” March Cool School” – ECELA in Cusco

While researching schools in South America we keep coming back to Peru and it has become quite clear that Cusco is our favorite South American City! And studying Spanish at a school in Cusco is truly an unforgettable experience!

The Spanish School ECELA allows you to learn Spanish while learning all about the Incan Culture; the way the Incan people live and also how they think. While you’re studying at ECELA we highly recommend that you stay with a local family. At first, you might think that living with strangers is “not for you.” But, trust us!! Living with a family is the best way to practice your Spanish and to fully immerse yourself in the culture. The families that work with the ECELA school are trusted and kind. They will go out of their way to make you comfortable and they want your study abroad trip to be an educational and treasured experience. The ECELA school is located in the centre of Cusco 5 minutes from the well-known Plaza de Armas, in an Inca-Spanish house. Imagine talking a walk down the colorful streets with the llamas walking with you! Or take a break from your classes and practice Spanish with children at the main square.

ECELA has comfortable classrooms surrounding a courtyard creating a nice environment to learn and improve your Spanish. All of the ECELA teachers hold a University degree and have years of experience teaching Spanish as a second language. They often implement visual aids such as CDs, music, movies, and documentaries into the learning process.

In addition to the classroom learning, they provide the students with weekly outings to visit well-known places such as Incan temples and historical museums. They also have adventurous activities such as horseback riding, rafting and quads tours.

If interested, ECELA can offer academic credit to students. For those of you not interested in receiving Academic credit the Spanish + Volunteer program might be the best choice. With either program, you will leave Peru speaking better Spanish; and you will return home with a new found respect and admiration for this beautiful country, Perú.

Read what Barbara, had to say about her study abroad trip with ECELA:
“In ECELA Cusco I learned more spanish there than anywhere else. I absolutely loved my time there. Cusco is a perfect sized city which is very touristic, but still retains a lot of it's cultural herritage and charm. Both the student house and the school were in a great area and very close to Plaza de Armas. The staff in Cusco was so friendly and helpful!!. Everyday there was something fun planned, from horseback riding in the nearby ruins, to shopping at the local markets. At night I felt comfortable going out with the group, and the places we went to were very nice. I also went to Machu Picchu, and even though I didn't go with the school, they were so very helpful in helping me plan my trip. I highly recommend doing the entire Inca Trail as there are many impressive ruins along the way. But ending at Machu Picchu was the best. My only regret is that I wish I could've had more time there!" - Barbara Mislan, US.

Read what other students have to say about ECELA!