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Have you long wanted to learn Spanish but can’t fit it into your busy life? Now might be an opportune time to consider a career break. Many people do not realize how possible it is to learn Spanish in Chile, for example, at one of the country’s Spanish schools. One of the great aspects of these programs is that there are no set time periods. Additionally, Spanish schools can last from a couple of weeks to up to six months. Therefore, there is some flexibility as to how to fit your career break into your schedule.
The bottom line is that there has probably never been a better time to go and acquire new skills for a resume. With record unemployment and a job market that, let’s face it, is pretty miserable, a few months in South America learning Spanish and working an internship can certainly make resumes stand out from the crowd. Besides working an internship or volunteering can also give you a new perspective and time to access goals from afar.
Spanish immersion schools take place world-class cities such as Buenos Aires and Santiago. There is also a great deal of fun to be had in these locations as well. Those in Spanish immersion schools are able to do things like go snowboarding in the Andes Mountains while in Santiago or learn the tango in Argentina. Spending a few months in South America visiting and learning in these three countries will definitely change your perspective and will likely even alter your perceptions about what it is you “need” to have in your life to be happy.
With a very low cost of living, the dollar goes far in South America. For example, a ride on the Buenos Aires subway system only costs about 30 cents. But that is only the tip of the cost savings iceberg, as you generally won’t need a car. An added plus is that Internet cafes are everywhere. All of these factors add up to make it so a person can learn Spanish in Argentina, Chile or Peru without having to spend a lot of money in the process.
The experience of a new culture brings benefits far beyond the classroom. While you attend Spanish immersion schools, it is possible to live with a local host family, which is a great way to experience the culture. Further, you will have wonderful experiences with your classmates as you learn Spanish in Argentina, Chile or Peru. Students from around globe attend these international programs. This gives students the experience to spend a great deal of time with people from other countries. Meeting people from all over the world can be very beneficial to those on a career break who are looking for new perspectives.
As Ann Glotzbach former Spanish immersion student from New York City stated, “I would highly recommend the school to anyone who is seeking an enriching, comprehensive and fun language learning experience. Each school offered engaging professors, well organized teaching materials…and diverse and dynamic classmates.” Anyone looking for a way to boost their resume and broaden their horizons would be well served by studying Spanish in South America in a Spanish immersion program. Who knows? You might even stay in South America and open up a business or become an English teacher. One thing is for sure, after taking a career break to learn Spanish in Argentina. Chile or Peru, you will have new options and new perspectives.
Many people choose to learn Spanish in Latin America because of the wide range of incredible locations in which to learn the language. Students can choose a beach location like Montanita in Ecuador, or a very historic town like Cusco, high up in the Andean Mountains of Peru. Whether you want to explore archaeological sites, experience indigenous culture, observe wildlife, or simply laze on unspoilt beaches, Latin America provides all the ingredients for the perfect learning experience.
If you want to see the jungle or have always wanted to go to Machu Picchu, then take a Spanish course that facilitates these aspirations. For example, El Paraiso Spanish Language School (Costa Rica) enables students to stay in Manuel Antonio National Park, with its beautiful beaches and extraordinary biodiversity. ACUPARI Language School (Peru) is based in Cusco, the amazing capital of the ancient Inca Empire. Some students divide their time between two locations so they can explore the natural and cultural diversity of Latin America.
Another reason people choose to learn Spanish in Latin America is the immense choice of courses available. They range from private one-to-one tuition to a myriad of specialized programmes. For example, Interhispanica (Argentina) offer Spanish and Latin American economy classes. OLÉ (Mexico) offer specially designed programmes for children, teenagers and seniors. Educacion Para Todos (Guatemala) offer customised programmes for social science and medical professionals. Most language schools offer special modules to meet the needs and personal interests of students.
A popular option is to combine a Spanish course with some volunteer work, either once you have finished your language course or during the time when you are not attending lessons. Typical areas of work include helping out in orphanages or nursery schools, working in local community projects, assisting with wildlife or conservation projects. Volunteer Latin America provides information on over one hundred Spanish language schools that offer volunteer work and internships. One such school is Tandem Santiago – Escuela de Idiomas Violeta Parra (Chile), which arranges internships for high school graduates and college students throughout Chile.
Many language schools enable students to combine a Spanish course with adventure and sporting activities. For example, Andean Global Studies (Ecuador) offer Spanish classes combined with diving, surfing or kiteboarding. The Mariposa Spanish School and Eco Hotel (Nicaragua) organizes horse riding trips to the Masaya Volcano. A wide range of outdoor pursuits and activities are offered at other language schools including trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, river rafting, skiing and snowboarding.
In addition to the Spanish courses, most language schools offer extra-curricular activities to suit the tastes of all students. This includes attending sporting events, jungle hikes, guitar lessons, cooking classes, movie evenings, trips to the theatre, parties, and excursions to local places of interest (archaeological sites, indigenous communities, national parks, etc).
From the evidence cited above, it is easy to understand why many people choose to learn Spanish in Central or South America. There isn’t anywhere better to combine a language course with learning new skills and having fun. For example, a Spanish course combined with Salsa, Merengue or Tango dance lessons is a great way of meeting other like-minded travellers and having fun. Many students forge lifelong friendships through such an experience.
So what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture of Latin America for the most rewarding educational experience of your life.
Forget about Spain, where the accent isn’t as attractive and prices far higher than in Latin America.
If you would like to learn how to salsa dance or learn the Spanish language, you should do both at the same time. There are many Spanish schools that offer salsa dance lessons, and surprisingly, the techniques to learn both are complimentary.
A few years ago, I wanted to take some time off from the busy working world to travel and explore the world. I had always had this secret ambition to learn to speak Spanish so I targeted my travels on South America with an ambitious goal to learn all about South America.
I did significant research on the area and decided to enroll in a Spanish School in Uruguay, which was purportedly very safe and friendly. When I arrived, I found this to be more than true as the people were warm and the climate was the same.
At the Spanish school, I noticed that they not only offered Spanish lessons, but they also offered salsa dance lessons. I figured this would augment my South American experience so I enrolled in salsa lessons as well. I quickly realized that there were similarities to learning both Spanish and salsa.
I had researched the best way to learn Spanish before my trip overseas. I was dead set on learning the language and decided I needed some method to the madness.
However, learning a language, like learning salsa dance, is much more than attending a few classes or watching a few videos: it takes a lot of work.
The first day I arrived in Uruguay I tried to speak what little Spanish I knew with the people in the street. They had no idea what I was saying. Likewise, if I would have gone to a salsa club, after watching a how to salsa video, I would have been equally humbled.
Thus, I studied, taking lessons in both Spanish and salsa but not practicing outside the classroom. I thought I knew them both pretty well after a certain amount of time so I hit the real world. Again, I had trouble with both because I was only “classroom” experienced.
I realized that you cannot learn either Spanish or salsa simply in the classroom. However, you also cannot avoid classes and simply insert yourself into the real world. You need to alternate. You need to attend classes and then hit the street with what you have learned right way. This will reinforce what you have learned and show you the variances that exist in the real world, which never quite exactly mirror the classroom.
Do I recommend going to South America to learn Spanish and dance? Absolutely. It was the very best experience of my life and, by the way, I’m pretty good at both Spanish and salsa now.
For more information, visit Richard’s Living In Uruguay page or take a look at his How To Salsa Dance video series. These will get you started with your book learning before you take on the real world.
Most Americans bare not very familiar with the foods of South America. South American restaurants in the USA are located in larger cities and are not of the chain variety. The food is full of contrasts and flavors. The continent of South America is very large and has many regional as well well as country differences. But at the same time you can find many similarities between the foods of the different regions. Tasting and learning about the different foods can be very interesting and exciting. In this article I will you some of the highlights of South American foods.
Find: South American Foods
First, in some of the South American countries the climate and geographical characteristics as well as many of the historical events that have taken place have made certain regions especially in the south.Where they have large amounts of livestock and have become large red meat eaters. We are all becoming very familiar with the popularity of the Brazilian Barbecues. Where large amounts of meats are brought to your table. Even in the country of Brazil there are large differences from region to region.
How to: Find World Foods
Second, the climate in areas of South America is great for fresh vegetables and fruits. Many of the areas are also known for their fresh fish. The Southern area is also known for their peppers and spices.
Third, some of the dishes can be found all over South America, such as dulce de leche, it is believed to have originated in Uruguay or Argentina, but variations of the dish are found all over South America.
Lastly, if you are lucky enough to be in a city where South American food is available make sure you take advantage of visiting the restaurant and trying many of the exotic and tasty specialties.
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