Question 1

How will my first day at school go?

Accepted Answer

On arrival, come to the reception desk to say hello, and we will take you to the welcome meeting for new students. You do not need to take the level test, because you have already done it before. After your first day of lessons, if you have any problems with accommodation, classes and so on, contact the reception desk. Any member of the Taronja team will help you, and we will solve your problems as quickly and efficiently as possible — do not worry. You are here to learn Spanish and to HAVE FUN, and we will do everything necessary to make that happen.

Question 2

How does Taronja determine my Spanish level?

Accepted Answer

To find out your Spanish level and place you in the right group, you need to take a short level test before the course starts. In most Spanish language schools this test is taken on the first day of the course. However, at Taronja we do not want you to miss a single minute of lessons, so we will give you instructions for taking the test at home, before you arrive in Valencia.

Question 3

Can I change groups if I am not happy with my level?

Accepted Answer

Of course! The most important thing at Taronja is that you are satisfied. If you do not feel comfortable in the group we have placed you in, you can talk to the heads of studies. They will advise you properly and move you to another level if necessary.

Question 4

What is the timetable for the courses? Do they run in the morning or in the afternoon?

Accepted Answer

The Taronja school uses an exclusive ZIGZAG timetable system: some groups study on Monday/Wednesday/Friday in the morning and on Tuesday/Thursday in the afternoon, while other groups do the opposite. Please note that this zigzag system is very complicated for us to organise, and it would be far simpler to have two shifts: a morning one and an afternoon one. But after many years of trial and error we realised that this system is the best, because all students get to enjoy «2 free mornings» and «3 free days» every week, and vice versa. That way everyone is happy and the course is more comfortable. Very few schools do anything like this!

Question 5

Will I always have the same teacher?

Accepted Answer

No! In this respect Taronja is also different. Every week you have 2 different teachers (sometimes even 3). We do this on purpose, because each teacher has their own style and a different accent, and this method is very good and enriches your learning. Obviously, all the teachers follow the same weekly programme for each group, adapt the materials and coordinate with each other.

Question 6

Are materials included in the price?

Accepted Answer

At Taronja all the materials used in class are included in the price, so all you need to bring is a notebook and a pencil, a laptop or a tablet.

Question 7

Do I need to buy a textbook for the course?

Accepted Answer

No, all the necessary materials are provided by the school and included in the course price.

Question 8

Do you track my Spanish course and my progress?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our teachers coordinate with each other very well, and in addition they follow several weekly guidelines to track each student’s course and level properly.

Question 9

Do you use English as a bridge language for teaching Spanish?

Accepted Answer

No! Are you out of your mind? English is banned! Our experienced teachers and our excellent learning system do not need any other language to get you speaking Spanish. Even for the very first levels we have adapted teaching methods so that you learn Spanish easily and joyfully without any other help.

Question 10

Do you have extra materials for continuing study after class?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Taronja school has a virtual classroom called Schoology, where you can find information about the timetable, cultural activities and, of course, exercises, materials and extra learning resources for studying and practising Spanish after class. You can easily access Schoology from a computer, mobile phone, iPad, tablet… On the first day of lessons your teacher will help you create an account and give you the access codes.

Question 11

Do you have an online course for continuing study from my country?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Haven’t you heard of TARONJA ONLINE? We have plenty of courses and activities with different schedules and durations so that you can keep learning Spanish from anywhere in the world. We have been running online lessons for a long time now, and they are a great success!

Question 12

What is the minimum age of students at Taronja?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age for a private course at Taronja is 18. Unlike most Spanish language schools, which accept minors, at Taronja we do not like mixing adults with teenagers. This is a policy we have used for more than 12 years, and it works perfectly!

Question 13

Are there rules of conduct in the classrooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are basic classroom rules, such as not eating in class, not being late, not chewing gum… We will email you more detailed information about this before your arrival. In any case, since we have no teenagers, the learning atmosphere is almost always excellent, because all the students are highly motivated.

Question 14

Does Taronja organise activities and/or excursions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Taronja is known as one of the most fun and entertaining schools in the world (attention: we said in the world, not just in Spain!). We consider it important for students to get to know each other outside Spanish lessons too, so we organise lots of activities and excursions of all kinds. Fun guaranteed!

Question 15

What types of activities does Taronja organise?

Accepted Answer

The school offers 3 types of activities: Didactic PERMANENT activities, in which we explore Spanish culture and keep learning Spanish in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, for example: the famous cooking lessons with chef Nando, the welcome paella, culture lessons, guided walks and learning… VARIABLE activities provide unforgettable experiences in Valencia. Beach parties, salsa lessons, music concerts, exhibition visits and much more that you will remember for the rest of your life. These activities change every week. Weekend excursions let you discover the wonders beyond Valencia. Some examples are visits to nearby towns, mountain hikes, trips to beautiful beaches and typical town festivals…

Question 16

How much do activities and excursions cost?

Accepted Answer

Some of them are free, while others are very inexpensive. We always try to set the lowest price so that all students can enjoy all the activities and excursions.

Question 17

Can I suggest possible activities?

Accepted Answer

We are always open to new ideas and suggestions. Taronja’s next activity could be your idea!

Question 18

Is there a student card?

Accepted Answer

On the first day you will receive a student ID card. We recommend carrying this card in Valencia as identification and leaving your passport at home so you do not lose it. In addition, with this card you can get discounts in shops, museums, restaurants…

Question 19

Does the school have wifi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have free wifi throughout the school, so you can use the internet and share your favourite moments at Taronja with family and friends.

Question 20

Is the school on social media?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Follow us on Instagram «taronjaspanish» and Facebook «Taronja Spanish» and share your impressions with us.

Question 21

How do I get to Valencia?

Accepted Answer

From abroad there are several budget airlines flying to Valencia. You can also fly to Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante, and from those cities there are direct trains or buses to Valencia.

Question 22

How do I get from the airport to the centre of Valencia?

Accepted Answer

A very convenient option is the metro. From the airport to the centre takes only about 20 minutes, it is cheap and it brings you right into the centre of Valencia, a 2-minute walk from our fantastic Taronja school. You can also take a taxi, which will bring you home in about 20 minutes (Taronja also has its own transfer service).

Question 23

Is Valencia a big city? How do I get around Valencia?

Accepted Answer

With a population of 800,000, Valencia is a city of the perfect size, offering all kinds of services and entertainment reachable in a very short time. The centre can be covered on foot without any problem. The city has a very varied and interesting public transport system: metro, bus, taxi and bike- and scooter-sharing services let you reach every corner of the city quickly and at a good price. Getting around by bike is very convenient and fast. If you prefer the bus or metro, we recommend buying some kind of travel pass to make it cheaper.

Question 24

Where is Taronja located?

Accepted Answer

Taronja is right in the centre of Valencia. Tourist sights, restaurants, shops, banks, pharmacies and much more are located just around the school. The beach is about 5 km from the centre, but it can be reached very quickly thanks to the various types of public transport (by bike, for example, it takes 20 minutes).

Question 25

What are the public transport apps in Valencia?

Accepted Answer

Metro: Metrovalencia oficial (we also recommend using Google Maps). Bus: EMT Valencia (we also recommend Google Maps). Taxi: Cabify and FREE NOW (my taxi). Bike: BICI VALENCIA. Motorbike/scooter: the main ones are YEGO and eCooltra.

Question 26

What is the climate like in Valencia?

Accepted Answer

Valencia has a Mediterranean climate that is pleasant all year round. Winters are mild and summers are hot. Sunshine is guaranteed, with an average of 300 sunny days a year. On the whole, the weather in Valencia is hard to improve on.

Question 27

How does the city change between summer and winter?

Accepted Answer

Valencia is like two cities in one. In winter everyone goes out to the city centre to stroll and shop, and in the evening to bars, restaurants and discos. Then in May the heat arrives and the movement shifts to the beach area to enjoy the sea, where other discos, restaurants, bars and so on open. In any case, Valencia is a very lively city with a great atmosphere in its streets and squares all year round.

Question 28

At what times do people eat in Valencia/Spain?

Accepted Answer

Spaniards are well known for eating quite late. We recommend that, if you want everything to fit perfectly into Spanish life and culture, you try to follow the local meal schedule. Lunch is usually served between 14:00 and 15:00, and dinner between 21:00 and 22:30. In addition, Valencia is very famous for its delicious mid-morning breakfasts between 10:30 and 11:00, which you should not miss.

Question 29

What language do people speak in Valencia?

Accepted Answer

The city of Valencia is Spanish-speaking, meaning everyone speaks Spanish. There is also the Valencian language, which is mainly spoken in some towns of the region. Fortunately for you, the accent of the Spanish spoken in Valencia is very clear and neutral.

Question 30

How much does food cost in Valencia?

Accepted Answer

We have good news for you! Valencia has refined gastronomy with an excellent price-to-quality ratio. A tasty tapas dinner costs about €20, and the famous Valencian paella from €12–16 per person. On the whole you can eat very well at lower prices than in the big cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

Question 31

What is the nightlife like?

Accepted Answer

In Valencia the nightlife is great fun and offers plenty of options. The classic night out starts with drinks on one of the many street terraces. At 00:30 people usually head to the pubs (which in Spain are like small discos), and from 02:00 they usually move on to the bigger discos. Valencia has parties for every taste.

Question 32

Can I have a party at home?

Accepted Answer

Having parties at home is not the done thing. You can have dinner with friends until 23:00 and then go out to the pubs and discos. If you throw a loud late-night party, your neighbours will most likely call the police. Spaniards love being out on the street and moving from place to place, meeting lots of people and discovering new spots.

Question 33

Can you drink alcohol in the street?

Accepted Answer

Although it is an illegal practice, many young Spaniards gather in areas where they do not disturb the neighbours too much, next to the discos. It is important not to shout too loudly and to pick up all your rubbish before leaving.

Question 34

What are the opening hours of shops, banks, supermarkets and the post office?

Accepted Answer

Large shops and supermarkets are open from Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 20:00, and some are usually open on Sundays too. Small shops are open from Monday to Friday and usually close for a siesta break from 14:00 to 17:00 (some are also open on Saturday and Sunday). Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 14:00, but there are plenty of cash machines 24/7. The post office is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 20:30 and on Saturday from 9:30 to 13:00.

Question 35

Is it worth buying a SIM card for my mobile phone?

Accepted Answer

Especially if you have come from outside the European Union, we recommend buying a Spanish SIM card in one of the many mobile phone shops near Taronja. It is easy, inexpensive and guarantees that you will always have internet access and plenty of call minutes.

Question 36

What are the emergency numbers?

Accepted Answer

The most important numbers to save in your mobile phone: police (092), ambulance (112) and fire brigade (080).

Question 37

Is Valencia a safe city?

Accepted Answer

Valencia is a very safe and calm city. You can walk the streets at any time of day or night. Violent robberies never happen, however, being quite a big city with many tourists, you should stay alert for thieves and pickpockets.

Question 38

Is there financial compensation for the internship?

Accepted Answer

No, unfortunately we do not offer financial compensation for the internship. However, we do offer other benefits and perks for interns.

Question 39

What benefits are offered to interns?

Accepted Answer

Although there is no financial compensation, we offer interns the following benefits: 10 Spanish lessons per week for the whole internship period. Public transport from the school to the activities for the whole internship period. You can enjoy all the activities organised by the school free of charge. A special discount on our accommodation in a shared apartment with other adult students.

Question 40

What is the minimum and maximum internship duration?

Accepted Answer

The minimum internship duration is 1 month, and the maximum is 12 months. Interns can choose the period that best suits their needs.

Question 41

What level of Spanish is required to take part?

Accepted Answer

The minimum required level of Spanish is B1. You do not need to provide a certificate, because we will assess your level during a personal interview.

Question 42

Is knowledge of English required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a minimum English level of B2 is required. You do not need to provide a certificate, because we will assess your level during a personal interview.

Frequently asked questions