school fills up with new students, I feel nostalgic and I remember the best month of my life – when I was one of them.”

Valentina Martellani

Italy

DELE + Spanish for the Legal Profession private course, 12 weeks

"The three months that I spent in Malaga were a truly wonderful experience. The teachers were very well prepared and always showed great enthusiasm to help us. The teaching method is excellent.

Malaga is an incredible city, with lots of opportunities to enjoy yourself…. It was like meeting a second family.”

Anka Jež

Slovenia

Standard Plus course, 2 weeks

"I think that Malaga is a wonderful city. I really like it as you always meet people in the streets and everything is so lively. My favorite place was, or rather is the square where you see the statue of Picasso and also la Plaza de la Marina. I lived in a little house near the beach which I liked best of all.

The course I did was very well organized and it was good that we had small groups as you can learn a lot that way. The lessons have helped me a lot with my studies at university and I am pretty sure that I will come back for another course in the future".

Monika Brodala

Poland

Standard Plus course, 2 weeks

"Malaga – sun, beach, sea, mountains ... you have it all in this wonderful and unique place. The city is beautiful; the vegetation and architecture are completely different from what you can see in my country.

In the school you meet students from all over the world and you can swap information about cultural differences and customs, and make friends with students from other continents.

The teachers are really nice and helpful. They are tolerant, but demanding.

The course is well organized; you can learn or improve your grammar and conversation with ease. There were interesting activities every day, which help you know better the Spanish culture, Malaga and other towns in Andalusia. I shan’t forget the time I spent at the school and in Malaga. I warmly recommend this school and Malaga!!!".

Mallorie Bournel

France

Standard plus Course, 3 weeks

"What I enjoyed about Málaga: the environment, the sun, the streets and old houses, the food prepared by the family, the shops, the Picasso museum and the Hamman.

The school is like a small family. I do not like big educational institutions, as if they were industries. The activities are fun, especially going out with teachers and fellow students, nights in the bars, visits in the city and monuments. However, I am a bit frustrated with the excursions during the weekends, especially to Sevilla (we did not see a lot, it was too touristy).

The teachers are very approachable in class. Even though I don´t like studying grammar when I am in France, it's my favourite class here. Sometimes we do not speak that much in our conversation classes--we write.

I enjoyed the first week the most when there were less students in each class. But I am happy and I think that if I have made progress, it is thanks to the school. The administration is very dynamic and agreeable, always answering our questions or addressing our problems."

Alok Rana

England

Standard, 2 weeks

"I really enjoyed Málaga. The city is very big and it has many things to do. It has beaches, museums, good food, and a good climate of course! Málaga is near other important cities, which is good for excursions.

The school is located in a nice area and the professors and the administrators are very pleasant. I enjoyed the activities because they were very fun and I met other students. The activities helped me to better understand the city and the Spanish culture. I never had a problem with the school or the residence and I think that the residence was really good.

Even though my course only lasted two weeks, I am surprised at how much I learned. The classes are very good."

Paola Schiavon

Italy

Intensive Course, 3 weeks

"In addition to being modern and young, Málaga is a city that is culturally and historically rich. It hosts a lot of parties and entertainment. One piece of advice: come to Málaga during August Fest.

The school is dynamic and international. The relationship with the professors is very friendly and welcoming. Every week, the school organizes activities to the city and excursions to other Andalusian cities. The class is taught very well: grammar, conversation, and culture. Everything is useful and no one is bored.

It's fun and interesting to speak with students from other countries."

Constance M. Vellut

France

Intensive Course

“I need to learn Spanish for my studies. I have always been told that Cervantes was a good school and today I can confirm it. In this school, there is a nice atmosphere. I have met people from many countries. Classes are good and they are animated. Various activities and excursions are organized for us to learn about Spanish life and culture. Málaga is a city where you can learn and improve your Spanish with its sun, its beaches, and its landscapes.”

Alex Schaub

Germany

Standard Course

"When I came to Cervantes I did not know any Spanish. I need to speak Spanish for my job. During the last five weeks, I have learned a lot of Spanish. I am happy with my teachers and I want to return to take another course next year."

Karel Van Spaendonck

Holland

Extraintensive Course

“Last year I came to the school for two weeks and really enjoyed the classes and the teachers. This year, I came back for two months because I would like to study more Spanish for my university studies."

Alexandra Mücke

Germany

D.E.L.E. Course

“When we decided to take a Spanish course, we did not have time to look for an institute that offers preparation courses for the D.E.L.E. We requested information from Cervantes through the internet and they responded to us immediately. Even though we wanted to register with such short notice, they accepted our application without any problems.

The classes are very fun because the teachers always change the structure of the classes to prevent them from becoming monotonous”.

Silvio Meier

Germany

Private Course

“The fact that I am here for the third time says it all. And once again I am happy with my life in Málaga, especially with my classes and my teachers. I had the opportunity to go out with friends that I met from my previous stays and make new ones, something that is always easy in Málaga.”