Frequently Asked Questions

1. Registration – Payment

Is there a registration deadline?

No, we do not have a registration deadline, short-term bookings are possible. Though we recommend that our students to register at least 4 weeks prior to their preferred course starting date to be able to guarantee the desired course.

How can I sign up?

You can use the registration form on our website. Or you can send us an email or WhatsApp message to +1.849.630.1052 and we'll help you every step of the process. Once we have received all information needed, we will confirm your booking and provide you with further details about your class.

When do I have to pay?

We ask our enrolled students to pay the program fee in its entirety to the school no later than three (3) weeks prior to program start.

In case of short-term enrollments (less than four weeks prior to program start), the client must send full payment of the program fee at the time of enrollment.

How can I pay?

Payment can be made by PayPal, credit card, or other payment methods accepted by IIC. We will send you payment instructions by email once we have received your booking and/or along with the booking confirmation and invoice stating the services.

Once the payment has been made, please send us a copy of the payment to info@iic-spanish.com  This serves as a voucher for your booking.

2. Course program

What types of Spanish courses are available?

In general, we distinguish between group courses with 20 or 30 lessons a week and private lessons with 20 or 30 lessons a week. Other combinations as well as special courses in combination with sports or cultural activities (scuba diving, surfing, dancing) are also available.

Can I combine different courses and course places?

Yes, you can combine various courses. Due to the flexible structure of the IIC program it is possible to create a course which takes into consideration your wishes and interests.

When are the start dates of the courses?

Our courses usually start on Mondays year round. If Monday is a holiday, the course starts on the Tuesday immediately following the holiday.

How will my Spanish level at course start be defined?

When we confirm your booking by email, we will also ask you to complete our placement test sent along. The test contains questions on various difficulty levels and takes a maximum of 60 minutes. Once completed, we ask to return it about 2 weeks prior to your course start.

The oral assessment takes place in the first lesson directly with the teacher.

What shall I bring to class?

All study material needed for the course will be provided through us. You may want to bring your Spanish dictionary or log into the free wifi at our school to use an online dictionary with your smart device.

What will the first course day be like?

All new students will meet at the Institute in the morning of the first day at 8:30am. There will be a short welcome and introduction to the school and its staff. The new arrivals will also be asked to complete and sign our check-in form.

Then you will go directly into your class.

Those new students who were unable to send their placement test in two weeks prior to their start date will then take the test and begin with their classes immediately after that.

After lunch break, our student facilitator will take you on an orientation tour of the city to introduce you to the most important places to know and show you how to get around with public transport.

Can I get academic credits for a Spanish course at IIC?

Yes. Our Spanish Intensive Courses are accredited by Seton Hill University (Pennsylvania, US) for academic credits. You can earn 3 credits in a 3- to 4-week course, depending on the course you choose. The following credit courses are available: SP100 (A1), SP 105 (A2), SP205 (B1), SP250 (B2). Follow this link for further details.

3. Travel – Leisure time

Does the school offer any leisure time activities for its students?

Our student facilitator usually offers two to three activities/excursions per week for our students. Some are free, others carry a cost which can be paid directly on site.

There are activities happening at the school like having lunch together, playing domino in the afternoon, or making a cook-out at night (parrillada).

Others like our weekly Welcome Dinner or going to the beach, or having a surf class or a dance class or going scuba diving, snorkeling or SUP-paddeling are happening in Sosua town or the surrounding area.

 

Due to the central location of Sosua, there is a broad variety of half-day, whole-day, and/or weekend excursions you can participate in.

What currency should I bring with me?

The best are US-Dollars and Euros, both currencies can easily be changed within the country to the local currency Dominican Peso RD$. You should bring various means of payment with you: a small amount of cash for your first days, ATM-card and/or credit card.

What airport is the nearest one to the school?

For taking classes at our school in Sosua, you should fly into International Airport Gregorio Luperon Puerto Plata (POP). It is only 15 minutes driving from the school.

Of course, we are happy to help with further information if you fly into any other Dominican airport.

How do I get from the airport to my accommodation? How do I find the school?

If you like, we arrange your airport pick-up at arrival. This comes with an extra cost (see rates in our price list). Our taxi driver picks you up from the airport and takes you directly to the accommodation you booked.

With your booking confirmation, you will receive further details about how the transfer will work. Furthermore, you will receive a map and a google link with information where the school is located.