Spanish Immersion Program- Advice please!

Question

I'm looking into a Spanish immersion program for the summer. Can anyone give me some advice about:

-location (where to go and where not to go)

-things to look for in a good school

-things to avoid

Any other suggestions, websites, or comments are very welcome. The idea of traveling alone to a foreign country is a little daunting unless I have all of my facts. Thanks!

Great question! I'd like to know, too. - marvinfreeman, Jan 28, 2010

Answer 1

I did an immersion program at la Universidad Iberoamericano en México d.f.

I´d say the main thing to look for is a reputable school and also if you can live with a family rather than with a bunch of gringos in a dorm, it would be better. Most programs have field trips on the weekends to local towns of interest, or museums, plays, etc. Participate in everything you can.

I liked living with a family because all our meals were in Spanish, we had "How was your day?" conversations at the table, they asked me about my life in the US, and so forth. Also I went roller skating with one of the girls in the family and there was a lot of casual chatting there which really helped. If I´d stayed in a dorm with other English speakers, I´d not have learned nearly as much because we´d have chatted en Inglés.

Thanks for the advice, I'll keep that in mind! - ogorman_k, Jan 30, 2010

Answer 2

Many members here have discussed this place with a lot of enthusiasm: The Instituto Cultural Oaxaca. In fact, Marianne is there right now. (Gosh I miss her. She'll be back soon, right?)

I've never been there, but based on what I've heard, that's where I want to go.

I miss her too!!!! I was wondering where she was!!! - 00494d19, Jan 29, 2010

Thanks! I've bookmarked the page and I'm keeping it as an option. - ogorman_k, Jan 30, 2010