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All Spanish schools in Cartagena
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Centro CatalinaCartagena, Colombia

4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

27 students - overall rating
Calle 38, 9-21 - 130001 Cartagena - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • The only school in Cartagena de Indias and Medellín, that can help students prepare for the DELE exam.
  • Located in one of the most secure parts of the old city center.
  • Small class sizes
  • Excellent rating of student apartments
    4.3

    Rating: 4.3/5.0

  • Learning progress guarantee.
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 9%
18-24 years 35%
25-34 years 33%
35-50 years 18%
>50 years 5%
The average age outside summer is 3 years higher than in summer.

Location: Centro Catalina Cartagena is located in the historic port city of Cartagena, Columbia. A popular coastal destination, Cartagena is ripe with colonial buildings, seaside entertainment, culture, colour, art and vibrant nightlife. The school is housed within the city centre, in a large and comfortable renovated home. The school's central location is close to several eateries, cafes, shops, amenities and sites of historical and cultural interest. Such attractions within walking distance of the school include the Monumento Torre del Reloj, Santo Domingo Square, the Naval Museum of the Caribbean, Centenario Park, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas and much more.

Getting around: Many of the city's attractions and sites of interest are within walking distance of the school. Alternatively, taxi services are available throughout the city.

Social and cultural: The school actively promotes opportunities for social and cultural interaction for students to enjoy. In taking full advantage of the Caribbean location, excursions can include trips to Rosario Island, Santa Maria, and Tayrona. Activities can include guided tours around the Old Town, water sports, movie nights, dance classes, bike tours, and nights on the Chiva Party Bus!

Course selection: In addition to General Spanish tuition taught over various schedules and intensities, the school also provides private tuition. Private tuition is available in conjunction with or independently from any other course. The school also provides DELE Exam Preparation programmes.

Spanish Courses

General Language
Online
Private
Exam PreparationWhy exam preparation courses are excellent for optimum progress

Our prices for Centro Catalina include

  • INCLUDED Organized activities
  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
  • INCLUDED For adult courses: a minimum of one free organized leisure activity per week
  • INCLUDED Learning progress guarantee

Videos & Photos

  • School building
    School building 1/25
  • Reception
    Reception2/25
  • Working together
    Working together3/25
  • 4/25
  • 5/25
  • Private lesson
    Private lesson6/25
  • Centro Catalina school building
    Centro Catalina school building7/25
  • 8/25
  • Fruit tasting
    Fruit tasting9/25
  • 10/25
  • Dance
    Dance11/25
  • 12/25
  • City at night
    City at night13/25
  • 14/25
  • 15/25
  • 16/25
  • 17/25
  • 18/25
  • 19/25
  • 20/25
  • 21/25
  • 22/25
  • Group Course
    Group Course23/25
  • 24/25
  • One-to-one lesson
    One-to-one lesson25/25

Student opinions about Centro Catalina, Cartagena

4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Overall school rating of
Centro Catalina, Cartagena
27 authentic ratings from students who reserved with us
School
Location of the school
4.9 

Rating: 4.9/5.0

Facilities
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Social activities
4.1 

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Organisation
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Course
Quality of teaching
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Value for money
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Shared Flat (apartment)
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years (0 ratings)
0.0 

Rating: 0.0/5.0

Students 18-30 years (4 ratings)
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Students 31-49 years (9 ratings)
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Students 50+ years (14 ratings)
4.8 

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
I had booked two weeks and the second week with Sebastian was really good. I also booked private lessons and got Lilli as a teacher. She responded straight away to my wish to use local topics for the lessons. I really enjoyed that. With one exception, the other staff members were very friendly and helpful.
Disliked
The first week was frankly bad and this was due to the unprofessional teacher.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: It was a pleasant class mix
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 24. Apr. 2023 by Lars Güttler
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
All the staff at the school, whether in reception, administration or the teachers, are super friendly and welcoming. Randy in administration was very helpful with any questions or small problems I had. Our teacher Cristina was the best. Very engaged and motivating. You can tell she loves her job.
Disliked
The air conditioning in the classrooms was badly regulated. It was either too cold or too hot. Cristina was absent on my last day of class. Her replacement, Edgar, was not up to the job. I think he lacks teaching experience.
Insider tip: You have to take part in the activities organised by the school. They're interesting and give you a chance to meet other students.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: I liked the small groups. There were never more than 5 students in the class and it was perfect.
Other comments Super good school. I recommend.
Course: Standard Course - 3 weeks
Review date: 8. Feb. 2024 by Lucie Gauthier
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The location of the school (in the historic centre) is great, the entire staff is extremely helpful and responds very quickly (emails etc.) even outside of office hours. The teachers are flexible in their approach to the students, but always consistently pursue the learning objective.
Disliked
Only mini remarks (German complaining): The WiFi in the school is very weak in some places (in the break area it often breaks down, in some classrooms it doesn't work at all). There is no water dispenser.
Review details
Course: Intensive Course - 1 week
Review date: 20. Nov. 2023 by Marius Sonnenberg
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Centro Catalina is a superb school with excellent teachers, great spaces for socializing, and interaction with students from various countries, which enhances the learning experience. The entire staff and teaching team are attentive and friendly.
Disliked
None.
Insider tip: Look for nearby accommodation, as it is very hot and walking to school can be tiring.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: A modular course covering current topics in Colombian culture, politics, and the environment
Other comments Don't hesitate to choose Centro Catalina as your Spanish school!
Course: Standard Course - 3 weeks
Review date: 2. Sep. 2024 by Marcelo Fernandes da Silva
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
What I liked most was the teachers' attention, especially from Prof. Wilson and Prof Julieth, who were always available to teach me not only grammar but aspects of culture, politics, religion, history, geography, and cuisine of Cartagena de Indias.
Disliked
I had no disappointment at it all. All my expectations were exceeded.
Review details
Course: Private Lessons 15 [Spanish] ONLINE - 4 weeks
Review date: 2. Feb. 2021 by Rogerio Freitas
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The 2 weeks were a lot of fun. And what's better than learning while having fun! I learnt a lot. The leisure activities were also great. As it's a small school, you quickly get to know everyone!
Disliked
Nothing
Review details
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 2. May. 2024 by Dorothee Möckel
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The whole team of staff is amazing. It's fun to be with them and learn Spanish at Centro Catalina. The location of the school in el centro is perfect and the class rooms are clean and with AC.
Review details
Course: Standard Course - 9 weeks
Review date: 6. Apr. 2022 by Stefan Oelzant
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Very warm and personal contact, very nice teachers, a very welcome feeling and they were open to suggestions from our side, such as walking through the city during class, etc.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Good and cozy
Other comments An atmospheric school in the vibrant heart of Cartagena.
Course: 8 private Lessons - 1 week
Review date: 25. Nov. 2024 by Annemarie Goud
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Liked
The mood was relaxed. The staff and teachers of the language school were kind. We received a high-quality morning snack. Marcela is a good language teacher.
Disliked
1) My opinion is that if a language school is in the cities of Colombia, it should have a Colombian or Spanish-American character. Or are there no study materials for this?? If I wanted to learn Iberian Spanish, I wouldn't fly across the ocean. 2) It's a strange way that most of the lessons are spent with the students completing worksheets while the teacher has nothing to do. (I object to this not in relation to my teacher, but in general.) 3. Some of the photocopied sheets may have been photocopies, which made them difficult to read. There was also some paper that, in addition to that, was even very small print.
Review details
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 25. Jul. 2024 by Istvan Szel
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The teachers do their best to accommodate everyone in the class. They are always friendly, courteous, helpful and unflappable. Very enjoyable.
Disliked
That is difficult to specify. I probably would have expected more efficiency in less time (typical German), a kind of crash course: e.g. the 20 most important verbs to have a conversation in the present, past and future, right at the beginning. And then practise with them. In the end, however, everything worked out because I had booked 3 weeks and everything important was covered at the end. Now it's just a matter of practising!
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: see above
Course: Standard Course (1 week Medellin + 2 weeks Cartagena) - 3 weeks
Review date: 5. Jun. 2023 by Karin Eisenknappl
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
Great teachers. Very committed, really! The teachers are also very flexible, so if you want to take a break for a day, that's no problem.
Disliked
None, actually. It was really good.
Review details
Course: Standard Course - 4 weeks
Review date: 30. May. 2023 by Christopher Zeh
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
Very flexible when changing the group or time of the lesson. Immediately respond to requests. You have to ask actively.
Disliked
Loose sheets with exercises - no overview of what has been learned and what is still missing.
Insider tip: It must be pointed out to the course participants that the pronunciation of the locals in Cartagena is unclear. It is not due to their own understanding!
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Private lessons for beginners are very demanding. Last teacher repeated grammar, which was great. Two months of private lessons at one location was too long for me personally.
Other comments Maria at reception is super helpful and friendly. She does everything to help and is boundlessly patient. Deserves special praise.
Course: Private Lessons 20 [Spanisch] - 8 weeks
Review date: 25. Jul. 2023 by Aysel Dogan
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Very nice and helpful staff, good school quality, they always ask if the level is right, I like to come back.
Review details
Course: Standard Course [Spanisch] - 2 weeks
Review date: 11. Apr. 2023 by Gabriele Bürgi
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Very warm welcome on arrival. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable teachers. Good range of activities.
Disliked
Nothing
Insider tip: Visit the university
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Custom made
Other comments Very good
Course: Alleen privélessen - 1 week
Review date: 24. Nov. 2024 by Anouk De Mink
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Conversation, dealing with students, getting to know other students, afternoon / evening activities
Insider tip: As a complete beginner, 1 week is definitely not enough. It's too overwhelming. I had a good A2 / 2 level and would have liked to stay for at least a month because it's a lot of fun and although the lessons are really very good, it just takes time to learn a new language properly. So bring a lot of time. Nevertheless (if you already have a foundation) I would recommend a stay in Murzen (maybe with additional private lessons in the afternoon) because it's a lot of fun!
Review details
Other comments Great, very well organized school with brilliant staff!
Course: Standard Course [Spanisch] - 2 weeks
Review date: 16. Mar. 2019 by Louisa Keil
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
Thanks to the low number of students, I got private lessons in the afternoon at no extra cost
Review details
Course: Intensive Course [Spanisch] - 2 weeks
Review date: 7. Jan. 2019 by Michael Pfister
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Friendly staff, professional teacher, various activities.
Insider tip: Salsa classes.
Review details
Other comments The credit card machine did not work so that should fixed.
Course: Standard Course [Spanish] - 2 weeks
Review date: 29. Oct. 2018 by Peter Uzieblo
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Top location in the old town and very good teaching
Review details
Course: Standard Course - 3 weeks
Review date: 22. Aug. 2022 by Eva Wengoborski
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.

Ratings of Centro Catalina compared to ratings of all schools in Colombia

 Centro Catalina CartagenaAverage of all other schools in Colombia
Overall school rating4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Location of the school4.9

Rating: 4.9/5.0

4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Facilities4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Social activities4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Organisation4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Quality of teaching4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Value for money4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Homestay4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Shared flat4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Centro Catalina

“Come to Colombia and especially to Centro Catalina, you will start living an amazing experience and share it with people from around the world”
– 
Nicole Chacon
Director of Centro Catalina
Accreditations and Quality seals
ALTOIALCWYSE/FIYTOPreferential Terms in Case of Visa Refusal
Spanish teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
First day of course
Students should arrive at 8:00
Student gender mix
50% male / 50% female
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at Centro Catalina and you book here.
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoEurocard - logoPayPal - logoMaestro - logoCash payment - logoVisa Debit - logoBank Transfer - logo
Year of school foundation
2010
Legal name/parent company
SL SARL | Tax registration ID: RUC1144337-1-570302DV40

General school facilities

  • Kitchen for student use

  • Microwave for student use

  • Fridge for student use

  • Cafeteria

  • Computer lab

  • Library

  • Garden

  • Balcony / terrace

  • Student support desk

  • Printer for student use

  • Self-study areas

  • Copy machine

  • Free coffee

  • Free water dispenser

  • Free WIFI

  • Smoking zones (outdoors)

  • Tourist information

  • Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs

  • Assistance with organizing transportation

  • Guidance for further higher education (paid)

  • Internship placement guidance service (paid)

  • Classroom equipment

    • TV in all classrooms

    • Air conditioning in all classrooms

    • Heating in all classrooms

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 6
    • Number of public PC workstations: 4

Student Age / Nationality

Average number of students
Adult courses - In summer: 52
Adult courses - Throughout the year: 35
Junior courses - In summer: 15
Junior courses - Throughout the year: 10
Minimum age of students
18 years
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 6
Adult courses Throughout the year: 6
Junior courses In summer: 6
Junior courses Throughout the year: 6
Average age of students
In summer: 22 years
Throughout the year: 25 years

Top student nationalities

Student Nationality Percentage of students
Switzerland 20%
USA 15%
Brazil 10%
Germany 10%
England 10%
Netherlands 10%
France 5%
Sweden 5%
Other nationalities 15%

Information for all courses offered by Centro Catalina

Lesson duration
50 minutes
School's administrative fee
60.00 US$
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Individual classes
Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 30 US$. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
Days without class
In 2024 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2024, 08 Jan 2024, 25 Mar 2024, 28 Mar 2024, 29 Mar 2024, 01 May 2024, 13 May 2024, 03 Jun 2024, 10 Jun 2024, 01 Jul 2024, 07 Aug 2024, 19 Aug 2024, 14 Oct 2024, 04 Nov 2024, 11 Nov 2024, 25 Dec 2024.
In 2025 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 25 Dec 2025.
If a bank holiday falls on a weekday there is no refund nor are missed lessons recuperated. This is the case for the majority of language schools.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place before the start of the course via an online form.
Lessons needed per Spanish language level
Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Airport transfer

Rafael Nunez International Airport:
30 US$ one way
60 US$ return (both ways)
Best arrival airport is Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).
More details about airports near Cartagena and how to travel independently from the airport to the city on our Cartagena page. For flight comparisons to Cartagena, we recommend using skyscanner.com.

Visa Documents

Nationals from Spain do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 180 days.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
Yes
Express shipment fee (via courier)
150 US$
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.

Leisure activities

activity possible
Dancing
Diving
Swimming

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

Free weekly activities organized by the school, visits to museums, markets, beaches etc.

Adults - Paid activities

Most activities carry a small charge for food and entrances to places.
Video about leisure activities at Centro Catalina Cartagena
Leisure programme for adults (sample):
Tasting Fruits in Cartagena
Tasting Fruits in Cartagena
Leisure programme for adults (sample):
Walking City Tour in Cartagena
Walking City Tour in Cartagena

Accommodation

Student Testimonial Videos

Note: The video testimonials of students from Centro Catalina have been provided by the school and schools do not usually publish negative testimonials. For uncensored reviews read what our students report about their stay at Centro Catalina.

Map  

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Other language schools in Cartagena offering Spanish courses: 

Questions and answers about Centro Catalina

  • I am afraid we cannot help you. We don't offer CME credits to our students.
    María Quintana Mestre, Student´s and Sales Coordinator from Centro Catalina Spanish School. - Mar 08, 2022
  • The student residence is 20 minutes walk from the school.
    Louise Granath, LanguageCourse.Net - Oct 17, 2022
  • Yes, homestay accommodation is available and it's possible to organize a room with 2 single beds or 1 double bed.
    Ana Carolina Dos Santos, LanguageCourse.Net - Feb 12, 2023
  • A combination of group classes and private lessons is a good choice for you. In a group with other students, you will study the Spanish language in general, and the private lessons will be tailored to your needs. In addition, you will focus on topics related to your exam certification.
    Ana Carolina Dos Santos, LanguageCourse.Net - Mar 13, 2023
  • Yes, it's totally possible to combine the 2 cities. We would divide the price for the registration fee for each city.
    María, Administration from Centro Catalina, Cartagena - Apr 17, 2023

FAQ about Centro Catalina, Cartagena

  • We offer different cultural and recreational activities during the week to strengthen the knowledge of our culture and immersion in the language of our students, we have activities such as City tour, bike tour, food tastings, and typical fruits, and every week we have dance classes one day, movies, museum visits, etc! - Every week the activities are different and every Monday the students are informed about the weekly program!
    María Quintana Mestre, from Centro Catalina Spanish School - Sep 01, 2022
  • It includes breakfast and dinner.
    Melanie Besnard, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 29, 2023
  • Yes. The school offers pickup from Rafael Nunez International Airport (30 US$)
  • Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at Centro Catalina varies from 1 students (Online Private Lessons 10) to 8 students (Intensive Course)
  • 100% of teachers at Centro Catalina hold a university degree. 100% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
  • The highest Nationality percentage at Centro Catalina comes from Switzerland with a 20% representation, followed by students from USA (15%) and Brazil (10%).
  • Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
  • Centro Catalina offers courses from 18 years to 99. Average age is 22 during the summer and 25 for the rest of the year.

PDF brochure / price list of Centro Catalina

Centro Catalina Brochure (PDF)
Centro Catalina Brochure (PDF)
Centro Catalina Pricelist 2024
Centro Catalina Pricelist 2024
Centro Catalina Accommodation Pricelist 2024
Centro Catalina Accommodation Pricelist 2024
Prices 2025 Centro Catalina
Prices 2025 Centro Catalina
Accommodation Prices 2025
Accommodation Prices 2025
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Rating: 4.5/5.0

More information about Cartagena including climate data and events on our Cartagena page with a list of all 5 Spanish schools in Cartagena.
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