Frequently Asked Questions Malaga
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.
- Irina Griga (Manager)
- Pepe Cantó (Head of Studies)
- Felipe Rama (Administration and IT Support)
- Mateo Heymo (Student Services)
- Julia Pantoja (Reception)
- Address: We are in C/ Martínez, 12, 1º C
- Office hours: 08:00 – 16:00, Monday to Friday
We also offer a guidance service in order to resolve any doubts from the classes, and the more advanced students can request additional exercises and speak directly with Andrés after class.
The city of Malaga
Malaga is the second most populous city of the autonomous community of Andalusia and Spain’s sixth biggest city. It has a population of around 600,000 inhabitants.
Malaga offers many attractions such as the Museum of Pablo Ruiz Picasso, the most popular artist born in Malaga. Furthermore, the city has a subtropical mediterranean climate. You can count on one of the warmest winters in Europe with an average temperature of 17º during the day.
Malaga has its own airport called “Aeropuerto Málaga-Costa del Sol”. The airport is only 8 km away from the city centre.
Malaga has many places to visit but every visitor should see:
THE ALCAZABA
The Alcazaba is a military fortress built on the walls of a Roman fortress in the 11th century. The fortress is located on top of a hill which offers excellent views of the city and the sea. It originally consisted of 3 protective walls (of which 2 remain), more than 100 towers and a higher element with a residential area consisting of 3 palaces.
Gibralfaro, next to the Alcazaba, is situated in the Gibralfaro Castle to which it is joined by a tower. It is said that in this same location in ancient times a lighthouse operated during the Phoenician Rule, and with the remains Abderraman III built the fortress which Yusuf I converted in the 16th century into a castle.
THE ROMAN THEATRE
The Roman theatre is situated right at the foot of the Alcazaba. It was only discovered in 1951 in spite of its size, with a radius of 31m and a width of 19m. Studies reveal it was not in use until the 3rd century and that a part of its walls were used in the construction of the Alcazaba.
THE CATHEDRAL
The construction of the Cathedral started in 1528 after the conquest of Malaga. It was built on a mosque which was destroyed when the Muslims lost the city. Its construction was only finished in 1782 and as a result it exhibits many different architectural styles such as Gothic in its base, Renaissance in its facade and Baroque in its towers.
THE CHURCH OF SANTIAGO
The church of Santiago, situated in Calle Granada, was built in the 16th century with a mixture of Gothic and Mudejar (arab) styles. It is also the church where Picasso was baptized.
The birthplace of Picasso is located in the heart of Malaga in Plaza de la Merced, and between the museums we highlight.
Carry with you at all times a card with the name and address of your family or another accomodation. Leave your documentation, passport and money in your suitcase. Even though Malaga is a safe city, we advise you not to go out alone during the early hours of the mornings. We provide you with the following emergency phone numbers:
- Civil Protection Malaga: 112 / 952 126 650 / 952 126 650
- National Police Malaga 091
- Local Police Malaga 092
- Red Cross Malaga 952 222 222/ 952 222 222
- Ambulance Malaga 061
- Firefighters Malaga 080
Businesses open their doors from 9:00-10:00 and close for lunch between 13:30 and 14:00. In the afternoon they open again between 16:00 and 17:00 and close between 20:00 and 21:30.
Nevertheless, please note that the big shopping centres do not close at midday. Some businesses and all the big department stores open on Saturday afternoons, while all are closed on Sundays except for certain indicated dates where shops are permitted to open.
The majority of banks open between 8:00 and 8:30 and close between 14:00 and 14:30.
However, you can access a large network of ATMs for cash at any hour.
In Malaga, as in the rest of Spain, it is typical to eat later than in other European countries. The first meal of the day is normally taken between 9:00 and 11:00.
At midday it is normal to eat between 14:00 and 15:00 and to dine between 21:00 and 22:00. However, the opening hours of restaurants are adapted to the working life and that of our visitors so that you can eat from 13:00 until 15:00 in the afternoon while dinner is normally served from 21:00 to 23:00.
Our Spanish courses in Malaga
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 which 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: If an unforeseen circumstance (act of God) prevents the participant from completing the course on the reserved dates, the situation must be supported with appropriate documentation. In such cases, the participant may postpone the remaining part of the course (minimum of one week, up to 12 months) to the next available start date. Any amount already paid will be fully credited. If the rescheduled course takes place in a different year and prices have changed, the participant will only need to pay the difference.
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 the accommodation we offer is situated no more than 20 minutes by public transport 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 departure 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 hola@maestromio.org.
- 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 be deducted from the total course fee.
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 deducted from the total course fee. 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
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday to 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.
