Frequently Asked Questions Madrid
Who are we?
MaestroMío is a Spanish language school which has been teaching Spanish in Malaga for more than 40 years.
Our personnel are always available to inform or help you wherever necessary during you stay with us.
- Pepe Cantó (Head of Studies)
- Felipe Rama (Administration and IT Support)
- Katiba Mestek (Reception)
Lucía Blázquez (Teacher)
- Address: We are in Carrera de San Francisco, 11, 1º left, 28005 Madrid
Metro stop: La Latina - Office hours:
09:00 – 17:00, Monday to Thursday
09:00 – 16:00, Friday
We also offer a guidance service in order to resolve any doubts from the classes.
Madrid, the city
Madrid is one of Europe’s most significant cities, situated strategically in the geographic core of Spain. In addition to being the capital, Madrid serves as the financial and artistic hub of Spain. The most populated city in Spain is Madrid, which has a population of over 3.4 million, or 6.5 million in the Madrid Metropolitan Region.
Madrid, the epicenter of flamenco, siestas, and paellas, draws tourists from all over the world. Every year, more than 6 million tourists visit Spain’s most renowned cultural site. The cosmopolitan metropolis of Madrid blends a rich cultural and artistic legacy with the newest infrastructure.
Students looking for interesting and distinctive experiences are increasingly choosing Madrid as their destination. Justifications for studying in Madrid:
- Superior instruction
- Differences in culture
- System of flexible education
- Opportunities for business in Madrid
- The cost of living is reasonably priced.
For more information, you can visit www.esmadrid.com.
Getting to Madrid by Plane
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is located just 30 minutes from the city centre by public transport.
Getting to Madrid by Train
Madrid is connected by rail to Spain’s major towns and cities, as well as to Portugal and France.
Madrid is considered a safe destination for international travelers. Carry with you at all times a card with the name and address of your family. Leave your documentation, passport and money in your suitcase. Madrid is always lively, and whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, it’s safe to walk the streets during the daytime or in the evening. There are certain neighborhoods to avoid walking alone at night, but in general, the city makes you feel welcome, regardless of your gender, age, race or religion. Speaking of gender, Madrid is a safe destination for female solo travelers too. Should something go wrong during your stay and you need to contact the authorities, keep this must-have list of emergency numbers with you.
- Emergency medical assistance: 061
- Non-urgent medical services: 1003
- Emergency: 112
- Police: 091
- Emergency fire services: 080
- Spain’s country code: +34
- Madrid area code: 91
Foreign Tourist Assistance Service
The Foreign Tourist Assistance Service (SATE) offers personal assistance to tourists who need to visit a police station for whatever reason. Assistance is provided by a qualified team at the official tourism agency or by police officers. They help tourists lodge complaints or fill in forms.
Most countries have diplomatic representation in Madrid.
Check out the list of embassies in the city.
Business hours in Madrid start around 9am or 10am and they generally remain open non-stop until 8pm to 10pm, especially those in the center. The businesses that close at lunch-time usually close at 2pm and open again between 4pm and 5pm.
Madrid’s laws allow for complete freedom when choosing business hours, so that in the touristic areas, especially those around Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía, most of the businesses open every day, even on Sundays and holidays.
Restaurants also have longer opening hours and, even though Spanish people don’t usually have lunch after 3:30pm or dinner after 11pm.
In Madrid, banks open between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m. During the week. Banks are not typically open on weekends. ATMs are typically open 24/7, and you can use them to take out money, deposit cash, and sometimes pay a tasa (government fee).
Madrid has a wide range of supermarkets across the city that will cater to all your needs in whatever neighborhood you live. Supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, El Corte Inglés, Mercadona, Día, Carrefour etc. are open all week from around 9:00 am and close between 9:00 to 10:00 pm.
Pharmacies’ opening hours are variable in Madrid. While some are open from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm all week, you will also find pharmacies which are open 24/7!
Our Spanish courses in Madrid
You can sign up in the following manners:
- By Internet by means of our web page;
- By email sending the subscription form to the following email address: [email protected].
We are proud to be able to offer group courses to young adults. Our Spanish classes are completely aligned to the needs of each group. As a private group you have the possibility of creating a personalized course, and at the same time enjoying a very entertaining cultural program.
- Spanish for young people (students, young adults).
- Spanish for adults (language trips).
The minimum age is 13 years old. Normally our groups contain students aged between 15 and 20.
Our courses are available to all levels.
Courses start every Monday (except for public holidays; in that case they start the next day).
You can choose among the courses we offer. We have courses for all needs. You should choose the course with the number of lessons per week that suits you.
You can contact us at any time by sending an email to [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
- BEFORE ARRIVAL: In the event that the participant wished to change a subscription whether the type of course, accommodation or the dates, he/she should communicate with us (by email) at least 2 weeks before the start of the course (in high season one month before) in order to secure the change.
- DURING YOUR STAY: When there exists an act of God or similar reason which prevents the participant from completing the course during the reserved dates then at the outset this fact should be justified by means of appropriate documentation. In such cases the participant may postpone the rest of the course (with a minimum of 1 week) up until a maximum of 12 months with respect to the next first date. Credit will be given for the entire amount paid and the participant will only be asked to pay any difference which may exist if the course takes place in a different year and the prices have varied in the meantime.
Any change to a new course will always depend on availability at the given time.
If the participant wishes to extend the course this will be possible provided there are places free. The same principle applies in the case of accommodation. It is for this reason that it is necessary to have at least one week’s notice before the end of the course.
We can provide the participant with all the information relevant to the Complementary Courses (guitar, windsurfing, flamenco, scuba, etc.) which he/she may wish to pursue and can also make the bookings in the student’s name but we will not be responsible for any courses external to the school.
At the end of the course all students receive a certificate of their presence at the course.
Accommodation
- Spanish families (full or half board)
- Shared apartments
- Apartments
- Hotels
- Hostels
If you need more information please visit the accommodation part of our website.
Every participant will receive bed sheets, but not towels or soap.
Yes, once a week.
This depends on the season in which you travel to Spain. We recommend that you book in advance in order to guarantee all of the features of your course.
All of the information regarding accommodation will be sent to the participant at the earliest one week before arrival so long as the deposit of €150 has been paid (for groups the amount specified in the quote).
The week for the purpose of accommodation starts on the Sunday immediately prior to the start of the course from 16:00 until the Saturday immediately after the termination of the course (before 12 noon). Any arrival or departure on days outside those days must be communicated to the school with payment due for the extra nights according to the type of accommodation.
For every person who wishes to accompany a participant during their period of courses they will be charged the normal rate plus €45 per week.
In MaestroMío we are concerned that our students have the best and most comfortable accommodation. All of the accommodation we offer is situated no more than 20 minutes walking and is rigorously examined every year.
The accommodation week runs from the immediately preceding Sunday of the course (from 16:00) until the Saturday immediately after the end of the course. Any arrival or exit outside of these times must be notified to the school.
If you’d like to contact our team directly, feel free to email us at [email protected].
- BEFORE ARRIVAL: In the event that after registration with us the participant wishes to change the type of course, accommodation or dates, he/she should communicate (by email) at least 2 weeks before the course (in high season one month before) in order to secure the change.
- DURING YOUR STAY: If circumstances beyond the participant’s control (e.g. force majeure) prevent them from completing their full stay on the reserved dates, the situation must first be appropriately documented. In such cases, the participant may defer the remaining part of the course (minimum of one week) for up to 12 months. Any payments already made will be fully credited.
It will always depend on the availability at the time of communicating said change.
Services and cultural programs
We offer a wide range of activities and excursions which you can undertake in your free time.
MaestroMío can arrange a transfer service from the airport to the accommodation in which the student will lodge during their stay. This service will be provided by transport professionals (see list of prices).
The school advises participants that, at the very least, they should come provided with a medical insurance. Additional travel insurance is also recommended if so desired. For those participants whose home country is a member of the EU, we recommend that they arrive with the European Medical Card, formerly known as E-111.
The school can assist those participants who want a medical and/or travel insurance through a Spanish company.
There is no minimum level required in order for you to participate in the extra-curricular activities. Furthermore, for participants with a limited level of Spanish, our guides speak several languages and can provide translation if needed.
If you have a medical condition, do not hesitate to let us know in advance. We will do all we can so that you can participate in the activities that appeal to you.
Booking
In order to confirm the reservation, the participant must make a payment of at least €150 which will count towards the total fees.
You can find all the information in our general conditions.
In order for the registration to be effective, the participant must pay an initial deposit of €150 which will be credited to the entire amount due. The balance should be paid at least 15 days before the start of the course. Groups must pay the total at least 1 month before arrival. These conditions may alter depending on the type of accommodation chosen.
Visa
- Send the subscription form.
- Send a copy of the current passport.
- Have paid the entire sum due for the course and accommodation.
For minors, all of the above must be accompanied by a signed authorization from a parent or legal guardian, along with a copy of the passport of the person giving consent.
In the event that the visa application is unsuccessful, we will require a copy of the refusal for the purposes of any refund (see Cancellation Policy).
Health and Safety
In MaestroMío it is necessary to have travel and medical insurance during your stay independently of the type of course or visa. If you so wish, MaestroMío can recommend a travel and medical insurance plan. The student is responsible for ensuring their insurance coverage.
MaestroMío and its employees, associates, and owners accept no responsibility for any injury, illness, loss, or damage to personal property incurred by any student, regardless of how such incidents may have occurred, except where liability is expressly imposed by Spanish law. All students are required to have insurance that covers all potential risks during the course, including full medical coverage.
MaestroMío can assist with travel insurance through Mapfre.
For students residing in an EU member state, we recommend that they travel with the European Medical Card previously called E-111. Before travelling, students should consult their national health authorities to ensure that medical expenses will be covered during their stay.
Office Hours
09:00 – 17:00, Monday to Thursday
09:00 – 16:00, Friday
Where can I find you?
Didn’t find the answers to your questions?
If you cannot find the answer to your questions in this section, we recommend you to send us an email. We will be delighted to help you.