Don Quijote / Academia ColumbusQuito, Ecuador
Don Quijote / Academia Columbus
Quito, Ecuador
Calle Arízaga Luque N 34-240 y Federico Páez n/a - 170135 Quito - see on map
Spanish courses at this language school can not be booked on our site. The information is provided in order to orient our visitors about the complete range of language course options available in Quito.
Location: Don Quijote / Academia Columbus Quito is a medium-sized school that boasts some incredible views of the whole of Quito. Located in the quiet, modern and upscale neighbourhood of El Batàn, the school is very well connected to local transport and is a 5-minute walk from Quito's Parque Metropolitano.
Course structure: Don Quijote / Academia Columbus Quito has a wide variety of courses suitable for all students and levels of study. If you are looking for a General Spanish course in group, semi-private or private classes, which can also be taken in conjunction with Salsa dancing or cooking, they will be sure to have the course for you. The school also offers preparation courses for both the DELE and SIELE exams and has a Volunteer programme for students looking to combine their Spanish studies with volunteering. Refresher courses for Teachers and Spanish for 50+ students are also available at certain times of the year.
Accommodation: The school has some excellent choices for accommodation in both Student Residence and Homestay.
Leisure activities: In terms of activities, Don Quijote Quito is happy to offer a number of activities including Salsa and merengue dance lessons, Ecuadorian cooking lessons and Spanish Language film screenings to name a few. They also offer optional excursions such as trips to Volcano Cotopaxi, Quilotoa Lagoon, the Tropical rainforest in Mindo and the middle of the world Equator line.
School chain: With over 30 years of experience, Don Quijote is an internationally recognized leader in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. They have multiple campuses in many countries throughout the world and continue to provide quality and innovative services to their students whilst constantly working to better themselves.
- The school is also known under the name Academia Columbus.
- The language school Don Quijote / Academia Columbus was founded in Quito, Ecuador in 2000.
- Legal name / parent company: Enforex for English Executives SL
- Tax registration ID: B80274269
Spanish Courses
General Language
Intensive 20 ![Popular Spanish course]( "Popular Spanish course")
20 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Course specific data
Starting dates
Every Monday
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 9:00 - 13:00
Morning: 9:00 - 13:00
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 8 / Average: 6
Super Intensive 30
30 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
Intensive 20 combined with 5 culture and conversation classes and 5 mini-group lessons per week.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Winter Break in Euador
20 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
This course tends to sell out quickly!
20 group lessons Spanish combined with 3 special cultural activities per week.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Combined (20 group + 10 individual)
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Intensive 25
25 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
Intensive 20 combined with 5 culture and conversation classes per week.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Spanish & Culture
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Spanish + Culture
20 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
This course combines the Spanish course Intensive 20 with 5 culture classes per week.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Premium Program
30 lessons per week
|
3 students (max)
20 mini group lessons + 10 private lessons per week.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Semi-private lessons 10
10 lessons per week
|
3 students (max)
For 2-3 students with the same level booking and studying together. Price per person.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Semi-private lessons 15
15 lessons per week
|
3 students (max)
For 2-3 students with the same level booking and studying together. Price per person.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Semi-private lessons 20
20 lessons per week
|
3 students (max)
For 2-3 students with the same level booking and studying together. Price per person.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Semi-private lessons 5
5 lessons per week
|
3 students (max)
For 2-3 students with the same level booking and studying together. Price per person.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Super intensive
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Spanish for 50+
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Spanish for 50+
20 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
20 group lessons Spanish combined with 3 special cultural activities per week.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Private
Individual tuition 30
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Private lessons 10
10 lessons per week
|
1 Student (max)
Lessons can be tailored to the student's needs and requests. Ideal for students who want to progress quickly.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Private lessons 15
15 lessons per week
|
1 Student (max)
Lessons can be tailored to the student's needs and requests. Ideal for students who want to progress quickly.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Course specific data
Starting dates
Every Monday
General course schedule
3 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 9:00 - 11:55
Morning: 9:00 - 11:55
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
Private lessons 20
20 lessons per week
|
1 Student (max)
Lessons can be tailored to the student's needs and requests. Ideal for students who want to progress quickly.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Private lessons 5
5 lessons per week
|
1 Student (max)
Lessons can be tailored to the student's needs and requests. Ideal for students who want to progress quickly.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Work & Study
Volunteer Program - Intensive 20
20 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
4 weeks Intensive 20 course + volunteer program processing fee.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Volunteer Program - Intensive 25
25 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
4 weeks of Intensive 25 course + volunteer program processing fee.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Business
Executive & Professional (20 standard group + 15 individual)
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Exam Preparation
DELE Preparation Course - Group
20 lessons per week
|
12 students (max)
The DELE certificate is perfect for students who plan to study at a Spanish-speaking university or who want to work in a Spanish-speaking environment.
Exam dates and fees vary depending on the level.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Course specific data
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 9:00 - 13:00
Morning: 9:00 - 13:00
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 12 / Average: 9
DELE Preparation Course - Private
20 lessons per week
|
1 Student (max)
The DELE certificate is perfect for students who plan to study at a Spanish-speaking university or who want to work in a Spanish-speaking environment.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Course specific data
Starting dates
Every Monday
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 9:00 - 13:00
Morning: 9:00 - 13:00
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
SIELE Preparation Course
30 lessons per week
|
12 students (max)
20 group lessons general Spanish combined with 10 private lessons SIELE preparation per week.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
SIELE Preparation Course - Private
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Language Plus Activity
Spanish + Cooking
25 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
This course combines the Spanish course Intensive 20 with 5 cooking classes per week.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Course specific data
Starting dates
Every Monday
General course schedule
5 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 9:00 - 13:00
Morning: 9:00 - 13:00
Minimum required student age
18 years
Students per class
Maximum: 8 / Average: 6
Spanish + Dancing & Traditional Culture
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Spanish + Salsa
25 lessons per week
|
8 students (max)
This course combines the Spanish course Intensive 20 with 5 salsa classes per week.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Course specific data
Starting dates
Every Monday
General course schedule
5 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 9:00 - 13:00
Morning: 9:00 - 13:00
Minimum required student age
16 years
Students per class
Maximum: 8 / Average: 6
Course Video
Don Quijote / Academia Columbus - (Video)
Spanish + Local Art
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Specialty Courses
Spanish for Spanish Teachers
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Spanish for Spanish Teachers - Individual Lessons
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Spanish Teachers' Training Lab
30 lessons per week
|
16 students (max)
Designed for teachers of Spanish as a foreign language who want to refresh their language knowledge and update their teaching methodologies. 20 group lessons combined with mentoring and 10 hours of observation per week.
Special note for 2024 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2024 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2023 many schools were fully booked during the holidays and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2024 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
Information for all courses offered by Don Quijote / Academia Columbus
Lesson duration
55 minutes
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students but has to be returned to the school at end of course.
Days without class
In 2023 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan. 2023, 04 Jul. 2023, 04 Sep. 2023, 05 Jan. 2023, 08 Sep. 2023, 10 Sep. 2023, 11 Jan. 2023, 11 Feb. 2023.
01 Jan. 2023, 04 Jul. 2023, 04 Sep. 2023, 05 Jan. 2023, 08 Sep. 2023, 10 Sep. 2023, 11 Jan. 2023, 11 Feb. 2023.
School policy regarding bank holidays:Private classes are recuperated or refunded. Same as for nearly all language schools, group classes falling on bank holiday are not refunded and not recuperated.
Please note that this school reserves the right to reduce the number of lessons if the minimum number of students is not reached.
Lessons needed per Spanish language level
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.
Our price includes
- INCLUDED Organized activities
- INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
- INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
- INCLUDED For adult courses: a minimum of one free organized leisure activity per week
Don Quijote / Academia Columbus
Accreditations and Quality seals
AECEE, IEG, AATSPSpanish teacher qualifications
70% hold a university degree
50% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee If you already attended previously a course at Don Quijote / Academia Columbus and you book here.
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
General school facilities
Kitchen for student use
Microwave for student use
Fridge for student use
Lounge
Garden
Rooftop terrace
Balcony / terrace
Free coffee
Free water dispenser
Free WIFI
Facilities for islamic students
Homestay option that can prepare halal food
- Homestay with no men in the household not guaranteed. However, arrangements can be made to suit the client's wishes.
Classroom equipment
TV in some classrooms
Ample natural light in all classrooms
Number of classrooms: 9Number of public PC workstations: 2
Student Age / Nationality
Average number of students
In summer: 30
Throughout the year: 24
Minimum age of students
16 years
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 6
Adult courses Throughout the year: 3
Average age of students
Top student nationalities
Airport transfer
Mariscal Sucre International Airport:
59 US$ one way
118 US$ return (both ways)
118 US$ return (both ways)
Best arrival airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO).
More information about airports around Quito and how to get from the airport to Quito on your own here on our Quito page.
Visa Documents
Nationals from USA do not require a visa for travelling to Ecuador and attending a language course.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
Yes
Express shipment fee (via courier)
Europe: 55 US$
, North America: 55 US$
, South America: 115 US$
, Africa: 115 US$
, Oceania: 115 US$
, Asia: 115 US$
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.
Leisure activities
| activity possible | distance from school | |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | - | 1 km |
| Cooking | | - |
| Dancing | | - |
| Football (soccer) | - | 1 km |
| Horse riding | - | 10 km |
| Volleyball | - | 1 km |
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Adults - Free activities
City Tour
Dancing lessons
Cookery classes
Cultural Lectures
Fiestas
Drama Classes
* Movie Nights
Adults - Paid activities
Otavalo (indigenous market): USD 40-50
Mitad del Mundo (Equator and Inca sites): USD 20-30
Papallacta (thermal hot springs in the Andes): USD 40-50
Saquisilí (indigenous market): USD 30-40
Cotopaxi (national park): USD 40-50
Pichincha (volcano): USD 70-75
Mindo (tiny village in the cloud forest with 7 waterfalls): USD 65-70
Cuyabeno ( jungle reserve): 3 days/2 nights: 190-200 USD - 4 days/ 3 nights: USD 230-240
* Quito by night (1 evening): USD 15-20
Prices are subject to change.
Student opinions about Don Quijote / Academia Columbus, Quito
Elena
43 years
“Great atmosphere, friendly teachers and great School director”
Insider tips about what future students should not miss: Go to Mindo on the weekend
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
5.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
5.0
Course: Super Intensive 30 - 2 weeks
8. Apr. 2019
Mervi
60 years“Teachers were professionals.”
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
5.0
City/place
4.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
5.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
4.0
Shared apartment
4.0
Other comments: Excellent
Course: Intensive - 2 weeks
21. Mar. 2016
Other language schools in Quito offering Spanish courses:
FAQ about Don Quijote / Academia Columbus, Quito
- Is airport pickup offered by Don Quijote / Academia Columbus?Yes. The school offers pickup from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (59 US$)
- What is the qualification of the teachers at Academia Columbus?70% of teachers at Academia Columbus hold a university degree. 50% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
- Which countries are students of Don Quijote / Academia Columbus from?The highest Nationality percentage at Don Quijote / Academia Columbus comes from Germany with a 33% representation, followed by students from USA (24%) and Switzerland (16%).
- Don Quijote / Academia Columbus offers courses for which ages?Don Quijote / Academia Columbus offers courses from 16 years to 99. Average age is 30 during the summer and 32 for the rest of the year.
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Quito
Quito city attractiveness rated by our students:
4.1
More information about Quito including climate data and events on our Quito page with a list of all 11 Spanish schools in Quito.
