Re: Reputable Spanish Immersion Programs
Posted by MB on 4/04/09
I just googled the "Spanish Ministry of Education" and found a
bunch of program for educators. I studied at the University
of Santiago de Compostela in 2004 (as an undergrad) for the
summer, and absolutely LOVED it there and the school! they
are extremely organized and well-run.
I am currently looking into a place to go this summer as
well. I heard on the Spanish teachers chat that Antonio
Nebrija University in Madrid is very good. Then I heard on
that same forum about OleSpain - a free homestay program (you
pay 180 Euro administrative costs) to live for a minimum of
two weeks with a host family. They provide room and board in
exchange for 3-4 hours of English language practice at meal
time. YOu then are free to take classes, and your weekends are
your own.
I have included my direct link (above) if you would like to
continue to share what we both find since we're looking for
basically the same thing!
Oh - there's also the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara,
Mexico. You can study there for only 350 USD plus 425 USD
single occ. homestay for a month. The school was good, I
learned a LOT about the subjunctive! but, I didn't like the
Americanization of the city -- it looked like Long Island, NY!
Since I grew up there, I didn't feel as though I was in
Mexico, and my homestay had 3 other Americans, and all the
college boys who also lived there spoke English, so there was
a lot of English being spoken in the home, in the classroom
(with ALL Americans! - in Spain you are in class with all
European nationalities, so you are forced to speak Spanish -
the one common language) My SPanish was rusty but it was also
my fault that I succumbed to the English speakers in Mexico.
let me know if you find anything else good!
~~mary Beth
On 4/02/09, MaestraSandra wrote:
> Hello, I'm interested in finding a summer program to help
> me improve my Spanish skills. I had heard of specific
> programs for educators to travel together, internationally,
> during their summer break, and where they could be immersed
> in the language and the culture. I have found a couple
> possible programs online, but I know very little about them
> and if I'm going to be paying a lot of money AND traveling
> to a foreign country I like to be sure it was with a
> trustworthy company. If anyone has any suggestions for
> programs I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!!!