Språk - Karins spanske språkskole. Interview on Norskemagasinet

Here you can read the translation of the interview made to Karin (manager of Lengualuz), published in Norske Magasinet (click here too to read the norwegian version).

Choose among sun-drenched beaches, spacious terraces, noisy cafes, shady patios or regular classroom when you want to learn Spanish.

Or how about combining language study with horse riding, golf, cultural excursions, tapas courses, wine tasting, or flamenco? Namely, the choice is yours!

For nearly four years, Karin Ulvestad Skarre, from Bærum outside Oslo, is the manager of her own language school - LenguaLuz - on the Costa de la Luz.

Together with the school's Spanish-born teacher, she offers tailored lessons and courses to students of all ages.

- We fix the most part, argues Karin.

Flexible solutions

For Karin's job to arrange the best out of students' wishes, they will have individual lessons or small groups, they will sit in the classroom or on the beach, where they will live, what they want to see and experience in addition to language teaching, etc.?

- The key is flexibility, it is quite deliberate on our part. We do not want to be great, but will be able to handle this yourself. It is not just about language. It is also about giving the students good and memorable experiences" She says.

Language School offers instruction in the sherry town of Jerez, and in neighboring towns like Sanlúcar and Chipiona, and can offer accommodation in everywhere from hotel rooms, via their own apartment home with Spanish host families, and for up to 30 people.

- "We have a large local network of contacts that enables us to satisfy most people want, and the prices are about half of what else you find here in Spain".

Really Making dreams

For Karin started the absorbing interest in Spain for more than 40 years ago. In 1965, at the age of eight, she and her family came for the first time to Spain for holidays.

"We hit the century's heat wave with 40 degree heat for six weeks and was sick all the time. But since then it has been in the cards that I sooner or later should be back here and live here permanently, "says Karin (52).

She has learned spanish during her holiday periods, in addition to having taken several courses in Norway. Four years ago, she and her husband Niels stablished the firm "LenguaLuz", and the following year, said Karin, I quit my safe and permanent job as a bioengineer in Oslo. All to realize the dream of hes new Spanish life. This year her husband Niels followed her:

-This is primarily Karins project. My role is to be the chauffeur and handyman, he argues.

Students from around the world

Since Karin Ulvestad Skarre took to hes first student, summer 2006, Karins language school had about 40 students a year.

- "There are many Norwegian students, but we have students from all over the world" says Karin, and just keep naming in quick succession, the United States, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, New Zealand, Ireland, Jamaica, Netherlands, Croatia and Sweden.

So far, Karin hardly spent a dime on advertising and marketing. Everything is done through the school website.

Jobs with joy

Why start the language school off the beaten track? Most go to the Costa del Sol when they are going to Spain?

- Yes, it is correct. But those who come to Costa de la Luz, are genuinely interested in Spanish culture, experiences and language. It is about much more than just sun, beach and sea. It is important, responding Karin.

- I do not do this to get rich. What is important is that I have such great joy of the work. Besides, I love this area of Spain and think it has much to offer.

Among the Norwegians are more popular than ever to learn Spanish, and here in southern Spain and along the Spanish Mediterranean coast is a wide offer of different schools and courses. Spanish is the third most spoken language and mother tongue of more than 350 million people.

The advantage of taking Spanish courses in southern Spain is that there are easy to practice the language, and that the study can easily be combined with more traditional holiday amusements as the sun, swimming and other activities, such as Spanish courses in the morning - the beach in the afternoon. Some schools are clean language schools, while others also offer social activities in the evening.