CEICA Peru Spanish Language School

Our Story Ceica Peru Spanish School is a small, established language institute founded in 1996 by Dr. Carmen Cornejo, a historian and professor of linguistics and literature, alongside a group of highly qualified co-founders specializing in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Located in Arequipa, the main city of southern Peru and a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colonial architecture and spectacular mountain surroundings, the school has taught Spanish and South American history and literature to hundreds of international students. The institution is driven by a mission to teach Spanish while opening doors to Peruvian culture, fostering a familiar, welcoming atmosphere that creates long-lasting friendships between students and teachers. Situated near the city center, the school is only a 25-minute walk from Arequipa’s historic center. Programs & Trainings 🎓 Individual Spanish Lessons — Tailored one-to-one instruction for all proficiency levels, delivered in a relaxed garden or classroom setting. 🎓 Group Spanish Lessons — Small-group classes designed for new learners, with a maximum of four students per class. 🎓 Spanish for Travellers — Specialized course providing practical communication skills for travel throughout Peru and South America. 🎓 Spanish for Volunteers — Targeted language training for individuals preparing to work with local social projects. 🎓 Spanish for Missionaries — Dedicated course addressing the specific linguistic and cultural needs of missionary workers. 🎓 Peruvian History — Special-content course exploring Peru’s rich historical heritage, taught by monolingual teachers for advanced learners. 🎓 Peruvian Literature — Specialized module delving into Peruvian literary traditions and texts. 🎓 Quechua Language Course — Instruction in the indigenous Quechua language of the Andes. 🎓 Arequipean Sites, Culture & Spanish Lessons — An immersive 5-day program featuring 10 hours of Spanish classes plus 20 hours of guided visits for intermediate and advanced students. Field trips include San Lázaro, the Museum of Alpaca, the San Francisco Architectural Complex, Plaza de Armas, the Basilica Cathedral, the Compañía Church and Cloister, San Camilo Market, Museo Santuarios Andinos (Juanita Mummy), Museo de la Recoleta, the traditional towns of Yumina and Characato, the Sabandía mill, the Yanahuara viewpoint, the Monastery of Santa Catalina, and lunch in a traditional restaurant. 🎓 Spanish + City Speaking Practice — Special program combining structured Spanish lessons with practical conversation sessions held around the city of Arequipa. 🎓 Volunteer Programs — Partnerships with several social projects in Arequipa allowing students to practice Spanish while contributing to the social development of children and adults in local communities. Specialties 🎯 Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) for all levels 🎯 Cultural immersion and experiential learning in Arequipa 🎯 Peruvian history, literature, and Quechua language studies 🎯 Tailored language training for travellers, volunteers, and missionaries 🎯 Small-group and one-to-one instruction 🎯 Service-learning volunteer programs integrated with language acquisition Methods & Approach The teaching methodology normally combines grammar and conversation, with the flexibility for students to specialize in one or the other according to their goals. Basic-level classes are led by bilingual teachers (English–Spanish), while advanced and special-content courses such as Peruvian history and literature are taught by monolingual Spanish-speaking instructors. All faculty members are professionals who have specialized in teaching Spanish as a foreign language and bring many years of experience to their classrooms. Methods are regularly reviewed and updated based on the latest educational research and technique, ensuring effective, student-centered instruction. Classes are frequently held in the school’s garden, promoting a relaxed, natural learning environment. Who It's For Absolute beginners and new learners seeking small-group foundations; intermediate and advanced Spanish speakers requiring individualized instruction; travellers needing practical travel Spanish; international volunteers preparing for community engagement; missionaries requiring specialized language and cultural preparation; culture enthusiasts interested in Peruvian history, literature, or Quechua; and anyone seeking full immersion in a friendly, familial school atmosphere. Facilities & Practical Info The school is located near the center of Arequipa, approximately a 25-minute walk from the historic city center. Instruction takes place in relaxed indoor classrooms or outdoors in the school’s beautiful garden. The institution offers three accommodation options: living with a local host family, staying in the school building itself, or renting a private furnished apartment. Students can also take advantage of the school’s location to plan excursions to Colca Canyon, Cotahuasi Canyon (the deepest canyon in the world), Puno, and Cusco. Location Address: Calle Los Arces 257-A, Primer Piso, Cayma, Arequipa, Peru Hours: See website for schedule The "+" ✅ Intimate class sizes with a strict maximum of four students per session ✅ Truly tailored lessons adapted to each student’s needs and objectives ✅ Unique outdoor garden classes that create a relaxed, motivating atmosphere ✅ High academic standards led by a doctoral-level founder and a team of experienced, specialized teachers ✅ Strong cultural immersion through history, literature, Quechua, and guided city programs ✅ Meaningful volunteer opportunities integrated with language practice ✅ Multiple accommodation choices for full immersion, from family homestays to private apartments ✅ Ideal location in a safe, beautiful district just 25 minutes on foot from Arequipa’s UNESCO-listed historic center