Spanish Classes for Adults
Master Spanish with High Educational Standards
Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™, a nonprofit organization and a 501(c)(3), is proud to offer a comprehensive Spanish language program for adults. Whether you are a working professional, a traveler, or someone passionate about Spanish culture, our program is designed to meet your needs.
We are accredited by the Instituto Cervantes en Madrid and are an official DELE Examination Center. This means that not only do we prepare students for the Diplomas in Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE), but we also administer the exam, making our academy your one-stop destination for Spanish certification. Our focus is on delivering high-quality, professional Spanish education that includes cultural immersion and real-world applications.
Why Choose Isabella & Ferdinand® for Your Adult Spanish Classes?
Accredited by Instituto Cervantes
As an official examination center, our DELE courses adhere to the highest international standards. Your certification will be globally recognized and respected, opening doors to new opportunities.Comprehensive DELE Curriculum
Our program covers all aspects of language learning while aligning with the prestigious DELE exam framework. This ensures that you’re fully prepared to achieve success.Culturally Enriching Experience
Go beyond grammar and vocabulary. Our curriculum integrates relevant professional, political, and economic discussions, giving you deeper insights into the Spanish-speaking world while sharpening your language skills.Expert-Led Instruction
Our DELE courses are taught by highly qualified instructors, including Maira Abasto, Executive Director, and Ernesto Aviles, DELE Program Coordinator, both with extensive experience in helping professionals and adults excel.Personalized Learning in Small Groups
With smaller class sizes, you'll benefit from more personalized attention and customized feedback, allowing you to progress at a steady, confident pace.Flexible Learning Options
Whether you prefer the dynamic environment of in-person classes in Washington, D.C., or the flexibility of online learning, we offer formats that fit your schedule and lifestyle.
About DELE & Curriculum
Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español® is an authorized academy to administer and prepare students to take the "Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera" (DELE or Diploma for Spanish as Foreign Language in English), an international examination that measures a student's language aptitude in Spanish.
The DELE Spanish diplomas are official titles accrediting the degree of competence and proficiency in the Spanish language, granted by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. The Instituto Cervantes is responsible for the academic, administrative and economic management of the DELE diplomas, in accordance with the provisions of Royal Decrees 1137/2002 of 31 October, RD 264/2008 of 22 February and RD 1004/2015 of 6 November.
DELE exams are designed according to the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the Manual for Linking Exams to the CEFR, both works of the Council of Europe.
What levels does the DELE cover?
DELE Spanish Diplomas are official titles certifying degree of competence and mastery of the Spanish language, granted by Spain's Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport.
The Instituto Cervantes organizes examination sessions, while the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain designs the exams and is in charge of corrections and the final evaluation of all exams.
A1 – A2. Our preparation courses are designed for all-age postulants, and all it’s content will be based on the A1-A2 DELE exam content.
B1-B2. Course oriented to describing the parts of the DELE B2 exam and getting familiar with it´s four tests: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and interaction and oral expression and interaction.
C1- C2. You Will learn the necessary linguistic competences to integrate in situations requiring an advanced use of the language and knowledge of the cultural customs embedded within it as well as the necessary content in order to pass your C1-C2 DELE exam.
Level:
A1: Elementary 1 and 2 (60 hours)
A2: Elementary 3 to 5 (90 hours)
B1: Intermediate 1 to 4 (120 hours)
B2: Advanced 1 to 5 (150 hours)
C1: Higher 1 to 6 (180 hours)
Class Schedule & Formats
Our DELE program for adults is designed with flexibility in mind. We offer various formats to suit your schedule and learning pace. Each level (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) focuses on conversational fluency, grammar accuracy, and cultural understanding.
Individual & Group Classes
Customized to Your Goals: Tailored lessons that focus on your specific needs, whether they be professional language use, personal enrichment, or preparation for the DELE exam.
Location:
In-Person Classes: Washington, D.C.
Online Classes: Accessible from anywhere
Our DELE Spanish classes for adults are designed to fit into your busy life, whether you prefer evening sessions after work or a morning slot to start your day with language learning.
Enrollment Options & Pricing
Packages Available: 30 hrs • 60 hrs • 90 hrs
Formats: Online or In-Person (Spaces Chevy Chase or At Home)
📍 In-Person Classes Location (Academy):
Spaces Chase Tower
4445 Willard Ave, Ste 600, Office 654
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Pricing Options:
Online One-on-One: $48/hour
In-Person (Spaces): $55/hour
In-Person At Home: $55/hour + $20 transportation
Scheduling Options:
Regular: 3 hours per week
Intensive: 1 hour × 5 days per week or 2 hours × 5 days per week
Tailored Programs: Customized programs available for individuals or companies. Send us your request or questions.
✅ Includes digital learning materials (videos, articles, podcasts, presentations)
✅ Diagnostic assessment included to personalize your plan
📍 Limited spaces available. Reserve your preferred time slot today!
Start your Spanish learning journey today and achieve fluency in no time! Enroll now or contact us to design a personalized program.
Program Features
Levels offered:
General Levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2
Click here: Discover the Program Content by Levels (Spanish)
Includes Diagnostic Assessment & Digital Material: Access to resources tailored to your needs.
Personalized Learning Plan:
Material adapted to your interests (business, travel, diplomacy, etc.)
Interactive resources: videos, articles, podcasts, PowerPoint presentations
Methodology:
Dynamic classes with guided conversation
Pronunciation and grammar correction in context
Grammar and listening comprehension exercises
Progress Tracking and Evaluation:
Continuous feedback on your progress
Periodic tests to measure advancement
Who Should Enroll in the Spanish Adult Program?
Our Spanish Adult Program is perfect for:
Corporate Groups looking to enhance team communication
Professionals aiming to boost career prospects and networking
Travelers interested in immersing themselves in Spanish-speaking cultures
Retired individuals seeking to learn for personal enrichment
Students wanting to improve language skills for academic growth
Expats adjusting to life in a Spanish-speaking environment
Adults of all backgrounds looking to expand their language abilities
Meet Our Expert Teachers
Maira Abasto
Executive Director, Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™
With over 10 years of experience in Spanish education, Maira has guided Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™ to become an internationally respected institution. Her approach to teaching emphasizes not only language skills but also cultural understanding.
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Maira is a lawyer with expertise in international relations, having worked in both governmental and educational sectors. Her passion for education led her to become a polyglot, fluent in English, French, and Spanish at a native level. Maira has been recognized with awards for her outstanding work in education. Initially focused on law and international relations, her dedication to teaching eventually steered her toward Spanish, deepening her expertise and fostering a commitment to high-quality language education.
Maira's pursuit of excellence and continual professional growth culminated in earning a Master’s degree in Education from Strayer University, graduating summa cum laude. In 2014, she further solidified her credentials by obtaining certification in the DELE exam from the prestigious Instituto Cervantes. This accomplishment reflects her commitment to providing top-tier language instruction, especially to adult learners preparing for the DELE exam.
Her experience, combined with her dedication to cultural education, makes Maira an invaluable leader and educator at Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™.
Susana Paredes Du Bois
DELE Program Coordinator, Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™
Susana Paredes Du Bois is part of Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™’s elite team of adult Spanish instructors. With extensive international experience in teaching, program management, and cultural promotion, she delivers rigorous and culturally enriched Spanish instruction, including DELE exam preparation.
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Susana is a bilingual professional with extensive international experience in Spanish language instruction, educational program management, and business development. She has taught Spanish to both children and adults in multicultural and corporate settings, designing adaptive methodologies tailored to learners’ needs.
Her career also includes a strong background in business management and cultural promotion, having worked at the Consulate General of Peru in Dubai on projects related to trade, tourism, and cultural outreach across Latin America, in addition to holding regional leadership roles in international companies.
Susana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Piura (Peru), as well as an MBA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Management from the Latin American University of Science and Technology (Panama), both with academic honors.
Passionate about teaching and intercultural communication, Susana combines her educational expertise with her professional background to prepare students for the DELE exam, delivering a rigorous academic approach enriched with cultural and practical learning tools.
Julio Fiol
Elite Adult Spanish Instructor – DELE & Professional Spanish
Julio Fiol is part of Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™’s elite team of instructors for adults. A lawyer and career diplomat, he has served as Ambassador of Chile in Japan and South Africa and represented his country before the UN, OAS, FAO, and WFP. He now brings this world-class expertise into the classroom, offering adult learners Spanish instruction enriched with intercultural insight, specialized vocabulary, and DELE exam preparation.
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Julio Fiol is a lawyer and career diplomat with more than 30 years of high-level international experience representing Chile before the United Nations (UN), the Organization of American States (OAS), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Food Programme (WFP). He has held senior positions at the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served as Ambassador to Japan and South Africa, in addition to consular posts in Miami, Mexico City, and New York.
As part of Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™’s elite team of instructors for adults, Julio brings exceptional expertise in International Law, Security, Conflict Resolution, Migration, and Human Resources. His Spanish courses for adults are designed for professionals, executives, and students who want to refine their language skills with a focus on intercultural communication, specialized vocabulary, and DELE exam preparation — combining academic rigor with his extensive diplomatic experience.
María Jesús Herrero, Ph.D.
Elite Adult Spanish Instructor – DELE & Academic Spanish
María Jesús Herrero, Ph.D., is part of Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™’s elite team of adult Spanish instructors. A scientist and educator with over 18 years of international experience in research and teaching across five continents, she brings scientific rigor, multilingual expertise, and a multicultural perspective to Spanish instruction for adults, including DELE exam preparation.
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María Jesús Herrero, Ph.D., is a scientist and educator with more than 18 years of international experience in research, mentoring, and teaching across Spain, France, Norway, Chile, South Africa, and the United States. She has led and collaborated on cutting-edge projects in endocrinology, neuroscience, autism, cancer, and environmental sciences, and has taught at prestigious institutions including the University of Pretoria, Universidad San Sebastián, CNRS, and Children’s National Medical Center.
Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, María Jesús brings a unique blend of scientific rigor, multicultural perspective, and teaching expertise to Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™’s elite team of instructors for adults. Her Spanish classes are tailored for professionals, academics, and students who seek high-level instruction with a focus on intercultural communication, specialized vocabulary, and DELE exam preparation.
Karla Quiroga
Elite In-Person Spanish Instructor – Children & Adults
Karla Quiroga is part of Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™’s elite team of Spanish instructors. Known for her dynamic and inclusive teaching style, she brings the Spanish language and its culture to life for both children and adults, helping learners reach their goals with confidence and enjoyment.
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Karla Quiroga is a dedicated Spanish teacher from Bolivia with a strong passion for education. As part of Isabella & Ferdinand® Academia de Español™’s elite team of instructors, she creates engaging, dynamic lessons that bring the Spanish language and culture to life for both children and adult learners.
With a focus on building inclusive, positive learning environments, Karla guides her students through grammar, conversation, and cultural exploration, inspiring them to achieve their language goals — whether for personal growth, travel, or DELE preparation.
The DELE Exam: What You Need to Know
2025 DELE dates
May
Friday 16: Levels A1 for students and A2/B1
Register by April 9.May
Saturday 24: Levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2
Register by April 9._______________________________
November
Friday 21: Levels A1 for students and A2/B1 for students
Saturday 22: Levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2
Register by October 8
Ready to Start Your Spanish Journey?
At Isabella and Ferdinand® Academia de Español™, we are committed to your success. Our DELE program for adults is designed to fit your lifestyle and help you achieve fluency in Spanish, while also providing an enriching cultural experience.
