Pintxos en el País Vasco (y en casa)

The Basque Country (el País Vasco) is a world-renowned foodie haven. Among the most famous of its culinary exports is the "pintxo" - the Basque version of tapas. Here you will learn a little about what they are, how to enjoy them, the best accompaniments as well as a few simple recipes for you to try at home yourself.

Champeta - What's the hype? / Champeta - ¿Por qué tanto bombo?

One of the most rewarding aspects about studying Spanish is the opportunity it offers to engage with Hispanic cultures from across the world.

Let Naira, one of our staff from Colombia, tell you all about 'Champeta' - a dance style that burst onto the world stage in February this year. As you find yourself spending more time inside and in need of new exercise ideas, why not try the Champeta ​Challenge at home!

I Teach Spanish ... Julio Uribe!

Meet Julio from Chile!

Julio arrived in Australia with his family to complete a PHD of Latin American literature. After starting to teach Spanish at University, he eventually also found his way to El Patio! We're glad he did, as Julio is a massive hit with students!

Read about Julio's journey, advice for students and a fun travel picture exercise!

Need help choosing a course?

You're going to love our classes and teachers ... Start here to find the right course!

Know your Empanada

The empanada is a hand-sized savoury pie or turnover that can have many different fillings and be cooked in different ways. You can find them all over Latin America and Spain, and they are a good representation of the each region's culture and taste.

With the Strength of the Sun Andean Carnival - Carnaval Andino con la Fuerza del Sol

The annual International Andean Carnival called, 'With the Strength of the Sun', is one of the most important in Latin America. Learn more about this unique celebration of the Andean culture of northern Chile, Peru and Bolivia.

I Teach Spanish ... Martina Zuccaro!

Meet Martina from Argentina!


Martina's career started in Barcelona, after moving there from Buenos Aires with her family. It was her love for books and languages that lead her to teaching.

Read on to find out what's her favourite thing about Australian students and her advice to them.

El Patio Photography Competition 2020

Calling out to all Instagram fanatics, travel photography whizz-kids and landscape framing afficionados - here's your chance to get more than just 'likes' on Instagram for your efforts! Enter into our photography competition and we will display your beautiful piece for an entire month in both of our centres AND you could win a whole 15 hour course!

To make it both more fun and fair - the winner will be selected by popular vote: a people's choice award!

Read how to enter here! (It's super easy)

Know your Arepa

The Arepa is a traditional flat corn cake that you can eat for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, making it an essential food for many. It can be fried, baked, fried and baked, grilled or steamed. It can be a side or a main, have fillings or toppings, making it without a doubt one of the most versatile Latin-American dishes.

Mujer sin nombre (B1-B2)

España, principios de la década de los sesenta (Presente, Imperfecto e Indefinido).

"Mujer sin nombre" es una historia sobre el desarrollo turístico en la costa del levante español y las consecuencias que tuvo en su población y paisaje. A la par, se nos presenta una mujer cualquiera que se queda sin su medio de subsistencia, sin que se le ofrezca ninguna otra alternativa que la de ir a servir a la ciudad. Esta historia, aunque inventada, podría ser la vida de muchas mujeres que tuvieron que abandonar sus pueblos para ir a trabajar de sirvientas a las grandes urbes.

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