Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteer Work for Foreigners at the School
Do you offer volunteer opportunities for foreign students at the school?
Yes, we offer volunteer opportunities for international students at our school. There are two options:
English Teaching Volunteer Program: Volunteers can teach English to our local students. This program requires a commitment of at least 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 6 weeks. Volunteers should have a maximum Spanish level of B1 and be at least 21 years old. Classes take place at the school in the afternoon. Additionally, during the volunteering period, volunteers have access to our surfboards.
Digital Marketing Volunteer Program: This program offers a full experience, including 1.5-hour group Spanish classes, a 25% discount on accommodation, access to surfboards, and cultural immersion trips. As a volunteer, you’ll work at the school for 3 hours a day, Monday to Friday, with a minimum stay of 1 to 3 months. All you need is your project portfolio. It’s an excellent opportunity to enhance your skills and dive into a unique cultural experience!
Transportation from Olón to Guayaquil
Is there a direct bus service?
Yes, the C.L.P. the bus line offers a direct service from Olón to Guayaquil. You can catch it at the Guayaquil terminal, and the fare is $7.00.
What are the schedules and travel times?
The bus service operates on a regular schedule from 4:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with departures every hour. During holidays, schedules may be adjusted to meet additional demand. The direct trip takes about 3 hours.
Is public transportation in Olón safe?
Yes, public transportation in Olón is comfortable and safe.
Do you recommend any safety tips when using public transport in the area?
As with any place in South America, it’s wise to take precautions when traveling, especially with electronics, money, and important documents.
Private School Transportation Service
Does the school offer transportation from the airport?
Yes, we offer a private transportation service from Guayaquil to Olón. The rates are as follows:
- 1 person: $100 (includes carry-on, 2 suitcases, and 1 surfboard)
- 2 people: $125 (includes carry-on, 2 suitcases, and up to 2 surfboards)
Arriving from Quito to Olón
If I arrive at the Quito airport, what’s the best way to get to Olón?
The fastest option is to fly from Quito to one of the nearby airports and then continue by bus or taxi to Olón. Recommended routes are:
- Quito – Manta – Olón
- Quito – Guayaquil – Olón
- Quito – Santa Elena – Olón
Is taxi transportation from the airport included in the Spanish and surf class packages?
No, taxi transportation is not included in the packages.
What’s the cheapest way to get to Olón?
The most economical option is to take the direct bus from Guayaquil to Olón for $7.00. The bus is comfortable, with air conditioning, cushioned seats, a restroom, and a TV, and the trip takes approximately 3 hours.
Connectivity
Does the school have a good internet connection for remote work?
Yes, we have reliable internet service available for our clients during school hours.
Class Discounts
Do you offer discounts on packages or for groups?
Yes, we offer discounts starting from the third consecutive week of classes. The discount applies per person.
Are Spanish classes offered on Saturdays?
The school is open from Monday to Saturday, and students can take classes on Saturdays with prior arrangement and confirmation with the teacher, depending on availability.
Is it possible to take private classes at a location outside the school?
Yes, it can be arranged, but an additional fee would apply to cover travel expenses, teacher logistics, and transportation.
Immersion Activities
Are immersion activities included in the Spanish class package?
No, each student is responsible for covering the costs of immersion activities at the time of participation.
Payment Options and Conditions
Can I pay by credit or debit card at the school?
Not yet, but we are working on adding this as a service soon.
Exams and Certificates
Does the school offer placement tests for new students?
Yes, we provide placement tests on the first day of class, which are administered by the teacher during the first 15 minutes of the lesson.
Do you issue a Spanish certificate upon course completion?
Yes, the school provides a Spanish certificate at the end of the course, which is sent to the student’s email as a PDF file.
Does the certificate include the level of Spanish achieved during the course?
Yes, the certificate reflects the level at which the student completed the course.
Services Available in Olón
Where is the nearest ATM to the school?
There’s an ATM in the village next to the community center, across from the park. In Montañita, you’ll also find a Banco Guayaquil ATM outside the TÍA shopping center and a small Banco Bolivariano branch with ATMs in the village center.
Where can I find shops for groceries near the school?
In the village center, there’s a market where you can buy fruits, meats, and seafood in bulk at very good prices.
What other store or supermarket options are nearby?
If you prefer a larger grocery store, there’s a TÍA shopping center just 5 minutes away in the neighboring town of Montañita. Another nearby town, Manglaralto, is just 3 minutes north and has a TUTTI supermarket with affordable options.
What is the nearest hospital to the school in case of an emergency?
There is an emergency hospital in Manglaralto that’s open around the clock.
Do you recommend any safety precautions when using public transportation in the area?
As with any place in South America, it’s recommended to stay cautious while traveling, particularly with electronics, money, and important documents.