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The best Spanish teacher on this planet
I have had the pleasure of spending a week with a brilliant Spanish teacher called Alba Abad in Quito. Not only is she quite possibly the best Spanish teacher to have spoken the language, she rivals the late Mother Teresa as the most saintly person ever to have walked on this planet. I have had various Spanish teachers over the course of four years and although most have been very good, Alba is easily head and shoulders above them all.
I did quite a bit of research into Spanish schools in Quito beforehand but after reading various glowing testaments about Alba's ability on the Thorn Tree, I decided to give her a shot. Quite possibly the best decision I have made since opting against buying the latest Morrissey album.
She explained things to me in five minutes that other teachers took five months to convey, as well as emphasis on accents and other theory which other teachers have tended to gloss over. I just wish I had three months with her rather than a week. And all this for a credit crunch-busting eight bucks an hour.
Pranav Soneji, United Kingdom
So compelling! Returning for more!
Alba was a great teacher. I was only going to take a week of intensive lessons before I travelled but I was enjoying it so much, I decided to do a second week. I will also be returning within the next two years to further my knowledge as its a brilliant language taught by a brilliant teacher. She is friendly, patient and is always interested in what you have to say . . . even if it is in the most broken Spanish in your first lesson! She made the one-on-one lessons so compelling and left me, for one of the first times in my life, wanting to do my homework! I was always looking forward for the next lesson and she left me wanting to learn more. She teaches from a very convienient location for travellers and is fantastic value for money. I just hope you don't book her at the same time I return! I recommend to book your lessons early as Alba will only be getting busier and busier as the quality of her teaching only deserves.
Gareth Leech, United Kingdom
Surpasses her peers!
Highly recommended!
Alba is a excellent professor with a high level of professionalism and dedication to her profession. While traveling through South America Alba was my teacher in Quito, while in two other cities I tried two other instructors. After having classes with two other instructors, I decided to wait until I returned to Quito so Alba could be my sole professor. The difference with Alba as the professor is measurable. I found she far surpassed her peers in quality of classroom structure, lesson plans, and homework assignments. She provided ample opportunities for me to speak while she actually corrected my speech. I have recommended her to friends and plan to continue recommending her.
Beth Jacob, USA
Quality education, ethical & excellent!
I remember when I first used The Ecua Traveler to find a spanish teacher, I was a little bit skeptical of the ratings for Alba because, although they were overwhelmingly positive, there were only a few of them. But my experience with Alba over the last four weeks has been absolutely phenomenal and has shown the glowing reviews to be entirely accurate. Alba, first of all, is a very warm and kind person. I saw that someone else mentioned that she is very ethical - that´s a great way of putting it. She always makes sure everything is clear, fair, and she never backs off a commitment she has made to you. She also values your time highly so, unlike what I understand can happen at some language schools, she never takes a break that you don´t ask for, she doesn´t kill time with language DVDs, and she takes advantage of every minute of scheduled class time - often beyond that, as well. My experience with her has been so positive that I am currently arranging to extend my time with her beyond what I had originally planned because it is time well-spent.
I know I´ve written a lot but I hope my enthusiam has shown through. The bottom line to me is that there is absolutely no reason to take classes through a school instead of going with Alba. At a school you will pay at least as much money or more, the school takes at least half of what you pay for administrative costs, and the teacher gets the other half - a pittance, really. And it shows in the quality of education you recieve. Or, with Alba, you pay a rate as good as or better than anywhere else, you get a teacher as good as or better than those at any school, and you get one-on-one attention and scheduling flexibility of a private teacher.
As a final endorsement: if you are worried about arranging getting oriented in Quito during your first days when, like I was, you are a bit overwhelmed by it all, don´t think that´s a reason that you need to flee to the security of a school. Alba´ll pick you up from the airport, take you to where you will stay, and all the while she is extremely welcoming and warm. You won´t get a better reception.
John Nader, posted June 1, 2007 on The Ecua Traveler
Talented, friendly, and outstanding!
Alba is a fantastic Spanish teacher. She tailors her lessons and explanations to the skills and interests of her students while ensuring that students have a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary. She is so talented at explaining new words and concepts entirely in Spanish in a way that is easy to understand. Moreover, she is incredibly warm, friendly, and welcoming -- spending time with her is delightful. She is one of the most outstanding teachers I have ever had.
Sarah Grossman-Swenson
Law student, UC Berkeley
California, USA
Simple, clear, and prepared!
Alba is an excellent Spanish teacher. Any student who decides to learn Spanish couldn't make a better choice than Alba for a teacher. She is always punctual and never late to class. Her preparation for class includes various teaching materials designed to give students different approaches to learning Spanish. She is very patient with students, giving them much time to consider their answers to her questions. If a student is not able to answer, Alba will provide hints to help and simple explanations in a very easy to follow way. Her pronunciation is very clear and her grammar, listening skills, and conversation are so easy to understand. Alba's character is very peaceful and kind. She is simply a beautiful person.
Sumi Yokota
Japan
A dedicated and inspiring teacher!
For our first time in Latin America my husband and I decided on a
two-week intensive course with Alba in a one-teacher-two-student
setup, including a cultural program with Alba in the afternoons, a
home-stay with a family and also - fortunately - airport pick-up. Our
plane arrived late in Quito and our baggage did not come with
us. Alba, who had waited hours at the airport, came to our aid and
helped us fill out the "search" papers for our baggage. Then Alba and
her husband Marcelo drove us to our host family and helped us to get
settled in. The next day Alba walked with us to her apartment where
she holds her classes, making sure that we would find our way.
The lessons with Alba were characterized by the same warmth and care
we had experienced upon our arrival. During our two weeks in Quito we
had class Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to noon and then field trips
with Alba most afternoons. Her classes were very well-structured and
helpful. Right from the beginning she established good rapport and was
always encouraging, so that we were not afraid to speak. Before we
took classes with Alba we felt that our Spanish was on a "shaky"
foundation. But Alba identified and explained what was confusing us
and helped us to express ourselves much more fluently. She is truly a
brilliant teacher!
The cultural program with Alba in the afternoons was very informative,
and also lots of fun! We gained insight into the history of Ecuador
and present day life and practised our Spanish in various situations.
Alba has our highest recommendation. We are continuing with
Spanish courses at Instituto Cervantes here in Berlin and are hoping
to come back to Quito soon for more classes with Alba!
Carol and Thomas Oberschmidt
Berlin, Germany
Wonderful teacher
I had Alba Abad for four weeks as a teacher and it was almost a miracle what she did with my Spanish.From zero I was able to understand and speak Spanish after her instructions. She was very understanding and knew exactely what she could expect form me as a student. So I not only learned the basic of grammar but I got through her lessons a feeling of the language. As I was working afterwards as a medical doctor in the south of Ecaudor it did help me a lot because I was able to communicate with my patients.
So I only can recomend Alba as one of the best Spanish teachers in Quito.
Walter Grössl, Austria
Alba Makes Studying a Pleasant Experience
Alba Abad is possibly the best and most patient teacher you could ask for and an absolute pleasure to spend time with in Quito . I was a complete beginner - yet after only a week I couldn't believe how much Spanish I was actually able to understand and mumble. And I although I did change my plans to stay a little longer in Quito to learn a little more - I wish I could have packed her into my backpack when I really had to leave!
Alba actually makes studying a pleasant experience. She's incredibly good at explaining things. And doesn't give up until she knows you've understood. She's always smiling and enthusiastic - even when the homework isn't quite up to scratch! And not only that but she proved to be a wonderful tour guide (in Spanish) when we walked the old city on a very enjoyable excursion.
I have to say that it was Alba who made my stay in Quito . She was there for me as a teacher and a friend, the experience would have been very different without her support.
Busy Bee
birgittebowen@yahoo.com.au
A Genuine Kindhearted Person
My time spent with Alba was one of much learning, many laughs and arguably most importantly, great fun. Alba is a genuine kindhearted person and went through everything at a slow and consistent pace. She had the wisdom to know when there was something I needed explained but did not know how to get it across and the patience to keep with it until I finally understood. The 6 days I spent with Alba prepared me for the start of my year long journey across South America knowing that I could convey my message accurately (albeit with a lot of hand and facial expressions) and gave me a solid foundation to improve my knowledge and understanding of Spanish.
Highly recommended and thanks again for it all, Alba.
James Peek
Sydney, Australia
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Patient, experienced, and wonderful!
I had come to Quito to live for 5 months and further my Spanish studies in efforts to become a translator. I was seeking a very qualified and knowledgeable teacher. It took me one month, many visits to many schools and four teachers later to find Alba. She was everything that I hadn't experienced with a teacher in Quito, tirelessly patient, highly experienced, professional, and dedicated. I cannot say enough about her or give her enough thanks. She is simply an excellent teacher and a wonderful human being.
Ida Razick
California, USA
Ida Razick (on left) stands with Alba at a vista for the Virgen de Quito statue (at the top of the hill in the background).
An amazing teacher and a great resource!
Alba is an amazing Spanish Teacher. I spent about 3 months taking lessons from her and learned much more Spanish than I had with other teachers. She made it fun even when I started to burn out and she got me right back into learning. Her experience and education (degree in Spanish lit) are obvious as she really understands the language and has a special talent for imparting that knowledge to her students. It was great to study in her home and she gradually became a friend in addition to being my teacher. Beyond the language, she was a great source for helping me understand the many cultural nuances of Ecuador. We have spent many hours laughing and learning from one another and I am sure that we will spend more in the future. If you are serious about learning Spanish at any level, Alba can help you.
Rick Jackson
Seattle, USA (formally)
Quito (currently and for a long while to come)
Punctual, knowledgeable, and great!
I lived in Quito for a year and studied with Alba for a majority of my stay. She not only has a great teaching technique but also is very punctual. Generally in Ecuador, people are rarely on time, but she is an exception. She has so much knowledge, using so many different books and materials to fit any level. We went to many museums and cultural sites as part of my lessons, along with excursions outside of Quito. Ecuador is a wonderful place and Alba is not only a professional teacher, but a very warm person.
Masashi Tsujita
Japan
Great for the family, one of the best!
I have had Alba for a Spanish teacher on and off for almost 4 years. She is likely one of the best teachers here. She has taught my wife and daughter. None of us spoke a word of Spanish when we arrived here, but now my wife and daughter speak very good Spanish (I am not so good as languages are not my strength). My wife took approximately 4 months of lessons with Alba and my daughter about 3 months total time. My daughter is going to challenge the university Spanish this semester. I know that Alba is one of the best!
Glenn Good
Canada
Organized, flexible, and precise!
With very little Spanish comprehension, I arrived in Quito before starting a voluntary project in an area where there are no foreigners and only Spanish is spoken, to have a one-week crash course in Ecuadorian culture and language!
I'm very glad I chose Alba to guide me through my one-week intensive. She collected me from the airport, organised a great home stay, showed me around Quito's sights and sounds and, of course, was an excellent Spanish teacher!
With only one week under my belt I was confident enough to embark on conversations in Spanish and definately had a firm understanding of the basics.
I'm not really one for classrooms and Alba was very flexible about conducting our classes in and around the sights of Quito and was more than happy to tailor a lot of the vocabulary to my particular needs.
If I had more time I would definately continue my classes with Alba, as Spanish is a lovely language and Alba is a lovely teacher to learn it with!
I highly recommend Alba for the quality and precision of her teaching as well as her sense of integrity and pleasant and open nature.
Laura Bowers
England
Alba is passionate about teaching Spanish
I completely agree with all of the wonderful things Alba`s former
students have to say about her. Alba is truly a fantastic person:
Exceedingly friendly, a true professional, and as honest and sincere
as they come. What really stuck out for me is the true passion Alba
has for teaching Spanish. Anyone who has been fortunate enough to
learn any subject from a teacher who is passionate about their work
will understand.
Learning Spanish is difficult; it requires a lot of patience
and practice. It is easy to become frustrated and/or embarrassed.
This is where Alba really shines and her passion for teaching the
subject becomes apparent. Her constant encouragement and
acknowledgment of the difficulties involved were very reassuring for
me. More importantly, the genuine enthusiasm Alba showed about my
progress really helped keep me excited about learning the language.
It was easy for me to overlook the small accomplishments I was making
each day, or each hour, but Alba seemed to really appreciate these
moments and that kept me focused and determined. I never lost my way
or got too overwhelmed because Alba made it clear through her
enthusiasm that we were making progress and we were headed in the
right direction. This was indespensible for me.
I know that Alba really wants to help everyone and anyone to
learn Spanish; she is passionate about teaching the subject and it
brings her great joy in life. I will not forget the sparkle in her
eyes and the big smile on her face. I look forward to returning to
Ecuador to study with her again. Muchas gracias Alba!
Jason McKillop
USA
My Experience with Alba!
I had the opportunity of spending two full weeks of Spanish
instruction with Alba. Through my two weeks I found her to be
extremely helpful and flexible with my abilities and time
constraints. In two weeks I became conversational in Spanish, able to
hold long intelectual conversations with my crazy Marxist couch
surfing hosts in Spanish. I credit this TOTALLY to Alba, who made me
feel very comfortable in her classroom with her totally honing my
strengths and weaknesses.
I feel that in my previous Spanish courses
in college, that i was often intimidated by my professors and the
general atmosphere of a classroom, Alba made me feel comfortable and
EXCITED to speak spanish each class day. She is also relatively
inexpensive compared to other spanish schools in Quito, where schools
typically charge eight to ten dollars an hour for instruction which
includes somewhat gimmicky "cultural" excursions such as salsa dancing
and cooking lessons... not too sure if dancing with your travel buddy
really qualifies as a "cultural excursion". Alba teaches for eight
dollars and hour and all classes are one on one unless you have a
partner.
Chris Moore, USA
In June of this year I spent 3 weeks studying with her in Quito and found her to be one of the most incredibly kind people I have ever met. In addition, her teaching of Spanish is by far and away the best I've come accross. In 3 weeks I learnt more than weeks I spent in lessons elsewhere in South America. As with the last post, she made me feel confident in the language - something which I lacked before.
In terms of the price, Alba had actually lowered her fee due to a fall in demand in the recent economic downturn, making it a lot cheaper than elsewhere in Quito.
Do email me if you want more info (nicky_pear@hotmail.com) I would be glad to help you and Alba out. She is a wonderful teacher and person.
Nicky Pear, England
Can't Say Enough Good Things About My Classes
I studied with Alba Abad last year. I can't say enough good things about my classes with her. I really made a big leap in my Spanish. We had both regular lessons, with homework, and spent some parts of the class just talking. She is very organized and uses a variety of material from books and of her own design.
I think studying one-on-one is the best way to go. You learn faster and get more time time (the entire class!) with the teacher. You can work on specific areas or just sit back and carry on a 2 hour-long conversation with someone who will patiently correct your mistakes.
¡Buena suerte!
Alan
A Very Gifted Teacher
If you are interested in taking Spanish language lesson in Quito, I can recommend a very good private tutor. There are many Spanish language schools and tutors in Quito. It is hard to know how to select a good teacher or school. I would like to recommend Señora Alba Abad.
She provides one-on-one tutoring for normally 4 hours per day at a very reasonable rate (comparable to the fee for classroom instruction). She will also arrange a homestay with a Quito family which effectively doubles your Spanish exposure. Her studio is located off the main avenue, 10 de Agosto which is walking distance from the Mariscal district.
Alba is a very gifted teacher who has been giving language instruction for over 20 years. She has the ability to identify immediately a student's abilities and needs. She focuses on building both grammatical and practical skills every day. I was amazed at how fast my Spanish improved over a two week period with her. Like many of her other students, I plan to return to Quito and continue my studies with her.
Bill
An Absolutely Invaluable Week
Unfortunately I only got to spend one week with Alba, due to travel deadlines, but that week was absolutely invaluable for my time in South America. Apart from being a great teacher, she was also great fun and a very affable character.
I was apprehensive at first due to the language barrier, but after actually being able to have basic conversations with her after only a few days, I quickly learned that it forces you to think in Spanish, and that is the only way to properly learn the language.
I´m hoping that at some point in the future I might return to Ecuador and be able to thank Alba in fluent Spanish, with all the beautiful nuances the language offers.
I would highly recommend to Alba to anybody wanting to get a foothold on Spanish at the start of a trip to South America.
Joel Hambrook
Brisbane, Australia |
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