Testimonials

We have received these testimonials about the Spanish Language learning experience in  our school.

Testimonial received from Debra Russell Thank you Nélida for the helping me so much in learning to communicate in Spanish!  I appreciate the way you customized my private sessions to meet my exact needs.  It was perfect to work in my own comfortable environment (I loved not having to go to a “traditional school”) and to have some of our lessons while touring Buenos Aires and learning about the history of the city.  Your professionalism, friendly approach and knowledge made a real difference in taking me from someone who “knew some Spanish” to someone who could actually communicate with native speakers.  Also, I can’t believe I got this kind of quality, private instruction for a rate comparable to (if not cheaper than) most group lessons.   Thanks again - I’ll be back next year to continue my learning!  Debra Russell, Int'l Speaker & Corporate Trainer

Who is Debra Russell and which is your activity? She is nice American woman in business and manages "The Breakthrough Experience™".. It is part of a series of workshops and products offered by E Ticket Enterprises, Inc., a California corporation founded by Debra. They are dedicated to making a difference in the quality of life for people and helping businesses create a successful future. All of the Breakthrough Series products and services focus on teaching and supporting people in getting beyond the barriers and blocks to success - both real and perceived.

Message of John Richardson, pilot of one of the most prestigious Airlines Company. - He took a brief but super Intensive customized Crash course of Spanish Immersion of  5 days.

Dear Nélida,

I only hope that soon Argentina is once again known for its unique and wonderful qualities -- most of all its people.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your patience and understanding of my needs last week. I wasn't looking for a miracle recall of  Spanish long-forgotten after 30 years. Instead, I want an enjoyable mini-vacation during which I could both relax and learn. You certainly helped make that possible.I am very interested in the Bariloche estancia week after I have studied some more, and I may have other friends who are as well.......

Testimonial of Professor Gary Orfield Professor Gary Orfield Harvard Graduate School of Education, Kennedy School of Government Gary Orfield is Professor of Education and Social Policy at Harvard. He joined the Harvard faculty in 1991, coming from the University of Chicago where he had been Professor of Political Science and Education for nine years. He also taught at the University of Virginia, Princeton University, and the University of Illinois. He received his B.A. from the University of Minnesota, summa cum laude, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from University of Chicago in political science. He has been a recipient of Woodrow Wilson, Danforth, Falk, and Brookings Institution fellowships and a Senior Scholar fellowship from the Spencer Foundation. He received the American Political Science Association's Charles Merriam Award give to a scholar "whose published work and career represents a significant contribution to the art of government through the application of social science research" and the Gustavus Myers award for an outstanding book on race relations. People thinking about coming to Buenos Aires during the current economic crisis may be worried about issues of safety.  Buenos Aires is a very large cosmopolitan city and it is experiencing a very highly level of joblessness and poverty in a country which prospered in the 1990s.  I was warned about the risks of crime and violence, things that are worrying many people in the city. In two weeks of daily and nightly excursions around the city in summer, I saw a high level of police and security presence in the good neighborhoods and nothing unusual to be concerned about.  I felt safer than in a  number of very large cities I know in the U.S. and in other countries in Latin America and Europe.  The truth is that care is necessary in all large cities and each has its special issues, such as the need to take “radio taxis” in Buenos Aires and each has neighborhoods where one should not go at night. People who come to study need to take seriously the advice of those who live here.  I think that the city has had an usually safe situation and is becoming like other great cities, unfortunately.  The school has contacts with home-stay families in elegant and sophisticated neighborhoods.  The city is fascinating, full of culture, and the people are friendly and easy to talk with. For people with dollars or euros the entire country is on sale and the costs of good meals  in elegant restaurants, of beautiful leather goods, of side-trips, of books and  CD’s, clothes, and many other things is remarkably low.  If you come you should do your holiday shopping here. You can live in a city that has many aspects of Paris or Barcelona, but with a delicious Latin tang, as if your income were much higher.  And, because the schools  here have been badly hurt by a precipitous drop in travel from other countries  it is possible to obtain wonderful one-to-one instruction and conversation with gifted teachers with much experience and a love of their city.  In many ways the economic crisis offers a truly rare opportunity to experience an  amazing and unique city. Gary Orfield Professor of Education and Social Policy Harvard University

Testimonial of Soo-Kyung Ahn, an Immigration Attorney

My name is Soo-Kyung Ahn.  I took 3 weeks of a private class with Nélida (General Coordinator & Spanish teacher).  After finished the Bar exam, I decided to relax and have some fun.  I found a few websites of the Spanish language via Internet and signed up with 2 of them.  Buenos Aires Centre (BAC) was one of them.  I took 4 hours of group course in the morning with another institute and had 4 hours of an individual course with BAC in the afternoon. 

My morning class was fun because it was a group class composed with students from the different countries.  But, frankly speaking, I did not learn much Spanish with the morning class.  The individual course with BAC was a serious business.  My teacher, Nélida, came to my host family everyday to give me lessons without additional charge.   She provided me all necessary materials and even Alfajores (a wonderful Argentine sweet).  The classes were composed of conversations, grammar, reading and comprehension, listening, etc.  Besides Spanish language and grammars, I learned much more about Argentina's political, economical, and social conditions.  On the other hand, Nélida learned more about Korea (my home country) and the U.S. (the country where I live and going to work as an immigration attorney).

BAC has not only professionally certified teachers who know how to teach effectively, but also wide variety of entertainment programs which are available after the school or during weekends such as: Tango lessons, Tango practice in Milongas, Cafe & restaurant visits, theaters and museum visits, excursions out side of Buenos Aires, etc.   Furthermore, students can visit courses of conversation in San Martin de los Andes enjoying skiing at the same time.  BAC has list of good accommodations and host families.  From the arrival to the departure, BAC takes care of its students.   

My class mated in the morning class and my teacher was very surprised because I advanced rapidly due to Nélida's teaching. (Of course, my morning class did not know about this).  I recommend BAC to all my friends who seriously want to learn Spanish.  Their price is right and the quality is better than your expectation.  If you have any questions about BAC, Buenos Aires and its entertainment and nightlife, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 Soo-Kyung Ahn (405)810-0687

Testimonial of Jennifer Keith - Graduated of  Washington University

I spent the month of September in Buenos Aires.  I had a fabulous time.   I spent four hours a day with Nelida in her Spanish Immersion Course.  Over the three weeks that I took class, I really began to understand and feel much more confident in speaking Spanish.  Nelida prepared a course for my level and was great in teaching and helping me understand where I had problems understanding.  On the weekends we took excursions to visit the barrios of Buenos Aires and Nelly was an excellent guide.  Her knowledge of the country brought history to life.

You can't be in Buenos Aires and do nothing but take Spanish.  There are so many things to do.  I spent most of my time outside of class learning how to tango and discovering many of Buenos Aires historic and quaint neighborhoods.  The shopping is great, especially with the current exchange rate between the dollar and peso.  I always felt safe here, despite all the bad news that newspapers report.  Yes, the country is going through devastating economic circumstances, however, I never saw or felt any danger while in the city.  The city itself is very safe and common sense precautions are always a wise way to go. 

I want to come back and spend more time in the city and traveling the country.  The people are wonderful and welcoming.  Plus, there is just so much to explore.

My phone number to those who wish to communicate with me.

Jennie
520-455-0611

Testimonial of Clarice Wirkala - Study abroad Program Coordinator - Seattle,WA -

The trip we organized to Buenos Aires was a huge success.  The students were delighted with their Spanish instruction, because it included not only grammar, but conversation, as well as talks on Argentine culture.  Despite the bad press that Buenos Aires receives these days, it continues as a culturally and artistically thriving city.  The students tremendously enjoyed sight-seeing, Tango classes and dances, evenings at the theatre and the famous Teatro Colon, shopping, cultural events, and travel to the famous Iguaçu falls.  Despite the current problems Argentina faces, the students felt extremely safe because they were well taken care of by their Spanish teachers and host families.  They also came to feel confident enough with their Spanish, and sufficiently independent to explore the city on their own.  They came to realize that Buenos Aires continues to be a thriving metropolitan city, offering so much culturally; an exceedingly enriching experience.  Once in Buenos Aires, they came to realize that while the country faces economic and social problems, people continue to live their normal lives, as they always will, going to work, studying, chatting in cafes, rushing about the city, dancing Tango!  My students were apprehensive about going at first, but came back delighted with their Spanish, thrilled by their experiences, their stories, with plans of returning to the Buenos Aires some day soon.  One student decided to extend his three week stay to five months!  For anyone who is interested in really learning to speak Spanish, and in a truly cultural, lively, and enriching experience, I strongly recommend studying Spanish at the Buenos Aires Centre School in Buenos Aires. 

Clarice Wirkala

Buenos Aires study abroad program coordinator, Seattle WA

Testimonial of Maryanne Coates - an attorney of Santa Cruz - California - United States

.....................................and thank you for a very good class. Please let your prospective students know that I was very pleased with your program. You were so incredibly knowledgable and accommodating to my needs and interests. Your care,
professionalism and attention was far beyond expectation. You have an excellent program. Please also let them know that Buenos Aires is very safe. It was no different from my previous visits, when the economy was tied to the dollar. I happened on a rally downtown the night before I left where many small children were present. There was no sense of danger or risk. All services and products are available, and the stores are all open. It is life as usual for the traveler, except for the very favorable exchange rate! And of course the Argentines are wonderfully friendly and kind. No one should miss your program for fear of the economic situation. I hope your business is doing better. Much love, Maryanne. P.S. Please say hello to  Gloria for me and thank her for letting us use her beautiful home.

Testimonial of  Tomas A. Tomasson, - Island

Dear Neli !  This is your friend and student  Tomas.   I thank you for the good time I had and all the education that you gave me and I tried to consume. I am sure that now I am more receptive for further learning.  Please have good life in the future and give my best to Jon. God bless you. 

Felice felice ( happy happy )

Yours

Tomas A. Tomasson

Testimonial of  Susan Rex - United States (Santa Bárbara)

Hola Nelida! 

Here I am sending what I think about my experience in Argentina and with Buenos Aires Centre. Please, feel free to use all of it in the School website or just parts.........

I would love to continue classes via internet and Yahoo.  When I get back to the states, I will email you when I get things set up.  Thanks for all of your help!   chau chau and besos.  --suzanne.

Having any doubts about where to study spanish?  Wondering if Argentina is a country worth seeing?  Not sure which language school in Buenos Aires will be the most valuable and will afford you the greatest opportunity to learn?  Only from my personal experience, can I tell you that Buenos Aires Centre is the answer to all of these questions, questions which I once asked myself. 
I came to Argentina to see a country diverse in landscape and rich in culture.  But before I traveled between the astounding glaciers of the South, the seas of mountains and the vistas of blue lakes in the Andes, the endless horizons in the Pampa, the luscious vineyards of the central wine country, the red rock canyons of the North, or the magnificient waterfalls in the subtropical forests, I lived in Buenos Aires, the epicenter of it all, the city with a nightlife as abundant as the bustling and commotion of the day.   I studied in the "Paris of Latin America" so that during my travels I would be able to say more than hola, chau, gracias, por favor, y donde esta el bano -- these words being just about the extent of my Spanish speaking capabilities.  After four weeks of group classes with Nélida, I felt confident living in the city; I could converse easily with those I encountered during day to day life-- shopkeepers, waiters, taxi cab drivers.  I even managed to have a few discussions on politics and pop culture.  During these four weeks, I also met amazing friends, some of whom I lived with in my homestay at Recoleta with Stella, a home where I was given great meals, a room with comfortable bed, and the freedom to learn and explore as I pleased.  Alas, I left Buenos Aires, but continued my education in San Martin de los Andes.  There, I stayed at Las Vertientes Lodge Ranch, taking my Spanish lessons in a golden valley surrounded by miles of mountains and lakes.  Outside of class, I was continually practicing my Spanish while enjoying home-cooked meals at the dinner table or while picnicking in forested hills with the owners of the Ranch.....Another week passed, and my travels continued.  I visited many regions of Argentina, exploring the lands and culture with a Spanish vocabulary much more extensive than the few words I knew at the start of my journey.  I could not have done this without the help of Nélida and the Buenos Aires Centre. 
Are there any questions still lingering in your head about where to enhance your knowledge of the Spanish language and Latin American culture?  If so, would you like them to be answered quite simply?  I tell you without any doubt that  Buenos Aires Centre is an invaluable place to learn.

Testimonial of  Paula Sharpe - a young doctor from Australia (Sidney)

Hola querida Nelida,

Como estas?
Tienen estudiantes?  Sería lastima si la gente no quiere viajar ahora a Argentina porque creo que es quizas uno de paises mas seguros ahora.
Para mi anda todo bien.  Tomo clases de salsa, y tambien merengue y bolero.  Mi maestro de baile es muy simpatico y los otros estudiantes tambien, y las clases son muy divertidas.  Tambien tomo clases de canto!

Quiero decir mi testimonio que puede decir algo como

"I totally enjoyed doing 2 weeks of private spanish lessons with Nelida, and living with a nice family. 

Nelida made the lessons entertaining at all times, as well as informative and worthwhile.  I learned more than i ever expected in the 2 weeks".

Un abrazo mio,

Paula

PS - Todavia estudio el castellano mucho, ahora no voy a necessitar mi diccionario para escribirte como el primer tiempo

Testimonial of Stanley and Anna Ritcher - a nice married couple residing in Vancouver - Canada

I am a structural engineer, living in Vancouver, Canada. My wife and myself have studied Spanish previously in Canada and in Spain. In the autumn we took 4 weeks of classes of Spanish at the intermediate level at the Buenos Aires Centre. Our teacher was Nelida. We were impressed with the quality of teaching and we learned a lot. Moreover, Nelida helped us to enjoy our stay in Buenos Aires by organizing excellent accommodation, arranging tango lessons and facilitating our joining a tennis club in Buenos Aires. She also organized for us trips in Buenos Aires as well as an enjoyable trip to a horse ranch, Estancia Santa Susana, 70 km from Buenos Aires. We received from her many valuable tips, which made our stay very safe and enjoyable. During lessons, in addition to the Spanish instruction we also learned a lot about the history of Argentina and the current socio-economic situation. We liked the total package so much that we will be coming again in the autumn.
Stanley and Anna Richter

Vancouver, B.C.
Canada
richtereng@shaw.ca

Testimonial of Johannes Fritsch - a young German residing in London

Aleman

Ich hielt mich von November bis Ende Januar in Buenos Aires auf, wovon ich die ersten drei Wochen einen Sprachkurs in Nelidas Schule belegt habe. Warnungen bezüglich der Sicherheitssituation in Buenos Aires hatte ich genug, vor allem von Leuten, die die Stadt nicht persönlich kennen und nur Bilder von der Wirtschaftskrise 2001 im Kopf haben. In all den 3 Monaten ist mir kein Cent abhanden gekommen. Ich fühlte mich sehr sicher in der Stadt, auch wenn ich nachts allein unterwegs war. Wer ein paar allgemeine Sicherheitsregeln, vor allem hinsichtlich Taschendiebe einhält, sollte keine Probleme haben. Auf keinen Fall sollte man sich aufgrund der Sicherheitssituation von Reisen nach Argentinien abschrecken lassen, diesbezügliche Befürchtungen sind irrational.

Der Sprachkurs in der Schule hat mir gut gefallen, die geringe Anzahl der Schüler machte die Sache sehr intensiv. Besonderheiten des argentinischen Spanisch wurden sehr gut erklärt. Im Preis inbegriffen ist das Abholen vom Flughafen und ein schöner Ausflug zum Flussdelta nach Tigre, westlich der Stadt.

Die Abwertung des Pesos macht Buenos Aires und Argentinien für westliche Touristen zu einem echten ‘Schnäppchen’.

 Ingles

A widely held belief about Buenos Aires is that the city is unsafe. I was with Buenos Aires Centre for 3 three weeks in November and went on to stay in Buenos Aires for a further 2 months until the end of January. During all this period I did not have any security problems at all and felt very safe. And my activities included long walks through the city, even alone, even late at night. Respecting some general safety precautions, one can reduce risk to a very low level. This does not mean that no crime exists, but scares that deter one from travelling to Buenos Aires are unfounded and irrational.

The language course fitted my level. Small class sizes mean that one gets a lot of attention from the teacher. I also learned specifics on Argentine Spanish, which I was interested in. The package also includes a trip to the delta of the Rio de la Plata.

The devaluation of the Argentine currency makes the city and the whole country a really cheap deal for western tourists.

Testimonial of  Graeme and Mouna Simmonds - from London, United Kingdom

We'll keep in touch

With Love

Graeme and Mouna
Phone: 00 44 208 543 4244

Our Stay with Buenos Aires Centre

My wife and I had the great pleasure of studying with Buenos Aires Centre Spanish school , including family homestay in January.

Our stay was made extremely comfortable starting with the fact that the Nelida, (coordinator and teacher, too) collected us from the International airport at 7am on the Saturday morning after a long flight from London.

She took us to our family homestay at Monica’s apartment in a wonderfully located apartment on Santa Fe Avenue in the heart of the lively and attractive Recoletta district.

Our host welcomed us with breakfast and made us very welcome.We had free run of the whole apartment including the kitchen.

On our second day we went on a tour of the river delta to the north of the city which was included in our payment.

On the Monday morning my wife was pleased to discover that the Spanish school was only ten minute’s walk from the apartment.

She found Nelida a very helpful and ,professional teacher and made great progress in her studies

We loved our week in this vibrant city.To eat out well was extremely cheap and we found many places and sights of interest to visit.We found plenty of opportunity to dance Tango which we love.

We eagerly await our rteun to this city with Buenos Aires Centre and would recommend its services wholeheartedly.

Graeme and Mouna Simmonds

London 

Testimonial of  Megan Harvey and Luke Johnson, a very nice and young couple from London

We had 2 weeks of teaching at Buenos Aires Centre - the first 5hrs/day (2 private and 3 group) and the second 3hrs/day (all group). By the end of the 2 weeks we could hold basic conversations on numerous subjects. Advancing from now is purely up to us, i.e. learning lots of vocab! 5hrs/day was a bit much; 3 is probably optimum. Nelida and Natalia, our teachers, were great. Enthusiastic, supportive, and friendly. We were stayed in a lovely district of Buenos Aires -  Recoleta - in a very nice homestay - a 20min walk from the school, near numerous restaurants, bars, and parks. Overall it was a great 2 weeks - brilliant teaching, a lovely city, and good value for money. Would love to come back.

Testimonial of Paul Byrne - A young Journalist/Producer Global Business Television (25 years old)

Paul Byrne
Journalist/Producer
Global Business Television
CNBC Business Programming
Tel:+(32) 477 736 964
    +(353) 87 6820 725
paul.byrne@mediafx.be
www.global-business.tv

Having a free period from international reports I decided to use the opportunity to incorporate a lot of things that I had been considering for quite a while. Primarily I wanted the opportunity to diversify my work, secondly I am very interested in the work of NGO's and Voluntary organisations and finally I have been very eager to develop my capability in Spanish. I have always been drawn to Latin America and within this region of the world Argentina has always stood out to me as a dream destination.

So following some short research on the internet I came across the website of Buenos Aires centre. I was very much captured by the opportunity to combine Spanish classes and work with charitable voluntary organisations, even there would be a possibility to write about my experience.

Having contacted Nelida at quite short notice, I was very happy about how she facilitated my questions and organised the details of my partaking in the programme for one month. It was very easy as everything from airport pickup to homestay was arranged by Nelida.

Buenos Aires is quite a fascinating city with a tumultuos number of activities, from museums to sporting events. The people are infinitely hospitable and food lives up to its international reputation. Through the programme I was arranged to stay in the home of Stella, a wonderful Argentine lady, that is utterly accomodating and an oracle of knowledge in everything that surrounds her country. Furthermore her home was perfectly comfortable, accessible and always interesting as other international travelers stay there as well as Argentine students, so you get the best of every world.

As part of my programme I took Spanish classes for 3 hours every morning. In the beginning my level was very basic to non existant, but the classes were very intense, always enjoyable and in the end I feel very satisfied in the sense that my level has grown extraordinarily in such a short period. Furthermore I feel I have been given the tools to work and improve my Spanish continually now.

In the afternoons my days varied, I got the opportunity to work with a volunteer organisation called Banco de Alimentos, which is responsible for gathering and distributing donations of food to Soup Kitchens throughout Buenos Aires. It was a very rewarding experience and I had the opportunity to meet some very special people. Other evenings I would take further classes with one of the other teachers in Buenos Aires Centre. There was also other occassions when I had the chance to be in contact with other volunteer organisations, which gave me a window to a more real and comprehensive view of life in Argentina.

I would like to thank everyone that was involved in making it possible for me to have this very rewarding and enriching experience and I would not hesitate to give my full recommendation to anyone interested in partaking in any programme with the Buenos Aires Centre.

Please feel free to contact me at any stage on paul.byrne@mediafx.be   for any questions I can help you with.

Paul Byrne

Testimonial of Poul Nielsen, an engineer from Denmark

I spent a month in Buenos Aires in the beginning of January. I never was there before, and it was for me a very positive and interesting encounter with " the Paris of the southern hemisphere". Buenos Aires is a very large cosmopolitan city, where influence from many parts of the world has contributed to that in many ways very special and fascinating atmosphere, which includes Argentine specialities like tango, Carlos Gardel, mate and Evita.

When you have finished school, take your time to make a roundtrip in Argentina organized by Buenos Aires Centre.  Argentina has all what a demanding visitor can expect from arctic landscapes to tropical, huge plains to the highest mountains, and you will meet friendly and hospitable people everywhere.

Testimonial of Michael Pohorly, a very young Assistant Director - Filmography from Vancouver  - Canada

Hello, hello Nelida, I am still in Rio and I am enjoying it very much, although it is raining today.

Just have them email me and I will email them and tell them that the instruction you provide is excellent and you focus on the language and if they have the opportunity to study either privately or with one other person in the class, they should take it for sure, as well as how beautiful Monicas place is.
have them email me,

Mike
poho@direct.ca

Testimonial of  Ian and Elaine Campbell, a very young couple from Dublin  - Ireland

Hola Nelly,

Hope you had a nice Christmas.

From the week we had in class with you, we feel that it is possible to learn in one week sufficient spanish to communicate in everyday use i.e basic conversation in shops, restaurants etc and also having the confidence to deal with most situations that may arise where speaking and understanding spanish is required. In addition it is probably enhanced by revising, practising and building on the material provided during the course. 

Have a Happy New Year.

ecampbell@dublin.ie

Testimonials of  Mike (engineer) and Brittany Roska (designer), a very young marriage from Oregon

When my husband and I arrived in Argentina, we had studied Spanish a little in the States but could not speak at all. We really wanted to find a class that would be fun, but also intense. Classes with Nelly and Enrique were both of those things. We learned a ton about Argentina and the surrounding countries, but most important, we finished program knowing all the important verb tenses we needed to communicate effectively with people. It has truly been rewarding to use what we´ve learned to both understand and communicate well with the people.

Brittanny Roska -brittanyroska@hotmail.com

My wife and I took four weeks of class in Buenos Aires Centre - with Nelly and Enrique. We wanted a class that was intensive so that we could learn the most in the shortest time. I was very pleased with the pace of the class. It was very rigorous and I feel that I have improved tremendously.

Mike Roska - USA  -mroska87@hotmail.com

Testimonial of  Olivia Greenwell, a very young student  from Camberra - Australia

Testimonial of  Nana Khocholava, a young lawyer and excellent tango dancer  from Moscow

I do not have previous experience in writing testimonial so I’m not too familiar with the proper form for that, but I’ll try to do that as a letter to someone I don’t know really good but I know that this person is really nice…My first course in this school was organized by my travel agent and I didn’t know anything about this school. I went there by chance and without any knowledge in Spanish (I’ve got 4 Spanish classes 2 or 3 months before my trip). So… as you could guess I didn’t speak Spanish at all). And at the beginning it was really hard work for me, because any explanation was in Spanish, but my teachers gave explanation so clear and sharp that I understood almost everything that they said. Day by day I understood more and more and I tried to speak Spanish (it was more difficult), but friendly atmosphere in the class and variety items we were discussing(not only from textbook) helped me to feel more confident when I tried to use Spanish in day by day life. My second course was easier and that time I speak quite fluently (of course I still not able to read Borges in the original but I will). So next time I’ll try to be there longer…

Sincerely yours,

Nana Khocholava

Testimonial of  Michelle Sexton, a young psychologist and excellent tango dancer, too  from Sidney (Australia)

My Testimonial:

When I started classes with Mercedes and Nelida at the school I knew no Spanish! I didn’t even know the Spanish alphabet! But at the end of two weeks with The Buenos Aires Centre, I was able to get around in taxis, restaurants and shops by myself - and I could even make a little light conversation with the Porteneas. Learning Spanish at The Buenos Aires Centre was a wonderful experience for me and made my visit to Argentina so much more enjoyable than it would have been otherwise. The learning was challenging, because the classes were mostly conducted in Spanish, but with the generous and clear guidance of my teachers I found that I was able to improve a little each day. I am looking forward to making many return visits to the school and to continuing my study of Spanish. Thank you Nelida and Mercedes.

Michelle   - m.sexton@bigpond.com

Testimonial of  Vaqar Ahsan, a young student  Universities of Durham (England) and Sorbonne (France) of  22 years old

As Buenos Aires is one of the world’s greatest metropolitan cities it seems futile to list the reasons to come here but one thing is for certain during my time here it certainly has lived up to and surpassed its reputation in all respects except one. One of my preconceptions about this lively city was that it was going to be dangerous as a result of the devaluation of the peso in 2002 and that there would a lot of poverty manifesting itself in violent crime and street begging.

However has not been at all the case, Argentineans themselves are notoriously insecure about their fellow citizens but all the stories of violent crime however seem to be no different than other cities with a population of ten million.

I guess the two most important things that you will be considering if you are reading this are the quality of accommodation and the level of teaching. First of all, my accommodation is outstanding Monica my hostess is thoroughly agreeable and her family is famous for being one of Argentina’s leading intellectual families. Her father being the architect of the Obelisk and her husband was Luis Benedit the acclaimed painter. I’m really enjoying living in Argentina’s equivalent to Picasso and I’m not the only one living in such a privileged environment. Years of contact building mean that the Buenos Aires Centre is really well placed to facility every aspect of your stay. The food is excellent and living where I am in Avenida de Santa Fe, a stone’s throw away from the Obelisk means going to the theatres, cinemas or museums is a breeze. The Colon (where Monica’s father was also director for a period) is just around the corner. There certainly is no better place to be.

Buenos Aires Centre was one of the first places in Argentina to start giving Spanish lessons as a foreign language and Nélida the general co-coordinator and other teachers have a lot of experience, reflected by the quality of the teaching which is of an extremely high standard. The overwhelming benefit of being a smaller school is the atmosphere. In my time here so far I have gotten to know two of the teachers ( Nélida and Mercedes) well, but even before then they have always been willing to stick their necks out for me. They have an interest not only in the development of my Spanish but also socially too. Not only giving me extra lessons to help me get up to a decent standard and passing on their thirty-year of the city enabling me to operate more like a fellow porteño than a tourist but also showing me the best places to learn tango, play sports and giving me invaluable advice about travelling around Argentina.

They are more interested in their students’ progress unlike other schools which are interested in the money their students give them.

I am working voluntarily in one of the poorest areas of Buenos Aires where over 60 percent the inhabitants are below the line of poverty with a government organisation that gives legal advice to those who cannot afford a lawyer. The work is fascinating, Nelly and Mercedes tried really hard to find me something suitable and I am grateful to them for helping me find suitable placement.

I also love playing field hockey and to my despair I couldn’t find anywhere to play before I came out. Six months without playing seemed like a forlorn affair. The Buenos Aires Centre also got in touch with the Argentinean Field Hockey Association and directed me to GEBA one of Buenos Aires oldest sports clubs. The standard is high - three current member of the Argentinean National squad play in the men’s team, but sport is always a great way to meet people in an informal and relaxed environment. I’m really enjoying it. We’re going to play a tournament in Santa Fe in three weeks time, I can’t wait!

Spending time in Buenos Aires if only for a few weeks is a must along with Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona, New York and other great cities. However if you are a foreigner as in any country the rules are different. Trying to find accommodation yourself really isn’t worth the hassle. Nelly can sort you out with a place to live better than you will find yourself and of course Spanish lessons are fundamental too and there really is no where better than Buenos Aires Centre.

Vaqar Ahsan, student Universities of Durham, England and Sorbonne

Email: vaqar.ahsan@durham.ac.uk

Testimonial of Suchitra Rao, a very young doctor from Melbourne, Australia

Testimonial of Misti Lipe,a very nice and young student from Chicago, United States. She is Manager of Arc Worlwide.

I understand you are considering studying at Buenos Aires Centre for a language program, I am excited to share with you about my experience.

I welcome the opportunity to elaborate on my experience or answer questions. Please feel free to contact me anytime. My email address is mistilipe@yahoo.com and my cell phone is 541-941-5870.

Misti Lipe
Interactive Project Manager
Arc Worldwide

Testimonial of Wendy Cohen,a very nice and young student from New York, United States. She is the Director of Imports for Calvin Klein.

My name is Wendy Cohen, I live and work in Manhattan as Director of Imports for Calvin Klein Better  Sportswear. I recently visited Buenos Aires as a student at the Buenos Aires Centre. I am happy to share my very positive experience at this school with you.

I am an intermediate Spanish speaker who traveled to Buenos Aires to enjoy the culture, language and history of this rich city. Nelida was very helpful arranging my trip including a home stay with a dynamic Argentine woman - Stella - who lives in the heart of Recoleta. I was immediately welcomed by these complete strangers who made me feel part of their families.

Wendy Cohen
wendycohen@aol.com

Testimonial of Mary (English/Theatre Teacher) & David Sloan (School Superintendent),  a nice married couple from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Dear Neli,
 
Thank you so much for wonderful classes and warm hospitality.  I'm so glad we got to know you and the others in the class.   Taking the classes really added to our appreciation of Buenos Aires, and it was always so interesting to talk with you and the teachers and find out more about the workings of the country.  We will return for sure -- probably next year.
 
We enjoyed our trip to Mendoza -- a lovely city with lots of wide open spaces! (But we love Buenos Aires more!).  Our wine tour was exceptional -- wonderful wine and an incredible lunch at one of the wineries.
 
We stopped over in Santiago, and were not at all impressed with the city.  After Buenos Aires, it seemed sterile and unfriendly.  The subway and the streets are very modern and in good repair, but I'll take Buenos Aires anyday!
 
I want to write you a testimonial, so I'll add it to this email.  But if you need it in a different form, just let me know and I'll be happy to oblige. 
 
Thanks again for the terrific class.  I look forward to seeing you next year!
 
Warm wishes,
Mary
  
Testimonial From Mary Sloan, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
 
Who would ever have thought that a person could learn so much in two weeks?  My husband David and I chose Buenos Aires Centre from the many offerings of Spanish classes in Buenos Aires, and are we ever glad we did. 
 
Neli and her staff are warm and welcoming teachers -- VERY patient and very understanding of the needs of  their students.  The take an active and enthusiastic approach to teaching, and encourages their students to speak about themselves and their interests in an open and supportive setting. 
 
Our class consisited of  four beginners, and Neli and Gabriela encouraged us to speak Spanish from the very beginning.  In the friendly and inviting atmosphere, we were able to communicate well with the skills we learned.  The materials used were excellent, and helped us advance step by step.   In the two weeks we took classes we learned basic vocabulary for foods, clothing, states of health and directions.   In addition we learned about regular and irregular verbs, reflexive verbs, and present tense, future tense, and two past tenses, as well as  direct and indirect objects. A highlight of the classes for us was a trip with Neli to La Boca.
 
In addition, Neli arranged for me to take a series of 10 tango lessons with Trinidad Solar -- an unforgettable experience, and a joy in itself.   
 
We left Buenos Aires Centre with a strong general grasp of Spanish that enabled us to communicate on a basic level with native speakers. We will return for sure!  Learning with Neli and Gabriela was a wonderful experience.

Mary

marybethsloan@hotmail.com

Phone : 867 667-6450

Testimonial of Maia Narmania (from Georgia) living in Moscow - Russia, a very nice and sweet student of  20 years old
 
 I really enjoyed studying at Buenos Aires Centre. It was an unforgettable experience for me. I met so many wonderful people. Our teachers, Nelly,Gabriela, Natalia were very friendly. I could ask them anything I was interested in and communicate them at any time it was necessary. It is very important when you are confident of your teachers. We became good friends specially with Nelly! I`d like to thank her for everything she did for us! She helped us to find accommodation, gave a lot of useful recommendations about absolutely everything.

I`d been studying Spanish in the Cervantes Institute for one year in my country, now Russia, but only grammar. And I wished to start speaking Spanish. During the classes at Buenos Aires Center I learnt how to communicate, how to express myself in the correct way and the most important: how to use all my  knowledge. I improved in my Spanish and I learnt a lot of new things about the life, culture of Argentina. I fell in love with this amazing country, this magical city, with this wonderful school and very nice and hospitable people. Nelly, wait for me! I`m coming back next year=)))

Un beso. Maia

mfelizzz@gmail.com

Testimonial of  Elena Kopteva a very sweet student from Moscow - Russia of 19 years old

Hola Nellita,
 
Quise escribir el testimonio para ustedes pero era un poquito dificíl, porq tenia q esribirlo en ingles  y yo lo prefereria escribir en castellano para practicar. Ademas, no sabia q escribir, este viaje tenia mucha importancia para mi, esas   semanas eran increibles, simplemente no sabia como expresar con las palabras lo que sentia... No sabia como explicar como era eso cuando eramos solo nosotras, las 4 solas, que después tu convertiste en las clases casi privadas para cada una y poder ayudarnos,   que vos para mi fuiste como una mamá, profesora y mamá en mismo tiempo... q este curso q tomamos con vos en tu escuela era algo muy especial...
 
No me voy a olvidarme de ti nunca!. Ell testimonio esta en suplemente. Te voy a mandar alumnas mas=)
Cuidate muchisimo
 
Un beso grande y un abrazo

Elena, (por Messenger Hotmail estoy como chica.delsol@hotmail.com )

El testimonio.

It was the first time I came to Baires (Buenos Aires), I can’t explain the reason why exactly I chose the school of Nelida among the wide variety of others, but the most important is that I’m not disappointed with it! Thank you so much Nelly, Gabriela y Natalia for your professionalism, for that you know what exactly need each of your students. The approach, the way we were studying – it wasn’t the same as on usual group classes (we almost had a private classes with Nelly by the rate for the group classes), admirable and unconstrained, friendly climate at the lessons, the professionalism of the teachers, all of this made educative process very effective and interesting. I would prefer to learn all the languages the same way we were learning Spanish with you!

Elena Kopteva

chica.delsol@hotmail.com