Study Abroad Programs Blog

Resisting the Urge to Speak English

By Sarina R., guest blogger studying Spanish at AmeriSpan's Antigua Spanish school

 It’s been roughly two weeks since I arrived here in Antigua. I´m starting to get a feel for life here as a Spanish student, and the ways in which I prepared effectively (or, not) for the experience. As it turns out, I packed my bags well, but perhaps neglected to pack my brain with a sufficient amount of Spanish to fully launch my learning from day one.

 

 

Semana Santa Celebrations

By Bradley R., guest blogger studying Spanish in Heredia and Samara Beach, two of AmeriSpan's most popular Costa Rica Spanish schools

Semana Santa, as I mentioned previously, is a week-long holiday for the vast majority of the country.  There are basically three activities for this time period: involvement in church activities, including preparations, prayers, masses and processions; sitting at home and relaxing or doing nothing; or going to the beach.  For non-religious and young people, the latter option is the most popular.

Meet the School: Sevilla's Academic Coordinator

Meet Ana Ortega Ruiz, Academic Coordinator at AmeriSpan's Sevilla Spanish school 

 
What is your background?
I'm 46, living in Sevilla with my husband, Paco, who is also a professor at Enforex Sevilla and my daughter Andrea, who is 10 years old. I studied at the University of Granada Philology, started learning about the Spanish language, and decided to do a Masters Methodology of Spanish as a foreign language to improve my skills and competencies as a teacher. I have also engaged in research, especially in the field of production and have written some articles published in Congress for Spanish teachers. 

 

Starting Out in Sucre

By Amanda S., a guest blogger studying Spanish and volunteering in Bolivia

I'm Amanda; I'm a pre-med student from Texas visiting Sucre, Bolivia for two months. I'll be taking Spanish classes for three weeks and then volunteering at Hospital Psicipedigohico. That's a mouthful, but it just means that it's a hospital for disabled children.

 

Getting Ready for Montevideo!

By Renee S., Guest Blogger studying Spanish at AmeriSpan's Montevideo Spanish school

Hello fellow travelers,

I am heading to Montevideo, Uruguay in 2 days.  I will take classes and stay with a host family for four weeks.  Following the four weeks, I will spend two more weeks traveling.  Hopefully, this will allow me to enjoy Montevideo while I am there and not spend my free moments leaving the city to visit another location.

I chose Montevideo because it is known for its safety and stable economy.  As a female traveling alone, these are important factors to consider.  I want to be able to walk the streets alone and enjoy the city and country without too many worries.  Yet, there are always precautions to take.

Meet the School: Granada's Head of Studies

Meet Laura Ruiz Gonzalez, Head of Studies at AmeriSpan's Granada Spanish school in Granada, Spain

What is your background?
I'm 39 years old and have a degree in Hispanic philology from Granada's own University of Philosophy and Letters. I live close to Granada and am married with two children, ages 4 and 7. All of my family lives in or near Granada.

Do you travel abroad often?
No.

Have you ever studied abroad?
No.

Which languages do you speak or have studied? 
I'm an Intermediate English speaker.
 

Tragic Incident in Samara Beach: Comments from Founding Director

An unfortunate, isolated tragedy has occurred in the typically safe and quiet town of Samara Beach, Costa Rica. We were immediately informed of this incident by the school's Founding Director, who reported the following:

"I am writing to let you know about a tragic occurence last night in Sámara. An Argentinian woman was shot and killed in the hostel Mariposas, by two subjects from the Limon province. Police apprehended the subjects last night and they have been taken away for central processing and are being held without bail.
 
The background that we have been able to find out so far is this: Several months ago there was an incident where a family member of these subjects was killed in a confrontation in the nearby town of Torito, and police sources here are speculating that they returned to the area to take vengeance on the people who killed their relative. All we know about the Argentinian is that she had moved to live in Sámara recently and was looking for work in town. Last night she was using a computer in the bar-restaurant of the hostel, when the two men entered and the confrontation that ensued ended in this tragedy. The reasons she was targeted are still under investigation.
 
This is the first time a crime of this nature has occured in Sámara, and the whole town is still in shock. We have held a meeting already to inform students of what has happened, and we have organized a march and demonstration for this Sunday to mourn her death and to demand higher security standards and justice for the girl and her family. We sincerely believe that positive changes will be made because of what has happened, and that in time we will remember this terrible occurence as an isolated event in Sámara's history."

AmeriSpan would like to take this opportunity to express our regret and thoughts for the victim's family and all students and citizens of this quiet beach town who are understandably shocked and heartbroken. We would also like to report that all Samara Beach students are safe and have a great support system available to them at the school. Samara Beach is one of AmeriSpan's most popular locations, partially due to the conscientiousness of its wonderful staff. Life here is expected to resume as usual, but please feel free to call our office in the coming weeks with any questions or concerns you may have.

 

 

Cultural Events at our Taormina-Sicily Italian School

AmeriSpan's Taormina-Sicily Italian school is incredibly well-received by all students, and internationally recognized (It's is a fellow LTM Star winner!). We attribute this to the school's dual identity: it serves as both an Italian language school for foreigners and a "Cultural Workshop" for locals. They do an excellent job putting their school on the map, whether they're hosting book readings, art openings, wine tastings, or a slew of other cultural events.

 

 

Preparations for Semana Santa

By Bradley R., guest blogger studying Spanish in Heredia and Samara Beach, two of AmeriSpan's most popular Costa Rica Spanish schools

To the best of my knowledge, every Spanish-speaking country is officially Catholic, and Costa Rica is no exception.  Unlike my experience in the United States, Latin countries celebrate Semana Santa, or Holy Week, as the most important event on the church’s calendar.  I have experienced Semana Santa in Spain a number of years back, so I have a vague idea of the processions and community events
to be expected.  This year, however, I am getting a more up close look at what is going on.

AmeriSpan's New Budget Spanish School in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Last week, we blogged about our fabulous new Spanish School in Cusco, Peru. This week, we invite you to discover our other new budget location - our Buenos Aires Spanish school!

The school's beautiful building boasts a great location and many sought after amenities, including large bay windows, free Wi-fi, a tango room, a lounge, cafe, full kitchen, and more - not to mention the truly brilliant and attentive faculty! One student loved his experience here so much, he used his multimedia expertise to make a "mini-documentary" about this school for future students!

AmeriSpan's New Budget Spanish School in Cusco, Peru

AmeriSpan recently introduced its new Budget-Friendly Cusco Spanish school in Peru, and are excited about this addition and its many perks! In addition to lower program costs, the school building's incredible location (one block from major hub Plaza de Armas) provides for easy sightseeing and safe exploration. Secondly, the school's amenities make it a convenient and comfortable place to study Spanish: attentive and energetic staff, a sunny terrace, and free Wi-fi. It doesn't get much better than that!

 

Learn more about our new Cusco Spanish school (Budget-Friendly)