US - Based Language Programs

By Alexa Boyce - When people call asking about our US-Based language programs, the question I most often hear is “How can I be immersed in the Spanish language and Latin American culture without leaving the US?” As you may know, the Hispanic population in the United States has been growing exponentially in recent years. Many cities with more established Hispanic populations have neighborhoods where the Latinos are concentrated. As a reference, think of Little Italy or Chinatown. One of these is Little Havana in Miami. This is where our Miami language classes and homestays take place. The school is run and taught by all native Spanish speakers. It is a sister school to our schools in Caracas and Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela. Denver does not actually have one specific neighborhood where Hispanic families are concentrated. However, the Hispanic population in Denver increased by 82 percent between 1990 and 2000. As of 2004, 21.7% of Denver's population was Hispanic. Our school in Denver is run by native speakers as well, and is a sister school to many of our schools in Latin America including Buenos Aires 2 and Santiago. It certainly may be easier to speak English outside of class in either of our US locations as compared to our locations abroad. That is why it is important to challenge yourself daily to use Spanish wherever possible. If you are determined to practice your Spanish, you will not have a shortage of native speakers to talk to.