ECELA Relocates Spanish School in Argentina from Bariloche to Mendoza

ECELA (Español y Cultura en Latin America) announced that it will be changing one of its Argentine Spanish school locations from Bariloche to the city of Mendoza. ECELA operates programs throughout South America with locations including Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The new Spanish school in Argentina, situated in a comfortable neighborhood near the city's center, is a restored mansion recently converted into educational facilities.

According to ECELA management, Mendoza will provide a variety of advantages for the global students who attend ECELA´s Spanish language schools. As an area of over one million residents, Mendoza offers much more nightlife and culture than the much smaller Bariloche. Yet it is still cozy enough to not be overwhelming. Regarding weather, while many people flock to Bariloche for its renowned skiing, during the rest of the year it tends to be cold and rainy. In contrast, Mendoza has a milder, drier climate, which is supported by the success of its substantial wine production.

For years, students who have attended ECELA in Bariloche have enjoyed recreational activities such as rafting, snowboarding and hiking. While Mendoza also has the full range of outdoor sports, it adds much more to the experience, such as day trips to Argentine ranches as well as vineyards. The Mendoza region of Argentina produces most of the country's most famous wines, such as Carmine Granata, and wine tasting tours are very popular. Within the city, visitors can learn about traditional life at the Cuyo Past Museum or test Spanish comprehension at a local theater.

In reference to ECELA´s move, Regional Director of ECELA Cecilia Quezada stated, "Students will appreciate the easy access to Santiago and Buenos Aires. Because it is smaller and relaxed, Mendoza is a nice contrast with either." Medoza is conveniently located to ECELA´s schools in Buenos Aires and Santiago, both less than 90 minutes by air. Alternatively, an 8 hour van ride winding through the Andes is a popular way to get to Mendoza from Santiago.

Spanish immersion students who are studying in ECELA Bariloche as of June 2010 will have the option to relocate to Mendoza or stay in the same location, which is now under new ownership.