SEVILLE Home to flamenco and bullfighting, Seville is a city set in the folkloric heart of Spain. Hidden plazas, architectural wonders and tapas bars galore ensure a trip you will not forget! If you want to get to the folkloric heart of the country - the scent of orange trees, the clickclack of flamenco shoes, brightly dressed women in polka-dots and the heat of the Andalusian sun, Seville is the city for you. Spain s fourth largest city and the capital of Andalusia, Seville nevertheless maintains the warmth and intimacy of a small town. It is a vibrant fusion of history and modernity with the largest old quarter in Europe but it is also the future, a modern city and open to all progress as demonstrated when it hosted the last Expo of the 20th century in 1992. Seville has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. In this dossier you will find information about Sevilla, the Spanish school, and the programs, activities and accommodation available. Seville and the school www.donquijote.org/english/sevilla.asp Pg.2 Activities, Excursions and Festivals Pg. 3 Programs Pg. 4 Accommodation & Transport Pg. 5 For more information, please visit our website, shown above, or contact: infocentral@donquijote.org 1
SEVILLE Seville s rich history dates back over 2,500 years; it has seen the glory of the Roman Empire, the luxurious sophistication of the Moors and the Christian reconquista and much of its history is still reflected in the monuments of the city: The cathedral in Seville is one of the largest in the world. It combines Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and is home to stunning stained glass windows and sculptures. The Giralda is one of Spain's most awe-inspiring Islamic buildings. It is over 90 meters high with perfect proportions. Its appearance alters with the changing daylight make it stunning throughout the day. Seville's Alcazar and Torre del Oro are also sights not to be missed. Seville also is a city with modern parts. The Puente del Alamillo is a striking contrast to the architectural designs of the old city center. The Alcazar Torr e La a Girald Puente de Al del Oro For culture of a different kind, Seville s amusement park, Isla Mágica is a great day out for anyone who loves white-knuckle rides or rollercoasters with 360 degree turns! amillo Isla Mágic a Location TH E SCH The school is a magnificent, typically Andalusian mansion of 1200m divioo L ded between four floors and situated in the very centre and heart of Seville. Located next to the Maestranza bullring in the historic quarter, it is in a zone where you will find a multitude of shops and restaurants characteristic of Andalusia. Facilities The school has 14 air-conditioned classrooms and common areas where you can relax after your Spanish lessons, chat with your friends sunbathe. 14 classrooms Library Computer room and wi-fi Conference room Terrace Elevator Central patio Common areas Air conditioning Disabled access 2
Activities, Excursions and Festivals Parks The beautiful Parque de María Luisa provides a welcome respite from the bustle of the city center and a place where you can escape from the heat of the Andalusian sun in the shade of the trees. Another of Seville s great spots to relax and escape the pace of city life Is the magnificent Plaza de España. Shopping Seville is a great place for shopping. The streets are filled with tiny artisan shops There are also wide range of high street stores and department stores. The large outdoor markets add colour to Sevilles streets. Bullfighting The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza is one of the oldest bullrings in the country. The fighting season is from Easter to July. The Plaza de Toros is well worth a visit, if only to admire the architecture and visit the museum. Excursions Our school in Seville organises half-day and full day trips on Saturdays and/or Sundays to other nearby cities. We run trips to Lagos, an ancient maritime port dating back over 2000 years, the coastal town of Tarifa and to see the famous rock of Gibraltar. Seville is located close to both the beach, which is only 1 hour away, and several mountain ranges. Whether its mountain biking in the Sierra Norte, 2 hours from Seville, horse-back riding, trekking or skiing in the Sierra Nevada, 3 hours from Seville, you'll find it here! Festivals Spaniards like nothing better than to indulge in music, dancing, drinking and dressing up and Seville is renowned for its love of the good life and letting its hair down. If you want to experience something special in Seville, why not come during the festival celebrations. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2012 January 2, 6 February 28 April 5, 6 May 1, 30 June 7 August 15 October 12 November 1 December 6, 8, 25 Semana Santa (Easter)) Seville s celebration of the Holy Week is possibly the most famous in the world. Processions march through the streets of Seville, some to music, some in silence, carrying highly decorated life-sized religious images. The sounds of drums and the smell of incense and candle wax fill the air and visitors come from across the world to witness the event. Feria de Abril (April Fair) Seville's week long April Fair acts as a release of energy after the solemnity of Semana Santa. The sevillanos let off steam by taking to the streets. The celebrations involve eating, drinking, music, flowing dresses and dancing until dawn! The Feria de Abril marks the start of Seville's bullfighting season. It's a unique time to be in the city and for one week, Seville is even more magical than ever! 3
Programs Intensive + This course consists of 20 hours per week, plus 5 Super Intensive + This course consists of 25 hours per week, plus 5 optional hours of culture classes. optional hours of culture classes. Your decision as to which intensive course in Seville, Spain to sign up for depends entirely upon your needs and desires. Our Intensive + and Super Intensive +, will ensure that you make the most of your time in Seville and Spain, both linguistically and culturally. You ll be immersed in 4 or 5 language lessons and 1 culture lesson per day, and put these new skills to use every day when you step outside the classroom. Part Time The Part-Time course is a semi-intensive Spanish course in which the student attends two classes a day, totalling 10 hours per week. The course runs Monday to Friday and there will be no more than 10 students per group (average number of students is 5). It is a course specially prepared for students who don't have plenty of time to attend an Intensive Spanish course or would like to have more free time to discover Spain during their time here. Spanish and Internship This program allows you to combine Spanish learning with authentic work experience. We offer internships in hotels as well as a wide variety of other companies. We offer paid internships in hotels and non paid placements in other companies. This exciting program will allow you to improve your Spanish skills in a professional environment and learn about daily Spanish life, business and culture first-hand, with the added bonus of serving as an excellent CV-builder. Here is sample of areas where we have been able to place our students, but please keep in mind some internships may not be available in Seville during your stay. Placement depends on several factors (availability in the company, your level of Spanish, your CV, etc.) and we cannot always guarantee a position in the specific company or field of your choice. Food, Catering and Hospitality Graphic Arts Non-Profit Work (NGO's) The Automotive Industry Financial services Tourism Law Cinema/ Entertainment Communications Sports Distribution Marketing IT/ Computers/ Internet General Business Real Estate Applied Sciences (laboratories) Fashion Shipping Leisure Optometry Auxiliary Medical Services Education 4
Accommodation & Useful Information Accommodation Comfortable accommodation is an essential part of your study trip and we understand how important it is that you choose the option that best suits your needs. In Seville, you can choose between: Home stay Shared student flat Student Residence Private apartment Within each type of accommodation you can opt for a single or double room. For the duration of the course you can arrange accommodation either via your Course Counselor or with a recommended local hotel, depending on your wishes. Getting around the city Seville is an ideal pedestrian city as the majority of its tourist sights are located in the city center within walking distance of each other and walking around is easy since the city is flat. It is also easy to rent bikes and cycle round the city. How to get there Seville's airport, Aeropuerto San Pablo, is located 10km northeast of the city and offers direct flights to and from a large number of Spanish and EU destinations. It is easy to travel from the airport to the city by bus or taxi. We offer an airport pick up service, at an extra charge. To arrange this just speak with your course counsellor. Madrid airport is located about 530km from Seville. It is possible to travel between the two by either plane, the AVE train, (2 hours and 30 min) or by bus (6 hours). 5