Instituto San Fernando
Spanish Language & Culture
Immersion Programs in Spain

Our Team

During years of hard work we have created many educational programs with only one goal: to project and teach the Spanish laguage. Our staff has always worked with the intention of making sure that our students feel at home and be happy with the progress they are making.

It is not easy to adapt to the changes our society challenges us with; it is because we belive in a strong human, technological, and structural growth that we are able to satisfy the expectations of our participants.

Thanks to the help of our students and collaborators, Instituto San Fernando has experienced success after success, yearafter year, making usa reference point in the education field.

We will eagerly continue to work hard teaching and spreading the language and culture that is felt throughout the world: Spanish .

Arturo Periañez - Director

Since the founding of the Instituto San Fernando, we have worked hard to fulfill the desires of our partners and students. At present, it is not always easy to adapt to the new and rapid changes; however, thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our team, we are more than fulfilling the goals that we set out each year. In many ways the growth and evolution of the Institute has been shaped by the suggestions and support of the groups that collaborate with us year after year. We have never tried to be the biggest provider of programs, rather we have insisted on providing a high-quality experience through hard work, dedication, and personalized service.

Margarita Jiménez - Academic Director

“The method of the Instituto San Fernando brings its students closer to real life conversations in Spanish while at the same time immersing them in the culture”.

Our philosophy is to immerse students in the language and culture from the first day (even for beginners). The methodology of ISFLE is based on a truly communicative approach to teaching the language. Generally, classes are divided into a language module where students study grammar while learning to communicate in everyday situations; and a thematic module where students are exposed to the history and culture of Spain (gastronomy, music, customs, art, current events, etc.). At the university/college level, the programs also include the option of including more specialized courses such as Spanish Literature, Art History, Spanish for Business, etc.

Maribel Medina - Housing Director

“Make our students feel at home is the rule by which all members of our team start every day”.

Living with a family is the best way to get close to the culture and to experience firsthand important aspects of Spanish society, including the gastronomy and particularliving habits. Since it is both enriching and educational, I consider communication to be a key part of my job. I love feeling that I am the connection between the host families and our students, and this represents our main goal - making the students feel at home. This is achieved with the help and effort of all of the Instituto San Fernando team. <TOP>

Carmen Pradas - Administration

"I studied Administration and Finance, and although some people might find it a boring subject, I really enjoy it. Besides, I love working for an experienced yet young and dynamic firm like the Instituto San Fernando".

Hi! My name is Carmen Pradas, and I work in the Administration department. If you ever need to solve any issues about invoices or payments, I am the person to contact. I’m also here to help you in other aspects. I understand that study abroad is not always an easy experience. In fact, sometimes it can be  a bit stressful. Your well-being is really important to all of us, so as the rest of the ISF staff I am always available should you need to talk. Please, do not hesitate to stop by my office to practice your Spanish and tell me how you are doing. <TOP>

Patricia Downey Let- Foreign Relations Dept. - US Coordinator

"I perfectly understand what it is to experience cultural differences, to face a different language and to get to know a new city. But I also know from my own experience that these can all be really wonderful and unforgettable experiences if you can rely on people to support and help you through the process".

Born in Seville, with an English father and a Spanish mother, I spent most of my childhood travelling around the world due to my father’s job. This enriching experience aroused in me a passion for travelling and getting to know new people and places. That’s why I eventually studied Tourism at EUSA (Estudios Superiores y Universitarios de Andalucia) and why I completely understand what it means to experience cultural differences, to face a different language and to get to know a new city. I know from my own experience that these can all be really wonderful and unforgettable experiences if you can rely on people to support and help you through the process. That’s why I love my job, as it allows me to help in that process. <TOP>

Anja Gelsdorf- Foreign Relations Dept. - Europe and Canada Coordinator

" I’m German, but Seville has become my second home. I like the international atmosphere in this institute: I’m always surrounded by young people from all over the world and I can combine work experience with being immersed in another culture. I discovered my passion for travelling and getting to know other languages, countries and cultures long time ago. Today I can put these skills into practice and pass them on to our students. Even occasional disparities and misunderstandings are part of the experience one makes living abroad.”

Given the continuing approach of culture areas, knowing foreign languages gains more and more in importance. Learning Spanish will open many doors to our students. Being able to communicate in different languages leads to mutual comprehension, integration, better job possibilities, intercultural dialogue and competence…The language as key to the world! <TOP>

Juan A. Romero - Activities and Culture Coordinator

“A well organized cultural activities / free time program is the key to the complete integration in the country that one is living. ”

At the San Fernando Institute, we are conscious of the fact that the success of a Spanish language program does not only rest on the quality of the classes, but also in the development of a cultural activities / free time program that immerses the student in the culture of the country that he/she is visiting.

These activities should not only be well organized, but also integrated into the curricular plan so there is no disconnect between what one is studying and living. We not only teach culture in the classroom, we allow each student to experience the most important aspects of Spanish society through a carefully structured program of cultural visits (museums, flamenco dance lessons, film festivals, exchanges with Spanish students, cooking classes, group dinners, sports activities, etc.).

I get excited when I can see that students are beginning to make that important connection between a text studied in class and real life visits. <TOP>

Instituto San Fernando