Why Study Spanish
Abroad?
How studying abroad can be more effective and enjoyable than traditional the traditional approach to learning a language:
1) The student finds himself or herself immersed
in the language and the culture.
2) Classes are on a smaller scale (max of 4-6 students
per class) which lowers the teacher to student ratio
allowing the instructor to give greater personalized
attention to each student.
3) Classes are 4 hours a day. Since classes are
covering a single subject, more hours do not necessarily
translate into more effective learning. Students
need time to absorb and integrate what they have
studied.
4) Each student has the option to stay with host
families and thus gain insights into the everyday
life, values and assumptions of the culture. These
are in some ways just as important to the learning
process as understanding the technical details of
the language itself.
5) There are plenty of enjoyable activities available
through the program such as biking, hiking, swimming,
running, aerobics, yoga, dance classes, cooking
classes, white water rafting, kayaking, snorkeling,
fishing, horseback riding, surfing, etc… .
6) Classes taken with language programs can be transferred
for credit depending on your schools requirements.
We at Spanish for Success are in agreement with
traditional academic institutions that one needs
to study the basic rules of grammar, vocabulary
and other key fundamentals of Spanish to learn the
language.
However, much of the traditional curriculum
in high school and college is based on rote memorization.
We believe a key component is missing – namely
an emphasis on verbal communication and, in addition
to that, a practical understanding of cultural values
and assumptions.
What is Immersion?
Definition of Immersion: a state of complete attention
or an exertion of intense mental effort.
When a student is enrolled in a language school
program that incorporates the Immersion Method,
the student needs to comprehend that although Immersion
begins in the classroom it continues with experiences
interacting with host families and many other out-of-class
activities.
Students enhance their experience
by visiting local coffee shops, open markets, parks,
gyms, dance classes, cooking classes, sports activities,
shopping, reading a Spanish book or children’s
books, listening to music and watching local
T.V. News may also help to broaden the experience.
We recommend that students make an effort to expand
their newly learned vocabulary by constantly practicing
and attempting to communicate with Spanish speakers.
A good conversation starter is, “Que hora
es?” Which means- “What time is it?”
In addition to memorization and reading, the student
can completely immerse himself or herself by participating
in extra activities aside from the normal school
requirements.
In this way, students take the first
step towards integrating the language into their
life
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