Alvaro Zorzo Cruz

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Alvaro has been working in the teaching industry for 20 years. Setting up my own company with Esther, my wife, has been the best option to continue to enjoy Spanish teaching, but in our own way.

What is your favorite travel memory?

In 2011 I crossed the Rocky Mountains (Canada) with my family in a motorhome. That was a lovely journey with the best company I could hope for. My best memories are hiking to awesome places, walking through the astonishing rainforest, seeing colorful lakes with crystalline still water, surrounded by beautiful snowy mountains, and feeling the charm of nature.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have experienced the pleasure of running my own business. This doesn't mean working alone, because I still learn as much as possible and I work often with other teachers. But I enjoy the ability to choose the way of working and policies of the company.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

We had two British students, 16 and 17 year old girls, who were friends in their hometown that came on our program together some years ago. When they went back home, they participated in a Spanish culture contest, organized in their high school.

They won the contest together and their Spanish teachers were very surprised by the improvement in the girl's communication skills and their knowledge of Spanish culture.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would definitely attend a summer camp. Of course, if I had the age to do it.

Why? Because is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the best holiday for teenagers, meet new people from other countries, get to know the real Spain, and improve your Spanish skills. Our summer camps offer really nice and exciting activities, from kayaking, rock climbing or horse riding, to cultural visits to interesting places such as Madrid, El Escorial, or Segovia.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Our company is unique because of its location. We are in the Guadarrama National Park, a privileged area for its nature and very close to Madrid city. So we have urban and natural outstanding spots to enjoy.

We have two protected areas for its ecological value: Peñalara Peak and glacier lagoon, and La Pedriza de Manzanares. In these areas we run our outdoor activities. We also have two ski areas very close to our school. But we also have amazing cities to visit: Madrid, El Escorial, Segovia and many others.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Working with enthusiasm and believing in what you do. We try to make students feel at home when they are with us,