ELE de Bilbao – Spanish Language School
ELE de Bilbao is a school dedicated to teaching Spanish as a foreign language. We are teachers with a wide range of professional training and experience in language didactics. We believe in the need of a professional place in Bilbao where we can develop truly effective communicative techniques for learning a foreign language.
How do we work?
Language immersion
Our lessons are delivered entirely in Spanish so that you can practice real communication from the start.
Class activities
Our class dynamics seek the active participation of students, both individually and in groups, making learning fun and motivating.
Communicative method
Our teachers know how to relate the linguistic contents of each level with specific and necessary communicative functions in each course.
Class materials
Our materials are a combination of books from leading publishers in research and teaching of Spanish as a foreign language and materials of our own creation.
Executive team
Testimonials
ELE de Bilbao je to najlepšie miesto, ktoré si ku štúdiu španielčiny môžte zvoliť. Priateľské a profesionálne prostredie, o ktoré sa starajú vždy dobre naladené učiteľky vás nikdy neomrzí a na hodiny budete chodiť s chuťou a dobre naladení! Hodiny vždy prispôsobia potrebám a záujmom študentov - je cítiť, že ich práca baví! Určite školu odporúčam či už si španielčinu potrebujete jednoducho zlepšiť alebo sa pripravujete na DELE, čo bol môj prípad.
Estuve muy agusto con quien aprendí las profesoras. Disfrutaba y era bonitos días. Si tu quieres aprender el idioma, te voy a recomendar que vayas a ELE de Bilbao. ほんとに毎日楽しく、わかりやすく、優しく教えてくれます！いまはビルバオでサッカー指導者をしていますが、今の僕があるのもエレ・デ・ビルバオの先生たちのおかげです。おススメです????
We had the pleasure to work with this language school. My Dutch girlfriend and I lived in Bilbao, Spain for 1,5 years. They where super friendly and made learning a new language a super fun experience. I would definitely recommend this company to everybody that wants to learn the Spanish language for all levels in a fun and entertaining way.
ELE Bilbao is a very well-located Spanish school with excellent teaching staff. Deusto is a great area of Bilbao with bars, restaurants and shops nearby. I have previously been taught by Ione who is very well-qualified, experienced and friendly. She has an excellent knowledge of the Spanish language, and her classes are always interesting and good fun!
I studied Spanish with Ione Alayo who works in this school and I should say she is a great teacher (and a very nice person too)! She successfully combines different methods in teaching - more traditional ones with different fun games etc. I enjoyed the classes a lot, and at the same time they were really efficient so that I made fast progress in Spanish, which is a great combination. I highly recommend taking classes with Ione!
The best language teacher that I've ever had works in this school: Miranda Trincheri is the most organized, professional, informed and dedicated teacher that I've met and if you want to learn Spanish, I recommend "ELE de Bilbao" with all my heart for great results achieved with fun and informative material.
Изначально познакомилась с Йоне в языковой школе на групповых занятиях. Она всегда была внимательна к каждому ученику и его уровню владения испанским, многие занятия проводились в игровой форме, каждый всегда был вовлечен в образовательный процесс. Позже мне в той же школе довелось побывать под руководством других учителей, но такого удовольствия, как на уроках с Йоне я не получала, больше того - она прививает интерес к изучению предмета! Именно поэтому в итоге я решила заниматься с ней на частных уроках. За месяц занятий с ней я поднялась на принципиально новый уровень владения испанским. Йоне всегда старается донести информацию до студентов, не получается одним способом, в арсенале всегда есть другой =) Девушка настоящий профессионал! И быть учителем - ее призвание!=)
Miranda is such a fantastic Spanish teacher. Her teaching encouraged me hugely and she boosted my confidence in my ability to speak and write as well as understand grammar. I especially enjoyed that she found texts and readings relevant to my work which helped me learn the vocabulary I needed within the correct context. On top of all this, she has a good sense of humour which made learning fun.
Ich kam im Januar 2016 nach Bilbao, um Spanisch zu lernen, da ich diese Sprache gerne studieren wollte. Fast fünf Monate davon war Ione meine Lehrerin, was bedeutet, dass ich den Großteil meiner Spanischkenntnisse ihr zu verdanken habe. Ich kann sie definitiv weiterempfehlen. Sie ist freundlich und eine sehr gute Lehrerin. Ihr Unterricht war interessant, abwechslungsreich und ich habe viel gelernt. Sie ist geduldig und erklärt die Inhalte immer gut verständlich. Außerdem hat es mir gefallen, dass der Unterricht und das Gelernte auch mit dem echten Leben verknüpft wurden.
Ich heiße Charlotte und komme aus Deutschland. wo Ione 3,5 Monate lang meine Lehrerin war. Sie ist eine junge und nette Lehrerin, die immer sehr motiviert war. Dadurch hat der Unterricht immer Spaß gemacht. Sie hatte immer sehr viel Geduld mit uns und die unterschiedlichen Aufgaben und das Material haben mir sehr gefallen. Alles in allem war ich sehr zufrieden und ich kann Ione als Spanischlehrerin definitiv weiterempfehlen.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. The school
Where is the ELE de Bilbao Spanish school located?
Our Spanish school is located in Bilbao (Spain), Av. Lehendakari Aguirre 29, 4º. The school is in a well-connected area, right in front of the Deusto metro exit (Lehendakari Aguirre exit), but not inside the Bidarte centre.
2. Spanish courses
What Spanish levels can I study?
Courses are available from beginner to advanced levels (A1–C2) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. We also offer special literacy and neo-literacy courses and classes for people with special needs.
What types of Spanish courses are offered?
We offer different types of courses: intensive courses, regular courses, conversation classes, private lessons, DELE preparation classes, DELE diagnostic sessions and classes in companies.
Which course is better for me: regular or intensive?
The difference between both courses is the number of hours. The best course for you is the one that fits your availability and goals. If you have a lot of free time in the mornings and want to learn quickly, the intensive course is usually the best option. If you do not have much time or prefer fewer hours per week, the regular course may suit you better.
Who are private lessons for?
Private lessons are ideal if you have limited availability or very specific learning needs, as they are very flexible. We suggest this option if you cannot attend the schedules of the regular or intensive courses, or if you are not in Bilbao and prefer an online option.
Can private lessons be combined with the regular or intensive course?
Yes, of course. All our courses can be combined.
Are the courses in person or can they be taken online?
Most of our Spanish courses take place in person at our school in Bilbao. The online option is only available for private lessons.
3. Course organisation
When do the courses start?
You can start almost every week and enrol for the number of weeks you prefer. Group courses are organised weekly and start every Monday or Tuesday depending on the level.
How long do the courses last?
Our system is flexible and organised by weeks. You choose the number of weeks you want to study and the dates. You can start with a few weeks and later extend your course if you wish. You may also take a break if necessary.
How long does it take to complete a level?
The time required depends on the intensity of the course and your personal effort and progress. In general, one CEFR level usually requires between 160 and 200 hours of learning.
Is there a course certificate?
The school can provide a digital certificate confirming your attendance at the course.
What methodology is used in class?
Classes follow a communicative methodology focused on practising Spanish in real-life situations. Groups are small (maximum 10 students) and, in addition to a course book, we use authentic resources such as videos, different games and role-play activities in realistic situations.
Is it mandatory to take a placement test before enrolling?
If you have already studied Spanish, it is mandatory to take a free online placement test so we can place you in the appropriate group. If you are a complete beginner, you do not need to take the test and you will be placed in level A1.
4. Enrolment
How can I enrol in a course?
You can enrol by contacting the school by email or phone, or through the contact form on the website: info@eledebilbao.com / +34 688740939. Remember to take our online placement test, choose the type of course and duration, and make the payment in advance.
Can I try a class for free?
Classes involve the teacher’s work, the use of the space and the preparation of materials, so we do not offer free trial classes. If you are unsure about the type of course or its duration, you can first book one or two weeks and then decide whether to continue with more weeks.
5. Cancellations and rescheduling
Can I cancel a course once it has already started?
No. Once the course has started, refunds cannot be issued under any circumstances, regardless of the reason for cancellation.
When is the course payment made? Can it be paid in instalments?
The payment for the course or class must be made in advance by bank transfer for the full amount to be paid. Once the total number of weeks has been calculated, payments in instalments are not accepted. For example, if you want 12 weeks of classes you cannot pay them in two parts of 6 weeks each. You can pay the 12 weeks in a single payment and benefit from the lower price, or pay them in two separate payments but without that price benefit.
Can I pay by bank card?
Yes, but there is an additional fee of €25 for each payment received.
If I cancel a course 7 days before the start date, can I take it later?
Yes. The course may be resumed within a maximum period of 6 months, subject to availability. The new dates and schedules may differ from the original ones and must be confirmed in writing at least 15 days in advance.
What happens if the school cancels the course?
If the cancellation is made by the school, a full refund of the course and the enrolment fee will be issued.
Can I cancel a private lesson or the DELE Diagnostic session?
Yes, by notifying us at least 24 hours in advance by email. In that case the class will be rescheduled. With less than 24 hours’ notice, the class cannot be recovered.
Can I pause or temporarily interrupt my course?
Yes, it is possible to request a pause in your course. To do so, you must inform us in writing at least 15 days in advance. The pause is subject to approval by the school and will only be valid if you receive confirmation by email.
What happens if I cannot attend class one day?
Unfortunately we cannot reschedule or refund it. Classes are organised in advance and the place is reserved for each student.
What happens to classes on public holidays?
Classes that fall on local or national public holidays are not rescheduled or refunded, unless there is more than one public holiday in the same week. In that case the school will arrange a rescheduled class. The holiday calendar can be found in our terms and conditions.
Which channel should I use to cancel or request changes?
All cancellations, pauses or changes must be sent exclusively by email to the school’s official address: info@eledebilbao.com
Does the school manage visa applications?
No, the school does not manage visa applications.