Immersion programs that are not schools

Question

Are there any programs for older teens (15 to 18) to learn Spanish, not in a school, but in an environment where there are no English speakers to interfere with the process? I'm not talking about home stays, by the way. Rather, something where my son would be spending time only with other kids who speak Spanish as their native language. I'd prefer locations could be in South America or Spain. Thanks.

// ¿Hay programas para adolescentes mayores (desde 15 al 18) para aprender Español, no en escuela, sino en ambiente donde no hay los que hablan Inglés para interferir con el proceso de aprender? A propósito, no hablo de programas donde se queda con familia, sino algo donde mi hijo pasaría tiempo solamente con otros chicos que hablan Español como su idioma materno. Prefiero lugares en Sudamérica o España. Gracias.

Answer 1

Is this something your son wants, or just something you want for him?

If he's motivated to learn the language, he'll do well in a total immersion environment. If not, he'll find internet cafes, movies, etc. that will allow him to use his native language, so the immersion will not be as effective.

As Marianne says, a home or family environment may be the best situation for him. Make sure there are good references for whatever program you find.

I'm currently in Antigua, Guatemala in an immersion situation. The school set up everything for me and my wife, and it's been a wonderful experience (but this is a tourist area, with all the drawbacks that means). I'm not a beginner in Spanish, so I can't address the issues at that level. We came here after spending 2 years in Colombia.

Buenos días, Calvo. - --Mariana--, May 12, 2010

Answer 2

Send them to California or Arizoan

Or even Arizona! I was going to suggest getting a job at Jack-in-the-Box and get Paid while learning! - LateToDinner, May 13, 2010

Answer 3

I have met several people, ranging from late teens to middle aged, in Costa Rica that volunteer for the Red Cross and other originations. Just Google “Volunteer in __________” for ideas and a little research.

Here is a place I enjoyed visiting. http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/butterfly-garden/butterfly-garden.html

Another link http://www.volunteerforfree.com/

Answer 4

Where do you want him to stay if not with a home-stay family? That's the safest place to be in another country. The family will take care of him, feed him, and see that he has activities to do.