Spanish Reading aficionados and lovers of anything Spanish: listen up!

You’ve probably heard at one point of your life about the literary novel ‘Don Quijote de La Mancha’ by Miguel de Cervantes. Or perhaps heard that it is the first novel ever published in the history of the world? Or that it is the 2nd most published book in the world etc. The important thing is, you’ve heard about it many times, yet you’ve never gotten around to reading it.

Well, guess what? don Quijote.org (the school) is proud to have available online a collection of works to read, print, or download in PDF format. These works include Cervantes’ satirical novel as well as some of the widely known Spanish literary novels, poetry, plays and mini-biographies. All for free!

We also have available an informative mini-guide of the History of Spanish literature (in Spanish), made especially for our Spanish students. Anyone interested in the background history of the Spanish literary world can get an inside glance at each era and how time has influenced the literary writing styles of each author. This seems to come in quite handy for a Spanish student who knows too well this is what makes up the bulk of their university studies.

Challenge yourself and learn more about the evolution of Spanish language!

And if you’re still interested in knowing more about the famous Don Quijote, then visit our Don Quijote Virtual Museum where you will find everything there is to know about this fictional character and how he’s influenced the world.

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The event of the year in Spain will undoubtedly be the international exhibition to be held in Zaragoza from June 14th to September 14th.

The International Exhibition of Zaragoza will focus on the theme 'Water and Sustainable Development' and will present 5000 shows, 2000 exhibitions and 140 pavilions.

Among the most interesting events that will take place during the Expo we may highlight Iceberg. Visual Poetic Symphony, a multimedia show that will take place in a platform over the river Ebro built in the shape of an iceberg, the show Hombre Vertiente and The awakening of the serpent performed by Cirque du Soleil.

The program in the Expo's convention center will also be extremely interesting with a complete cultural program of conferences and artistic shows including a performance of Carmina Burana and Goya - a Spanish dance and multimedia show.

Additionally the Expo's auditorium will hold different concerts presented by some of the most important orchestras of the world.

All this, combined with the pavilions and exhibitions of the Expo Zaragoza 2008 make this a unique event that you cannot miss if you visit Spain this summer.

How to get to Zaragoza:

From Madrid or Barcelona you can easily reach Zaragoza taking one of the new Spanish speed trains (AVE). For more information on trains or to buy your tickets online go to: www.renfe.es

If your budget is tight you can also take a bus to Zaragoza, the coach company Alsa offers trips to Zaragoza from Madrid.

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don Quijote offers a wide range of free language resources to help you learn and practice Spanish. Here is a summary of some useful tools and free resources to learn Spanish online.

[*] Learn the Alphabet in Spanish: The Spanish alphabet is a good start for your Spanish and an excellent way to practice your pronunciation and spelling skills. With this free language tool you will learn how to pronounce all the letters with examples and audio.

[*] Spanish numbers: Learn how to say the numbers in Spanish and how to use them in sentences with audio pronunciation.

[*] Spanish phrases: A list of basic phrases that will help you to communicate and to understand basic Spanish. The phrases include translations in 4 languages and audio with the pronunciation each sentence in Spanish.

[*] Common errors in Spanish: A complete guide to the most frequent mistakes in Spanish, with explanations of the correct use, examples and grammar references.

[*] Spanish language games: Learn Spanish vocabulary the fun way! Play the hangman in Spanish or try our word searh. A great resource to use with children.

[*] Spanish word of the day: A Spanish word to learn every day, with definition and pronunciation.

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Let us introduce you to Ana García Martín, she is one of our teachers of Spanish in don Quijote Salamanca school.

How long have you been teaching Spanish?
Since 1994.

What do you like most about your profession?
What I like most is seeing that the students are there because they want to be, that they really learn…and that in a certain way they are my “creation”, ha ha. Plus my work is always a mutual cultural exchange.

What do you do when you are not working (hobbies, etc.)?
I like music, reading, being with friends…of course my family. And I like sports, but not on television.

Have you ever studied abroad? A language? Which? Did you find it difficult?
I’ve studied English, but not abroad. Yet I can understand very well the different sensations the language student experiences: frustration, emotion, satisfaction…

What makes Salamanca the ideal place for a Spanish language course?
It’s not a very big city, which helps you feel more at home and less left to fend for yourself. Because Salamanca is a university city there’s a lot to do and enjoy. And you aren’t far from bigger cities, including the capital (Madrid).
What’s more, there’s got to be some reason they refer to our province (Castilla y León) and Salamanca in particular as the cradle of the Spanish language.

Do you have a key piece of advice for people who want to learn Spanish? Most of all excitement, but also a certain dose of patience, and confidence that the fluency will come eventually, though it’s sometimes difficult to convince students that it will come.

Will you tell us your favourite teacher’s anecdote?
There are always lots of anecdotes, although I prefer to stay with the wonderful experiences and the friends from all over the world with whom I am still in contact after years and years.

What book would you recommend to students (at the intermediate level, for example) who want to read their first novel (or first book) in Spanish?
One of my favourites is "Sin noticias de Gurb" by Eduardo Mendoza. It’s a small book, which makes it likely students will read and finish it, and it has an energy about it, and an amusing story that’s easy to understand. The fact that it is written in diary form helps the reader read it in little pieces without losing the story. In general all of the students to whom I have recommended the book have liked it a lot and haven’t had trouble reading it.

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In don Quijote's newsletter you will find every month the best tips for your trips in Spain and Latin America, as well as useful language resources to help up keep up your Spanish at home.

Subscribe now and you will receive our free newsletter in your inbox every month, in English and Spanish.

In March's newsletter: a Spanish proverb, information on Seville's famous April's Fair, our latest offer with discounts for Spanish courses, Spanish slang expresions to learn, a recipe for a traditional Spanish dish, volunteer programs in Latin America and news about the winner of a free Spanish course.

Subscribe now to receive April's newsletter, coming out next week.

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The Holy week (Semana Santa in Spanish) has begun and we have already seen the first Processions in the steets of Spanish cities.

Semana Santa is a very important tradition in Spain and also a national holiday. Every Spanish city enjoys the beauty and mystery of Semana Santa, the country stops to remember the last week of the earthly life of Jesus Christ. Solemn processions march through the steets, some accompanied by music, others in silence.

Even if you are not religious, it is difficult not to be moved, the atmosphere is so vital and poignant. For some this is fiesta time, for others a week of ritual and reflection.

Here is a small sample, watch this video of Semana Santa in Seville.

Read more about Semana Santa in Spain.

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Come discover all that Mexico has to offer and SAVE on your Spanish course!

If you have been thinking about studying Spanish in Mexico, this offer is just for you. There is no better time than the present because if you book your course before May 31st, we´ll give you a 10% discount off the price of your course. Escape the cold weather and enjoy a relaxing vacation while brushing up your Spanish.

Mexico offers it all whether you are looking for tropical waters, mountains or rich Mexican culture; a place to learn, relax, have fun or just take in the natural wonders.

Book your Spanish course in Playa del Carmen, Puerta Vallarta or Oaxaca for April and May before May 31^st, we´ll give you a 10% discount on your course.

If you want an exotic cultural experience, deserted beaches, ancient ruins or vibrant cities, Mexico is your ideal destination.

Find out more about this special offer

Get more information about our courses and destinations

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When choosing to learn Spanish with don Quijote you choose first quality Spanish courses and services. don Quijote also offers 12 destinations in Spain and 23 in Latin America to make sure you can pick the destination that is perfect for you.

Watch these videos taken of some of our schools around Spain and Latin America and choose the exact location where you want to learn Spanish.

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Kamila Hazdrová from the Czech Republic is the winner of a free 2 week Spanish course with don Quijote.

This past September, we had a contest in our Monthly Newsletter offering one of our subscibers the possibility to win a free Spanish course in Spain.

The winner is 24 year old Kamila Hazdrová from the Czech Republic. She participated and won a free 2 week Intensive Spanish course with accommodation and has chosen don Quijote Granada as her destination. She will study there for two weeks in May.

Congratulations Kamila!

Thank you very much for participating and make sure to keep a look out for future contests.

Not yet signed up for our Monthly Newsletter? Sign up now to get lots of information about our special offers, programs and contests.

Do you also want to study abroad with don Quijote? Order your free brochure to get more information about our courses

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Check out this super opportunity for you.

don Quijote's Study and Work program in Marbella allows students from the European Union to get some great working experience abroad while working to cover their expenses and improving their CV.

The best part is that you can now save even more when you book your Spanish course and work placement in Spain.

If you book before March 31st, you will get a special discount on the regular price of don Quijote's Study and Work program and you will that will save 25%.

• Read more about this offer here
• Want more information? Ask for details now!
• Click here to ask for a free phone call from don Quijote's course counsellors now!

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