Why TESOL in Granada, Spain?

Granada is located next to the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalusia in the south of Spain. It is about 70km from the coast. Granada is one of the pearls of Spain, most visited by tourists from all over the world. Being in this position means that it is possible to go skiing and sunbathe on the beach in the same day.The city of Granada is placed at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, at the confluence of three rivers, Beiro, Darro and Genil, at an elevation of 738 metres above sea level yet only one hour from the Mediterrean coast, the Costa Tropical. The Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, is in Granada. It is one of the most famous items of the Islamic historical legacy that makes Granada a hot spot among cultural and tourist cities in Spain. The Almohad urbanism with some fine examples of Moorish and Morisco constructions is preserved at the part of the city called the Albaicín. The long-time capital of Moorish Andalusia has to offer the most important reminds of this epoch in Spanish history, with the world-famous "Alhambra" at the top of the list. The city is located at the foot of the "Sierra Nevada", Spain's highest mountain-massif with great possibilities for winter-sports. The highest peak, "Mulhacén" arrives to 3478 meters. On the other hand it is not far from the Mediterranean Sea, so Granada is a great place to visit in any season.

What is the attraction

Granada has its usual quotient of churches, museums etc. typical for a southern European city. However, Granada has the Alhambra which is considered by some to be one of the 10 wonders of the world. In case you don't know, the Alhambra is a massive castle constructed over many centuries. The Albaicín is the old Arabic quarter located on the hill opposite the Alhambra. It is characterized by cobble stoned streets with white washed houses. Despite several centuries of neglect and architectural barbarities allowed by the town council it still retains a strong Arabic feeling. There are many squares with terazas and places to laze about and have a bite to eat. The Albaicín is an oil painter's paradise and almost at every turn of the head there is an attractive view, almost always involving glimpses of the Alhambra. If you go to a shop which sells any of the typical granadino pottery (white background with strong blue shapes) you will be sure to read the oft quoted refrain: Give him alms woman because there is nothing as bad as being blind in Granada. Go to Mirador de San Nicolas and you will see what they meant. Sierra Nevada is Europe's most southern ski resort. The resort is located 32 km from the centre of Granada and is only a 50-minute drive. In 1996, it hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships. The historical grandeur that Granada has blended with its contemporary outlook can be matched with the reputation of TEFL International and its TESOL program in the world of ESL teaching. TESOL has blended the tradition of teaching with the extant and advanced ESL techniques.

What is in it for you?

Taking a break from the TESOL classroom and the demanding sessions of preparing lesson plans and delivering demo teaching at the ESL schools, the TEFL trainees can schedule their pleasure trips in and around Granada. Walk through beautiful gardens, charming narrow streets filled with flowers, sit down in one of those typical taverns to have some of that famous "Trevélez" ham and local wine, and breath the centuries of history around you anywhere. There are gypsies singing "Flamenco", and don't miss to visit their famous "Cuevas" - caves - in the mountain of the monastery of Sacromonte where some of them really live still nowadays making magnificent artisany. Granada's popular festivals, based as well on Moorish as Christian tradition, are most attractive. It's equally important to relax and lay back at times while you are engaged in a comprehensive course like the TESOL.

Evening and Nightlife

Granada is the opposite of most cities in that in the holidays it is much quieter than at other times. The reason for this is that the students go home to their pueblos and in the summer many people go to the beach. All Spanish cities have a vibrant nightlife usually involving consuming copious quantities of cubatas (spirits mixed with a long drink) and staying up late, Granada is no exception. Although it is becoming more indistinct, there are two main zones full of bars. Pedro Alarcón attracts a generally younger set of people 18-22 and the area around Plaza Nueva and the Calle Elvira maybe a bit older. In the winter there are often bands playing in the bars, the best way to find out what is going on is to go to bars and look at the posters on the wall, ( a good place to find posters is the Telón or the Pata Palo just off the Gran Vía) or go by word of mouth. There used to be a lot of jazz and blues but music in bars is becoming less common because the authorities are stricter about noise levels and complaints by the neighbors than before. There is a lot of Jazz and Flamenco at the Eshavira in the Calle Elvira. They don't charge an entrance fee but they increase the price of drinks when there is music playing.

Weekend Excursions

The Palace of Charles V
Granada's Cathedral
Capilla Real. Royal Chapel, with the tombs of Isabella and Ferdinand, the Catholic Kings
Santa Ana Church: 16th century, Mudejar Style
San Salvador Church: 16th century, Mudejar Style. With Moorish Almohad patio from the former mosque
El Corral del Carbón: Deposit of merchandise and shelter of merchants. Adapted after 16th century for theater plays
The 16th century Castril palace which hosts the Archaeological Museum of Granada

Weather

In January there are lots of blue skies and it is warm when the sun is shining but it gets cold at night. There are occasional frosts. The best time to visit Granada is in the Spring and Autumn when the temperature is just perfect with warm sunny days. During July and August it can be very hot and some days the temperature reaches 40C. Granada has a dry heat which is much more bearable than the humid heat which you will find in Barcelona. There is very little rainfall although every few years there are spells when it rains very heavily.