Have any of you attended short-term (2-3 weeks) language-learning and cultural programs as an adult? I would really love to bring my French and/or Spanish back up to its previous levels, and this seems an ideal way to so it. I would probably prefer programs in Europe (although Quebec and/or Latin America wouldn’t be out of the question). Any recommendations or anecdotes?
You are on the right track. Go where they speak the language and sublet a room somewhere with a nice landlady/landlord who does NOT speak English.
I personally would shoot for a small(er) town on the outskirts of a big city. Often you will find a state sponsored language course (for immigrant workers) that costs next to nothing. If not, you can usually find a small independent language school - avoid Berliz - and they will have some options.
Go online and pick a small town and Google for language schools and see what they have to offer. Again, the best trick it to put yourself in a position where you speak the language or starve to death.
And there is that old adage - the best way to learn a language is in bed. So, depending on your love life, a bed partner wouldn’t be a bad idea as long as you are there…but not mandatory.
Have fun, roam the neighborhood, drink coffee at the cafes, read the local papers, go see some films, watch lots of television…just do not sit in your room and study!
I spent two months at Cetlalic in Cuernavaca, Mexico. When I left I had rudimentary Spanish remembered from college. When I returned, I got a job working almost exclusively in Spanish.
Great school. Great people. I recommend it to everyone.
Not French or Spanish but I’ve taken a couple of Dutch courses like this that were run through whatever local university-- Pretty cool classes. I enjoyed them and learned a lot. I’ve found that the free ones for immigrants run through the government go at a slower pace and such (geared toward people who may not have much formal education: the pre-requisites were like “can you read Latin letters? Did you attend school until you were over 14?” (my husband did one of these-- met some nifty people from very interesting places but it was a very relaxed pace). The university/academic ones are faster and geared toward students and professionals. I thought it was a great experience-- often the people in your class are from such far-flung places that the small amount of language X that you have is the only way you can communicate, so it’s better than an immersion program with just Americans and other English-speakers. Although as the token American you will tend to be flocked to by people who are interested in the pop culture or want to improve their English/ American idiom. Also I found that in Belgium, say, for some reason other students from countries in Africa, learning I was American, depite my very pale and blonde appearance immediately decided I was Friend and Open Minded and Safe to hang around. So by end of recess number one it’s whitey from California sitting on the bench with 5 people from every corner of the African continent chatting it up in poor Dutch.
Hmm…Gay friendly private language school in Mexico…very impressed! Will keep this link - and thanks for the tip!
Back to OP - I agree with capybara that the public school courses for immigrants tend to be on the very slow learning track - but the price is right. Still, if you can afford more, the university idea, or private school, is a far better and faster approach.
Another vote for Cuernavaca. I went to CIDOC for a summer and stayed for about five years. Its a great school in a fantastic city in a beautiful country.
Wow! Thanks niblet_head! It never would have occurred to me to look for a queer / queer-friendly language school. Now I really want to attend the Lesbians in Mexico session.
Yeah, the program and the people are really outstanding. Their gay-friendly policy is really indicative of the kind of progressive people they have there. It’s great to see a language program that infuses a strong focus on understanding and appreciating the Mexican experience and culture, and that infused with a leftist/labor/NGO bent. If you stay with a family (which you definitely should) ask for Doña Mari. She’s the best!!
They’re kid-friendly, too. When I was there a couple had their five-year-old daughter in daily Spanish classes, as well. Plus, it’s the City of The Eternal Spring! Beautiful every day. Cool every night. And even if Popo erupts, you should be safe!