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Spanish Immersion Programs in Latin America
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Courses | Housing | Pricing & Payments | Registration | General 1.
Courses
2.
Housing
3.
Pricing & Payments
4.
Registration
5.
General
1.
Courses
Please use our language level table here. No Spanish: 0, Beginner: 1, Intermediate: 2, Advanced: 3+.1.2 What qualifications do the teachers have? All teachers are native speakers, have university degrees, and have much prior experience teaching their languages to foreigners. In addition to their professional credentials, they are selected for their abilities to keep students entertained and interested for four hour classes.1.3 How many weeks should I study? It generally takes four to six immersion weeks (20 hours classes / week plus homestay) to advance to the next level. A 10-14 week course is recommended to move from very basic to advanced.1.4 What is the focus of the advanced classes? Advanced classes focus on learning the finer points of grammar, such as uses of the subjunctive and idiomatic expressions, as well as practicing conversational and written skills. Classes at all levels have a maximum of five students and discussion topics vary according to student interests.1.5 Should I bring any materials to class? Yes. A notebook and writing materials are required. It is also highly recommended to keep a pocket dictionary and a grammar reference book handy. Please contact us to ask for recommended materials: info@LatinImmersion.com .1.6 When are program start dates? Official start dates are every other Monday. We realize that students cannot control flight abilities and that not everyone can meet these dates. If you will be starting on another date, it is possible to take additional private hours (at a much reduced rate) to catch up with the group. Start dates are listed here.1.7 What is a typical day like? Classes normally begin at 9 AM. Students and teachers generally show up a few minutes early for coffee, tea, etc. The first session lasts until 11 AM. Then there is a half-hour break and then back to class until 1 PM.1.8 I would like to focus on business, health care, law, etc. Do you offer such programs? Students wishing to have specialized classes have a couple of options. You can take a private course and focus on your specific area.. The other option is to take a group class and supplement that with a few afternoon private hours for your specialty.1.9 May I receive university credit? 2. Housing 2.1 May I begin my homestay before my classes start? Yes, you may begin your homestay at any time. Please register as early as possible, however, as homestay families are limited and we want to find you the best match.2.2 What exactly is a youth hostel? A hostel is similar to a dormitory, with large rooms shared by two to six people. Sometimes, however, a private or semi-private room can be secured. Most guests are independent travelers and the staff is usually very available to help book trips and to give advice on the city.3. Pricing 3.1 I would like to split my studies between schools. How will that affect my price? Your lessons will be charged as though you stayed at the original school. Studying at multiple locations is highly recommended as a way to experience different cultures and to learn the language in different accents. Our schools are closely tied so even though you will be moving to a whole new country, you will already feel familiar with some of the staff and students.3.2 I plan to continue studying after a special study trip. What will the rate be? You will only be charged at the "additional weeks" rate, the lowest available.3.3 Can you help me find a discount airfare? 3.4 How should I pay? You may pay either in advance with a check or money order, or you may pay in cash or American Express traveler's checks upon arrival. With cash you may use either US dollars or the local currency.4. Registration 4.1 How far in advance must I register? To guarantee a spot in our schools, you should register at least four weeks in advance. For registrations less than four weeks before the start date, we cannot guarantee a place in a group class or in a homestay. Please write or call for availability in such cases.4.2 If I plan to study at multiple schools, must I register at each separate location? No. Simply register at the location you will be at first, then indicate which date you plan to switch to another school. You do not have to commit to a date change as we are flexible about switching schools.5. General 5.1 Am I too old for a language school? Too young? Too old? Definitely not. While we have many university age students, we have many active seniors as well. The diversities of ages, nationalities, professsions, and interests of our students contribute to the unique experience you will have.5.2 Where do you plan to open other language schools? We are scheduled to open a Portuguese school in the area of Salvador, Brazil in November, 2001. Our next Spanish locations will be in Cuzco, Peru and Quito, Ecuador, both scheduled to open in August, 2001.5.3 Do you have other study/tour specials planned? Yes. We operate the Argentina-Chile combination several times a year, with dates updated regularly at our web site. We are also planning a Chile study trip for February 2002 which includes time in Patagonia. Return to top.5.4 What are the current safety and health conditions? For updated travel alerts, potential health hazards, and other related issues, please consult the Travel Health Online.5.5 Is there someone I may speak with about your schools? You may speak with an alumni representative or you may call one of our schools directly. Contact information is listed on the contact us page.
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