Description:
Learn Spanish in a political and cultural context! The Melida Anaya Montes Language School is an exciting solidarity project based on the opportunity for cultural exchange between Salvadorans and internationals who are interested in political, social, and economic development that is based on equality. The School is one of many programs of the Centro de Intercambio y Solidaridad (CIS), which was founded in 1993 to contribute to the construction of a truly democratic post-war El Salvador. We encourage Spanish students to participate in our Political-Cultural Program in addition to language classes, which uses immersion and experiential teaching techniques to explore various topics relating to social justice and the social movement.
Objectives
- Teach students to speak and understand Spanish within a political, social and cultural context.
- Broaden students' understanding of the Salvadoran culture and political situation.
- Encourage and involve students in solidarity activities through a variety of programs, and by educating people back in their own communities about the Salvadoran reality.
- Immerse students in Salvadoran culture.
The school is small and intimate, providing the opportunity for individual attention and a personal atmosphere. Students come from many different countries, range in all ages, and are from a variety of cultural backgrounds and professions. Teachers are Salvadorans trained in teaching Spanish as a second language. They have a variety of experience levels, some with up to 8 years of teaching experience at CIS, and most are involved in the social movement, including the teachers' association.
Classes are available at all levels. Students are grouped together at the same level with no more than 4 students in each class. Classes are held for 4 hours a day, Monday through Friday from 8:00am to noon with a 30-minute recess. There is also the possibility to take private lessons and/or in the afternoon or evening for a higher price.
Our methodology is participatory and uses popular education techniques, placing an emphasis on conversation and grammar review. Class discussion is an important part of the program; students can use the Spanish they have learned to talk about social and political themes such as the history of El Salvador, human rights, the environment, current events, and gender equality. Classes include instruction in common expressions and language of El Salvador.
We recommend that you participate in the school's afternoon political-cultural program. A variety of objectives are met through the program, including the expansion of your awareness of the political and economic reality of El Salvador, providing accompaniment, and reinforcing language learning. Students participate in a variety of activities including meetings with progressive organizations, political parties, and communities, as well as visiting tourist attractions. The weekly schedule is determined by the students and the coordinator and based on students' interests and requests. The full program of four afternoons a week is offered when there are three or more participating students. When there are less, we can offer an alternative program.
Highlights:
We have a network of host families for home stay opportunities. Additional programs at the CIS include: a Human Rights Network, Solidarity Partnerships, Grassroots Organizing, Delegations and Brigades, Salvadoran Enterprises for Women, and Solidarity Crafts.
Language:
Spanish
Language Used As A Medium of Teaching:
English
and Spanish
Cost in US$: 125.00 to 245.00/Week
Cost Includes: Weekly prices:
- Spanish Classes: USD 125 for 20 hours of class (8am to 12pm Mon-Fri).
- Administrative Fee: USD 25 (one time application fee).
- Political-Cultural Program: USD 40 for 4 afternoons (some weekends) of activities.
- Home stay: USD 90, includes breakfast and dinner everyday.
Also available:
- Private classes are available for USD 12.50/hr (on-site) or USD 15/hr (off-site).
Please contact us for a complete pricing information.
Experience Required: no
This Program is open to
Worldwide
Participants.
.
Participants Travel to El Salvador
Independently
Or
in Groups
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Or
in Groups of no more than 5 students per class
Application Process Involves:
Typically The Application Process Time Is 1 week
Centro de Intercambio y Solidaridad's Mission Statement: The CIS mission is to promote solidarity and cultural exchange across borders between the Salvadoran people and others in the search for development and dignity. We work to promote and strengthen a culture of solidarity that implies accompaniment, respect for equality of different cultures, and mutual support between people. We focus on using different strategies to promote a solidarity that creates the space for grassroots organizing for justice and dignity.
Year Founded: 1993