Good Position in the City of Arequipa

Our language school was founded in 1995 in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) under the name of CCC (Centro Cultural del Caribe) and reopened in 2004 as EDEAQ (Escuela de Español Ari Quipay) in Arequipa (Peru). As the EDEAQ is working under the “Resolución Directorial No. 0941” dated 29 March 2004, issued by the Regional Directorate of Education (DREA), it is thus officially recognised by the pertinent state authorities as a non-governmental educational institution, qualified and entitled to teach Spanish in accordance with the guidelines established by the Peruvian Ministry of Education.

EDEAQ’s location is perhaps “the best place in town,” i.e. in the heart of the colonial centre, just one block from the "Plaza de Armas" (Cathedral Square). Given its downtown location, all kinds of small and middle sized businesses are within the shortest walking distance such as shops (food as well as non-food) and various services (banks, restaurants, snack bars, etc.), not to mention a large number of inexpensive Internet stations (approx. USD 0.30 per hour).

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The “Casona Bustamante”

Tuition facilities are located in the “Casona Bustamante,” a listed and nicely refurbished colonial building that dates back to the late 18^th century, which happens to be the house where perhaps Arequipa’s greatest son – standing on an equal footing with world famous novelist Mario Vargas Llosa (*1936) - was born: José Luis Bustamante y Rivero (1894 – 1989). He was a poet, essay writer and, above all, a prominent international jurist: President of Peru from 1945 to 1948, member of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague from 1961 to 1970, and ICJ’s President between 1967 and 1970.
 

The “Casona Bustamante” is a two story rectangular building with a "patio" (inner courtyard) typical of Spanish colonial architecture within the Americas. On the ground floor, there are small offices hosting insurance companies, travel agencies and tax advisors, while on the upper floor (where the EDEAQ is located), you will find lawyers and architects. There is a small and sunny roof-terrace, which our teachers and students can use as an additional tuition facility. The classrooms have been appropriately refurbished and equipped in accordance with the “protection of historic buildings and monuments guidelines” set by the Municipality of Arequipa.

Placement Test and Certificate of Participation

Each student (with exception of the performance level "Beginner I") completes a placement test on the first day, that determines at which level the student will be placed (within the small group teaching scheme), and how the group organisation will be made.

At the end of the course, each student receives a certificate of participation.

EDEAQ's tuition staff. Front row (l-r.): Mary Helen Ramirez, Giovana Llanquecha, Charo Meneses, Giancarlo Pinto (trainee), Dayana Cano, Susan Mamani Valencia. Back row (l-r): Fabricio Bedoya, Paul Salazar Meneses, Juana Lourdes Díaz Oviedo (Director).

Particularities of the EDEAQ

The EDEAQ has been opened/reopened recently - so do not expect to be surrounded by crowds of fellow students. Be rather prepared to learn and study in a more family like atmosphere between national staff and a handful of foreign course participants. The EDEAQ is for the time being a small school; this permits us to deal with the desires and needs of each class participant on a very customised level both in teaching as well as regarding extra curricular care and consultation. Our staff’s commitment, as well as our school’s extra-curricular care, are exceptional. Advanced students will also find - in the person of the Executive Manager and/or the teachers - competent interlocutors in terms of the cultural, economic, and political aspects of Peru and Latin America.
 

The EDEAQ is one of the very few Spanish language schools in Peru (in Arequipa the only one), which is certified by the Peruvian Ministry of Education as a nongovernmental educational institution, and is operating under licence of the pertinent Municipal Authorities, and, moreover, whose courses are recognised by several German federal states as “Bildungsurlaub” (“educational leave of absence”).

References

Having taken classes for five weeks in July/August 2007, I would most definitely recommend this school. With approachable, thorough and motivated teachers, the EDEAQ has, on the whole, improved my Spanish more than other schools before it (I went to schools in both Argentina and Chile). In addition, Arequipa has been a great place to study due to its location, cultural diversity and proximity to some of the natural wonders of Peru (Cañon de Colca, Cotahuasi, Lake Titicaca, etc.)  – one is never left without something to do.

Katrina Munir (23), Student
London – England, UK
katrinamunir@hotmail.co.uk

I was astounded by the pace at which, having started from scratch, the professors at EDEAQ have succeeded in teaching me Spanish. I have thoroughly enjoyed my three weeks Intensive Course in Arequipa and now have plenty of Spanish with which to continue my travels in Latin America. This school was great fun, with general conversation in Spanish over morning tea a real highlight (and a great learning tool as well). I definitely recommend Arequipa in general, and the EDEAQ in particular to anyone thinking of learning Spanish.

Robert Kirkby (26), Student
Hobart (Tasmania) – Australia
nexttypeofmotion@hotmail.com

Arequipa is a marvellous place to study Spanish! Last but not least I have enjoyed the always-beautiful weather. The tuition at the EDEAQ was excellent, and special thanks to Ms. Charo Meneses, our head teacher. And also a big “mérci” to Lula, the Executive Manager, for her help and assistance.

Céline Franck de Préaumont (23), Student
Ville d’Avray - France
celinefdp@hotmail.com

I had an unforgettable time in Arequipa. The teaching was outstanding, intensive, interesting and fun. Sitting on the terrace taking lessons under a cloudless blue sky with a view of the snowy mountains was a daily pleasure, and I left Peru proficient in written and spoken Spanish thanks to Lula and her staff. Arequipa is an exquisite town of warm people, a fascinating history, lovely architecture and a perfect climate, as well as a rich cuisine. I have the most beautiful memories of my time there and wholeheartedly recommend the experience to anyone who wants to combine learning with a very enjoyable holiday.

Catherine McSweeney (28), Lawyer
London - U.K.
mcsweeney_c@yahoo.co.uk

Guul ten Velde (63), MD
Klimmen - The Netherlands
guulenannelies@gmail.com

When I arrived, my Spanish was between basic and intermediate. After three weeks (intensive course in a small affinity group), I can say that I am quite fluent now. I have experienced Arequipa as a very hospitable town, and the people were most warm-hearted.

Anne-Cécile Dontot (24), Student
Versailles - France
acdontot@hotmail.com

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EDEAQ – Escuela de Español Ari Quipay
Casilla 11
Arequipa - Perú
Phone: +51 54 95 934 26 60 or +51 54 22 67 84
e-mail: contact@edeaq.com

Private phone numbers of the Executive Manager of the school,
Mrs. Juana Lourdes Díaz Oviedo de Seelhofer
Monday to Friday: +51 54 95 934 26 60 or +51 54 27 25 17
Saturday/Sunday: +51 54 95 934 26 60 or +51 54 27 25 17 or +51 95 857 08 98
e-mail: lula_seelhofer@hotmail.com