FAQ Regarding Manta Program

 About the School

Is your school accredited by the Ministry of Education and supported by a university so that I could transfer credits back to my university in the USA?
 
Yes, Academia Surpacifico is accredited by the Ministry of Education of Ecuador.Students who wish to receive credit for our programs should contact the study abroad office or foreign language department at your college or university prior to starting the program. Ask them for detailed requirements on how to arrange credit and present your plan to them in advance. With the detailed information from your institution, we can typically provide all documentation to complete arrangements.
Are you an accredited school?

Yes, we are recognized by the Ministry of Education of Ecuador, and we also have the "Bildungsurlaub" recognition for German students.

For how long have you been working?

In Quito since 2000 and in the province of Manabi (Manta) since 1996.

Are there broadband internet cafes close to the school? I use the Internet to teach online college classes, and it is crucial that I have high-speed access, especially if I will be spending six hours a day studying Spanish.

In the area of Academia Surpacifico in Manta there are many internet cafes where you can have high speed access. In our school in Quito we have a computer for the use of our students, so you can have 2 hours for free weekly, but there are also internet cafes within close proximity of the school.

What is distance from school to beach/surfing site?

10 minutes walking distance

When is your busiest time of year? When is your least busy?

Our busiest time is from January to March and from June to October. Our less busy months are November and December.

What is the maximum number of students you have at the school at any one time?

We receive a maximum 20 students at any on time.

If I leave to travel after my classes end at the end of my month, will there be a place to store some of my stuff until I return? Even if I no longer have my apartment?

Yes, you can store the things you will not use during your trip in a secure storage space at the school. The student’s apartment is located in the same building as the school.

What is the average number of students enrolled at your school, and what countries do your students generally come from?

Certain times of the year are busier than others. January, February, June, July, and August tend to be our busiest months. During these months, we usually have about 15-20 students. In the slower months, the number of students drops down to 5-10. Students come from all over the world to study at Surpacifico. The countries from which we tend to get the most participants are Germany, Holland, United States, Switzerland, England, and Canada.

Can you be more specific regarding the diversity of participants in the Sur Pacifico program?

20 % German students, 20% from USA, 10 % from Canada, 10% from Switzerland, 10% England, 30% other.

Do the students have access to internet at the school itself?
 

In our school in Quito every student has 2 hours per week of internet service. In Manta we cannot offer internet access for the students, but there are several cyber cafes in the area of the school, that charge one dollar per hour for internet use.

How would you describe the school facility?

As you probably know Surpacifico School offers students the option of studying in Quito or Manta. The facility in Quito is located in a big house. The house is surrounded by flowers and gardens. The atmosphere is very warm and friendly. The classrooms are large and very accommodating. The school is located in Quito's central area, and is near most of the principle attractions.
Manta's school is located on the third floor of a building only blocks from Murcielago Beach, the city's main beach, as well as the downtown area. The top floor is used as student residence, offered only to students studying at Surpacifico. The school (and apartment) has a big balcony that looks out to the heart of the city. There are classrooms for individual lessons, as well as group classes.
Both schools are located in very safe areas of their respective cities. If you choose to live with a family, you will be placed within walking distance of the school.

First, how long after applying does it usually take to be accepted to your school?

We will send you a confirmation letter for participation in Surpacifico within 48 hours of receiving your application.

 

About the Program

Can I extend my classes once I get there if I like it?

Yes, you can extend your classes once you get here if you like it.

Does your program mostly attracts university students?
 
Our program has had students of ages 20-70. Like most other programs, there is a general attraction for people in there 20s and 30s to study abroad, and thus there are usually more students of that age group. However, things vary pretty much from one period of the year to another. I am certain that you will feel comfortable in our academic atmosphere.
What activities and excursions are organized by the school?

We organize different cultural and sport activities (2 or 3 times during the week) such as:
In Quito: visits to museums, Native American markets, old city, etc.
In Manta: nearby beaches, Machalilla National Park, local markets, etc.
During the weekend we also organize activities for our students.

What social and cultural activities are included in your price?

In our prices are included the dancing lessons (once per week) and the typical cooking lessons (every two weeks). In addition we organize (in both the Quito and Manta programs) different activities every week at cost. This means that the students only have to pay for the expenses of the activity (transportation, entrance fees, etc.). Activities in Quito include visits to museums, Native American markets, old city, historical sites, etc. In Manta, we have activities such as visits to nearby beaches, Machalilla National Park (Isla de la Plata), museums, "Bosque protector de Pacoche (Pacoche Forest Preservation)", Montecristi (where the famous "Panama hats" are made), etc.

I would like some more information about combining Spanish lessons with volunteering. Since I am a social worker, it sounds like your volunteer program could use my services and I would be thrilled to oblige. Is one month enough time to commit?

We have 2 volunteer programs: one on an ecological farm and another in Manta with a neurological pediatric center. The minimum time to commit for both of these programs is one month.

What are the qualifications of your teachers?

The teachers at Surpacifico are all very experienced in working with students at all levels of Spanish. Each teacher has a minimum of 5 years experience teaching Spanish. All are university graduates, and most studied Spanish and literature. Our school is certified by the Ministry of Education and Culture (Ministerio de Educación y Cultura de Ecuador).

About Spanish and Surfing

What time of day is the Spanish lessons – and surfing lessons?

Surfing lessons: 6 to 8 am / 8 to 10 am
Spanish lessons: 9 to 1 pm / 1.30 to 5.30 pm

Are the students free to surf at other times?
 
Yes, they are free to surf at other times with use of our surfboards, but only during the days in which classes are held. This does not include weekends.
 
What kind of information can you provide about surfing in area?

Playa Murciélago is a recently developed beach located within a ten minute walk of Surpacifico. This beach, which stretches for approximately one mile, offers excellent surfing opportunities for all levels of surfers during the high season. During the off-season months the waves are adequate during the right times of day, and are especially good for beginners, even throughout the entire day. The boardwalk along Playa Murciélago offers a variety of restaurants and small shops.

Can you provide information about other surfing areas?

Montañita is a small surfing village located within a three hour bus ride of Manta, and offers world class surf year round. Puerto Cayo, and Canoa are other surfing villages along the Ruta del Sol, that have superb year round surf. Montañita, Porto Cayo, Canoa, each have hostels, restaurants, and friendly residents, making them convenient for travelers. San Lorenzo, a small beach town that also has great year round surf, is located within a forty minute bus ride of Manta, perfect for a day-trip. Over recent years the North American and European populations of Montañita have grown significantly, while Porto Cayo, Canoa, and San Lorenzo, have primarily Latin American populations.

What is the time of year to surf?
 
January through June
 
What is the best time of day to surf?
 
6 to 10 am
 
I'd prefer to be in group instruction for surfing - is the surfing/Spanish course a group class? How big?

The Spanish and Surfing program has 4 hours of Individual Spanish lessons and 2 hours of Surf lessons in groups of 2-3 people each day, from Monday through Friday.

Can we book 1 week of surfing school with the option to extend when during our stay in Manta?

Of course, you can book only for 1 week of Surf lessons with the option to extend here.

What dates do the Surfing and Spanish course start?

The Spanish and Surf can start any Monday of the year.

Are there places to take surfing lessons that are not affiliated with your school?

Yes, there is also a Surfing school in Manta that is not affiliated with Surpacifico where you can take surf lessons.

 

About getting there

Is it better to fly into Guayaquil or into Quito?

We recommend our students to fly into Quito. We have staff members in Quito that can assist you with your arrangements to Manta. Guayaquil is a little bit dangerous for those who are not familiar with the city, and we generally feel more comfortable having people arrive in Quito where we have staff to receive them. If you choose to fly into Guayaquil, you will be responsible for taking a taxi from the airport to the bus station.

Can you explain the transportation upon arrival to the host family?

We will pick you up from the airport (or bus terminal) and bring you to the host family without any extra charges.

Is it best to arrive in Quito or in Manta?

We recommend you fly to Quito. We will pick you up from the airport in Quito and bring you to a hostel to spend your first night there (if you arrive late at night). If you arrive during the morning or afternoon and you want to come immediately to Manta, we can arrange your travel to Manta as you prefer, by plane ($ 53 USD, 30 minutes) or by bus ($ 9 USD, 9 hours). We will also pick you up from the airport or bus station in Manta and bring you to the students’ apartment.

Do I need a special visa coming from the U.S., or is there an entry fee for U.S. citizens. I will be staying in Ecuador for 2 months. Also, will there be any difficulties traveling to other countries, or will my passport work?

No, you don't need a visa coming form the U.S. to visit Ecuador. You can travel to other countries from Ecuador with only your passport.

Do you know where I can find cheap airfare from the US to Quito?

We suggest you try www.exitotravel.com , you can tell them that you are applying for a language course with Academia Surpacifico in Ecuador and they will give a very good price.

How do I reserve a flight from Quito to Manta?

We can help you book a flight from Quito to Manta, and you can also purchase the ticket in Quito. You only need to tell us the date that you want to travel.

Could you suggest the easiest way to travel to Manta ? We are actually arriving in Quito and just plan to spend a short time there before traveling to Manta.

You have two options for coming from Quito to Manta:
By bus: (9 hours, $ 9 USD) we can pick you up from the bus station in Manta and bring you to the apartment. If you want to travel during the daylight hours we suggest to take a bus from "Flota Imbabura" Bus Company, they have a bus leaving every day from Quito to Manta at 11.30 am. The Flota Imbabura Bus Station in Quito is located at: Manuel Larrea and Portoviejo Streets. It is common in Ecuador to use night buses, which are very safe and comfortable. The Panamericana bus company has buses that leave at night for those who cannot arrive in Quito during the afternoon. Remember that our transportation service people in Quito will be able to help you make your connection by bus.
By plane: (30 minutes, $ 53) we can book a flight for you from Quito to Manta, and you can purchase the ticket the same day you fly at the airline counter in Quito. We can pick you up from the airport in Manta and bring you to the apartment without any additional charge.

Is the travel between Quito and Manta included in the price?

No, the travel between Quito and Manta is not included in the price. You have the choice between taking a plane or bus from Quito to Manta. A plane costs $53 and takes about 30 minutes. A bus costs $9 and takes about 9 hours. The school helps the students with booking the flight or with information about the bus schedule.

LODGING

What types of accommodation can you offer and how much it would be?

We offer 3 types of accommodations: Host family (includes private room, all meals and laundry service), Students’ apartment (fully furnished apartment, without meals or laundry), and Hostel (private room with private bathroom)

Are rooms in the Students Apartment available all year or how long in advance do I have to book?

There are some weeks when the students' apartment is full. You need to tell us the approximate dates that you are interested in to check how busy it is.

Is there a kitchen?

Yes, in both cities Quito and Manta, the students’ apartment has a kitchen; the students can use it any time they wish. In Manta the student’s apartment has a terrace with a very nice view of the ¬city and the beach.

Do I have a room of my own? How far away are the apartments from the school?

Yes, every student has his/her own room at the student apartment. In Quito the student’s apartment is 10 minutes walking distance from the school. In Manta the student’s apartment is in the 4th floor of the same building as the school.

Is the Spanish and surfing course available with an accommodation in a Students' apartment?

Yes, the course is also available with accommodation at the students' apartment.

Does the apartment have a telephone?

Yes, it does, in both cities Quito and Manta.

Will there be lots of other students in the apartment?
 
The apartment where you will stay is just for 1 or 2 people. In this case you will be the only student at the apartment; it is located at 15 minutes walking distance from the school. We also have another apartment in the same building of the school for 3-4 students but it is completely full for February and March.
In what area of Quito are the homestays? And how near are the homestays to the school? The homestays are located in the north of the city, some of them 20 minutes by bus from the school and other host families are located very close to the school (between 15 - 30 minutes walking distance from the school). You need to fill out in your application form that you want to be lodged near the school and we will take note of your preferences.
 
Will my friend and I be able to get two homestays near one another?

Yes, it is possible; we have host families located near each other. However, you need to send us your application forms as soon as possible to reserve those families.

Does your program have the ability to accommodate a parent with two children ages 2 & 5. I would be interested in a child program or child care for when I would be in class. I am interested in a home-stay option.

Yes, we can accommodate both you and your children. We can place you in a homestay with a family that also has children. Although Surpacifico does not offer classes to children under 6, we do offer child care with families. While you are in class, your children can stay at the home and interact with the children in the family under the care of the host mother.

What is the average distance the families live from school?

Our host families are located very close to the school in both locations Quito and Manta, between 10 and 25 minutes walking distance.

Is it possible to take surfing lessons in Manta, but live in an apartment instead?

Yes, it is possible to take surfing lessons in Manta. You can live at the students’ apartment instead of a host family. You would have a private room with bathroom and all the facilities of the student’s apartment in both cities Quito and Manta. But, you would need to share with other students at the apartment. Normally, at the apartment there are between 3 or 4 students at the same time.

We are also interested in the student apartment, would we be able to share one, or would we have to get our own. Her husband will also be traveling with us, but will not need the classes.

To take the students apartment option of lodging you would need to share it with other students. Normally, at the students apartment there are between 3 or 4 students, but every one has a private room. Your sister's husband can stay at the student apartment without taking classes, no problem.

How long does it take for you to find a family to stay in? I would like to start as soon as possible! I know that it is quite late but I just recently received permission from my boss to do this trip, and I don’t want to lose the opportunity.

We have a group of host families prepared and qualified to receive our students immediately. We only need to receive your preferences for the host family (big or small, with or without children, smoking or not smoking, etc) then we will assign the host family that adjusts best to your needs. You can start your Spanish program as soon as you want.

I will be traveling with a friend who has strict vegetarian needs. Can this be accommodated by a host family or will we need to get into a different living arrangement?

You can be accommodated with a host family. We have host families who can provide vegetarian diets to our students.

How close is the school (and host families) to the surf beach?

The school and host families are located within 10 minutes walking distance from the surfing site.

Are meals included with the host family?

Yes, all the meals are included with the host family

Do you have apartments located close to the school? I would like to have a private room. Does this mean I have to rent my own apartment? Or are apartments shared, with each student having a private room? Do the apartments have a kitchen? Are laundry services available at the apartment?

We have in Quito a fully furnished apartment for some of our Spanish students. You would have a private room. The apartment has a kitchen, a living room, a dining room and it is very close to the school (10 minutes walking distance). You would need to share all the facilities of the apartment with 2 or 3 other students. As this is a popular option of lodging you need to book as soon as you can in order to assure yourself a space.

I was interested in doing your two week surf and language school program in the beginning of July. I would be doing it with a friend, so could we do a home stay together and does the home stay include food?

We still have spaces for the "Spanish and Surfing" program for July, but you need to apply as soon as possible, because this is a very popular program for that month. You and your friend can stay with the same host family. The home stay includes all meals and laundry service.

Is it possible to wash clothes?

The host family option includes the laundry service.

If I am coming alone, do you recommend the hostel or the apartment? I am flexible, but would like to meet other students and be social. I would like to have both my own space and common space to socialize with other students.

We recommend you stay at the students’ apartment. There you will have the option to have your own space and to spend your time with other students. At the students’ apartment you will have your own room and will share other facilities such as the kitchen, the living room, the dinning room and the terrace.

We would be willing to share a double bed. Also does your program last any longer than two weeks? We were hoping to do it for four weeks, if this possible?

You can share a double bed and yes, it is possible to do the Spanish and Surf program for four weeks.

Is it possible to have housing if once I stop taking classes?

Yes, it is possible.

Is there a very welcoming host family living near the school (max. 15 min walk), who wants to integrate me in their daily life, maybe to show me around? It would be wonderful, if there was a girl at about my age (I am 20) in the family. (But not a German speaking guest student!!!!)

We will assign a host family for you according to your preferences: very friendly family, near to the school, with a girl about your age. Normally there is only one student in every host family; you will be the only foreign student at the family.

Would you also be able to accommodate my six year old daughter? Would she be with me or how would that work. Also, what type of lodging is in this area?

Yes, it is possible. We can arrange a host family for you and your daughter with a daughter the same age as yours (6-7 years old). Your daughter can come to the school with you and take Spanish lessons with a teacher or she can go to the same school as the children of the Ecuadorian family.
For lodging you can decide between host family and the student apartment option. In your case we think the host family option is better.

Anything in walking distance? Is this in a safe part of the city?

In both cities Quito and Manta, the host families are located very close to the school, between 10 - 15 minutes walking distance. And the area where the schools and families are located is a very safe part of the respective cities.

About volunteering

How many students/volunteers do you take at a time?

We take between 3 to 5 students/volunteers at a time.

How much advance notice do you need from participants?

We need to receive application forms for this program at least 2 weeks before the starting date.

If I want to do community service work once I get there, can I still help? Also, does it cost anything to volunteer?

Yes, you can decide to do volunteer work in Manta once you get here. We will help you find it without any extra cost.

I am an experienced Speech and Language Therapist who is interested in participating in your volunteer program. Am I correct in thinking that all I need to pay for is costs to get to the placement? Please clarify if money is required to be placed, for accom. etc.

You don't need to pay anything to participate in Reneup program. You only need to pay for your accommodation and and your Spanish Lessons (if you are interested to take Spanish lessons at our language school).