TESOL Course in SPAIN, Seville
Why
TESOL in Seville, Spain?
Sunny slopes, plump tomatoes, juicy oranges, Gothic churches, the
passionate Flamenco, raging matadors, beautiful weather, the legend of
Don Quixote, Picasso, Dali, football frenzy, a widely spoken language
and a lot more come together to make what we know as Spain. The
TESOL Certificate Program conducted by
TEFL International can just be an
excuse to visit this nation that is on perpetual celebration of senses.
Travel is easy, accommodation plentiful, the climate benign, the people
relaxed, the beaches long and sandy, the food and drink easy to come by
and full of regional variety. Geographically, Spain's diversity is
immense. There are endless tracts of wild and crinkled sierra to
explore, as well as some spectacularly rugged stretches of coast between
the beaches. Culturally, the country is littered with superb old
buildings, from Roman aqueducts and Islamic palaces to Gothic
cathedrals. Almost every second village has a medieval castle. Spain has
been the home of some of the world's great artists - El Greco,
Velázquez, Goya, Dalí, Picasso - and has museums and galleries to match.
The country vibrates with music of every kind - from the drama of
flamenco to the melancholy lyricism of the Celtic music and gaitas
(bagpipes) of the northwest. Spain guarantees the
TEFL trainees, a virtual transport from
the real to the ethereal, treating them to all that’s mind-boggling and
soul-stirring.
What is the attraction?
Seville is the Capital of Andalusia, region famous for its bullfighters
and Flamenco dancers and singers. Seville lies on the banks of the
Guadalquivir and is one of the largest historical centres in Europe, it
has the minaret of La Giralda, the cathedral (one of the largest in
Christendom), and the Alcázar Palace. Part of its treasure include the
Town Hall, Archive of the Indies (where the historical records of the
American continent are kept). Its high point in its history was
following the discovery of America, plus convents, parish churches and
palaces. The historical stature of Seville can be matched with the
reputation of TEFL International and
its TESOL program in the world of
ESL teaching.
For all its important monuments and fascinating history, Seville is
universally famous for being a joyous town. While the Sevillians are
known for their wit and sparkle, the city itself is striking for its
vitality. It is the largest town in Southern Spain, the city of Carmen,
Don Juan and Figaro. The Sevillians are great actors and put on an
extraordinary performance at their annual Fería de Abril, a week-long
party of drink, food and dance. .
What is in it for you?
Taking a break from the TESOL
classroom and the demanding sessions of preparing lesson plans and
conducting practice teaching at the ESL schools,
the TEFL trainees can schedule their
pleasure trips in and around Seville.
The beautiful Gothic and Arab architecture, the Andalusian cuisine and
the lovely climate makes Seville the ideal place.
Seville certainly is one of the most beloved places by
visitors to Spain. Seville was also the home of famous and infamous
figures of history, the legendary "Don Juan" started from here to
conquer the hearts of women across all Europe, while Columbus started
from a port close to Seville to discover a new world.
When you visit this city of TESOL
training, you are in the very heart of Andalusian culture, the center of
bullfighting and Flamenco music. Take your time and take life easy, as
Andalusians use to do, and interrupt sightseeing from time to time to
have a few "tapas", those typical "small spanish dishes", and a glass of
Sherry wine in one of the probably thousands of bars in this city. It’s
equally important to relax and lay back at times while you are engaged
in a comprehensive course like the TESOL.
Your visit to Seville isn't complete without a walk over to the old
gypsy quarter of Triana, the centre of tile-making. You can watch the
craftsmen at work in their studios. Inside is a treasure trove of every
imaginable item of ceramic and pottery, from tiny bowls and jugs to
statues and huge pots. The sizeable array of pieces can be overwhelming,
so take your time to wander round and absorb it all the way exactly the
way you absorb the wide assortment of inventive
ESL teaching techniques in your
international TESOL classroom.
On the tourist map
Seville is a city steeped in history. Throughout the narrow streets and
main avenues - in fact, virtually everywhere you cast your eye; there
are magnificent monuments and buildings which stand as a legacy to this
city's fascinating heritage. Many of these dates from the time of the
Moorish conquest (712), the Giralda, the Alcazar, and the Cathedral
which was originally built as a mosque by the Almohads in the late 12th
century and later became the largest Gothic church in the world.
One of the richest areas of the city, in terms of the sheer number of
monuments, is the Barrio Santa Cruz which is very much in character with
Seville's romantic image, its streets narrow and torturous to keep out
the sun, with houses brilliantly whitewashed and barricaded with iron
grilles. On a much smaller scale are the tranquil gardens of the Casa de
Pilatos which, despite being built well after the Moslem period,
demonstrates how long the interest in Mudejar architecture continued.
While doing the TESOL course in
Seville, you will want to visit the old city, with the Cathedral and the
Giralda tower at its heart. (You can climb the steps inside the tower
for a magnificent view of the City). Very close by are the royal Mudéjar
palace known as the Alcazar with marvellous gardens and the Santa Cruz
quarter, with cramped streets, flowered balconies, richly decorated
facades, hidden patios... Other sights not to be missed are, in the old
city, the Casa de Pilatos, a large sixteenth-century mansion where
Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance styles blend harmoniously amidst
exuberant patios and gardens and, crossing the Triana bridge over the
large Guadalquívir River, the lively popular quarter of Triana with
charming narrow streets around the church of Santa.
Weekend excursions
Shopping is an art form in Seville, a serious business. The
TEFL trainees can spend their leisure
time out of the TESOL class by
strolling down Calle Sierpes on a Saturday evening with friends or
co-trainees, discussing the merits of the various wares in the window
displays, from fans to hotpants - it's an unmissable part of a
Sevillano's weekend.
Just at 8 kilometers from Seville there is Santiponce, Roman emperors
Trajan and Hadrian were born here. Remaining today are the colossal
Amphitheater, a theater and remains of dwelling houses. Many of the
statues, mosaics and other objects that were found here are exposed at
Seville's Archaeological Museum, and in the Palace of the Condesa de
Lebrija.
Absolutely worth a visit is the picturesque Carmona, at 33 km from
Seville, with its impressive fortifications. Carmona was originally a
Carthaginian, later a Roman settlement. Osuna, at 86 kilometers from
Seville, is an old dukedom. The Pantheon of the Dukes of Osuna is of
high artistical value.
Ecija is located at the border between the provinces of Seville and
Cordoba. This traditional manorial town has several beautiful palaces.
Ecija is popularly called "the town of the towers", for the large number
of church towers that form its skyline.
Evening and nightlife
Seville is great for going out due to the huge variety of venues in a
small area. The TESOL trainees in
search of inexpensive and convenient evening haunts can easily visit
four or five completely different bars without walking more than ten
minutes between any of them. The main areas are: Alfalfa, where Pérez
Galdós gets so packed with people on Friday and Saturday nights that
cars can't drive down it; Alameda, which has a more alternative scene,
with lots of gay bars and clubs; and calle Betis by the river in Triana,
which is wall-to-wall with venues, from quiet bars to all-night clubs.
Friday and Saturday nights are the big ones, with people generally
venturing out at about 11 or 12pm and staying out till 5am or later.
About our TEFL Location
The TEFL International School in
Seville is located in district Los Remedios, on the west side of the
Guadalquivir river. The school building that hosts the international
TESOL course, training the prospective
ESL teachers to acquire the
prestigious TEFL certificate is
modern, comfortable and well air-conditioned. Along the nearby streets
are a variety of cafes, restaurants, banks and services.
Connectivity
Seville is a relatively small city and most major sites can be covered
on foot. At the same time the TEFL trainees can readily avail taxis and
buses that are safe, reliable, and inexpensive.
Weather
Summers are pretty warm from June through September with virtually no
rain. Average daily temperatures can reach a high of 40ºC in July and
August! Those, enrolling for the TESOL course
in summer, should come prepare with appropriate summer gear.
Winters are cooler with very mild temperatures. Average daily
temperatures range from 15-20ºC. Spring & Fall have mild yet warm and
sunny temperatures with occasional rainfall. |