EPA! ESPANOL

EN PANAMA

Catalogue 2015

EPA! Learn Spanish with the best

If you are ready to learn or vastly improve your Spanish-speaking skills, there is no better place to

do it than right here in one of Latin America’s most dynamic and beautiful countries.

Whether you are a beginner, experienced, or somewhere in between, EPA! Español en

Panamá has a selection of world-class programs and instructors eager to help you take your skills

to the next level.

So take a look around… and ask us today how to start your adventure right here in

Panama—a land rich in natural beauty, diverse cultures and cosmopolitan living.

Catalogue

2015

Choosing Panama City as your destination to

study Spanish in Panama gives you many

advantages that many other cities or towns cannot

give you, some of them are:

· Less than 2 hours to the MOST beautiful

beaches and the most unique indigenous

tribes in Panama.

· Access to the many activities around the Panama

Canal as transit the Canal, Panama Jungle

tour, river rafting, hiking, trekking, skiing,

and many others.

· In 2 hours or less visit one of the most vibrant

beach areas in the Pacific coast or a secluded

island or beach in the Caribbean.

· Sail in a Catamaran to the most incredible

islands in Panama, these islands are in the

“Archipielago de Las Perlas”.

· Enjoy a really early trail at Parque Soberania or

Metropolitano just before class.

· Have access to more than 100 restaurants from

all over the world.

· Enjoy concerts, plays every weekend from

· Panama, Latin America or many impressive

world artists.

· Free music concerts, festivals, and cultural

events every week.

· The most incredible nightlife.

· Easy access during the weekend with our local

airline to Bocas Del Toro, Boquete, and the

Central Provinces.

EPA! Español en Panama is a high-quality

center for learning Spanish as a

Second/Foreign Language.

We are part of the ELS Panama Group and

our programs follow the Common European

Framework of Reference for Languages

(CEFR).

At EPA! Our pride is our people.

Our professional, experienced and caring

staff is dedicated to helping EPA!

Students settle into their new Latin

American surroundings, progress in their

Spanish studies, and attain their higher

educational and career goals.

EPA! Has been offering high quality

programs for over 6 years and we work with

High Schools, Universities and agencies

partners from North America, Europe,

Africa and Asia.

GRUPO ELS Panama has been recognized

in Panama to be the most academic oriented

and serious educational group in Panama.

Our clients include U.S., British and

Canadian

Embassies, multinational companies and

expats from many parts of the world.

EPA! Español en Panamá is accredited by

the Instituto Cervantes (DELE) and

BILDUNGSURLAUB from Germany,

besides we have many partners’ companies.

EPA! Español en Panamá is conveniently

situated in Plaza Paitilla Mall, in Punta Paitilla,

one of the most prestigious areas of Panama

City.

The school is just a few-minutes’ walk from

shopping malls, entertainment and leisure

facilities, hotels, restaurants, luxury

apartments, clubs and banks.

National parks and museums are also only a

short drive away from the school.

The school’s 16 classrooms are modern and

spacious. Additionally, there is a language

laboratory, internet Wi-Fi access, and media

equipment available for student use.

Linking North and South America and

the two main oceans, Panama is an ideal

and idyllic place for those who want to

know and visit Latin America.

Panama is home to seven different native

Indigenous communities, and with its

many rainforests, mountains, and

spectacular beaches has a varied landscape

to suit all interests.

It is still possible to find unspoiled beaches,

uninhabited islands, diverse wildlife and

traditional tribal lifestyles.

Panama’s culture has been strongly

influenced by Spain, the United States and

the Caribbean, as well as by Chinese and

Asian communities, resulting in a uniquely

rich and diverse society.

PANAMA CITY

Few cities in Latin America can match the

diversity of Panama City.

The historic colonial architecture contrasts

with many modern skyscrapers. With its

unique position on world trade routes, this

thriving commercial and business city

attracts immigrants from around the world,

resulting in a multi-cultural melting pot.

This cosmopolitan city has much to offer

the visitor in terms of entertainment, both

during the day and at night.

EPA! plans a wide range of activities for

students in which they can practice Spanish

conversation and learn about the culture.

We offer visits to local attractions, sporting

events, and trips to nearby theaters,

Presidential Palace, museums and

restaurants.

Also, we organize excursions to beaches,

indigenous communities, the Panama Canal

(including transit), and natural parks in this

beautiful country!

ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE IN PANAMA

Every Thursday at 1 p.m

1 We will visit the Panamanian Afro-

Antillian Ethnic Museum, and learn

about their history and culture.

2 We will visit the Presidential Palace

and take a tour around its historic

halls.

3 We will take a stroll around the old

City and its Ruins, also, we will get

to visit its interesting Museum.

4 Visit of the Gamboa’s rainforest

resort and enjoy a tour through the

chagres river.

And this month a special activity.

Let´s go to Casaya Island!

Every weekend we organize excursions to

different places of interest such as :

· Portobelo - This little town was first given the

name “Puerto Bello” (Beautiful Port) by

Christopher Columbus in 1502 and over time,

the name was shortened to Portobelo.

The town’s 18th-century fortifications were

built by the Spanish to protect their gold from

pirates.

· The Panama Canal Railway – The Panama

Canal Railway takes you from Panama City to

Colón and runs from the Pacific to Atlantic

Ocean.

· San Blas islands - An island chain located on

the Caribbean, this collection of islands is a

popular spot for sailing and boat tours. The

islands are very rustic and make for a great off

the grid place to go. There are many great and

beautiful spots, good sailing, diving, and

snorkeling.

Our methodology is communicative and

follows the curriculum of the Instituto

Cervantes based on the Common European

Framework of Reference for Languages

(CEFR).

DEDICATED AND EXPERIENCED

TEAM

We offer top quality education provided by

teachers with diverse backgrounds and

experiences, all of whom are certified to

teach Spanish as a Second Language.

CLASS SIZE

While group class size depends on the

number of students enrolled at each level,

all classes have a maximum limit of 7

students, allowing all of our students the

opportunity for active participation and

interaction.

CLASS TECHNIQUES

Classes are designed to be interactive.

We utilize a variety of techniques to

stimulate and encourage active participation

by the students including such things as

reading, composition, special homework

projects, and walks in the surrounding areas.

MAIN LEVELS

A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.

EPA! administration staff

From left to right: Alexandre, Szeikdy y Arlyn. Alberto Orillac (Panamanian) is the CEO

& Founder (ELS Panama Group). He is

in charge of the finances and at the same

time of developing new programs and

partnerships with international agencies,

universities and schools.

Szeikdy Blandón (Panamanian) is the

academic director. She was born in

Panama, but was raised in Spain. She has

a very strong academic background in

teaching Spanish as a second language.

Alexandre Moreno (Panamanian) is the

activities coordinator and student advisor;

he has experience working with tourists

from diverse cultures in Panama and

many other countries.

Arlyn Perez (Cuban) is the sales and

marketing executive. She has a good deal

of experience in administration, business,

and customer service in diverse

multicultural organizations.

Teachers

In EPA! You will find students from many

parts of the world.

Our average age is from 23 to 40 years old.

A mí me encantan las clases de conversación, porque me

permiten practicar y conocer a las otras personas de

diferentes lugares. Pienso que hablar es el mejor método

para aprender una lengua extranjera.

Los cursos permiten la confianza. Además, me gustan las

actividades porque permiten ver las personas de la escuela

en un marco agradable. Con EPA! mi nivel de español está

mejorando! Solo tenía los fundamentos, pero ahora puedo

hablar con la gente! Marie Mol, Francia

¡Pienso que EPA! es una muy buena escuela! Los

empleados de EPA! son agradables y amables. Los

profesores son muy competente y siempre responden a

todas las preguntas.

A mí me gusta la diversidad de la escuela porque estudio

con italianos, franceses, coreanos, brasileños, etc. Es una

mezcla muy interesante! Me gustan las actividades porque

podemos descubrir panamá con amigos de la escuela fuera

de la escuela. Es una experiencia única!

Está bien situado en la ciudad de Panamá porque está

rodeado de muchísimas tiendas. Akemi Kajiwara, Japon

Pienso que EPA! es la mejor escuela para aprender el español

en panamá! La localización es buenísima porque es cerca de

todo. Los servicios que ofrecen son excelente.

A mi gusta mas los cursos y las clases de conversación porque

los profesores son muy amables. Además las actividades son

muy útiles para practicar la lengua.

Recomendé EPA! a una amiga! Nayana Tomazella, Brasil

Program Schedule Lesson/D Lesson/W

Semi-intensive Week

days from

9a.m to

11:50 a.m

3 15

Intensive Week

days from

9a.m to

1p.m

4 20

Super-intensive

(Bildungsurlaub)

(combines group

classes +private)

Group:

week days

9a.m to

1p.m

Private:

week days

2p.m to

4p.m

4 group

lessons

And 2

private

lessons

30

GROUP PROGRAMS

These programs are designed for students looking

to combine Spanish studies with recreational

activities or those who have a special working

agenda.

In these courses, the lessons integrate the four

skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening

with grammatical structures and vocabulary

development; and very interesting aspects of

Panamanian-Latino culture and way of life.

Our small, intimate classes allow you to learn and

interact with students from all over the world.

Starting dates: every Monday, year round.

1 lesson: 50 minutes

7 students max per class (Age 16+)

ONE-TO-ONE (private classes)

Before beginning private classes, we analyze your

individual goals and then create a customized

program adapted to your needs, topics of interest,

timetable and additional activities.

It can also be organized for families or business

groups.

1 lesson: 60 minutes.

Minimum 6 hours per week to achieve expected

goals.

Flexible schedule.

Places: As agreed, in student’s office/house within

the city or in our center.

IMMERSION PROGRAM (Spanish

lessons + Accommodation + Leisure

activities)

The combination of classes in the

mornings and various recreational

activities, including both cultural and

sporting events offered in the evenings,

will allow you to learn a new language

and experience the Latin culture as a

whole.

This program can be organized in

accordance with the high school or

university’s needs.

Groups of 10 to 15 students + professor.

Duration: Flexible dates, from one

week to the amount of weeks needed.

Schedule: Classes on Monday through

Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

Activities in the afternoons and on

weekends.

Time of the year: Panama during the

winter is gorgeous (January to May)! Or

try Easter, Spring Break, Summer or

Thanksgiving.

SUMMER CAMP (Spanish lessons +

Accommodation + Leisure activities)

This plan provides you the opportunity to

improve your Spanish skills. Our plan

includes accommodation with a host family

and daily diverse activities while you are

living the local lifestyle in Panama City.

Students from 14-17 years old, groups or

individuals. Duration: 1, 2 or 3 weeks. Ask

about starting days.

Schedule: Classes Monday through Friday

from 9:00 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. Activities

during the afternoons.

INTERSHIPS (Internships + Spanish lessons +

Accommodation + Leisure activities)

This plan provides the opportunity to do an

internship in one of many diverse and

prestigious Panamanian companies appropriate

to your professional background.

Your fluency in Spanish will improve and you will

become better acquainted with foreign

enterprises, while developing your professional

potential.

Also, our plan includes a wide range of lodging

options, leisure and cultural activities, while you

are living the local lifestyle in the always thriving

and beautiful Panama City. Type of course Prices

4 weeks intensive Spanish course + 4 weeks

of work experience + 8 Weeks half-board

accommodation

4120

4 weeks intensive Spanish course + 4 weeks

of work experience + 8 Weeks shared

apartment accommodation

3590

4 weeks intensive Spanish course + 4 weeks

of work experience

1350

VOLUNTEERING (Spanish lessons + Volunteerng + Accommodation + Leisure activities)

While you are volunteering, you have the ideal opportunity to learn a new language as well

as immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Panama. Ideal for those whose spirit is

full of passion and charity for helping others and seeks to have a real vision of the world and

in some way provide social assistance through organizations for children, youth or the elderly.

Type of course Prices

4 weeks intensive Spanish course + 4 weeks volunteering + 8 Weeks half-board

accommodation

2600

4 weeks intensive Spanish course + 4 weeks volunteering + 8 Weeks shared apartment

accommodation

2000

4 weeks intensive Spanish course + 4 weeks volunteering 1000

Start every Monday from B1. 18 years old minimum. Included: Language text course,

textbook, part time volunteering job in the field selected and the support from EPA!

EPA! Offers a variety of lodgings options to suit

your needs and preferences.

In addition to hotels, hostels of various types

and prices, we offer rooms in lodgings with very

affordable prices.

Whichever you select, you will find it

comfortable ideal for your study in Panama.

HOMESTAY

EPA! Offers home-stay accommodations with

a Spanish-speaking host family.

Families and houses are carefully chosen to

ensure a pleasant and safe “home away from

home” for our students.

Living with a host family can help you learn the

language faster while experiencing Panamanian

customs and culture firsthand. Students often

develop very close relationships with their

hosts, building friendships that can last a

lifetime.

You can opt for a half board (breakfast &

dinner included) or without meals.

SHARED APARTMENT

As per home stay, this accommodation is

carefully selected based on a variety of criteria.

This option gives you complete freedom and

gives you access to all facilities within the

apartment or building.

This option is an excellent solution for those

people looking for independence.

No meals are included.

Our prices are competitive and offer an excellent price-quality balance, guaranteed to meet your

needs.

Program Enrollment fee includes:

· One hour of FREE conversation class every Tuesday after 1:20 p.m. This conversation class lets

you practice Spanish, while sharing with students from different levels & cultures.

· FREE transportation and tour guide for weekly activities every Thursday afternoon after 1:30 p.m.

· Internet Wi-Fi, multimedia lab and other facilities.

· FREE academic support if needed.

· Certificate of completion

· Use of books, novels

· Welcome package

For programs lasting more than 3 weeks, class materials (textbook+ workbook+ CD) are included

in the price. One-to-One classes do not include class materials.

One-time application fee: $50. All level start every Monday. Small classes (5 to 7). 50min per lesson.

Semi intensive Intensive Super intensive

Bildungsurlaub +

workshop

Lesson/week 15 20 +30

1 week 190 230 480

2 weeks 360 450 930

3 weeks 530 645 1345

4 weeks 700 850 1810

5 weeks 850 1050 2200

6 weeks 1010 1240 2620

7 weeks 1165 1420 3030

8 weeks 1320 1595 3435

9 weeks 1460 1775 3845

10 weeks 1600 1960 4260

11 weeks 1745 2140 4670

12 weeks 1900 2315 5075

Extra weeks 155 190 420

SUPER INTENSIVE Bildungsurlaub + WORKSHOPS (BILDUNGSURLAUB): 20 group lessons

+ 5 hours of specific group workshops and cultural immersion + 10 lessons full immersion per

week. Group and cultural workshops cover various aspects of Spanish & Latin America culture

and civilization. Workshops of culture, language, pronunciation, dancing, tours, etc.

In the exceptional only one student is enrolled in a course of one level, the school reserves the

right to convert the course into a private program which will result in a reduction of 5 classes per

week.

PRIVATE TUITION

Type of course Day or night shift

Night starting from

6:00 p.m onwards

Number of hours Price/hour

One to one Day 1-12 hours 32

13-24 hours 30

25 hours 27

50 hours 25

Night 1-12 hours 37

13-24 hours 35

25 hours 32

50 hours 30

Currency: USD. Start all day at any level

Classes outside the school will be subject to an extra fee depending on the area where the class

will take place. Please ask for our prices. Cancellations need to be make with 24 hours’ notice.

Otherwise the student will be penalized 1 hour of class.

PRIVATE GROUP FOR PROFESSIONAL

Number of students Number of hours Price/hour Price/student Total price

2 50 35 875 1750

3-5 50 50 500 2500

6-8 50 60 375 3000

9-11 50 70 320 3520

12-15 50 85 285 4275

BOOKS

Text and exercise book

USD 50 per set

(all level except C2)

Included in intensive courses of 4 weeks or more

DELE OFFICIAL PREPARATION COURSE

Spanish+DELE course - Morning

Weeks/lessons 1 week 2 week 3 week 4 week

20 250 470 665 870

Preparation DELE course - Evening

Weeks/lessons 4 week 5 weeks 6 weeks 7 weeks 8 weeks

6 lessons/week 600 720 830 925 1000

SCHEDULE

Morning Evening

Levels: All Days: Monday to Friday

9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m

Break: 10:30 to 10:50 and 11:50 to 12:10

15 lessons, 50 minutes of general Spanish

5 lessons of 50 minutes of DELE

Levels: A1, B1, C1

Days: Monday and Wednesday

Levels: A2, B2, C2

Days: Tuesday and Thursday

6:00 p.m to 8:45 p.m

Break: 07:30 to 7:45

3 lessons of 50 minutes

AVE (ONLINE SPANISH COURSES)

Type of course Prices

3 months of online courses with a tutor 120

6 months of online courses with a tutor 200

SPANISH + TOURISM

Type of course Prices

El valle and Contadora Island: 2 weeks of

intensive Spanish course + 2 weeks of half-

board accommodation + 1 full week trip to

el valle & contadora island + transfer airport-

homestay-airport

1995

Isla Grande & San Blas: 2 weeks of intensive

Spanish course+ 2 weeks of half-board

accommodation + 1 full week trip to Isla

Grande and San Blas + transfer Airport-

Home-Airport

1955

Santa Catalina & Coiba Island: 2 weeks of

intensive Spanish course + 2 weeks of half-

board accommodation +1 full week trip to

Santa Catalina & Coiba Island + transfer

airport-home-airport

1950

SURVIVAL SPANISH

Type of course Price

2 hours of survival Spanish (for everyday

situation: travel, bank, restaurant…) +

excursions to places of interest (The old city,

Cerro Ancon, the Causeway etc…)

50

GROUP PROGRAM

Type of course Prices

Flexible prices, dates, times and course

content based on group preferences and

needs Excellent group prices

Please note: One teacher or group leader

free for every 10 paying students.

JUNIOR PROGRAM

Type of course 1 week 2 weeks 3 weeks

Junior program in

homestay 15

lessons/week

700 1300 1890

Currency: USD

Dates: ask us.

All Levels.

Accommodation: (Sunday to Sunday) homestay, half-board.

Included: roundtrip transportation from airport to destination and from homestay to school,

daily and week-end leisure activities.

ACCOMMODATION

Shared apartment without meals

Single room 150/week – 25 extra night

Homestay –Host Family

Single room 225/week – 40 extra night

OTHER FEES AND SERVICES

Application fee for any enrollment type 50

Travel medical insurance (4weeks or less) 110

Books 50

Placement fee 55

Tocumen airport pick-up 1 way 1 person 35

Tocumen airport pick-up 1 way 2 or more people 23/ student

Tocumen airport pick-up roundtrip 1 person 60

Tocumen airport pick-up roundtrip 2 or more

people

40/student

If this is your very first time in Panama City, we will take care of some matters that may help

you experience the best of Panama. Feel free to contact our International Student Advisor for

any requests you may have.

Our staff members will look for the best options and recommend what best meets your

expectations and budget.

STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE

All travelers attending EPA! Español en Panama are required to have health insurance valid for

the full period of study.

As we usually go on trips, we want to make sure you are covered during your stay.

If the student does not have insurance, he may purchase the health insurance coverage from us:

USD 110 for 4 weeks. This health insurance is accepted by physicians and medical facilities in

Panama. EPA! staff will provide insurance information and assistance with submitting claim

forms or reimbursement requests.

Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

VISA INFORMATION

After enrollment, EPA! will provide students with a guide and if necessary, the documents

required to obtain the visa.

SCHOOL & CITY ORIENTATION

During the enrollment process and while students are with us in classes, EPA! staff will provide

you with maps, information, and recommendations which will help you become independent

and feel confident when traveling in and around the city.

TOURISM INFORMATION

The student advisor will provide information about places to visit, fees, transportation and other

support you may need while staying in Panama.

AIRPORT PICKUP SERVICE

EPA! can arrange airport pickup service round-trip from the airport to your home stay.

Our service offers high quality and reliability. Refer to the pricing page for details.

These dates are provisional and we cannot be

responsible for changes made by central or

local authorities.

2015 HOLIDAYS

January 1st – New year’s day

January 9th – Martyr’s day

From February 14th to February 18th –

Carnival

April 3rd & 4th – Good Friday and Holy

Saturday

May 1st – Labour day

November 3rd – Independence day

November 4th – Flag day

November 5th – Colon day

November 10th – Shout in villa de los

Santos

November 28th – Independence from

Spain

December 8th – Mother’s day

From December 21st to December 31St

– Christmas

When there are two holidays in the same

week (Monday to Friday) one day of the

missed lessons will be made up.

There will be no refund of classes missed

due to national or local holidays except for

one and one classes which will be made up

in all cases.

Learn Spanish with the best!

www.studyspanishinpanama.com

email: info@espanolenpanama.com

Phone: +507-3914044

Skype ID: epa.pty

Follow us on Twitter: @EPAPanama

Like us in Facebook! www.facebook.com/epapanama