Spanish is spoken by 500 million people around the world. It is the language of passion and poetry, literature and laughter, adventure and discovery. Come and learn it with José Hares, founder of South Africa’s longest-established and most-loved Spanish school. You won’t just learn to speak Spanish, you’ll learn to think it too – opening the door to real communication with the remarkable people of Latin America and Spain.
José Hares
The Director and founder of the school, José Hares – a native of Argentina and a qualified lawyer – personally teaches all courses.
He is a highly skilled and much-loved teacher, and has been awarded a knighthood by King Juan Carlos of Spain for his work in bringing Spanish language and culture to South Africa.
José spends substantial time each year in Latin America, keeping abreast of cultural developments and sourcing innovative teaching materials.
About the School
Since opening his school in 1992, José has taught around 5 000 adults to speak Spanish. Currently all classes are being taught online until the COVID situation eases. The school’s teaching loft is in Bree Street in central Cape Town and classes will resume here in person when it is safe to do so.
José offers classes over three terms each year, each term lasting two months. The 1st term is in February and March, the 2nd term in May and June, and the 3rd term in August and September.
Methods
José teaches a universal Spanish that the whole of the Spanish-speaking community understands and speaks – it is not South American Spanish or Spanish for Spain; it is both.
José’s approach is to work through grammar into conversation so that the student actually learns the language, and does not merely memorise a few phrases. He teaches from beginners to advanced levels, in small groups (maximum 10 students) and in private classes.
About José’s Students
José’s students are educated, professional people, and many have already studied a second or third language such as Afrikaans or Latin. They use their Spanish for travel or business – and the school often connects students who share a passion for Latin America or Spain. José also teaches gifted teenagers of 16 years and older, accompanied by an adult.