
Sea, beach and sun are the three principal attractions offered in Puerto La Cruz. Located about 200 miles east of Caracas, this busy, modern holiday town is a popular tourist destination for Venezuelans and Europeans, but still relatively undiscovered by North Americans.
The Paseo colon, in front of the Pozuelos Bay, is the heart of Puerto La Cruz, full of restaurants and shopping. After the sun goes down, this city life continues to pulse. Although the local beach isn't recommended for swimming, water taxis provide easy access to the dozens of nearby small islands which are ideal for sun-bathing and swimming.
Nearby is the attractive old town of Pueblo Viejo with traditional Caribbean architecture and a Venetian lagoon layout - boats are the only means of transport.
South of Puerto La Cruz is Barquisimeto, one of the oldest settlements in Venezuela, now the country's fourth-largest city and capital of the Llanos, the great Venezuelan plateau and cattle range. Its cathedral is one of the most famous modern buildings in the country.
It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad. Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.
Most students fly into Caracas and then catch a connection to Puerto La Cruz. The transfer time is about 45 minutes.
Note: Most students will have to book a hotel stop-over in Caracas because of flight times. Language Learning Abroad offers (for an additional fee) a package which includes a one way airline ticket, transfers to/from the airport and one night hotel accommodation, please see prices below.
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Angel Falls
Margarita Island
Colonia Tovar
Mt. Avila, National Park
Henri Pittier National Park/Choroni (tropical rainforest)
The Andes
Jají
Beaches and water sports
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Our school is located in a quite, safe area of Puerto La Cruz, just off the main street, Paseo del Colon.
It is close to all amenities and is housed in a modern high rise building, offering modern classrooms, excellent teaching environment, perfect for small group or private instruction. The school has a comprehensive library with internet and e-mail access. Many students come from Northern Europe, North America, and Brazil. Wide age range with average age between 20-35.
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Standard: 4 Lessons daily (20 lessons per week) Max. 5 students per class.
Normal class schedule: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 1.00 PM. High season: from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Our programs cater for all language levels from absolute beginners to the more advanced, include the use of course materials and provide a variety of options to enhance your program. For more information please see Prices and Start Dates.
Each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning of the course (unless a complete beginner), to determine the students language level and ensure placement in the correct class. Lessons are usually held in the mornings, starting at 9 am, which leave the afternoons free for social or cultural activities, trips, workshops, short excursions or free time to relax or explore on your own.
Teachers are native speakers and many are University educated with years of teaching experience. They will help enhance your speaking, listening, grammar and general comprehension skills. They will also use interactive techniques such as role-play, games and perhaps videos to support lesson content. Current political, social and cultural materials are integrated to add interest and increase knowledge of the host country and culture. Homework assignments are given and students will be tested. For more information please see Course Outline.
After classes are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions, customs and everyday life. Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new international classmates, experience cultural and social activities together, and also practice your new language skills in real life situations. In some cases, a small additional fee will be charged to cover local transport and entrance costs.
Group activities are included in the program every week to complement the work in class such as: movies, games, dancing, plays, lectures etc. Normally the school also offers two excursions every week to complement the Spanish learning process. A three hour visit to a historic, cultural or place of interest is included in your program. Some examples: Puerto La Cruz: "El Faro" Beach, Los Canales tour, Plaza Mayor Shopping Center, "La Sirena" National Park, "Leche y Miel" tours, "Conomita" Beach, Visit to Plantation of coffee, etc. Weekend excursions could include (at an additional cost) Isla de Margarita, Mérida, Barlovento, Canaima, Roraima or Gran Sabana.
At the weekend many students can arrange to take optional excursions to local cities or local places of interest. These excursions are slightly more expensive than the daily activities ($10-$40), as they are normally full day or full weekend excursions and could include (transport, meals entrance fees and even accommodation). If you are interested in sight-seeing by yourself or with other class mates, our school staff are more than willing to assist you with any questions you may have and help you book local travel or excursions.
NOTES: School is closed on all public holidays, private lessons and options can be added to any program, lessons normally last 50 minutes, you will be studying with students from around the world, lessons run from Monday - Friday , you will be expected to arrive early on the first Monday morning to take the placement test, a language proficiency certificate is available at the end of the program. Please see the program info and resource links, for additional information or please contact us.
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Host Family: (private room) 2 meals daily.
Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country. All families are chosen after a careful selection procedure and are visited regularly by the school to ensure that high living standards are maintained. As many of our host families live in the surrounding neighborhoods, the trip to school, is usually not more than 20 minutes away. Sometimes more than one student may stay at the host family.
Students have access to all living areas in the house and in most cases, will be expected to share the bathroom. All bed linens and pillows will be provided, however we suggest you bring your own towels. If your family does not provide a laundry service, they may allow you to use the laundry facilities for a small additional charge.
Staying in a family is a truly wonderful experience and many students make lifetime friends with their host family. However, you should also have realistic expectations and recognize that an element of flexibility is required to adjust to the local customs and way of life. Your host family may not have the same comforts as your own home but you will always be treated as a guest and free to come and go as you wish.
NOTES: Airport transfers to the accommodation may be included or available (at an additional cost, please check price page), the Sunday night accommodation before your course begins on Monday, is included. All meals will be local custom and meal times may be different to what you are used to, however you are not obligated to eat all your meals with the family, just notify them when you will not be returning to eat at home. Our families are diverse with young couples without children, couples with children (of all age groups) and older couples with grown children who are no longer at home. Extra nights are available at extra cost. Please see the Accommodation link for additional information.
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