Practical Lessons
Practical conversation lessons are a key part of learning Spanish at FairPlay, and are all about using the language to communicate with real people rather than just learning it from books.
These lessons, which take place with a specialist conversation teacher, are designed to help you cope with common situations in everyday life. They will help you practice what you have learned in our classrooms, and build the confidence you’ll need to use your new Spanish skills outside of your lessons.
At the same time, your practical lessons will allow you to explore Cusco in the company of a local, seeing real Peruvian life as it is now and learning about the region’s past.
Most of the places you’ll visit during your lessons are free, except perhaps for a low-cost bus or taxi ride. At a few places there is an entrance fee or similar to pay, and this is not included in the price of your lesson. Such visits are optional, and your teacher will always discuss them with you first.
Just a few examples of places that our students visit during their lessons:
These lessons, which take place with a specialist conversation teacher, are designed to help you cope with common situations in everyday life. They will help you practice what you have learned in our classrooms, and build the confidence you’ll need to use your new Spanish skills outside of your lessons.
At the same time, your practical lessons will allow you to explore Cusco in the company of a local, seeing real Peruvian life as it is now and learning about the region’s past.
Most of the places you’ll visit during your lessons are free, except perhaps for a low-cost bus or taxi ride. At a few places there is an entrance fee or similar to pay, and this is not included in the price of your lesson. Such visits are optional, and your teacher will always discuss them with you first.
Just a few examples of places that our students visit during their lessons:
San Pedro Market
The big and bustling San Pedro market is located in the heart of Cusco, and is where thousands of locals come every day to do their shopping, meet their friends or grab a bite to eat. The main market halls are home to hundreds of stalls selling handicrafts, clothes, fruit, flowers, meat, fish and much more. There are also dozens of stalls selling typical Peruvian meals, fruit juices and sweet treats. During your lesson, your teacher will explain the more unusual foodstuffs on offer, tell you what is in season and what the average cost of various items should be. If you have the facilities to cook for yourself in your homestay or hostel, this is the place to stock up! The only expense involved with this excursion is your own shopping!
The Inca Museum
The Inca Museum, near the cathedral in the centre of the city, is one of Cusco’s key tourist attractions and a great way to gather information ahead of or after a visit to Machu Picchu. Your teacher will guide you around the museum’s displays and its huge collection of artifacts from the Inca Empire. The museum entrance fee is not included in the cost of the lesson.
El Molino
Located in downtown Cusco, the El Molino market is made up of hundreds of small stalls in a vast network of narrow alleys and squares. All things you might have forgotten at home or suddenly have a need for in Cusco can be found here - clothing, shoes, music, DVDs, toys, electronic equipment, backpacks, and more. You must note that bargaining is an absolute must here! Luckily, during your visit here, your practical teacher will be on hand to guide you around the market and explain how to bargain. She will teach you the Spanish names for various goods, explain how to recognize a high quality product, and point out where you can find the best bargains. Again, the only potential expense is your own shopping.
Irq´I Yachay
‘Irq´I Yachay’ translates literally from Quechua, the language of the Incas, as ‘Wisdom of the Children’. This museum in central Cusco is filled with almost 4,200 works of art produced by indigenous children living in rural Andean communities. It was established in 1999 by Ayullu Yupaychay, an NGO dedicated to promoting awareness of the living Andean culture. The museum offers a unique window on the lives of these children, by giving an insight into their own senses of identity and revealing the vital importance of their Inca heritage. Entrance is free.
Fiësta!
Throughout the year, there are many different festivals held in the Cusco region. There are festivals honouring saints, the Sun, Peru, Cusco itself and of course Holy Week in the run up to Easter, as well as many more. If your time here coincides with one or more of these lively events, your teacher will accompany you on a visit to the festival. She will help you understand what you see, from traditional clothing and processions to dancing and celebratory food, and explain the role that the particular festival plays in Cuscenean life. This is your chance to see a real fiesta, Cusco style!
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