Student Spanish Course Level Placement
A student´s Spanish level is determined through placement testing done soon after arrival. The placement test is made up of three parts: an oral interview, a writing sample, and a multiple-choice exam that tests Spanish listening, Spanish grammar and Spanish vocabulary.
Spanish Class Size and Combined levels
While the Spanish class size depends on the number of students enrolled at each level, all classes have a maximum limit. The maximum for group classes is 7. We keep these classes small because it is especially important that students have many opportunity to speak.
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LEVELS AT EPA! |
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LEVELS |
INICIAL A1 |
INICIAL A2 |
INTERMEDIO B1 |
AVANZADO B2 |
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MODULES |
A101 |
A201 |
A202 |
B101 |
B102 |
B201 |
B202 |
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Textbooks
In levels Inicial 1 - Avanzado, ELE-branded texts are used in Structure/Speaking Practice and Reading/Writing classes. The content has been tailored exclusively for Spanish as second language learners, which by the way adjust to what the Instituto de Cervantes curriculum and methodology suggests.
You should always complement your Spanish classes with a dictionary as we do in EPA!, it's a Spanish dictionary especially geared for the needs of foreigners. There are only three words of English in the entire book: "Printed in Spain". Everything else is in Spanish, but in clear, concise, easy-to-interpret Spanish where you can pick up new words (and brush up your skills with old ones) simply by reading definitions. There are also of course sections on Irregular Verbs, plus a delightful interlude especially geared for travelers in which words and cartoons make tourism easy. This definitely rates as the number one dictionary of its kind.
"Bonus" Spanish Class Sessions
These free Spanish class sessions allow the student to practice Spanish in our Language Technology Center twice each week. These sessions are conveniently scheduled at the end of the Semi Intensive Program class day.
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Test review
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Spanish vocabulary and spelling practice
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word processing of research papers
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opportunities to complete goals of the individualized Learning plan
Airport Pickup Service
EPA! can arrange to have your students met at the airport and driven to their destination (usually a home-stay location). This service is more expensive than most taxi services but offers a higher level of service and reliability. Refer to the Prices & dates for details.
How do I arrange for Airport pick up?
EPA! Admissions arranges the airport transfer and you should contact them by e-mail or fax with the following information:
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Student name
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Airline name (for arrival into the final destination)
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Flight number and airport name (Usually is Tocumen International Airport <PTY>)
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Anticipated time of arrival and date
If the student requests airport pickup for any date other than the Sunday before the start of a session, this date must be approved in advance by Admissions officer or the student will have to stay in a hotel. Airport pick-up cannot always be confirmed after the Wednesday that precedes the arrival date. Ideally, this information should be sent two weeks or more before arrival.
What if the student´s flight Schedule Changes (before departure)?
If a student must change his/her flight schedule after original information has been sent, he/she will need to contact EPA! Admissions by fax or e-mail with the new schedule at least two days in advance of the original or revised arrival date, whichever is earlier.
Please be sure to advise students that if they do not arrive at the time scheduled and EPA! has not received noticed of change or cancellation as noted above - even if it is the fault of the airline - the full airport pickup service price will be forfeited.
How should a student handle a delay in arrival that occurs after departure?
There are two ways to contact EPA in the event of a delayed arrival:
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Reach EPA´s cellphone or email as indicated on application sheet.
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The taxi company´s telephone number also written on application sheet.
Helpful hints regarding airport pickup service:
Arriving students should look for someone holding up a sign with the student´s name. In many cases, this will be a sign with EPA logo. It may also be the transportation company´s sign.
Students should stay in the meeting area. A waiting time of 30 to 45 minutes may be necessary.
Student Health Insurance
All travelers attending EPA Español en Panamá are required to have health insurance that is valid for the full period of study and is accepted by physicians and medical facilities in Panama.
EPA Student Health Plan: Student may purchase health insurance prior arrival at the center. Once you arrive to EPA! you will receive insurance cards and a copy of the policy. EPA! staff will provide insurance information and assistance with submitting claim forms for reimbursement to students, physicians, of medical facilities. Pre-existing conditions will not be covered.
EPA student Health Insurance Wiver: Students may purchase non-EPA insurance (that covers them in Panama) prior to departure from their home country. In this case, they must present proof of insurance printed in English upon arrival at the Center and sign an "EPA Student Health Insurance Waiver" form.
If proof of insurance coverage in Panama is not presented, students will be required to purchase the ELS health insurance plan.
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