Club 50+ - Spanish and Cultural Activities



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.

Spanish Classes                                             Club 50+ Itinerary
Cultural and Social Activities Program      Levels of Spanish
Dance                                                                 Why Madrid?
Excursions                                                        Prices
Cultural Information                                        Course Start Dates

Spanish Classes (10 hours per week)


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 see Club +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 Reina Sofia Museum

 

Evening

Spanish Cooking : Evening and Dinner

Spanish Cooking Evening and Dinner

Thursday

Afternoon

Guided Visit to the Prado Museum

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)

Full  day 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.