SOLEcuador (previously known as SFSI - San Francisco Spanish Institute) is regarded by many South American travel books and educational information centers as one of the best Spanish Schools in Ecuador. Our reputation as a dynamic learning institution has been recognized since our early beginnings in 1991. Almost 20 years later, our philosophy is still based on devoting our efforts and teaching methods to the benefit of our students and their particular needs.

Post a query to a public forum, search engine, or a site such as Facebook. You can also review our REFERRALS & TESTIMONIES web page in order to read some of our students' testimonies.

Course prices include: All materials, taxes, snacks during coffee breaks, brief local calls, and Internet access.

Students with a basic understanding of Spanish and who are taking Intensive Courses (4 hours daily or more, 1 week minimum), can choose to take part in cultural outings (museums, churches, tourist sites, etc.) as part of their instruction program. Entrance fees, transportation, and meals, if any, are not included.

If the length of the course exceeds one week, a student can choose to pay for the first week only in order to get a feel of the course. Subsequently, the remaining lessons must be paid in full.

There is reason to worry if an educational institution claims to be absolutely right for any and all students. SOLEcuador cannot guarantee this but we can certainly assure you that we will do everything in our power to teach you Spanish in the most professional and effective manner.

We have been teaching Spanish as a second language since 1991. We believe that you can greatly benefit from our extensive experience as many students from around the globe have done so in the past.

SOLEcuador evaluates all potential Online and On-Site students based on the 4 language skills: Pronunciation, Writing, Listening, and Communication. Those interested in taking Online Spanish courses can be evaluated during the 30 Minute Free Trial Class over the Internet. On-Site students can be evaluated in person or by telephone conversation with one of our teachers prior to taking lessons.

This all depends on you and your objectives. Most students learn faster with a private instructor. ONE-on-ONE Courses are a bit more expensive yet a very reasonable alternative in Ecuador when learning Spanish. However, some people prefer having a learning partner or partners to practice their Spanish with. For those interested in TWO-on-ONE or GROUP (3+) Courses, please CONTACT US for availability.

No. Fundamentally there are no differences between Online and On-Site Spanish Courses. Both follow updated methodologies and proven teaching methods. However, due to the nature of Online Learning, different resources and materials may be used at certain times.

ONLINE & ON-SITE LESSON CANCELLATION POLICY: If proper notification is issued (24 to 48 hours in advanced, depending on the length of the course) then the student is eligible for a make-up lesson at the discretion of the teacher.

ONLINE & ON-SITE COURSE TERMINATION POLICY: If termination is due to the dissatisfaction of the student with the lessons or teacher, SOLEcuador may advice the student to change either the course type, course level, and/or instructor.

ONLINE POLICIES / ON-SITE POLICIES

SOLEcuador goes through great lengths to meet our students’ expectations concerning the quality of our courses and teachers. However, If a student is not entirely happy with the courses or instructor, SOLEcuador may advice the student to change either the course type, course level, and/or instructor.

Reimbursements will take effect in extraordinary circumstances such as serious illness or unforeseen events during their time in Ecuador and will apply ONLY to the remaining time of the total course. (A 20% charge of this remaining time will be deducted for administrative expenses)

Students visiting Ecuador alone or with their families can be accommodated depending on availability.

Family Hosting Accommodations range from lodging, meals (All special dietary requirements can be accommodated), and laundry service. Host families differ in location and composition but most of them are centrally located and within a short distance from our school. Students can choose to stay with Host Families with children or adults only. For more information CLICK HERE.

There are advantages and considerations that students should keep in mind when deciding whether or not to stay with a Host Family.

For instance: choosing to stay with a Host Family is good opportunity for you to practice and improve your Spanish and forge relationships with regular Ecuadorians; however, you should consider that, initially, you will be living with strangers and you may not always enjoy the local foods or cooking style. Ultimately is a personal choice. For more information CLICK HERE.

SOLE offers you lodging with or without meals, access to a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities (hand wash), TV/ Cable/ Internet, tourist information, and a friendly environment where you can practice and improve your Spanish. More>>

Yes, we are located in the heart of the new district near Parque La Carolina; 5 minute walk from El Jardín Mall, smaller shops, restaurants, and public transportation.

SOLEcuador's LOCATION MAP

Yes but we would recommend that you stay with your Host Family for at least 1 week before deciding to make any changes. More often than not, first impressions are misleading and it wouldn't be too surprising that any initial uneasiness is overcome after a few days. SOLEcuador makes every effort to choose appropriate and experienced Host Families for our students.

It depends on which Host Family you decide to stay with but it's safe to say that most Host Families are 10 - 30 minutes walking distance from our school. Public transportation is also an easy option to take since our Host Families are all centrally located.

Yes. Host Families will be happy to keep your luggage in a safe place while you travel outside of Quito. You can always choose to return to the same Host Family once you are back in the city. This is very helpful indeed because you may not want to carry all of your luggage around with you while traveling through the different regions of the country. Another option is to leave your luggage at SOLEcuador.

Yes. As a full-board guest you are entitled to 3 meals a day but you can choose to cook for your own food at any given time. As a half-board guess, you are entitled to 2 meals a day which leaves 1 meal for you to either cook or eat out. If you choose to pay for lodging only, you will be expected to cook all meals yourself. Any time you make use of the kitchen you are expected to keep it tidy.

Common courtesy is a must when staying with a Host Family.  You must be thoughtful of your host as much as they are of you in order to preserve a harmonious environment.  You should advice your Host Family if you plan to eat out well in advance.  You should also inform your host if you plan stay out late at night. This is not only being polite but a safety measure for you to take advantage of. Although you will be provided with your own set of keys, please be respectful, especially late at night. Friends can visit until 10:00 PM but they can not stay overnight.  Use common sense and your experience will be that much more gratifying for everyone.

Professionals can choose to apply their skills in benefit of others thus broadening their knowledge and reinforcing their commitment towards social change.

University and High School Students will gain valuable experience by working with young children and learning from a variety of coordinated activities. As a student, you will learn from cultures and customs different from your own which can lead towards personal fulfillment.

All volunteers receive integrated Spanish courses (5 hrs Online or 10 hrs On-Site)

All volunteers, with the exception of professionals, will be trained to some degree while performing specific tasks by others with more experience. Volunteers will work side by side with technicians, professionals, and/or community members who will guide and teach them.

Professionals, on the other hand, will be contributing with valuable knowledge and expertise; passing their experience on to others.

All volunteers are fully supported and supervised throughout their involvement with SOLEcuador’s Volunteering Programs. There will be a paid member of staff that you can turn to for extra support if you feel you need it. Lourdes Castro, SOLEcuador’s Academic Coordinator supervises all aspects of the volunteering programs; she is responsible for guiding and assisting volunteers in conjunction with other staff. We make sure that you are not put in situations that are beyond your abilities, and will work with you to help ensure that you find volunteering with us both challenging and rewarding. For any further questions, please CONTACT US.

There is no minimum time requirement to volunteer with the SOLEcuador. You should contact us and discuss the time you have available, your interests, and skills, and how they fit with our volunteering needs.   All volunteers will receive a certificate specifying the type and length of their volunteer work.

Because of the nature of this type of activity, vacancies and demand varies constantly.  The first thing to do is to contact us and discuss the role you are interested in and when you can start. We would generally want you to start as soon as possible but count on at least notifying us 2 weeks in advanced.
In the meantime, we suggest that you brush up on your Spanish by taking Online courses with us.  For more information CLICK HERE

We suggest that you review our FAQs and answers found in our Travel Tab for basic information about traveling to and around Ecuador. You can also check Ecuador's official Tourism Web Page: http://www.ecuador.travel/en/

Volunteers also donate articles such as: school supplies, clothing, books, toys, etc.)

Absolutely not. You're never too young or old too make this world a better place.

If you are combining education with travel, make sure you cover the bases. Bring the appropriate clothes, travel necessities (camera, guidebooks, first aid kit, allergy medication, etc) and a bilingual dictionary.

For more information please check Ecuador's official Tourism Web Page:

http://www.ecuador.travel/en/

In Quito and the Sierra, take spring clothing with something warm for the cold mornings. On the Coast, wear light - weight tropical clothing. Climbing and trekking equipment can be hired. If you are going to watch birds, take your own binoculars. Ecuador's climate varies depending on the region and time of the year so be ready for just about everything!

Always carry your passport while traveling on a bus to another city in Ecuador, as military and police check points are semi-frequent and sometimes there could be trouble if you are caught without your documents. However, if you are staying in Quito, Guayaquil or another large city for an extended period, it is recommended that you carry only a copy of your passport. For a reasonable fee most foreign embassies provide their citizens with an "official" copy of their passport that is recognized by Ecuadorian law. Check with your embassy or consulate for details. Also, report lost or stolen passports immediately to your embassy or consulate.