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TESOL Course in SPAIN, Granada
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
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The Palace of Charles V
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Granada's Cathedral
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Capilla Real. Royal Chapel, with the tombs of Isabella and Ferdinand,
the Catholic Kings
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Santa Ana Church: 16th century, Mudejar Style
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San Salvador Church: 16th century, Mudejar Style. With Moorish Almohad
patio from the former mosque
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El Corral del Carbón: Deposit of merchandise and shelter of merchants.
Adapted after 16th century for theater plays
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The 16th century Castril palace which hosts the Archaeological Museum of
Granada
Connectivity
There is a good bus service throughout Granada, and normally you do not
have to wait longer than 15 minutes to catch a bus. There is also a
frequent, air-conditioned minibus service connecting Albaicín and the
Alhambra together which makes it very convenient for visitors who would
like to visit both Moorish quarters. Taxis are also plenty in Granada
and can be flagged down on any street.
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.
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It is a very compact experience. Extensive learning but
fun.
A gear experience with TEFL International and very
helpful to find placement
