| | |  Travel & Outdoors | January 2009 
Mexican Immersion Adventure
 Theresa Storm - CanWest News Service
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Language-learning abroad, like volunteering and teaching, is a growing trend.
As I boarded a plane last July, I was daunted by the educational venture on which I was embarking.
My quest to learn Spanish was taking me from my Calgary home and family to Guadalajara, Mexico, where my three-week vacation would be spent studying a language I barely knew, living with a Spanish-speaking host family, and travelling.
Dusting off long-neglected Spanish the Easy Way, I did a hurried pre-program refresher, something I had intended to do after registering four months earlier for the Spanish and Mexican Culture program at the Universidad del Valle de Atemajac in Zapopan, a Guadalajara municipality.
At least I know the basics, I reassured myself, like how to ask, "Where is the bathroom?" and "What is your name?"
I fervently hoped the rest of what I had learned in two levels of introductory Spanish classes nine years earlier would come flooding back.
Although the weekly three-hour classes were enjoyable, I grew frustrated by the near impossibility of learning another language in an all-English environment. Convinced the only way is immersion, for years I pondered going abroad to study. However, I didn't have a clue how to choose from hundreds of language program listings on the Web.
"In recent years, the demand for foreign language skills and foreign language instruction has given rise to a vast language training industry. There are many options," says Edward Trimnell, language immersion editor for Transitions Abroad, a magazine and website dedicated to study, work, living and cultural immersion abroad.
Like other learning vacations, language learning is a growing travel trend. In the seven years Jesse Philippe has worked as director of sales for Toronto-based Languages Abroad, she has seen rising demand for experiential holidays, including studying, teaching and volunteering.
My golden opportunity arose when a friend with the Calgary Board of Education invited me to a the Universidad del Valle de Atemajac presentation.
Although the Mexican program is not endorsed by the Calgary board, the educational institutions collaborate on international projects and several board staff members had taken the inaugural Spanish and Mexican culture program the year before.
Raul Rodriguez Ramirez, UNIVA's international director, said the university's program includes three important components to help students develop language skills and learn about Mexican life: immersion on campus, including 35 hours of grammar and conversation classes and partnership with a university staff member to practise the language; living and sharing meals with a family, where students are encouraged not to speak English; cultural and artistic workshops and excursions, and weekend field trips to some of Mexico's tourist highlights.
Classmate Patricia Hamlin, a junior high humanities teacher, chose UNIVA because, "I felt it would be credible."
"The value was also there. The program was a blend of learning Spanish, experiencing the culture through home stay, meeting other people with similar interests, and excursions."
I, too, was sold, especially after researching options. Unlike other Spanish immersion programs, UNIVA's $1,700 Canadian fee is almost all-inclusive (only air, some field trip meals and personal incidentals are additional).
Students are not nickel-and-dimed for fun extras, cultural activities and tours.
Landing in Guadalajara, my trepidation rose, especially about living with strangers.
Long mistress of my own home, I was feeling like a teenager. Compounding my discomfort was worry about whether my host, Victoria Erice, could speak any English and, if not, how we would communicate.
I soon cast my worries aside. Arriving students were warmly greeted by UNIVA staff and host families, most who regularly take in students.
Vicky and I chatted - mostly in English - on the way home.
Although she didn't think so, her English was superior to my Spanish, which I was too intimidated to yet attempt.
Like several homestays, our casa was in a quiet residential area that was a 15-minute walk from the university. My room was spacious, with a walk-in closet and bath.
Classmate Renaud also had his own room and bath. Most homes hosted two students which, for most, added a comfort factor.
Upon meeting the other 19 students - 16 Canadians and four Americans, I realized we shared the same concerns.
Most didn't know anyone else. Some had never studied Spanish. Several worried about safety.
"It was like a neighbourhood here," says Yvonne Pryor, adding that people were friendly and talkative.
"The university took good care of us, making recommendations on where to go and how to take a taxi and the bus."
When problems arose, UNIVA staff dealt with them promptly.
"I always felt comfortable," Pryor says.
The program was not all work and no play. After all, we were on vacation.
Morning Spanish classes lasted 31/2 hours, followed by cultural lectures, art or salsa dancing class, meeting with our conversation partner or field trips.
We quickly became a bonded group and organized activities in our free time.
On guided field trips, we explored Guadalajara's historic downtown, Mexico's second-largest city and the birthplace of Mariachi music, and shopped the famed handicraft centres of Tonal and Tlaquepaque.
Weekend getaways included Tequila, home of the popular spirit, and the 2,000-year-plus Teuchitlan ruins at Guachimontones; two nights at the all-inclusive Tesoro Manzanillo; and an overnight in Guanajuato, a beautiful colonial city, which for most was the highlight.
The unexpected benefit was new friendships.
"I met the most fabulous people whom I want to keep as lifelong friends," says Renaud.
Despite my vow to continue Spanish at home, I have not. Procrastination is creating the perfect excuse to go abroad again.
If You Go...
• UNIVA program - Spanish and Mexican culture program at UNIVA runs July 15 to Aug. 4.
It costs $1,700 Cdn, almost all-inclusive (air additional).
That's $81 a day, including tuition, accommodation, meals, airport transfers, after-class field trips and activities, and guided weekend excursions to some of Mexico's highlights.
It includes 35 hours of beginner, intermediate or advanced Spanish grammar and conversation classes, and 12 hours of culture instruction, including traditional handicrafts and Mexican art and food and beverage workshops, Latin dance classes and cultural lectures. For information or to register online, visit spanishprogram.univa.mx/ or e-mail: bertha.arias@univa.mx
• Studying in Mexico: TransitionsAbroad.com has a great listing of language study websites and resources.- GoNomad.com click on Language Schools Directory link at bottom
• The National Registration Center for Study Abroad (NRCSA) StudyAbroad.nrcsa.com |
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