Imersion language schools

[Cali vet]

Imersion style language schools can be a good way to go. They can be geared to the flat beginner through pretty fluent. A company called www.amerispan.com offers homestay with intensive class programs in most latin american countries except Colombia. The cheapest is Guatamala and minimum course is two weeks. My strategy was to do this in Panama City since I had been corresponding with a couple of panamenas through TLC. This worked out perfectly. I just gave the girls the school's number and the date I'd arrive and sure enough they called. The only negative was that my hostess was ofended because I was dining out every night. Too bad it will be cold day in hell before Amerispan will offer a program in Cali.

[Bueller]

... in response to Imersion language schools, posted by Cali vet on Jul 22, 2001

I suggest you deal directly with language schools rather than using middlemen. Big difference in price.

[Viajero]

... in response to Imersion language schools, posted by Cali vet on Jul 22, 2001

Immersion language courses are great; I attended one for 14 weeks in Dominican Republic. But for those of you who can't do that (and really, very few of us can), at least take Spanish 101 at your local community college. After that, you'll have the basic skills you need to improve your own language skills.

One thing about LA as opposed to Eastern Europe (and I know, having lived in and dated women in both regions) is that people in Latin America are far more forgiving of your lack of language skills. Just the mere fact that you're trying to communicate makes a world of difference in terms of how you are seen and accepted.

Don't let this language thing throw you. 2 years ago I could barely say "Yo quiero Taco Bell.", and now I teach technical seminars in Spanish to mid-level military and government managers in Latin America. You can do it if you want. Just get your priorities straight, concentrate less on the temporary things like flowers and gifts and more on the important things, like building strong relationships with the girl and all those who are important to her. Language study is a worthwhile investment with the longest-lasting benefits.

[Michael B]

... in response to Imersion language schools, posted by Cali vet on Jul 22, 2001

UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autonomoa de Mexico, Mexico City) 1976. Probably though, things have changed a little since then, you reckon?

[Randy G]

... in response to Imersion language schools, posted by Cali vet on Jul 22, 2001

After spending five months in an immersion program, I am rather burned out on Spanish to tell you the truth. Being back in Oregon is nice, and I can practice Spanish here often, because there are many latinos living here and also working on the same forest fires I work on.
But my real test is coming in October, when I return to Mexico. I will not be living in GDL, as I did before, where there are thousands of Gringos and other people from all over the world living there. I will be in a small town about two hours from GDL, in Jalisco also. My fiancee will be working there in a hospital for the next year. I will be the only Gringo as far as I know in the town, and I will not drive back to Mexico this time. I will either have to sink or swim as far as speaking Spanish is concerned! Gloria has already contacted the Preporatoria, and they would like to talk to me about teaching or tutoring English there, just for something to do during the day to stay busy. Mucho trabajar, poco dinero. Some of my future relatives have Ranches in the country, and there will be an opportunity to work with Horses and Cattle, as this is what I grew up doing. However, it will all be in Spanish, and I think this will be a great experience and a must learn situation at that...Randy

[bret]

... in response to Imersion language schools, posted by Cali vet on Jul 22, 2001

good idea!

i did the same thing in guatamala years ago, and again in costa rica about two years ago.

i think the minimum time spent living in someone's home, speaking span. at all times, and going to a school in the day should be about 3 months.

you need a lot of time for it to sink in, and begin to comprehend on a higher level. in order to achieve true fluency, i think it takes about 2 years at least. some people never get there (me included), even when they live their entire lives in a foreign country.

it ain't easy!

another recomendation might be ecuador. there are some cheap immersion style schools there, and it is close to colombia.

of course, the big problem is having the free time to do these kinds of things. some will have it, and some will not.

it's good that you mentioned total immersion schools, because i don't think i have heard much about them on this board.

just one question. how did you likw panama? did you have any luck there, and what are your impressions of the place?

thanks,  bret

[Randy G]

... in response to Re: Imersion language schools, posted by bret on Jul 22, 2001

Bret: You raised a good question about Panama. I have been looking at Panama as a place to spend some time in the winters, in the Chiriqui highlands region near Costa Rica. Does anyone here have any insight into Panama? I asked my fiancee if she would like to spend a little time there or in Costa Rica in a couple of years, and she would like to check it out also.
Of the places I have seen in central America, Costa Rica is still my fave. You can say there are too many Gringos, but I think once you get into the countryside, things change. Nice people, great weather, good infrastucture and communications and spectacular scenery. And the women are very sweet and beautiful also. I can recommend Costa Rica as a good place to look for that special someone on your own, as they are very approachable and sincere, once you are out of the big city of course...Randy

[bret]

... in response to Experiences in Panama anyone?, posted by Randy G on Jul 22, 2001

yea,

excellent point about "once you get out of the big city". that whole "key largo" and "hotel del rey" scene gives a lot of regular gringos guys a bad name in the downtown area.