EC, the Malta-based international English language tuition chain, has acquired a 50 per cent stake in Expanish, a fledgling Spanish teaching institution in Buenos Aires, Argentina, EC executive chairman Andrew Mangion told The Sunday Times.

After having successfully internationalised to the UK, US, and South Africa, EC will now apply its experience and knowledge to support the growth of the Expanish brand to other parts of Latin America. Mr Mangion is confident Expanish has the potential to develop its business ten-fold over the next few years to reach sales of $10 million.

Established in 2006 by young Argentine entrepreneurs Agustin Vignale and Alejandro Rched, Expanish has carved a name for itself by providing a range of high quality total immersion Spanish programmes in Buenos Aires and other Spanish-speaking destinations.

Mr Vignale and Mr Rched approached EC a year ago in their search for strategic investors to support their bid for international expansion. They travelled to Malta, the first destination on a carefully planned European roadshow, to meet EC’s management team.

Within 48 hours they left the island with an offer. With due diligence procedures finalised and agreements signed, EC and Expanish have now got down to business.

“We have just signed a lease for an attractive six-storey building in central Buenos Aires to expand the existing school,” Mr Mangion explained. “We will then continue to extend the Expanish brand’s presence by establishing schools in other parts of Latin America. EC is also to expose Expanish to its considerable agent network to widen its client portfolio.”

Meanwhile, EC is gearing up to open its centre in San Francisco later this month, its fourth operation in the US, in the wake of a strong wave of growth at the centres in Boston, San Diego and New York.

Occupying the entire 18th floor of a recently refurbished landmark 1930s building at 100 Montgomery Street, EC San Francisco is set in the heart of the business district, just off Market Street, the main thoroughfare. The school will house 16 classrooms accommodating 220 students and ancillary facilities, and a staff complement of 22.

EC – now employing over 700 full-time and part-time staff of 22 nationalities across its operation – will vie for business against global English as a foreign language (EFL) brands. Mr Mangion said EC’s excellent reputation for high standards, its top 10 worldwide ranking, and experience in other major US cities will serve it in good stead at its newest destination.

EC San Francisco will be officially inaugurated in September. Now operating nine centres in three continents, EC is to continue to focus its growth strategy on the UK and US, the world’s first and second largest EFL markets, over the next two years, Mr Mangion confirmed.

The weak sterling added to the UK’s attractiveness over the past few months, and despite being faced with a few challenges, particularly a potential visa review depending on the outcome of the election next Thursday, EC’s forecasts for 2010 for its centres in London, Cambridge and Brighton are promising.

EC’s British operation has outgrown its Maltese arm, but Mr Mangion maintains Malta is an essential market for the group, since the island is strategically located for European travellers looking for malta holidays or study abroad programs

Mr Mangion, who chaired the Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations (Malta) for two years and spearheaded the implementation of several measures to raise standards in the local industry, is sure official statistics for 2009 will show a 20 per cent decline over 2008.

“The market will almost certainly also see a revenue drop of 20 per cent,” he said. “Even if student weeks did not fall by the full 20 per cent, the average rate per student week decreased significantly as centres slashed their rates to try to attract business.

“We started 2010 with numbers down on last year, but they seem to be picking up and we are seeing a comeback for the all-important third quarter and the fourth.

“I would be very pleased if the Maltese industry managed to end the year at least on a par with last year or at least

slightly up. I hope there will be further recovery in 2011.”

The investment in EC Malta continues nevertheless. Over €400,000 has recently been channelled into the refurbishment of the school for adults in St Julian’s.

EC has also taken over nearby premises previously occupied by the Bell school, which closed last year. Following extensive redecoration, EC has now relocated some tuition facilities from another centre to the corner property.
_________________________
SOURCE:
“EC acquires 50 per cent stake in Argentine Spanish centre”
Sunday, May 2, 2010
by Joanna Ripard
http://www.timesofmalta.com
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100502/business/ec-acquires-50-per-cent-stake-in-argentine-spanish-centre.305476

International award-winning educational provider, AmeriSpan Study Abroad, has added a budget-friendly Spanish school in Buenos Aires, Argentina targeted at students who would like to learn Spanish in Argentina. Increasing the number of budget-friendly schools is part of the organization’s Study Abroad Push It Forward initiative with the goal of making it easier for people to study, travel and work abroad. Other parts of the initiative include student-friendly prices on college study abroad programs, scholarship grants, and an innovative fundraising program.

AmeriSpan Vice-President, Beth Lieberman explains, “Budget-friendly does not mean lower quality. We never sacrifice program quality. These programs are simply not our first choice if everything else was equal. These schools may have a few more students in a class, less variety in program options, or fewer lodging choices.

As the job market and college acceptance has grown more competitive, students and professionals have become more globally minded. Learning another language, especially Spanish, is fast becoming a required skill for many occupations. Language immersion or studying the language in a country where it is spoken is recognize by most as the fastest way to achieving proficiency. For nearly 20 year, AmeriSpan Study abroad has specialized in language immersion, including Argentina Spanish schools and other educational travel programs.

Students are enrolling in overseas study programs in record numbers for numerous reasons: enhanced educational experience and an improved college resume, a broadened personal and cultural experience, further mastery of the nuances of a second language, the exploration of foreign universities, and discovering whether a particular country is a good fit for an individual are all reasons that students are opting to study abroad. AmeriSpan’s offering in Buenos Aires is certain to provide all of these opportunities, along with delivering a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience.

Our goal is to always deliver high quality programs at affordable prices. In the current economic environment, we are trying to offer budget-friendly options in our most popular destinations. Since so many people are looking to learn Spanish in Buenos Aires and there are several Buenos Aires Spanish schools with excellent academic programs, this was a place we wanted to add a program,” commented John Slocum, AmeriSpan’s co-founder.

Both of AmeriSpan’s Buenos Aires Spanish schools are located in different parts of the cosmopolitan city of 11 million. The typical program includes 20 hours a week of intensive Spanish courses and a variety of optional cultural activities organized by the school. Participants have the option of living and eating with local families to further immerse themselves in the culture. AmeriSpan highly recommends family homestays because it speeds the process of learning the language by putting into practice the lessons from class.

Participants in the program are from a diverse range of backgrounds, and encompass all age groups and mainly from Brazil, North America, Western Europe and China. All language levels are accepted and programs start most Mondays year round.
AmeriSpan is a well-established agency that has been repeatedly nominated for the Language Travel Magazine Star Award, and in 2009 and 2010 was named the Best Agency in North America. The company’s staff has a strong commitment to international travel, language-learning, and cross cultural understanding. Overall, AmeriSpan’s Study Abroad offers programs in more than 100 cities and 45 countries worldwide.
__________________________
SOURCE:
“Budget-Friendly Spanish School in Buenos Aires, Argentina”
Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) June 27, 2011
http://www.prweb.com
http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebArgentina/Spanish-schools/prweb8602592.htm

As a new student here at Expanish, I also have an opportunity to share all of my new experiences as they happen; to help others that may be interested in making their way to “Paris of the South.” There are so many new sounds, smells, and sights to take in, that the adventure has only begun.

My first day of class at Expanish was of course filled with anticipation, but the friendly staff here welcomed me as soon as I walked in the door! I took my placement test, apologized for my Spanish, and was told not to worry! That´s why you are here – to learn, and to improve. I was given my room number and off to my first Spanish Class I went. The first couple of hours went rather smoothly, except for my timidness in speaking… but I know that will quickly change. And the short breaks gave me an opportunity to rest my mind… and check my email.

To finish the day, all new students were given a nice orientation about the city, the school, and the staff. Overall, it was a complete success! First day jitters are normal at any school, especially when you are in a new country. But all fears were quelled from Murphy in the admissions department, to Paula with my curriculum, Marina at the front desk, and of course my professor Eduardo. With the support of the staff here I know that I will attain my goals over the next 3 months.

Ill be blogging each week about my experience so make sure you re-visit!

So when I read about Spanglish Exchange on a former BA resident’s blog, I knew I had to check it out once I got to town.

Founded by Maya May, a Downers Grove, Ill., native who’s lived in Buenos Aires for years, this super-cool event pairs native English and native Spanish speakers for a couple of hours. And since these several-days-a-week evening events are held at hip restaurants, bars and clubs in BA barrios such as San Telmo, Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, they give you a great excuse to get out and experience city nightlife (and get a free drink with what amounts to a $5 or $6 admission fee).

Here’s how it works: think speed dating, where you rotate from table to table and partner to partner–except instead of talking about how you love quiet evenings at home and walks on the beach, you alternately chat for five minutes about your lives in both English and castellano–even if neither of you is terribly fluent in the other’s language. And while five minutes sounded like an ETERNITY when first announced, they fly by when your mind is spinning like a top trying to come up with proper verb tenses!

Spanglish Exchange JUST celebrated its second anniversary this month, and has proved a huge hit with everyone from short-term tourists to new Buenos Aires residents to native porteños, as BA locals are called. Not only is it a great way for solo travelers like me to get out and chat with fellow tourists and BA dwellers, but it gives you a chance to brush up your rusty language skills in a low-stress environment (rather than at the local post office–but that’s a story for another post!).

After my Spanglish Exchange session was over, I ended up going to a tango milonga with a couple of super-friendly Vancouver, B.C., travelers I met that night. And I met a really cool guy who hailed from Mongolia and was doing a study-abroad program in BA through his university in London (who knew I had to fly to the end of the earth to meet someone from this far Eastern country?).

But isn’t that what international travel is really all about–stepping outside your comfort zones and pushing the envelope? While my perfectionist Type-A self was a bit hesitant about jumping in at first, I knew it was EXACTLY what I needed during a solo vacation designed to help me contemplate some bigger life changes. After all, I’ve moved to Europe by myself, quit a good corporate job (twice!) to make a living as a freelance consultant and writer–so how hard could this really be?

Today, Spanglish Exchange. Tomorrow, who knows?
________________________________
SOURCE:
“Language learning-meets-speed dating at Buenos Aires’ Spanglish Exchange”
11.29.10
http://www.chicagonow.com
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/todays-chicago-woman-culture-dining-nightlife/2010/11/language-learning-meets-speed-dating-at-buenos-aires-spanglish-exchange.html

Looking south, the country become more humid where are tallgrass prarie ecosystem dominates the landscape. Before few trees existed recently there are more imported species from America.

The soil is extremely fertile and thus the country is capable of producing large volumes of food. However this high level of food production is also the reason that parts of the ecosystem are becoming damaged.

The Andes create a portion of the country where it rains very little, this makes the soil very dry and means that agriculture is much more difficult. The forests are much more coniferous towards in the south.

Conversely, the north is much more diverse and includes big cats such ad the cougar, jaguar and the ocelot.

There are other interesting creatures such as Howler Monkeys, Crocodiles and the Bushdog. On top of all of this there is an incredible range of birds. In particular, Hummingbirds, Flamingos, toucans and swallows.  These dazzle visitors with their vibrancy.

However to be able to organise some tours to see the wildlife, before travelling you should learn Spanish in Buenos Aires first to make sure you get yourself the best deal. Using yours Spanish knowledge you will also be able to learn more about the flora and fauna as well a make your journey exploring this exciting ecosystem easier!

There are a huge amount of Spanish schools in Buenos Aires, so choosing one that can help you target the vocabulary that you will need will be very important. Once you are able to travel Argentina you will appreciate how diverse the flora and fauna of the country is.

Here is some of what Dolores wrote for us upon her return.

I spent the summer of 2010 working with The Experiment in International Living. I traveled to Argentina to learn Spanish, stay with a host family, learn the tango and do community service. We did a lot of fun things during this trip. We visited forest preserves, saw tango dancing in the streets, poverty, but also beauty. One of the most rewarding experiences was the community service. The projects included helping refurbish orphanages, playing with the orphans and helping special needs children. I enjoyed all of my service projects but there was one that I will never forget.

When we arrived at Centro Del Ciego we were only told to, “Walk in, play with the kids and leave,” I was excited; I couldn’t wait to play with the little kids! All the kids were escorted into the room to find their seats, and get ready for their bicentennial performance.

There was one little girl in the room that caught my eye. She had long curly hair, big brown eyes and a kind smile. A friend called out to her and said, “Jessica come look at my dress, it’s beautiful.” When she said this she took Jessica’s hand and ran it along the dress. It was then that I realized Jessica was blind. After touching the dress, Jessica responded by saying that her friend’s dress was beautiful. At that point my eyes began to water. I wondered how she can say something is beautiful without seeing it. It made me sad to think of all the things I love that she may never be able to see.

After the performance we were able to play with the children, I played with Jessica. I was able to get to know her and talk to her. She is a beautiful little girl with so much potential, but she lacks resources. She needs a walking stick and an abacus. The center cannot afford such aids for everyone.

Now that I have returned from the trip I feel that I have grown. Going on the trip to Argentina last summer was truly a unique experience. I never realized that poverty and lack of special needs assistance was nearly unattainable in foreign countries.

Since I’ve returned from Argentina I’ve realized I have become a better person. I help out more around my house and instead of just passing by people who need help I stop and assist them. I want to continue helping the less fortunate like I did when I was in Argentina. Since school has begun I have been elected Vice President and I will be using that role to my advantage. My goal is to start a fundraiser for the children at Centro Del Ciego in Posadas, Missiones Argentina. I would like to send them money, abacuses, and clothes. I want everyone to be touched by those children like I was. They are amazing, smart and beautiful–just like us. By working together we can help them be just as independent as we are. I know that I can make a difference in someone’s life; If not everyone’s then at least one, Jessica’s.

Dolores is one of 16 students who received Farther Foundation scholarships this year enabling them to participate in unique and life changing experiences across six continents. Inspired by experience students become active and engaged learners, full of potential and more fully aware of the world and its opportunities. Farther Foundation scholarships are supported by tax deductible individual donations.
____________________________
SOURCE:
“Opening eyes in Argentina”
By Farther Foundation
Nov 4, 2010
http://triblocal.com
http://triblocal.com/oak-park-river-forest/community/stories/2010/11/opening-eyes-in-argentina/

To improve rapidly you have to throw yourself out of your comfort zone and force yourself to communicate with others that do not know any of your native tongue. Fortunately, the majority of people in the city only speak Spanish so it is not too hard to find them. Here are some great ideas on where to go to get you started:

Home Stays

A great way to improve your Spanish is by living with a family of Spanish speakers. You will improve your vocabulary as you fumble for the words for the food you eat and the things you need. As you get to know your hosts, you can learn about their lives and chat about anything and everything, which is the best way to practice Spanish.

Bars/Clubs

Try and find a quiet bar where not many tourists go and start up conversation with locals, you will be surprised as to how friendly they can be.

Language exchange groups

There are a number of language exchange groups in the city where you can go to meet people and practise your Spanish with locals in exchange for them practising your native language.

Volunteering

There are a great many opportunities to volunteer in Buenos Aires, you will very likely work alongside people who only speak Spanish, and you will also be working for a good cause. Un Techo Para Mi Pais is a great example of a place in Buenos Aires where you can offer your helping hands.

Language Schools

There are a myriad of Spanish schools in Buenos Aires. They are great for getting started, perfecting your grammar or targeting specific areas of Spanish. If you are a beginner and would like to learn Spanish in Buenos Aires then these are the places to start.

Understanding Locals

To truly understand the culture of a country you need to understand the locals. From there you can discover the customs and what it means exactly to be Argentine. The real secrets of a country are unlocked when you begin to make true frinds with those who live there, and is the first step in the transition from tourist to local.

Getting Better Deals

Tourists and foreigners are always getting taken advantage of, from the moment you open your mouth in a foreign language, many locals will just hear the sound of opportunity. Being able to hold your own in spanish negociations is a great learning experience and also will save you money

Everyday Tasks

Forget struggling to buy bread form the supermarket or having no idea how to describe to a taxi driver where you are going, with some knowledge of the spanish language you can get yourself around the city with out the stress and embarresment associated with not knowing the language.

Reading the Newspaper

Reading the newspaper is a great insight into the culture, views and to find information on the modern city in which you are staying. Its a great place to find work and will also give you a warning of any potential country wide problems.

Finding Work

If you are coming to Buenos Aires in search of work then some knowledge of Spanish will be at the very least useful if, not essential to any job that you may find. Although knowledge of English makes you more employable there will always be times here in Buenos Aires where you will need to use Spanish.

One great place where you can learn Spanish in Buenos Aires is at the Vamos Spanish Academy, a unique school in the friendly neighbourhood of Palermo. There you can learn Argentine orientated Spanish so that you can gain practical vocabulary and phrases immediately accessible and usable in your surroundings.

The Mendoza Intercultural Association (MIA) announces a “Spanish for Grownups” package tailored to people who have time and resources to travel, but want to do something interesting and productive when they do.

“Spanish for Grownups” offers a winning combination of Spanish language study, practice, cultural immersion and access to world-class scenery, wine and food,” said MIA President Ellen Hoffman. “It’s the perfect option for Baby Boomers, retirees or other adults who want to learn Spanish at a relaxed pace in an interesting place with comfortable accommodations,” she said. Free-time options range from wine-tasting (Malbec and much more) to visiting wineries, dining on delectable wine country cuisine, and exploring the Andes mountains.

Discount: For the introductory September session, MIA is offering a 50% discount to the first six applicants. The price is $425.00 US per person per week (double occupancy, two-week minimum). For details of the offer and the program, visit: www.spanishforgrownups.com .

The package includes:

* Three hours of Spanish instruction per day, Monday through Friday
* Lodging in a studio apartment with private bath and kitchenette and access to a garden, terrace with grape arbor, barbeque, free wifi, and maid service every other day
* Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, opportunity to practice with native Spanish-speakers
* One special cultural or artistic activity per week
* On request, arrangement of activities such as visits to wineries or the Andes Mountains or cooking classes (additional cost)

Teaching:

The program employs an innovative teaching method devised by Riccardo Accurso, MIA vice president, based on his study of psycholinguistics and his experience teaching language in Spain, as well as living in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. The method stresses the psychological components underlying communications, and the importance of cultural context in learning to speak a foreign language.

Sandra Boffi, a bilingual (Spanish and English) local resident who directs a language program in a private school in Mendoza, will serve as the main teacher. Students will also have opportunities to converse with native Spanish-speaking staff and in special events with other Mendoza residents.

Register:

“This is an unusual program and a wonderful opportunity to participate at half price. It’s a perfect opportunity for people –especially Baby Boomers and retirees–who always wanted to study Spanish but had not found the right program. Interested parties should apply now, since the discount will only be available to the first six persons who sign up for the September program,” Hoffman said. Later programs will be available at the normal price. Sign up at http://www.spanishforgrownups.com/register.html .

Additional sessions are scheduled for Oct. 3-16 and October 31- Nov. 13, 2010. Interested parties may also request custom dates that meet their schedule.

MIA is a non-profit association whose purpose is intercultural exchange between natives of Mendoza and residents and visitors from other cultures. For more information about MIA, write to: ellen(at)spanishforgrownups(dot)com or 304-876-2243 in the U.S.

More about Mendoza

Mendoza is the capital city of Mendoza Province, in Argentina. It is located in the northern-central part of the province, in a region of foothills and high plains, on the eastern side of the Andes. As of the 2001 census [INDEC], Mendoza’s population was 110,993. The metropolitan population was 848,660 in 2001, making Greater Mendoza the fourth largest census metropolitan area in the country.

Ruta Nacional 7, the major road running between Buenos Aires and Santiago, runs through Mendoza. The city is a frequent stopover for climbers on their way to Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere) and for adventure travelers interested in mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, and other sports. In the winter, skiers come to the city for its easy access to the Andes.

Two of the main industries of Mendoza area are olive oil production and wine making. The region around Greater Mendoza is the largest wine producing area in Latin America. As such, Mendoza is one of nine cities worldwide in the network of Great Capitals of Wine, and the city is an emerging wine tourism destination and base for exploring the hundreds of wineries in the region.
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SOURCES:

“Learn Spanish in Mendoza, Argentina Wine Country in September: “Spanish for Grown-Ups” Offers 50% Discount”
All Press Releases
June 28, 2010
http://www.prweb.com
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/06/prweb4192414.htm

“Mendoza, Argentina”
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendoza,_Argentina

Since opening its doors in 2006, Expanish is striving to build one of the most innovative international educational organizations in its field. To accommodate our growth and to continue to deliver quality educational programs, on July 12th, 2010, we relocate to a newly refurbished historical building located in the heart of Buenos Aires. We are proud to be associated with you, our valued partners, and are pleased to announce the date we move to our new facility. We wish you success and look forward to many more years of close association with you.

Our new facility

Our six-story beautifully constructed building is one of the few in Buenos Aires having cultural significance and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage building. Its nineteenth century architecture has been carefully preserved as a legacy for all to enjoy. The school interior has been designed with the student experience in mind, combining excellence in education with a student atmosphere that will make any of our worldwide visitors comfortable and right at home. The interior of the building provides students with the very best learning environment in a modern setting. Of international standard, it is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, comfortable classrooms and spacious student common areas to facilitate the pursuit of learning while also providing students a place to rest, relax and socialize.

Features of our new building:

• Large street entrance and welcome area
• 6 purpose built floors
• 24 naturally-lit classrooms
• Student amenities and administration
• Two elevators and staircase
• Bathroom facilities on every floor
• Sound proof windows
• Library
• Top floor student common room complete with sofas, computers, study area and laptop lounge
• Student common room co-located with the teachers common room to facilitate engagement
• Student snack areas
• Projection room for DVD/video screenings
• E-lab with 10 computer terminals (from 2011)
• Tutorial and seminar rooms
• Wi-Fi throughout the building
• Roo?op terrace with superb views of the city (open 2011)
• Air-conditioning and central heating
• Electronically controlled entrance

Our new location

The new Expanish building is located in downtown Buenos Aires. We are close to shops, a gym, banks, currency exchange offices, restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas, theatres, parks, universities and historical and tourist attractions. From our central location it is easy to explore and experience Buenos Aires.

• The school is only two blocks from Plaza de Mayo, the main square in Buenos Aires. The political nucleus of Argentina, the Plaza is surrounded by many important and historical buildings such as the Casa Rosada which houses the President’s offices.

• The famous Florida Street is one block from Expanish. This lengthy pedestrian street features a variety of shops that sell an assortment of goods including quality leather and souvenirs.

• Situated three blocks from Expanish is the famous landmark Obelisk, positioned where Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world, intersects with Avenida Corrientes, a principal thoroughfare of the city.

• Avenida de Mayo is three blocks from the school, connecting Plaza de Mayo to the city. Lined with trees and historical buildings this famous avenue is where Café Tortoni, the oldest café in the country, is located.

• Within walking distance are some of the well-known neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: Bohemian San Telmo, upscale Recoleta and the trendy Puerto Madero neighborhood situated on the waterfront of the Río de la Plata. Chic Palermo, the city’s largest neighborhood, is easily accessible by public transport.

How to get to Expanish

Expanish is centrally located in downtown Buenos Aires. It is easily accessible by bus, subte (subway/metro) and taxi.

? By Bus
There are a number of bus routes to Expanish. The main bus lines to Expanish are: 6, 7, 9, 10, 17, 24, 26, 29, 45, 50, 59, 67, 70, 100, 111, 129, 146 and 180.

? By Subte (subway/metro)
Expanish is three blocks to the Diagonal Norte station from where it is possible to connect to all other subte lines.

? By Taxi
Our street address is Tte Gral Juan Domingo Perón 700, commonly referred to as Perón. The cross street is Maipú.