Immersion classes
Hey All I want to take an immersion Spanish course in Spain or south America for one month this summer, I'm on a tight budget though. I've been doing some online research and I keep seeing recommendations for Guatemala, I am worried about the safety there, so does any one have any positive or negative experiences in any such schools? I'm looking for school recommendations and places to avoid ! Thanks !
8 Answers
I was in Guatemala in december- the capital, Guatemala city can be quite dangerous, in the words of citizens of the city. Xela, or Quetzaltenango, is an excellent choice- very safe, awesome people, and it is relatively clean and very beautiful. I saw a lot of Spanish language schools in the area, so I am sure there are plenty of options. I felt completely safe in the city, even at night. Feel free to e-mail me with any specific questions angelinafr@att.net
Hola, Hattaba.
You've got the right idea. Immersion is the way to go and, in my opinion, the quickest way to become fluent in Spanish.
....travel to a Spanish speaking country
Antigua, Guatemala, is fun, safe, and super cheap for studying Spanish. As a single woman travelling to foreign countries, this is what I look for. This January I returned from a 3-week stay in Antigua and feel like it really helped my speaking abilities and comfort level of speaking.
.....sets you up with a local host family
I stayed with a local family who took me to parties, restaurants, and chatted with me most of the day. The cost for my room was $120 per week, which includes three meals a day.
...at least 4 hours of daily classes
I studied with a private tutor, which cost $130 per week for 20 hours of study. That's about $6.50 an hour! We went walking, shopping, etc., to practice conversation and did about 1 1/2 of written studying, reading, etc., per day. With a private tutor you can create any type of study schedule and method that you think would help you best.
Send me a PM if you want more information, including contact details, and I'd be happy to help you.
--Mariana
Immersion classes are classes where you get "fully immersed" in an environment where people only use the language you want to learn. Someone who wants to learn Spanish for instance can travel to a Spanish speaking country where the school sets you up with a local host family and you get at least 4 hours of daily classes. hope this is useful.
There is only one in Cochabamba Bolivia- it costs over $4000 + living expenses for a 6 month course.
Unbelievable really as there are scores of "Learn English" schools.
Private one to one classes are about $10 an hour and are almost useless.
What is an immersion class? Jaja perdón mi ignorancia .... It sounds really interesting!
Wow, now this is going to be really easy! Our very own Mariana has been there, she will be able to help you when she connects
Hattaba,
Just got your PM and I forwarded you some information.
You will definitely move from Beginner to Intermediate with your four weeks in Antigua.
¡Buen viaje!
Thanks Mariana ! That was Super helpful !!! I'm just finalizing my timing and budget then I'll definitely PM you for some more details ! Thank you so much ! Couple of quick questions, when did you do your course in Antigua and how would you describe your level of Spanish at the time? Do you think it would be useful for someone who is trying to make the move from beginner to intermediate? Thanks Again ! R
