Getting the most out of your Spanish classes often means having
the opportunity to interact with other students whether it be
to socialize, exchange information or just to practice your
Spanish.
Students of all nationalities have studied here at Critstóbal
Colón, ranging in age from 16 to 70. The majority of our students
are approximately 18 to 35
years old. Our students are what make
the school great, and we are proud to have helped hundreds to
reach their goals and improve their Spanish. Here's what some
of our students have had to say about their time at Cristobal
Colon:
Duncan from England ,
I studied Spanish at the school for three weeks in April 2010
as part of a Gap Year Expedition with Quest Overseas. I can highly
recommend the school for its excellent teachers, its relaxed
atmosphere and its intimate style of teaching. I had an extremely
successful and enjoyable 3 weeks living and working in the school.
Simon from London,
I have been coming back to Cristobal Colon Spanish school for
over 4 years and have found that the school has
gone from strength to strength. The teachers are all very professional
and the approach of all involved is of the highest standard.
I highly recomend it.
Simon Tierney Expedition Leader
Tom from London,
Ever since the day we arrived, we have been met with nothing
but a warm and friendly atmosphere. The level of Spanish coaching
was excellent and complimented our time here as opposed to interrupting
it. The staff go above and beyond the service expected, consistently
recommending novel and worthwhile places to visit during the
day and the night. By creating a relaxed and friendly environment
in which to stay and study, my time in Quito has been all the
better because of Cristobal Colon.
Claire from Australia,
With just 6 weeks of lessons Cristobal Colon has helped me to
progress from 'hola' and ´gracias'
to being able to converse
with Spanish speakers in everyday situations. Their
quality teaching has given me a solid base upon which to expand
my language skills in the future as well as the confidence to
travel solo around South America. More than that, Jose and the
staff have made me feel at home here in Quito and I have no hesitation
in wholeheartedly recommending the school to everyone wishing
to study in Ecuador.
Cristóbal Colón is a FABULOUS place to learn Spanish and grow as a person
Submitted by Marc Fernandes (not verified) on Tue, 07/20/2010 - 00:06.
I lived in Ecuador for a year back in 2010. I came to Quito with no spanish language skills and left a year later with an ability to speak, engage on real issues and fall in love in Spanish and with Spanish. I dont think this would have happened as gracefully as it had without the love and support of José and her school. She was intellegent, friendly, openminded, and passionate about her work, culture and life. These great characteristics filtered down to the staff and teachers hired. It was a wonderful place to spend my time even if I wasn't taking a class. I started off with five days a week, four hours a day. This shifted to less over time. By the end of my time I was seeing José a few days a week for maybe four hours. What I loved the most was talking about our lives. José and I come from such different backgrounds and experiences but we shared the common language of Spanish to bridge the gaps and share about "our" worlds. We certainly didnt see eye to eye on all things BUT we had mutual respect and care to get us through. I highly recommend José and Cristóbal Colón as a place to not only learn Spanish but to learn about Ecuador, people and yourself. José, if you read this post--I miss you and will be back to visit in the near future.
02/14/2010 - 19:36.
I studied in Cristóbal Colón for 31/2 weeks for 4 hours a day. I never had any Spanish before and I started on level 0. I am an older student, past my 60th so starting a new language is not that easy as if you are in your 20th. My goal was to be able to orient myself with the language and to be able to travel by myself. After my classes I understood much more that I was able to speak, but still did all my traveling using the Spanish I learned. Definitely I got a background in Spanish that I can build on know. The school was very helpful and found me a host family to stay with. It was the great experience by itself. José and Azucena, owners of Cristóbal Colón are very nice and run the school on professional level. All teachers are very nice. The school is in a great location and at a very good price. The reason I chose the Cristóbal Colón School was based on the recommendation of other students on the internet and I was very pleased with the choice. Thanks Cristóbal Colón and everyone in the school for a great time at the school and in Quito. Warmest Regards your “chistoso” Chevere Daniela
Great school
Submitted by Shane O'Toole (not verified) on Tue, 01/05/2010 - 18:37.
I studied in Cristóbal Colón for 5 weeks for 4 hours a day. In this time I brought my level of spanish from beginner to high intermediate. The school was extremly helpful and found me a host family to stay with. The school is in a great location and at a very good price. I had 2 teachers during my time and both teachers were excellent especially Geovanni. The reason I chose the school was for its super atmosphere. When I first arrived in the school everyone was laughing and chatting. Its the perfect learning envirnment. They also arrange trips out into the city if you are sick of the classroom. Thanks Cristóbal Colón and everyone in the school for an great time in the school. Best of luck in 2010 Shane, Ireland
Congradulations
Submitted by Ali Torkzadeh (not verified) on Wed, 09/09/2009 - 08:20.
Many congradulations to you José and Azucena for the school's success. Obviously you're doing business the right way and God has blessed you abundantly. Ali
I studied Spanish at Cristóbal Colón
Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on Mon, 02/16/2009 - 11:31.
I studied Spanish at Cristóbal Colón for four weeks in February/March 2004 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. no more no less cobro
Cristóbal Colón is an Excellent School
Submitted by Daryl and Julie (not verified) on Fri, 03/28/2008 - 22:33.
My wife and I studied with Cristóbal Colón over a period of about 6 months during 2006/08. We did a great deal of research on Spanish schools in Quito prior to coming, and are so pleased that we did all of our spanish classes with Cristóbal Colón. We recommend Cristóbal Colón completely. José and Azucena are incredibly welcoming, scrupulously honest, very flexible, and above all effective in their teaching methods. Our spanish improved greatly through our time there, and we really appreciated the quality of the different teachers who we spent time with. Don't hesitate to go straight to this school. Cheers, Daryl and Julie, New Zealand
Feeling like home
Submitted by Sophie Bélisle, Canada (not verified) on Wed, 06/13/2007 - 18:59.
I got to CRISTÓBAL COLÓN school in March knowing only a few words of spanish...'Hola','cerveza',you know, the important words for travelers! With their incredible teachers, I not only learned how to speak this beautiful language, but I have learned how to truely appreciate the culture. When you have people around you that make you feel at ease, that make you laugh, that make you feel like you are part of their family, it is then that you truely see that the most important language in this world comes from the heart! Thank you to all the teachers that I had the honour to work with, and to all the friends I had the chance to make! Besos! Sophie Bélisle, Canada
Yadira Bedon
Submitted by Kurt Hull (not verified) on Tue, 04/10/2007 - 07:12.
Hace dos anos estudie espanol en Escuela Cristóbal Colón. Mi professora Yadira Bedon (feliz cumpleanos) fue muy excellente, y hasta hoy todavia somos amigos. Es mi gran espera que tendre la opportunidad estudiar otra vez en Escuela Cristóbal Colón y con una professora no puedo olvidar, Seniorita Yadira Bedon. :---)
Outstanding group of teachers
Submitted by Tim Coleman (not verified) on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 07:03.
As someone who spent 6 weeks at Cristóbal Colón Spanish School, I can definitely say José and Azucena have assembled an outstanding group of teachers. They work hard to teach lessons appropriate for your level and goals, meanwhile creating a fun and friendly atmosphere. Everyone gets along and helps each other. The school ensures that new students are introduced to existing students during breaks and short Friday excursions around Quito. I especially have to applaud my teacher, Margarita, for her energetic personality that made the four-hour classes fly by each day. My family stay with the Pavon family was also an excellent part of my trip. The family always spoke Spanish and accomodated any dietary restrictions. They also had space to house other foreigners, which added to the homestay experience. Overall, my trip was a great success. Without any hesitancy, I can recommend Cristóbal Colón as the school of choice for studying Spanish in Quito. Tim Coleman, USA
impressed by the teachers
Submitted by Bob and Sue Anderson (not verified) on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 06:59.
My wife and I attended Cristóbal Colón Spanish School in Quito Ecuador for more than 3 weeks and for 4 hours per day. My wife decided to retain the same teacher for all that time but I changed and experienced 3 different teachers. In both cases we were impressed by the teachers. They provided a well balanced mix of theory, grammar and practice in conversation. They were all experienced teachers who used diverse methods of instruction. We especially enjoyed the opportunities to intermix with the other students and the other teachers. The overall atmosphere was very friendly. Indeed when we returned to Quito after 9 weeks absence, we walked past the school and we were noticed by some of the teachers and we were welcomed as if we were part of their family. We had previosly attended another school but Cristóbal Colón provided a commensurate service at a better price with the additional advantage of a more friendly environment in which to learn. We both recommend the Cristóbal Colón Spanish School. Bob and Sue Anderson, Australia
a lot of good memories.
Submitted by Sylvia Braam - Nijmegen (not verified) on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 06:58.
I studied Spanish with Cristóbal Colón November and December 2004 . I had a really great time there, especially because the people are so friendly. I had four hours of spanish a day, that was just enough for me to learn it quite quick and to have some free time to do other things. You have one teacher one student so the lessons can fit your personal needs. Cristóbal Colón is quite a cheap school but they have good teachers and a programme of things they organize for the student. I made a few trips and went studying with three others in the Jungle for a week. That was a really nice experience, spanish lessons in the morning and walks, rafting, kanoing etc. in the afternoon. I would really recommend this school because I have a lot of good memories of my time there and ofcourse because they teach spanish in a good and professional way. Sylvia Braam - Nijmegen, Holland
I honestly can recommend Cristóbal Colón.
Submitted by Esther Iseli (not verified) on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 06:57.
I just finished 4 weeks of school at Cristóbal Colón and I learned very much and had a good time. I honestly can recommend Cristóbal Colón. Of course, what is most important is the teacher. Our teacher was Irma, and she's very nice and very experienced. About the other teachers I can't tell you anything. Cristóbal Colón is quite cheap, compared with other schools. I think this is, because they don't offer a lot of extra program like other schools (swimming pool, Salsa classes etc.). It's very easy to organize these specials on your own, and then you can select what you really want and pay only for that. Well, I wish you a nice stay in Ecuador . If you have any questions, just write me. Esther Iseli, Switzerland
best possible teaching as well as a friendly environment
Submitted by Ian Linnett (not verified) on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 06:56.
I studied Spanish at Cristóbal Colón for four weeks in February/March 2004 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. As a retired English teacher from Melbourne Australia, I was keen to enrol in a school that would provide the best possible teaching as well as a friendly environment in which to learn. I found that and more at Cristóbal Colón. José and Azucena, the owners, run an excellent school with very friendly, professional and skilled teachers, who make learning a pleasure. From knowing next to nothing when I arrived I was soon able to converse slowly and after 4 weeks felt capable of travelling in South America and making myself understood. I would highly recommend Cristóbal Colón to any other students. I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I did. Ian Linnett, Melbourne, Australia
very pleased
Submitted by Michael Schmidt (not verified) on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 06:56.
After much research and checking out recommendations, I took three weeks with Cristóbal Colón, very basic level, and was very pleased. Michael Schmidt, Juneau, Arkansas
My teacher was great
Submitted by Thomas Engeler (not verified) on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 06:55.
I was at Cristóbal Colón from 1.12.03 to 28.01.04. Learning Spanish can be fun and I had a lot of it at Cristóbal Colón. When I first visited and spoke with José, she explained everything very well. I first wasn't sure which school to choose, but I soon realized that I'm making a lot of progress there with my Spanish. My teacher was great and school never had been so interesting. I also learned many things about the culture of Ecuador and where the interesting places are. When I asked for a local family to stay with, José just told me to take bring along my backpack the next day. The family was very kind and I hope to see them soon again. So if you go to Quito and would like to learn Spanish, just have a look at Cristóbal Colón. Tell them what you like to learn and they will help you make the best of your time here. Thomas Engeler, Winterthur, Switzerland
nothing but praise
Submitted by Henry Durant (not verified) on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 06:54.
I have nothing but praise and compliments for Cristóbal Colón spanish school. The owners, José and Azucena, and all the teachers are always there for you if you need any help or just for a friendly chat. I didn't think it was possible to have as much fun as I did at a school! As well as having a great time, the courses are practical, professional and the teachers will always do what's best for you. The home stays are nothing short of a great experience. They are always there for you and are eager to help you on your way to fluent spanish. If you want to learn heaps of spanish in a friendly environment, while having a great time on the side, give Cristóbal Colón a go, and enjoy the experience. Henry Durant, Sydney, Australia
There can't be a better place to learn spanish
Submitted by Jens and Bettina (not verified) on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 06:53.
We are two students from Germany who have just taken four weeks of spanish classes at the CRISTÓBAL COLÓN school in Quito. In our opinion, there can't be a better place to learn spanish than at this school. The one-to-one-course was very efficient in a very relaxed atmosphere with very nice and friendly teachers. After our 80 hours of lessons we can say that we are able to talk to any person on the street in almost every situation. Don't hesitate and go ahead!! We hope we could help you a bit in making your decision! Jens and Bettina, Germany
The best school we ever met!
Submitted by Cedric and Benoit, Brussels, Belgium (not verified) on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 06:52.
If I have to say something about "Cristóbal Colón Spanish School" I would say that it’s the best school we ever met! If you would like to learn Spanish and not only Spanish but also the culture of this wonderful country, just go there! Teachers are very nice and professionals and courses are cheap and really good! There are also opportunities to stay in a family and practice the language if you want to. The owners, José and Azucena, are always there for taking care of you and if you need something, just ask them and they will do the best for you! We really enjoyed learning Spanish here so if you are expecting the same, and want to meet wonderful people, don’t hesitate, just go there and enjoy...
Decent People
Submitted by Ali Visitor (not verified) on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 06:51.
José Garcia [founder and co-operator of Cristóbal Colón] is a wonderful teacher and a kind, patient and likable person. She is also a politically-astute manager who always has the best interests of the student in mind. She goes out of her way to protect the student. I found her to be indispensable during my two-month stay in Quito in 1995 and grew to completely trust her. We ended up in a friendship that has lasted to this day. I even built this website for her free of charge.
More importantly, José is of the rare breed of South Americans who have adopted the Western edicts of timeliness and reliability. She is always on time! She is scrupulously honest in keeping track of expenses. If she says she'll do something, you can bet that she'll actually do it. I highly recommend Cristóbal Colón to anyone planning to visit Quito, especially if you are price conscious and hope to get to know the people and not just some faces. Getting to know José and becoming friends with her is reason enough to go there. Ali Torkzadeh, Los Angeles
