ColombiaWhile the country’s tumultuous historycannot be ignored, the last ten years haveamounted to something of a renaissance inColombia. The revitalization has opened up atourist paradise, from the arresting 17,000 footpeaks of El Cocuy National Park near theVenezuelan border to the otherworldly appealof the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, buried in asalt mine some 600 feet underground.Colombia, bordered by both Caribbean andPacific, has experienced changes in its leader-ship that, by most accounts, have had a posi-tive impact in reshaping both its reality and itsreputation.

Though not immune to criticism, the hard-linepresident Alvaro Uribe, elected in 2002, has over-seen a 40 percent reduction in violent crime.Even Medellín, the country’s most violent city, isnow safer than many major U.S. cities. In factMedellín, with its colonial architecture, outdoorfestivals, and streets adorned in sculpture, hasexperienced its own rejuvenation of late. SergioFajardo, its unique, if not unorthodox, mayor hasfocused on social programs and urban planningin his effort to reinvigorate the municipality. “Everyreduction in violence,” he has said, “we had tofollow immediately — and ‘immediately’ is a keyword — with social interventions.”

The mayor, armed with his doctoral degreein mathematics and innovative approach, con-sidered unequal access to quality education to

be as menacing a problem as the city’s vio-lence. Education spending was increased to 40percent of the city budget. By comparison, L.A.county’s spending on its unified schoolsamounts to roughly ten percent.

With such focus on education, safety, andcommunity, this once beleaguered country hasbecome increasingly attractive to languagelearners. Whether destined for Medellín, thelively capital of Bogotá, or historic Cartagena,the nation is ideal for travelers who want tolearn Spanish in an inviting environment sur-rounded by the striking beauty of a land that,for a time, went unexplored.

EAFIT UniversityEAFIT University is located in the heart ofMedellín, the urban heart of a metropolitan areaset in a large valley in the Andes mountains atover 5000 feet above sea level and a wonderfulyear-round climate of 76 degrees. The schoolattracts over 500 students a year from morethan 60 different countries to learn Spanishusing a step by step curriculum. The EAFIT’sSpanish for Foreigner Program began in 1995,and through these years, it has gained a valu-able experience and has consolidated its cur-riculum so that more and more students fromdifferent walks of life learn to communicate andexcel in the Spanish speaking communities.Class sizes are between two and nine studentsand guarantees participants individualizedattention from instructors. Recognized as oneof Colombia’s best Universities, EAFIT offers

quality edu-cation ataffordableprices in aplace wherebeauty andexcellencecome together.

Universidad Tecnológica de BolívarThe Open Access Language Center atUniversidad Tecnológica de Bolívar offersSpanish courses in Cartagena. The Universityprovides the opportunity to learn and strength-en language knowledge in one of the mostbeautiful cities on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.The program fosters contact with native speak-ers; while visiting students attend classes, cur-rent university students attend regular pro-grams, providing many opportunities for multi-cultural interactions. Students can opt for fullSpanish immersion and stay in the home of alocal family within walking distance from the uni-versity or housing in a hotel or hostel. The pro-gram has been running for four years with thesupport of the British Council, the UK’s organi-zation for international cultural and educationalopportunities. Classes are offered year round.

La Sabana UniversityLa Sabana University is in Chía, right outsidethe capital city of Bogotá, nestled in the lushAndean mountains. A city famous for its multi-cultural, vibrant intellectual scene, Bogotá has

35September 2009 www.languagemagazine.com

Spanish with Altitude

Kate Sommers-Dawes travels the Andes in search of Spanish immersion highlights

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long been known for its universities and itscharming culture including theater festivals,world renowned museums, modern architec-ture and Spanish colonial neighborhoods, andCumbia dancing. Colombia is a country rich inculture and surrounded by diverse naturallandscapes including highlands, rainforestsand tropical grasslands and two coasts. LaSabana offers a chance to experience thisdiversity and learn more about Colombian andLatin American business and economics, inter-national relations from a Latin American per-spective, and Latin American culture and soci-ety. Students can select from a range ofregion-specific courses including: Geo-Economic Restraints for LogisticsDevelopment in Emerging Countries,Colombia, Politics and Democracy in LatinAmerica, From Mariachis to Samba: Culture,Politics and Society in 20th Century LatinAmerica, Across the Andes in Search ofFreedom, and Regional Trade Agreements.Students can transfer credits to their homeinstitution.

36 September 2009www.languagemagazine.com

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Reed Boat In Puno, Peru On Lake Titicaca

From the Islas Ballestas and their condors, penguins, andhammerhead sharks up to Titicaca, the world’s highest navigablelake, the Peruvian landscape is an adventurer’s dream. Visitors tothe country flock to the “Gringo Trail,” a popular travel route fromLima down the coastal deserts, through snowcapped volcanoes,past the crystalline waters of Lake Titicaca, and up into theancient citadel in the clouds, Machu Picchu. Lima, the country’soceanside capital, can be blanketed in fog or blazing with heat,depending on the season. The city’s well-developed nightlife,however, keeps it active year round. Its Cliffs of Miraflores andtheir pacific vistas are a popular spot for leisurely hiking andparagliding.

Providing access to both the Andes and Machu Picchu, theancient Incan capital of Cuzco is also the continent’s oldest continu-ously inhabited city. So, there is a wealth of cultural sights as thecity has retained its colonial architecture, is surrounded by Incanruins, and is host to many museums.

On the other side of the Andes and at a lower elevation liesArequipa, the “White City,” which gets its nickname from the volcanicrock, called sillar, which is ashen in color and used in much of itsarchitecture. The city is surrounded by volcanoes and glaciers and itsnearby Colca Canyon is an attractive spot for adventure activities.

From urban center to countryside, the allure of Peru lies in thediversity of its landscapes and its carefully preserved indigenous cul-ture, making it a unique destination with the power to provide a richSpanish immersion experience.

AMAUTAFounded in 1996, AMAUTA has been offering Spanish Languageand Volunteer Programs for students from all around the world eversince. The programs are a combination of language, volunteer, and

Peru

adventure, customized to suit student preference while enriching experi-ence with the surrounding ancient Inca ruins of Cuzco. The city ofCuzco is a unique destination with beautiful streets and squares andelegant colonial buildings. AMAUTA offers both group and individualinstruction at its charming school right in the city center, as well as spe-cialized programs such as medical Spanish and Quechua classes. Aswell as Cuzco, AMAUTA has schools in the picturesque Sacred Valleyof the Inca and the unforgettable Peruvian Amazon rainforest.

ACUPARI Language SchoolLocated in a Spanish colonial home in the center of Cuzco, ACUPARILanguage School is a non-profit cultural association whose objective viaits Spanish, Quechua, and German language programs is to promote anintercultural dialogue between people of different cultures. The schoolgives students choice and flexibility through language options, coursesat all levels, mini-group or private classes, and standard or intensivehours. The teaching staff is friendly, certified and continually trained.Students can also take part in tandem conversation practice with aPeruvian partner so that both the student and the Peruvian can practicethe other’s language while benefiting from a cultural interchange.

Academia LatinoamericanaThe Academia Latinoamericana in Cuzco occupies a beautiful buildingon one of the city’s many small plazas, directly behind one of the city’s

pre-Colombian monuments, the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun). Its pic-turesque setting and homely atmosphere create a welcoming environ-ment for students from day one. It is also conveniently located next tothe main post-office, internet cafés, banks, and casas de cambio.

In addition to the classes taught by native Spanish speakers, stu-dents may participate in cultural seminars, field trips, dance and cook-ing classes. Students may even combine a Spanish course in Cuzcowith a course in the academy’s sister schools in Quito, Ecuador, and inSucre, Bolivia.

Wiracocha Spanish SchoolStudying Spanish at Wiracocha Spanish School is more than just learn-ing the language, it is sharing in the Peruvian culture, making goodfriends, discovering the city, trying out new and delicious local dishes,and dancing to the local music. Wiracocha is a Spanish school withmore than six years of experience teaching Spanish to students from allover the world. It is staffed with experienced teachers, all of whom arenative Spanish speakers who hold university degrees in linguistics. TheSpanish program includes a variety of Spanish courses, including indi-vidual classes and small groups with a maximum of five students. Theschool also hosts volunteer programs, excursions and provide theoption to live with a Peruvian host family, in order to supply a LatinAmerican cultural immersion experience. Wiracocha Spanish Schoolteaches Spanish in Lima and Cuzco.

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37September 2009 www.languagemagazine.com

38 September 2009www.languagemagazine.com

Skimming along South America’s Pacific coast from Perusouth to Antarctic waters, Chile’s 2,700 coastal miles of extreme terraincover a distance comparable to the expanse between New York andSan Francisco. From azure glacier lakes to expansive beaches to therustic magnetism of the Patagonia region, travelers in Chile can journeyfrom mountaintop to world’s end in a matter of hours.

Chile offers a wide variety of destinations for Spanish immersion. Thecolossal capital city of Santiago offers the comforts of any large metrop-olis and is not far from beach resorts and first class vineyards. It’s beachfront neighbor, Valparaíso, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in2003 and was once the home of cherished poet Pablo Neruda, whoseformer house, La Sebastiana, is open to visitors. Tourists can spendhours losing themselves in its ascensores, also known as funicular eleva-tors, which wander the hills above the city center.

Further south, the Chilean Patagonia region is something of a naturalwonderland. While its weather can be extreme, with a little cooperationfrom the climate, trekkers can encounter virtually untouched glaciers,potable water racing through the park’s streams and waterfalls, andincomparable vistas. From its deserts to its ski resorts,the Chilean coun-tryside has a destination fit for even the most seasoned globetrotter.

COINED InternationalChile offers the experience of learning Spanish while enjoying freshpowder skiing one day, wine tasting another, and a golden beach thenext. Santiago de Chile, located in the central valley of the country, is acultural, commercial, industrial, and political epicenter. Credited as bothcultural and modern, Santiago boasts both tourist attractions andadventure sports. COINED Spanish school is located in a beautiful1925 building recognized as a national monument. The Spanish schoolhas 12 spacious classrooms, a video room, internet, a cafeteria and a

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Herd of guanacos in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile

Chile

terrace with a wonderful view of the city center. Students can combinetheir program with salsa lessons, cultural activities, ski lessons in winterand a number of extra activities organized by the school every week.

ECELAStudents of ECELA who study in Santiago — or any of the fiveECELA schools spread throughout Argentina, Chile, and Peru — dis-cover the local culture and accent in classes led by credentialed, nativeSpanish-speaking instructors. A world of opportunities exists outside ofthe small classroom environment, and ECELA-led excursions take stu-dents everywhere: from the mountains to the shores, to the dancefloors, the vineyards, and the futbol stadiums to immerse students inthe language and the vibrant cultures of Latin America. Students arealso encouraged to study at the different ECELA school locations togain a more complete South American perspective.

Escuela de Idiomas Violeta Parra – Tandem SantiagoThe philosophy of Escuela de Idiomas Violeta Parra – Tandem Santiagois to teach languages by bringing people together instead of using tech-nology. The school implements this philosophy by providing opportuni-ties for Spanish students to meet Chileans in order for the students topractice their Spanish by speaking directly to people who speak thelanguage. In addition to the language courses, the school also offersspecial eco-tourism weekend trips and daytrips.

As a member of the Tandem International Network, which ensuresquality standards, the school uses the Tandem Language Method,where students have a set amount of time for language exchange ingroups and on an individual basis.

Interactive Spanish SchoolInteractive Spanish School provides a practical and entertaining courseof study with cultural and daily experiences in Valparaíso. The schooloffers immersion programs involving 20 weekly lessons, from one tofour weeks or more and are suited to all levels from basic to advanced.Instructors use practical experiences to help students understand andinteract with the local culture of Valparaíso so that they enjoy the learn-ing process. The school is located on the ocean in the historic and cul-tural center of town, near the Cerro Concepción and Plaza Aníbal Pinto.

The Pontificia Universidad Catolica de ValparaísoThe Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (PUCV) offers more thanone hundred undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs to over14,000 students. The university offers a variety of programs including afull semester/year program with Spanish as a second language courses(focused on conversation, grammar, composition and phonetics), sportsand extracurricular activities. Open Spanish programs of four to fiveweeks are offered three times a year and include 90 classroom hours inthree levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Typical coursesinclude Spanish, lectures on Chilean/Latin American culture, electivessuch as literature and history, city tours and handcraft workshops. Theschool also offers a contemporary Latin American studies certificate forinternational students interested in studying the diverse aspects of thecontemporary (19th and 20th century) Latin American reality from amultidisciplinary perspective. The curriculum includes courses in litera-ture, history, sociology, geography, economics, journalism and commu-

nication. The program lasts one semester and is taught in Spanish.

Instituto Chileno-Suizo de Idiomas y CulturaInstituto Chileno-Suizo is located in the historic Lastarria neighborhoodof Santiago, near the downtown area of Chile’s capital city. Qualifiedteachers are responsible for Spanish instruction to foreign studentsfrom around the world. Language study is enriched by cultural activitiessuch as museum visits and dance classes. The institute offers intensivelanguage courses, travel advice and an introduction to Chilean culturewith efficiency, hospitality and friendliness.

Language PucónPucón, in a beautiful heart of the southern Chilean Lake District, is \sur-rounded by three national parks, making it a center for outdoor tourism.Students study Spanish in the morning and, later that day, climb anactive volcano, trek in one of the national parks, go horseback riding,skiing on the slopes of the volcano, or get to know the indigenousmapuche culture by visiting native settlements. The school is one blockfrom the town center, three blocks from the lake, and all accommoda-tions are within easy reach.

Kate Sommers-Dawes is Language Magazine’s assistant editor.

39September 2009 www.languagemagazine.com

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