In the El Sur study center at 138 Willem Pastoorstraat you can learn everything about the Spanish language and culture. Even the building is decorated entirely in Spanish style. El Sur has been open for a few months, but was only officially opened last Saturday.
El Sur teaches Spanish courses for every level. Cultural classes will also begin soon. Each week a Spanish region will be covered and a dish originating from that region will be cooked. Flamenco classes for children are also in the planning. "We do everything as much as possible in Spanish style" says Torcuato Checa Romero of El Sur. "The teachers are from Spain and all the teaching materials are also about that country."
El Sur not only provides courses, people can also walk in to read Spanish newspapers or magazines, for example. There are also cassettes of Spanish music and videos of Spanish television or movies. "I also want to develop teaching materials for the computer, so students can practice here," says Checa Romero. "Possibly I will also sell Spanish books and CDs here."
From time to time, El Sur will host themed meetings. "For example, we will organize debates in Spanish. There may also be, for example, a lecture or a forum. It's pretty serious, but it also has to remain atmospheric and cozy. In Spanish, in other words."
Many Dutch people go to Spain for a few weeks in the summer to learn Spanish at a language institute. "We try to gather as much information as possible about those institutes," says Checa Romero. "So for that information they can come to us. If necessary, we can help with a phone call or writing a letter."
Europe
According to Checa Romero, many Dutch people are interested in the country of Spain and its language and culture. "Especially since Spain became a member of the European Community, that interest has increased enormously. Spain suddenly became economically interesting and many business people wanted to learn Spanish. Moreover, Spanish is a world language: you can also get by with it in almost all of Latin America."
Before EC accession, Spain was a dictatorship and completely closed to the outside world. "Once we belonged to Europe, many people suddenly discovered that Spain has a very fascinating culture and a rich history," Checa Romero says. "Also, the Spanish mentality appeals to people. We are known to be cheerful and full of life. And we love to party. Not for nothing is 'fiesta' a word that every foreigner understands."
The name El Sur was not chosen by accident. "El Sur means the south. We stand for the southern way of life. Moreover, I am also from southern Spain. So it's also logical that we're located in the south of Amsterdam, which is what I necessarily wanted."
