Spanish Immersion Program
This year we offer an intensive Spanish immersion program aimed at students and travelers at various levels of exposure to the language who require both classes and Spanish-only contexts to develop language proficiency. Beginners, intermediate and advanced level learners are welcome to apply. Based on a preliminary test of prior language skills (if any), participants are placed in appropriate classes taught by our Spanish faculty (see below).
Course Activities
Students attend 3 hours of class daily focused on needs according to learning levels. Class content includes vocabulary, grammar, verbal and comprehension development, in addition to homework assignments to reinforce coursework. Classes prepare students to identify clear learning and practice objectives to pursue in their daily interactions with local residents.
Outside the classroom students dedicate 3-5 hours daily to immersion activities in Spanish-only settings. Innumerable opportunities for language acquisition in context are available for the practice of greetings, information sharing and conversation. Natural settings, such as agricultural activities, market interactions, fiestas, visits to artisans’ workshops, encounters with neighbors, gatherings at the local store and school provide opportunities for context-bedded communication where students gain cognitive skills that include the interpretation of meaning through gestures, tone of voice, use of activity-specific terms, etc.
At the close of the 2 week course students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their language achievements through creative writing, poetry, song and the performance of a short theatrical piece composed by participants to show the understandings gained of the language and local culture.
Quechua Language: Introductory course
An introduction to the Quechua language, native to the region will be offered to those interested. Basic components of the alphabet, pronunciation, grammar,
interrogatives and conversational structures will be emphasized. Significant cultural
expressions such as origin myths, songs, poetry, jokes and riddles will also be taught to guide students toward an understanding of Andean thought.
Participants will be encouraged to practice their Quechua skills with the local population, the majority of whom are bilingual (both Quechua and Spanish). Excursions to remote communities at higher altitudes will provide experiences for practicing language abilities with monolingual Quechua speakers.
Quechua Language: Immersion
Fluent Spanish speakers may apply for an immersion experience in Quechua, which follows the same format and intensive methodology as the Spanish immersion course. | more... |
