ESTUDO SAMPERE
Estudio Sampere was established in Madrid, Spain, in 1956. It is one of the oldest and best known Spanish language schools dedicated solely to teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Their Spanish Language School in Cuenca, Ecuador, follows the same curriculum and offers the same high quality Spanish learning experience as the centers in Spain, but also offers a uniquely Latin American cultural experience. Cuenca was chosen as the location for the Sampere Spanish School in Latin America for several reasons, the most important being the kindness and hospitality of the inhabitants (population 250,000).
Cuenca has successfully preserved its colonial past from its cobbled streets, churches, pre-Hispanic ruins, museums and craft shops to its colorful Indian markets. This cultural heritage is found side by side with modern office buildings, art galleries and two Universities, all in a world brimming with colors and contrasts. Cuenca is located in an Andean valley at an altitude of 2,200 meters, and the climate is spring-like, with average temperatures ranging between 14° and 24° C. The region is rich in history and tradition -the Ingapirca ruins and picturesque craft villages such as Chordeleg are found nearby. Nature in Ecuador displays all her magnificence- the Cajas Natural Park and Avenida de los Volcanes (Volcano Avenue) are easily accessible.

The Estudio Sampere Spanish Language School in Cuenca is situated in a detached building overlooking the Barranco River in the city center. The school has seven classrooms, a small garden, common room, library and video room. It has a friendly atmosphere, and the director and staff are Ecuadorians who make up a professional and committed team.

CUENCA
Ecuador is a small country with a population of 11,000,000 people. It is about the same size as the United Kingdom (approximately 280,000 Km2), but it is a great country in the majesty of its landscape and variety of all types of life.

Ecuador is a land bursting with contrasts: the warm Pacific coastline, the summits of the Andes mountains and the tangled Amazon rain forest form a brightly colored mosaic of exuberant nature and cultural diversity. And one cannot forget the Galapagos Islands, at a short two hour flight away.

Of all Andean countries, Ecuador is certainly the one in which travel is easiest and safest. Distances are short, infrastructures are acceptable, and prices are quite accessible. Whether scaling the heights of the Andes, venturing into the heart of the Amazon jungle, or sunbathing on the Pacific beaches, Ecuador offers the traveler a variety of adventures which can be reached by a bus trip of a few hours or by a half-hour flight. We highly recommend staying an extra week, or at least a few days, to travel after you have finished the Course. You'll find it's definitely worth it!

The City of Cuenca is the cultural capital of Ecuador and its third largest city. It is also Ecuador's best-kept secret. Cuenca and its surrounding region are rich in history, with a colonial atmosphere that has survived thanks to years of almost complete isolation. Cuenca is a city of fascinating contrasts: two universities, museums and art galleries stand alongside Indian markets rarely visited by foreigners. Exploring this delightful Latin American city and getting to know its friendly people will make you want to stay forever.