A two week language and culture experience with everything included! Come to AIL Madrid to learn Spanish and experience first hand the best that their Culture has to offer, right here in the capital city of Madrid.
Our course is designed specifically for mature students with free time, who want to experience something different whilst learning a new language. The program is either one or two weeks long, comprised of 10 hours per week of Spanish lessons, with an extra 5 hours devoted to cultural activities in and around Madrid.
The Spanish classes in the club 50+ course are focused to the needs and interests of our students, with emphasis firmly placed on communication skills. In the classroom, students are taught practical conversational skills, that can be used in everyday situations. The topics covered by our qualified teachers get everyone talking, and make the lessons much more enjoyable, and productive. Classes take place between 11am and 1pm, Monday to Friday.
Cultural and Social Activities Program
At AIL Madrid, we know that our Club 50+ students are looking for more than learning Spanish, therefore we organise cultural and social activities outside the school, so that you can explore the city with one of our experienced guides. Each day there is a different activity, which can include chats or discussions about the culture and history of Spain, museum visits, tapas tasting or dance classes. For more information seeClub +50 - Itinerario.
Dance
AIL Madrid offers Club 50+ students the possibility to join our spanish and latin dance classes (subject to an additional cost). Madrid offers an exhausting range of Dance Schools and classes are specifically tailored for mature students. We offer many styles of dance, to suit everyones tastes.
Excursions
AIL Madrid organizes weekend trips in Madrid and nearby cities. Previous excursions have included: Tours of the Centre of Madrid
The city of Madrid is steeped in history, with it's
buildings and squares offering you a tour through the past...many
cultural aspects of Spain are centred in Madrid, which has
been the capital since 1562.
Toledo
Toledo, with a history dating back over more than 2000 years is a
true melting pot of Jewish, Islamic and Christian cultures. Previously
the Spanish capital city, this medieval city is a must-see for art lovers
and demonstrates the rich history of Spain.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial and El Valle de los Caídos
The main attraction of El Escorial is the huge monastry built by order
of King Phillip II. Many past monarchs are buried here. El Valle de
Los Caídos is the burial site of the Spanish Dictator, Franco. The
site, an unusual structure, was carved into the mountain side by
political prisoners during the fascist regime of the last century.
Ávila
Located to the West of Madrid, the city's main feature is it's extensive
1.5 mile wall, which surrounds the stunning Cathedral within.
Outside the walls is the Basilica de San Vicente, almost as large as
the cathedral itself, which is the supposed burial site of Saint Vincent
and his sisters.
Cultural information
At AIL Madrid, we offer our students weekly information about cultural events in Madrid (flamenco shows, concerts, cinema and theatre shows etc) Madrid is characterised by its intensively cultural and passionate cosmopolitan life and there is always something to see or do.
Club 50+ - Itinerary
Spanish classes take place between 11am and 1pm, Monday to Friday.
The following cultural activities and excursions are included in the Club 50+ Course
ITINERARY
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
Monday
Afternoon
Welcome lunch
Spanish History: The transition to democracy
Evening
Dance Class
Dance Class
Tuesday
Afternoon
Guided walking tour of Madrid’s old town
History of Flamenco
Evening
Spanish film evening
Spanish Wine tasting Course
Wednesday
Afternoon
Spanish History: The Spanish Civil War
Guided visit to the ReinaSofiaMuseum
Evening
Spanish Cooking : Evening and Dinner
Spanish Cooking Evening and Dinner
Thursday
Afternoon
Guided Visit to the PradoMuseum
The Spanish Guitar
Evening
Workshop on Spanish artesan traditions
Spanish Film Evening
Friday
Afternoon
Visit to the Spanish Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedrale
Poem Writing Workshop
Evening
Free
End of course dinner
Saturday
Full day
Excursion to El Escorial and Valle de los Caídos (The Fallen Valley)
Fullday excursion to Toledo
Sunday
Visit to the Rastro Flee Market
In addition, we provide detailed information and guidance for a range of optional cultural activities and excursions which are not included in the course price. These include:
Flamenco shows, concerts or theatre nights
Additional group or individual spanish classes
Additional group or private dance classes
Full day excursions to the neighbouring cities of Segovia and Avila
Levels of Spanish available
Three levels of Spanish are available for these classes; basic, intermediate and advanced. For cultural and social activities, groups are placed together.
Why choose Madrid?
The capital of Spain since 1562, the city is full of history and culture
The city is a must for art lovers - the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza are all located within walking distance of the centre
The breathtaking architecture of the buildings here, such as the Palacio Real, coupled with the lively squares provide plenty to see and do
One of the most cosmopolitan and International cities in Europe, Madrid still manages to retain a thoroughly Spanish feel to it, and the atmosphere of any of the streets in the centre is electric
Spanish is the only official language in Madrid - so you can't fail to practise and improve your knowledge of the language!
Based in the centre of the country, Madrid has excellent communications with all other cities in Spain
The bustling city of Madrid is quickly contrasted with the stunning backdrop of the nearby Sierra Guadarrama mountain range
The weather! Madrid is constantly sunny (2800 hours a year), even in winter. In one of the brightest cities in Europe, you will go home with a tan.
Prices
The Club 50+ Spanish and Cultural Activities programme costs 190 euros per person for one week, 370 euros for the two week program.
This price includes:
Two hours of Spanish classes per day (Mon-Fri). Classes are in small groups (max. 6) to ensure that our Club 50+ members have a high amount of personal contact with the teachers
All learning materials required for the class
Excursions and visits to tourist attractions in and around Madrid - with an experienced AIL Madrid tour guide. All entrance fees (to museums, the Royal Palace, the Cathedral etc) are included
Full day excursions - transportation to and from the destination (collection from a central Madrid meeting point) with an AIL Madrid guide
Course Start Dates
Month
One week course
Two week couse
July 2008
7th and 14th
7th
Oct 2008
6th and 13th
6th
Jan 2009
5th and 12th
5th
April 2009
6th and 13th
6th
Please note, the Club 50+ courses start on a Monday. In order to take full advange of the Monday classes and activities, it is preferable to arrive in Madrid the day before.