Amerispan Unlimited the BRIDGE BETWEEN CULTURES

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Winter 2000/2001 AmeriSpan: Off The Wire Issue XV

Partner School Changes A Brief History of the Maya Dense jungle has made it very AmeriSpan is constantly striving to offer the best programs in every location where we offer programs. In keeping with that, difficult to uncover much of the we have dropped our program in San Miguel de Allende (México) and switched partner schools in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Cusco (Perú). Our new partners in Buenos Aires and Cusco offer improved language programs, more organized adminis- The Mayan civilization was in exist- site and evidence of looting has trations and better atmospheres. ence for over 3,000 years from about made it difficult to put all of the 1800 BC until 1540 AD. Their works of pieces together to obtain the full Morelia Offers Group Classes art, architecture, and inventions fall story of this city-state. Over the past several years, our partner in Morelia has been forced to increase their prices on their highly recommended into 3 distinct time periods: The Pre- Cancuen is one of many sites one-on-one program. Now, Morelia offers an excellent group program at a very reasonable price. Classic, Classic, and Post Classic throughout the Mayan World, but periods. Archaeologists have been two of the best-known sites are able to pinpoint when many of the Customized Internships Copán in Honduras and Tikal in We are happy to announce that we are able to fill requests for specific occupational areas for volunteer placements & Mayan cities where built based on the Guatemala. Copán, located in internships in Cordoba Argentina. Placement areas include but are not limited to: banking, government, marketing, econom- evolution of the writing, drawings, and ics, medicine, tourism, psychology, engineering, and architecture. architecture at each Mayan city. western Honduras, is best known for its intricate carvings and The ancient Mayan city of Getting There inscriptions on building remains and Tikal in Guatemala. Many times it is difficult for our participants to purchase airline tickets for flights within Latin America from the US. Now, Mysteries of the Maya statues. Its culture was full of written AmeriSpan can offer packages which include airport transfers, hotel night, and one-way airfare for the following programs: documents, a trait unique to Cuenca, Cusco, Merida-Venezuela, Puerto la Cruz and Sucre. For centuries, archaeologists and precolumbian sites. These detailed Evolution of Mayan Art and Writing explorers have been mystified and ruins have been studied and visited JH Extends Again Pottery was one of the first Mayan art intrigued by Mayan ruins, which since the 1500’s. Excavations at Johns Hopkins has received the green light from the FDA to expand their research study and has extended their cut-off date forms during the Pre-Classic Period. There encompass five countries (Mexico, Copán are ongoing. to August 2001. Remember, this is where language program participants in Antigua or Cuernavaca receive $450-$600 Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and is Mayan pottery in existence dating back stipends. Tikal, located in the jungle of to 1000 BC. Honduras). Archaeologists and Guatemala, was once one of the tourists come from all over the world greatest cities in the world in its During the Classic Period, the Maya to study and visit ruins, which lie in time. During its highpoint, Tikal had expanded their art working to include not the Mayan World. New artifacts are over 100,000 inhabitants and was only pottery but other art mediums and still being discovered and we are the capital city. Its towering temples materials including: Stelae (intricately learning more about the Maya every and jungle location make Tikal one of carved historical records), Jade (usually in the forms of masks), Ceramics (made year. the most visited Mayan sites. without a pottery wheel), and Mural A recent discovery deep in the Visitors to Copán and Tikal will be jungle of northern Guatemala has Paintings. Much of the Mayan art work amazed at the remains from a changed some of the previous during the Classic Period tells a story of civilization that existed for over ceremonies, people, or historical events. conceptions that archaeologists had 1,000 years. Anyone interested in regarding the Mayan civilization. It THE BRIDG E BETWEEN CULTU RES visiting Tikal or Copán can book trips In the late Classic and early Post-Classic was believed that the foundation of through our office in Antigua, Guate- period, the Mayans began to use written Mayan civilization was based on mala. narratives to record astronomy and P.O. Box 40007 warfare and religion. However, a site astrology related events. Of the thou- Philadelphia, PA 19106-0007 called Cancuen, has raised serious Email: [email protected] sands of written narratives made by the questions regarding whether or not Tel: 011-(502) 832-0164. Maya, only three still exist today. all Mayans relied on warfare and For complete program descriptions, religion to survive. This site has no

applications, prices and more, visit temples nor does it show any ▲▲▲▲▲ ▲▲▲▲▲ our web site at: evidence of war or warfare. The In This Issue http://www.amerispan.com palace at Cancuen is one of the Letter from the Editors & Medical Programs & Seminars ...... 2 largest in the Maya world and The Cheapest Country on Earth & Ÿou don’t look Latino! ...... 3 stands over three stories tall. It is Country Close-up: Brazil ...... 4 believed that Cancuen’s purpose Who Speaks Spanish Better?...... 5 was as a trading city. Program Profile - Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica ...... 6 The site was first discovered in Music Review & New Schools: Growing Pains ...... 7 the early 20th century and was AmeriSpan: Off the Wire ...... 8 believed to be a small site. Archae- ologists currently working on the site, have discovered that the site is comparable in size to Tikal making it much larger than they previously thought. AmeriSpan Unlimited THE BRIDGE BETWEEN CULTURES

Request a Program Catalog 24 hours a day 1-800-879-6640

THE TRANSLATOR THE UNLIMITED AMERISPAN 2 PAGE PAGE 7 PAGE UNLIMITED AMERISPAN TRANSLATOR THE • • • •

classrooms.

Civilization.

www.parlo.com today! visit because the current owner of the building wouldn‘t agree to provide a longer lease if the school constructed new constructed school the if lease longer a provide to agree wouldn‘t building the of owner current the because

the 1500’s snuffed out the Maya the out snuffed 1500’s the

of the main campus‘s high season. Our partner in Sucre was forced to move to a bigger location in September in location bigger a to move to forced was Sucre in partner Our season. high campus‘s main the of

period. The Spanish Conquest in Conquest Spanish The period.

when flooding destroyed some key roads connecting Caracas & Puerto La Cruz and weren‘t fixed until the beginning the until fixed weren‘t and Cruz La Puerto & Caracas connecting roads key some destroyed flooding when

barter by sea grew during this during grew sea by barter in Flamingo was busy building classrooms during June. Our new program in Puerto La Cruz was delayed almost a year a almost delayed was Cruz La Puerto in program new Our June. during classrooms building busy was Flamingo in

the Toltec invasion. Trade and Trade invasion. Toltec the

Overwhelmed by a higher than expected enrollment, our partner our enrollment, expected than higher a by Overwhelmed . issues other illustrate to examples few a are Here

Mayan cities rose and fell due to due fell and rose cities Mayan

– Picking a building is a very inexact science because with a new school projections are just guesses. just are projections school new a with because science inexact very a is building a Picking – Issues Other c)

In the Yucatán Peninsula, several Peninsula, Yucatán the In ward moments is a smile! a is moments ward

plus music, magazines, dictionaries, chat dictionaries, magazines, music, plus writing, water in the shower, or worry about you if you miss a meal or come home late. The best cure for mix-ups or awk- or mix-ups for cure best The late. home come or meal a miss you if you about worry or shower, the in water

astrology, art and architecture, and architecture, and art astrology, hosting students. They may serve too much or too little food, not fully explain things like how to work the hot the work to how like things explain fully not food, little too or much too serve may They students. hosting

achievements in the areas of areas the in achievements them as it is for you and they genuinely want to provide an excellent experience but they haven‘t refined the “art“ of “art“ the refined haven‘t they but experience excellent an provide to want genuinely they and you for is it as them

Cities grew and there were great were there and grew Cities – During the first year, host families are still learning how to host students. This is just as new for new as just is This students. host to how learning still are families host year, first the During – Hosting Homestay b)

point of the Mayan Civilization. Mayan the of point teaching staff. teaching

The Classic Period was the high the was Period Classic The what mitigated because experienced teachers are sent to the new campus during the first year to help augment the augment help to year first the during campus new the to sent are teachers experienced because mitigated what

French, Spanish, English lessons English Spanish, French, and Guatemala. and improves with classroom experience, but new teachers have very little classroom experience. This issue is some- is issue This experience. classroom little very have teachers new but experience, classroom with improves

foreigners Spanish so all new teachers receive an intensive training program. However, a teacher‘s effectiveness teacher‘s a However, program. training intensive an receive teachers new all so Spanish foreigners and in parts of Belize, Honduras, Belize, of parts in and

. e r o l p x Explore. E . n r a e Learn. L . n on. o g o Log L

– When opening in a new destination it is often hard to find teachers that have taught have that teachers find to hard often is it destination new a in opening When – Effectiveness Teachers’ a) founded in the Yucatán Peninsula Yucatán the in founded

issues: first Maya villages and cities were cities and villages Maya first

However, there are still some first year growing pains that even a second campus must resolve. Let‘s look at the main the at look Let‘s resolve. must campus second a even that pains growing year first some still are there However, During the Pre-Classic period, the period, Pre-Classic the During

administrative issues, managing homestays, etc.) are eliminated when an existing school opens a second campus. second a opens school existing an when eliminated are etc.) homestays, managing issues, administrative

schools were part of an existing partner school. Many typical start-up problems (language program methodology, program (language problems start-up typical Many school. partner existing an of part were schools Progression of the Maya Civilization Maya the of Progression

several years before a school has proven itself before representing it but we made exceptions this year since these new these since year this exceptions made we but it representing before itself proven has school a before years several

Several of our key partner schools launched second or third campuses in year 2000. Normally, AmeriSpan would wait would AmeriSpan Normally, 2000. year in campuses third or second launched schools partner key our of Several

with private bathroom and air-conditioning. and bathroom private with New Schools: Growing Pains Growing Schools: New

receive an automatic homestay upgrade homestay automatic an receive

Price: $1,400 (register before May 1 May before (register $1,400 Price: and to learn Spanish. learn to

Co-Directors

speakers. Dates: July 1 - July 28, 2001. 28, July - 1 July Dates: speakers. relaxed and authentic environment authentic and relaxed

http://www.amerispan.com/au_store_fr.html

John Slocum & Dorioara Pinku Dorioara & Slocum John

advanced, superior and native Spanish native and superior advanced, location for students looking for a for looking students for location

taught in Spanish and is appropriate for appropriate is and Spanish in taught and that Flamingo is an excellent an is Flamingo that and our online store: online our We hope you enjoy this issue and we wish you a happy 2001! happy a you wish we and issue this enjoy you hope We

colonial towns. The entire program is program entire The towns. colonial school will continue to improve to continue will school The above CDs are either already available or will be very soon on soon very be will or available already either are CDs above The

AmeriSpan is confident that the that confident is AmeriSpan excursions to Mayan ruins, beaches and beaches ruins, Mayan to excursions winning website. winning

registered for this program. this for registered authors and related professionals as well as well as professionals related and authors * Afro-Peruvian Classics - The Soul of Black Peru Black of Soul The - Classics Afro-Peruvian * as all our Spanish programs, is available on our award- our on available is programs, Spanish our all as

dents more than initially expected initially than more dents most updated information about our Brazil programs, as well as programs, Brazil our about information updated most Activities include meeting contemporary meeting include Activities * Aterciopelados - Pipa de la Paz la de Pipa - Aterciopelados *

cover.

in Brazil and this issue’s “Country Close-up” is on Brazil. The Brazil. on is Close-up” “Country issue’s this and Brazil in 2000 because nearly 300 stu- 300 nearly because 2000 Too Good to Remove from the List! the from Remove to Good Too Mayan History & Latin American literature. American Latin & History Mayan

Café Atlantico album Atlantico Café Don’t forget that we are now offering Portuguese programs Portuguese offering now are we that forget Don’t overwhelming at times during year during times at overwhelming México every summer. Topics include Topics summer. every México

* Yo Yo Ma – Soul of the Tango the of Soul – Ma Yo Yo * foreign students, etc. It was a bit a was It etc. students, foreign sored by our partner school in Mérida, in school partner our by sored

article on the “growing pains” that affect language schools. language affect that pains” “growing the on article

* Millo Torres y El Tercer Planeta – Caminando – Planeta Tercer El y Torres Millo * how to comfortably deal with deal comfortably to how special content and tour program spon- program tour and content special

we give a candid review of the program and we have an have we and program the of review candid a give we

* Sergio Mendes – Brasileiro – Mendes Sergio * gain experience, homestays learn homestays experience, gain

The Yucatán Summer Spanish Institute is a is Institute Spanish Summer Yucatán The

program in 2001 than what had been projected. In this issue, this In projected. been had what than 2001 in program

some minor set backs as teachers as backs set minor some

with the fact that 3-4 times as many students attended the attended students many as times 3-4 that fact the with

Yucatán Summer Spanish Institute Spanish Summer Yucatán (Portuguese, Spanish and more!) and Spanish (Portuguese, school is open, there are always are there open, is school

Costa Rica. However, the school’s administration struggled administration school’s the However, Rica. Costa

The Runner-ups!! The 2000. During the first year that a that year first the During 2000.

The biggest program launch ever has been Flamingo Beach, Flamingo been has ever launch program biggest The

school just opened in January in opened just school

(Apr 15 - May 5). Price $1,570. Price 5). May - 15 (Apr

facilities are first rate, but the but rate, first are facilities by Carol LaMastra from AmeriSpan from LaMastra Carol by several sites of Mayan ruins. Mayan of sites several

into the course. Dates: San Joaquín de Flores de Joaquín San Dates: course. the into

The administration and the and administration The American literature and Mayan History including visits to visits including History Mayan and literature American -Highly Recommended -Highly

teer work. The volunteer work is integrated is work volunteer The work. teer Conclusion: advanced or higher Spanish speakers and focuses on Latin on focuses and speakers Spanish higher or advanced

tailored Spanish classes and hands-on volun- hands-on and classes Spanish tailored

in Mérida, México. This special content program is geared at geared is program content special This México. Mérida, in

Club, this is a must have!! must a is this Club,

B. Specially designed medical seminar with seminar medical designed Specially B.

are offering the Yucatán Summer Spanish Institute during July during Institute Spanish Summer Yucatán the offering are Flores (subject to availability). to (subject Flores

mood and somehow it all clicks. If you enjoy Buena Vista Music Vista Buena enjoy you If clicks. all it somehow and mood

to see the impressive ruins left by the Maya. As always, we always, As Maya. the by left ruins impressive the see to

Monteverde or San Joaquin de Joaquin San or Monteverde

cannot understand a single word she’s saying...you’ll just feel her feel just saying...you’ll she’s word single a understand cannot

courses taken continuosly. taken courses

Quetzaltenango) offer our participants the best opportunities best the participants our offer Quetzaltenango) one of the sister campuses in campuses sister the of one

$1,165 for one course or $2,200 for both for $2,200 or course one for $1,165 dies. It’s a treasure. You’ll fall in love with Cesaria even if you if even Cesaria with love in fall You’ll treasure. a It’s dies. in the Yucatán (Cancún & Mérida) and Guatemala (Antigua & (Antigua Guatemala and Mérida) & (Cancún Yucatán the in

fee, students are able to switch to switch to able are students fee,

19 - Mar 2) and Flamingo (Mar 5 – 16). Price: 16). – 5 (Mar Flamingo and 2) Mar - 19 centuries ago in Mexico and Central America. The programs The America. Central and Mexico in ago centuries joyed by all: cesaria evora: café atlantico. Relaxing but fresh melo- fresh but Relaxing atlantico. café evora: cesaria all: by joyed

With two weeks notice and a $50 a and notice weeks two With

finished your course. Dates: Monteverde (Feb Monteverde Dates: course. your finished

the mysterious Mayan Civilization that thrived over 10 over thrived that Civilization Mayan mysterious the

I went for the least obscure of the bunch. A CD that can be en- be can that CD A bunch. the of obscure least the for went I

Other Comments: Other

volunteer weeks for 2 weeks after you have you after weeks 2 for weeks volunteer As we start off 2001, we thought that we would reflect on reflect would we that thought we 2001, off start we As

volunteer work. You may do some optional some do may You work. volunteer TURES

just one album from a Brazilian artist was “mui dificil.” “mui was artist Brazilian a from album one just

THE BRIDGE BETWEEN CUL BETWEEN BRIDGE THE safari, etc. safari,

tailored Spanish classes and and classes Spanish tailored hands-on optional Hello Friends, Hello

out that I am more of a Latin music junkie than I realized. Choosing realized. I than junkie music Latin a of more am I that out craft village, other beaches, boat beaches, other village, craft A. Specially designed medical course with course medical designed Specially A.

volcanoes, rainforest, cloud forest, cloud rainforest, volcanoes, recently purchased faves featuring artists from that country. Turns country. that from artists featuring faves purchased recently

Costa Rica destinations such as such destinations Rica Costa in Costa Rica. Costa in programs in Brazil, I decided to rummage through a few of my of few a through rummage to decided I Brazil, in programs

courses geared towards Medical professionals Medical towards geared courses offered (extra cost) to typical to cost) (extra offered Caught up in the fever of AmeriSpan’s newly added Portuguese added newly AmeriSpan’s of fever the in up Caught

In 2001, we are offering several special several offering are we 2001, In On the weekends, excursions are excursions weekends, the On

Music Review Music

(continued from page 6) page from (continued Medical Programs & Seminars & Programs Medical Letter From The Editors: The From Letter

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THE TRANSLATOR THE UNLIMITED AMERISPAN 6 PAGE PAGE 3 PAGE UNLIMITED AMERISPAN TRANSLATOR THE • • • •

touch you. touch Europe.

it is not acceptable if men try to try men if acceptable not is it having 4 wives, African Americans African wives, 4 having winter of North America and America North of winter

ment so don‘t over-react. However, over-react. don‘t so ment

Muslims asked about their clothing or clothing their about asked Muslims helpful then contact AmeriSpan. contact then helpful Rica‘s summer and escape the escape and summer Rica‘s

students asked questions about Jesus, about questions asked students annoying at times, this is a compli- a is this times, at annoying

administration and if they aren‘t they if and administration minutes via the road. the via minutes homes come to enjoy Costa enjoy to come homes

AmeriSpan has heard it all! Jewish all! it heard has AmeriSpan you are tall and blond. Although a bit a Although blond. and tall are you

your feelings with the school‘s the with feelings your minutes via the beach and 45 and beach the via minutes the owners of the large beautiful large the of owners the

nearly 12,000 people abroad, people 12,000 nearly come from all directions, especially if especially directions, all from come

find yourself uncomfortable, discuss uncomfortable, yourself find

Walking to school takes 20 takes school to Walking

ber through Mid February when February Mid through ber

from your host family. After sending After family. host your from

whistles and hisses that seem to seem that hisses and whistles

should never stand for this. If you do you If this. for stand never should

towns of Potrero and Brausilito. and Potrero of towns

most crowded from mid-Decem- from crowded most

questions that may seem inappropriate seem may that questions women with “complimentary“ with women

(as in the rest of the world) and you and world) the of rest the in (as

are located in the nearby beach nearby the in located are

calm most of the year. The city is city The year. the of most calm

Catholic, not Latino looking? Expect looking? Latino not Catholic, show their appreciation for attractive for appreciation their show

are prejudice people in Latin America Latin in people prejudice are

laundry service. The homestays The service. laundry

and Flamingo remains relatively remains Flamingo and

Not Background: Ethnic/Religious Many Latin American men American Latin Many Women:

so don‘t get upset.. However, there However, upset.. get don‘t so

room, two meals daily and daily meals two room,

ploded as originally anticipated originally as ploded

and usually, have a better education better a have usually, and

Students receive a private a receive Students

the tourism market never ex- never market tourism the in a derogatory way. derogatory a in shouldn‘t. coming from a wealthier background, wealthier a from coming

Homestay:

were built at this time. However, time. this at built were references or nicknames are not used not are nicknames or references should get upset and when you when and upset get should insulting or derogatory way. You are You way. derogatory or insulting

and many large, beautiful homes beautiful large, many and Gordito“. The point is these types of types these is point The Gordito“. take a look at our guide to when you when to guide our at look a take nicknames or actions meant in an in meant actions or nicknames

more seasoned. more

overweight might be called “El called be might overweight Before you get upset or unnerved, or upset get you Before structure. Several upscale hotels upscale Several structure. Rarely are these type of questions, of type these are Rarely

Flamingo´s teachers become teachers Flamingo´s

Negro“ while people that are a little a are that people while Negro“ dealt with in an entirely different way. different entirely an in with dealt Conclusion erable investment to build infra- build to investment erable

school campuses until campuses school

African-Americans may be called “El called be may African-Americans beliefs and ethnic background is background ethnic and beliefs Costa Rica and attracted consid- attracted and Rica Costa

consider other Costa Rican Costa other consider

Mr. Fujimoro was of Japanese descent! Japanese of was Fujimoro Mr. the way a person looks, their religious their looks, person a way the wants to know. to wants next big tourist destination in destination tourist big next

serious“ students should students serious“

is not insulting in Latin America even if even America Latin in insulting not is “political correctness“ with regards to regards with correctness“ “political doesn‘t know the answer and just and answer the know doesn‘t

Beach was thought to be the be to thought was Beach

students indicate that “very that indicate students

unacceptable in the USA or Europe, it Europe, or USA the in unacceptable you are in a different culture and thus and culture different a in are you the reality is that the questioner the that is reality the

About 10 years ago, Flamingo ago, years 10 About

vations and feedback from our from feedback and vations

means the “Chinaman“. Although this is this Although “Chinaman“. the means questioner is prejudiced. However, prejudiced. is questioner The main thing to remember is that is remember to thing main The

local teachers. Our own obser- own Our teachers. local

their ex-President as “El Chino“ which Chino“ “El as ex-President their make you defensive or think the think or defensive you make ers to get uncomfortable or insulted. or uncomfortable get to ers

along the Guanacaste coast. Guanacaste the along campuses, to help augment the augment help to campuses,

traits or characteristics, and they can they and characteristics, or traits (including the newspapers) referred to referred newspapers) the (including can be misinterpeted causing foreign- causing misinterpeted be can

water is considered the best the considered is water “borrowed” from the two older two the from “borrowed”

questions are based on stereotypical on based are questions an individual. In Peru, the people the Peru, In individual. an lesser educated) deal with differences with deal educated) lesser

white sand beach and crystal blue crystal and beach sand white enced teachers have been have teachers enced

basketball, etc. Most of these of Most etc. basketball, based on the physical appearance of appearance physical the on based

which Latin Americans (especially, the (especially, Americans Latin which

(Continued on page 7) page on (Continued

at this new location. More experi- More location. new this at fisherman. Flamingo with its with Flamingo fisherman.

asked about hair or do they play they do or hair about asked Often nicknames are used are nicknames Often Looks: Sometimes the direct manner in manner direct the Sometimes

jet skis and offers scuba lessons. scuba offers and skis jet

less experienced and less trained less and experienced less by pelicans or an occasional an or pelicans by

water sport company that rents that company sport water

teachers based in Flamingo are Flamingo in based teachers windswept cover, disturbed only disturbed cover, windswept

Next to the school campus is a is campus school the to Next Cultural Adjustment: You don‘t look Latino! look don‘t You Adjustment: Cultural

and Monteverde. However, the However, Monteverde. and see while others are secreted in secreted are others while see

to nearby towns and beaches. and towns nearby to

campuses in San Joaquin de Flores de Joaquin San in campuses

stretching as far as the eye can eye the as far as stretching

dance or cooking classes to visits to classes cooking or dance

years at the school’s other school’s the at years

sweeping reaches of sand, of reaches sweeping

offered each week, ranging from ranging week, each offered

method that has been used for used been has that method

volcanic black. Some are long are Some black. volcanic

There are 2-3 organized activities organized 2-3 are There

ogy is exactly the same as the as same the exactly is ogy

www.internationalliving.com.

color from ivory white to shiny to white ivory from color

Residence in Flamingo Beach. Flamingo in Residence

The language program methodol- program language The To sign up for our free weekly e-letter, visit our web site, web our visit e-letter, weekly free our for up sign To

beautiful beaches, ranging in ranging beaches, beautiful plans to offer a special student special a offer to plans

For a subscription to International Living, please call 1-800-643-2479. call please Living, International to subscription a For Language Program: Language

By the summer of 2001, there are there 2001, of summer the By renown for its breathtakingly its for renown

about the same as a homestay). a as same the about

The province of Guanacaste is Guanacaste of province The

this year, there fore, come Panama and Nicaragua. and Panama come fore, there year, this

Costa Rican schools. Rican Costa

facilities (cost is (cost facilities kitchen provide

Location: seas,” this is a good place to start shopping. After Ecuador in our Index our in Ecuador After shopping. start to place good a is this seas,”

is more laid back than at other at than back laid more is

inexpensive hotels in Potrero that Potrero in hotels inexpensive

people are friendly. Generally speaking, if you’re looking to retire “over- retire to looking you’re if speaking, Generally friendly. are people

hot year round and thus the pace the thus and round year hot

to a hotel. There are several are There hotel. a to

sometimes absolutely cheap; the weather is warm and sunny; and the and sunny; and warm is weather the cheap; absolutely sometimes school

and Holland. Flamingo Beach is Beach Flamingo Holland. and

Americans: they’re nearby and easily accessible; they’re relatively and relatively they’re accessible; easily and nearby they’re Americans: conditions prompt them to switch to them prompt conditions

CPI-Flamingo, a Casa de Lenguas de Casa a CPI-Flamingo,

(18-35) and from North America North from and (18-35)

America. Countries in this part of the world have advantages for North for advantages have world the of part this in Countries America. tion and authenticity, or the basic the or authenticity, and tion

School:

Most participants are younger are participants Most

Four of the five countries in our Index are found in Central or South or Central in found are Index our in countries five the of Four either love the homestay interac- homestay the love either

the school. the

detailed on our website, www.InternationalLiving.com. website, our on detailed students indicates that students that indicates students

Costa Rica Costa

monkey‘s, etc.) wandering near wandering etc.) monkey‘s, year’s rankings for each country (in eight categories and overall) are overall) and categories eight (in country each for rankings year’s

Europe. Feedback from our from Feedback Europe.

Global Retirement Index, which this year considers 30 countries. This countries. 30 considers year this which Index, Retirement Global

Costa Rica‘s wildlife (iguanas, wildlife Rica‘s Costa

typical for North America and America North for typical

Flamingo Beach, Flamingo

And, once a year, we consider all the best options, at once, in our annual our in once, at options, best the all consider we year, a once And, mon for students to see some of some see to students for mon

living arrangements than what is what than arrangements living

try to answer this question in our monthly issues of International Living. International of issues monthly our in question this answer to try natural area and it is not uncom- not is it and area natural

bathrooms and more cramped more and bathrooms

Every day, people ask, where is the best place in the world to retire? We retire? to world the in place best the is where ask, people day, Every

behind the school is a protected a is school the behind

such as no hot water, sharing water, hot no as such

Retirement Index. Retirement

during class breaks. Directly breaks. class during

“creature comfort“ challenges comfort“ “creature

the second year running) takes top honors in International Living’s Global Living’s International in honors top takes running) year second the

door space for students to relax to students for space door

great interaction come some come interaction great When you consider all of this, it’s easy to understand why Ecuador (for Ecuador why understand to easy it’s this, of all consider you When

internet access and ample out- ample and access internet AmeriSpan program. With the With program. AmeriSpan the world’s best climates and some of the world’s sweetest people. sweetest world’s the of some and climates best world’s the

showers (see homestays), (see showers few countries are more beautiful. And, remember, Ecuador also has one of one has also Ecuador remember, And, beautiful. more are countries few homestay experiences of any of experiences homestay

kitchen/cafe, swimming pool, hot pool, swimming kitchen/cafe, better tax benefits, better infrastructure), but no country is cheaper. And cheaper. is country no but infrastructure), better benefits, tax better one of the most genuine most the of one

includes excellent classrooms, a classrooms, excellent includes Other countries may have other advantages (stronger, safer economies, safer (stronger, advantages other have may countries Other Costa Rican and offer students offer and Rican Costa

other regular expenses would be similarly reduced. similarly be would expenses regular other

was built within the last year and year last the within built was

Both of these towns are typical are towns these of Both

cost at least 50% what they cost where you’re living now. And your And now. living you’re where cost they what 50% least at cost

and the Marina. The entire facility entire The Marina. the and

tion to and from the homestays. the from and to tion

ride across the city costs $1. Living in Ecuador, your groceries would groceries your Ecuador, in Living $1. costs city the across ride

across the street from the Ocean the from street the across

school provides van transporta- van provides school

hour—or about $120 per month. A part-time maid can cost less. A taxi A less. cost can maid part-time A month. per $120 about hour—or

the town of Flamingo Beach Flamingo of town the

ent and buses are irregular, the irregular, are buses and ent

Ecuador is the cheapest country in the world. Labor is 75 cents an cents 75 is Labor world. the in country cheapest the is Ecuador

The school campus is located in located is campus school The Since taxis are virtually nonexist- virtually are taxis Since

Program Profile Program

Atmosphere:

Living’s 2000 Global Retirement Index. Retirement Global 2000 Living’s The Cheapest Country On Earth Takes Top Honors In International In Honors Top Takes Earth On Country Cheapest The

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Who Speaks Spanish Better? Country Close-Up: Brazil By: Ricardo González, CEO of Bilingual become harder to exchange cash Public Safety: Safe On many street corners in Bahia, America since the devaluation. It’s worth women wearing flowing white dresses And the answer is… havingl enough cash to tide you Health Risk: Low. sell acarajé, beans, mashed in salt and “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” over the weekend, when finding a onions and then fried in dendê oil. The Chagas’ disease, dengue fever, If you’re from Puerto Rico, (which I am!) malaria, meningitis, rabies, and change bureau, even in big cities, fried balls are filled with seafood, can be difficult. Gasoline $1.71/ manioc paste, dried shrimp, pepper Puerto Ricans do. yellow fever If you’re from Costa Rica, (my wife is!) Costa gal. and tomato sauce. Ricans do.

i If you’re from Mexico, Mexicans do. The Economy: If you’re from Argentina, Argentineans do... Weather & Nat. Phenomena: The US$= R$1.88(Plural Reais). Well you get the point! Brazilian winter is from June to GDP: US$921 billion We Hispanics are very nationalistic and August, with the coldest southern th World GDP ranking: 10 most of us think we speak better Spanish states receiving average winter GDP per head: US$5,675 than the nest “gallo” o “gallina”. (FYI – temperatures of between 13 and 18 Annual growth: 10% “Gallo” means “rooster” and “gallina”means degrees Celsius. In summer (Decem- “hen”.)The truth is, we speak a bit differ- Inflation: 16% ently, not better. ber to February), Rio is hot and Major industries: metal ores & humid, with temperatures in the products, transport equipment, A lot of people call us at Bilingual America high 30s; the rest of the year, z with this question… What type of Spanish soya beans, coffee, sugar temperatures hover around 25 do you teach? Major trading partners: EU, Central degrees. The north-east coast gets and South America, Asia, USA The answer… the type of Spanish that will as hot as Rio but is less humid and let you go to any Spanish-speaking stifling. In general, the highlands are country and communicate well with any Spanish-speaker. less hot and humid, and are prone Food: The staples of the Brazilian to summer rainfalls. The Amazon diet are white rice, black beans Let’s clear something up “ahora mismo”. Or is it “ahorita”as they say in Mexico and some other countries? Could a Mexican basin is the rainiest part of Brazil, and manioc flour, usually com- understand “ahora mismo”Of course. Could a Puerto Rican understand “ahorita”. Of course. So what does it matter which one you and while it is humid, temperatures bined with steak, chicken or fish. use? Muy poco, amigo. The point is that we communicate together, not who’s right and who’s wrong. This is not a moral issue. average a reasonable 27 degrees. Brazilian specialities include Spanish isn’t even a language! The language is called “Castellano”and has many different regional applications. The reason we

moqueca,a a seafood stew call it Spanish rather than Castellano is simple. “AmeriSpan” would have to change its name from “AmeriSpan”to “Americast”. Then flavoured with dendê oil and people would be confused… is this a place to order a cast for my broken arm or is this some sort of broadcast company, etc. So Travel Costs: Daily travel tudget: coconut milk; caruru, okra and now you why we say “Spanish”! Hotels: Budget room: US$5-20 other vegetables mixed with Seriously, we are dealing with regionalisms, not dialects. A dialect is a separate language that has been derived from another Moderate hotel: US$20-70 shrimp, onions and peppers; and Copacabana Beach, Río de Janero, Brazil language. It is not the same, not even close! Top-end hotel: US$70+. feijoada, a bean and meat stew. Restaurants: Budget meal: under In other words, Puerto Ricans have certain regionalisms that are “Puerto Rican.” Costa Ricans have regionalisms that are “Costa Rican”. PowerfulPPowerfulowwerfulerful US$10 Moderate restaurant meal: Recommended: Abroad View Magazine

US$10-20 Top-end restaurant meal: r Originally a magazine exclusively for Middlebury College students, As I mentioned, I am from Puerto Rico and my wife is from Costa Rica. We both speak US$20+. Credit cards are now Abroad View Magazine is now available by subscription or free at more “Castellano.” She speaks with some Costa Rican regionalisms; I speak with some e Puerto Ricans regionalisms. We understand each other perfectly. I should clarify that, o accepted all over Brazil. Visa is the than 50 college campuses. The magazine and related website is an we understand each other’s Spanish perfectly. There is this male, female thing that What’s an painless and powerful way best card to carry for cash ad- excellent source for students who will be traveling, studying, volun- gets in the way sometimes! to ’t vances. Changing cash and travel- teering or interning abroad. However, what struck us more was the travel or take a or ers’ checks is simple - there magazine‘s cultural articles which make Abroad View Magazine Here’s the deal. The differences in Spanish from county to country are no greater than . of the differences in English from region to region, or English-speaking country to current events as a are cambios in all but the tiniest different than other similar magazines. To check it out contact: English-speaking country. The fact is, if you’re from Birmingham and go to Boston, you these towns. Unfortunately, it has Abroad View could get by just fine. Did ya’all hear that? You do not have to learn “Bostonian”. Of you Email: [email protected] course, you would need to get a little adjusted, but no real big deal. start reading Web: www.amerispan.com If you learn “Castellano”(commonly referred to as Spanish) correctly you can go to ANY confidence. Refer Tel: 802-442-4827 Spanish-speaking country and get by very well. I speak with people from many tr the customized different Spanish-speaking countries and never have any problem communicating. As despué de ◊ needed falla nf long as you learn Spanish well, neither will you. llegó naves your y se acopl grow More Brazil Facts So, there are two things to remember here. • Population: 158.7 million • Location: Brazil is the world's fifth-largest B country, occupying almost half of the South American continent and 1. Learn Spanish well because if you don’t you won’t speak well with any • YOUR level – boosts comprehension! borders every country in South America, except for Chile and Ecuador. The Atlantic Ocean surrounds Brazil on the Spanish-speaking person. • Glossary – improves vocabulary! east border. 2. The next time someone from Spanish speaking country x tells you… • Area: 8,511,965 sq. km • Spoken Idioms & Grammar – increases fluency! • Weather: Chile’s weather is varied, it is temperate in the north and rainy, snowy and windy in the south. The ”That’s not how you say it, it’s really _____.” El PuentePPerspectivaerspectiva rainy season in the heartland is from May to August with temperatures averaging 10C (50F). January’s High-Beginning Spanish Intermediate Spanish temperatures average 28C (82F). Chilean Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego have summer averages of 11C (52F), You can tell them…… $39: 12 monthly issues $39: 12 monthly issues but have a major wind chill. ”Gracias, amigo.” In your mind you can think, “This person is so nationalistic E N S SERVICE • Languages: Portuguese PO BOX ASP F MA 01062-0478 • Capital: Brasilia (population 5,000,000) that it just bugs him to death that I would use an expression in “Castellano”that isn’t used in his country.” FREE BROCHURE with sample articles & glossary: • Religion: 90% Roman Catholic view online or call to request. • Ethnic Makeup: 55% European descent, 38% mulatto, 6% African descent (according to the 1980 census). PS – if you’re interested in learning Spanish well so that you can speak with any • Economy: GDP: US$921 billion and GDP annual growth $10% Spanish-speaker from any country, check out our website at www.ednews.com • Government: Federal republic • Electricity: 110 or 120V, 60 Hz in Rio and São Paulo www.bilingualamerica.com! 800-600-4494

PAGE 4 • AMERISPAN UNLIMITED • THE TRANSLATOR THE TRANSLATOR • AMERISPAN UNLIMITED • PAGE 5

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THE TRANSLATOR THE UNLIMITED AMERISPAN 6 PAGE PAGE 3 PAGE UNLIMITED AMERISPAN TRANSLATOR THE • • • •

touch you. touch Europe.

it is not acceptable if men try to try men if acceptable not is it having 4 wives, African Americans African wives, 4 having winter of North America and America North of winter

ment so don‘t over-react. However, over-react. don‘t so ment

Muslims asked about their clothing or clothing their about asked Muslims helpful then contact AmeriSpan. contact then helpful Rica‘s summer and escape the escape and summer Rica‘s

students asked questions about Jesus, about questions asked students annoying at times, this is a compli- a is this times, at annoying

administration and if they aren‘t they if and administration minutes via the road. the via minutes homes come to enjoy Costa enjoy to come homes

AmeriSpan has heard it all! Jewish all! it heard has AmeriSpan you are tall and blond. Although a bit a Although blond. and tall are you

your feelings with the school‘s the with feelings your minutes via the beach and 45 and beach the via minutes the owners of the large beautiful large the of owners the

nearly 12,000 people abroad, people 12,000 nearly come from all directions, especially if especially directions, all from come find yourself uncomfortable, discuss uncomfortable, yourself find

Walking to school takes 20 takes school to Walking

ber through Mid February when February Mid through ber

from your host family. After sending After family. host your from whistles and hisses that seem to seem that hisses and whistles should never stand for this. If you do you If this. for stand never should

towns of Potrero and Brausilito. and Potrero of towns

most crowded from mid-Decem- from crowded most

questions that may seem inappropriate seem may that questions women with “complimentary“ with women

(as in the rest of the world) and you and world) the of rest the in (as

are located in the nearby beach nearby the in located are

calm most of the year. The city is city The year. the of most calm

Catholic, not Latino looking? Expect looking? Latino not Catholic, show their appreciation for attractive for appreciation their show are prejudice people in Latin America Latin in people prejudice are

laundry service. The homestays The service. laundry

and Flamingo remains relatively remains Flamingo and

Not Background: Ethnic/Religious Many Latin American men American Latin Many Women: so don‘t get upset.. However, there However, upset.. get don‘t so

room, two meals daily and daily meals two room,

ploded as originally anticipated originally as ploded

and usually, have a better education better a have usually, and

Students receive a private a receive Students

the tourism market never ex- never market tourism the in a derogatory way. derogatory a in shouldn‘t. coming from a wealthier background, wealthier a from coming

Homestay:

more seasoned. more

Flamingo´s teachers become teachers Flamingo´s

school campuses until campuses school

African-Americans may be called “El called be may African-Americans beliefs and ethnic background is background ethnic and beliefs Costa Rica and attracted consid- attracted and Rica Costa

consider other Costa Rican Costa other consider

serious“ students should students serious“

Beach was thought to be the be to thought was Beach

students indicate that “very that indicate students

About 10 years ago, Flamingo ago, years 10 About

vations and feedback from our from feedback and vations

local teachers. Our own obser- own Our teachers. local

along the Guanacaste coast. Guanacaste the along campuses, to help augment the augment help to campuses,

water is considered the best the considered is water “borrowed” from the two older two the from “borrowed”

questions are based on stereotypical on based are questions an individual. In Peru, the people the Peru, In individual. an lesser educated) deal with differences with deal educated) lesser

white sand beach and crystal blue crystal and beach sand white enced teachers have been have teachers enced

basketball, etc. Most of these of Most etc. basketball, based on the physical appearance of appearance physical the on based which Latin Americans (especially, the (especially, Americans Latin which

(Continued on page 7) page on (Continued

at this new location. More experi- More location. new this at fisherman. Flamingo with its with Flamingo fisherman.

asked about hair or do they play they do or hair about asked Often nicknames are used are nicknames Often Looks: Sometimes the direct manner in manner direct the Sometimes

jet skis and offers scuba lessons. scuba offers and skis jet

less experienced and less trained less and experienced less by pelicans or an occasional an or pelicans by

water sport company that rents that company sport water

teachers based in Flamingo are Flamingo in based teachers windswept cover, disturbed only disturbed cover, windswept

Next to the school campus is a is campus school the to Next Cultural Adjustment: You don‘t look Latino! look don‘t You Adjustment: Cultural

and Monteverde. However, the However, Monteverde. and see while others are secreted in secreted are others while see

to nearby towns and beaches. and towns nearby to

campuses in San Joaquin de Flores de Joaquin San in campuses

stretching as far as the eye can eye the as far as stretching

dance or cooking classes to visits to classes cooking or dance

years at the school’s other school’s the at years

sweeping reaches of sand, of reaches sweeping

offered each week, ranging from ranging week, each offered

method that has been used for used been has that method

volcanic black. Some are long are Some black. volcanic

There are 2-3 organized activities organized 2-3 are There

ogy is exactly the same as the as same the exactly is ogy www.internationalliving.com.

color from ivory white to shiny to white ivory from color

Residence in Flamingo Beach. Flamingo in Residence

The language program methodol- program language The To sign up for our free weekly e-letter, visit our web site, web our visit e-letter, weekly free our for up sign To

beautiful beaches, ranging in ranging beaches, beautiful plans to offer a special student special a offer to plans

For a subscription to International Living, please call 1-800-643-2479. call please Living, International to subscription a For Language Program: Language

By the summer of 2001, there are there 2001, of summer the By renown for its breathtakingly its for renown

about the same as a homestay). a as same the about

The province of Guanacaste is Guanacaste of province The this year, there fore, come Panama and Nicaragua. and Panama come fore, there year, this

Costa Rican schools. Rican Costa

facilities (cost is (cost facilities kitchen provide

Location: seas,” this is a good place to start shopping. After Ecuador in our Index our in Ecuador After shopping. start to place good a is this seas,”

is more laid back than at other at than back laid more is

inexpensive hotels in Potrero that Potrero in hotels inexpensive people are friendly. Generally speaking, if you’re looking to retire “over- retire to looking you’re if speaking, Generally friendly. are people

hot year round and thus the pace the thus and round year hot

to a hotel. There are several are There hotel. a to sometimes absolutely cheap; the weather is warm and sunny; and the and sunny; and warm is weather the cheap; absolutely sometimes school

and Holland. Flamingo Beach is Beach Flamingo Holland. and

CPI-Flamingo, a Casa de Lenguas de Casa a CPI-Flamingo,

(18-35) and from North America North from and (18-35)

School:

Most participants are younger are participants Most

Four of the five countries in our Index are found in Central or South or Central in found are Index our in countries five the of Four either love the homestay interac- homestay the love either

the school. the detailed on our website, www.InternationalLiving.com. website, our on detailed students indicates that students that indicates students

Costa Rica Costa

Europe. Feedback from our from Feedback Europe.

Global Retirement Index, which this year considers 30 countries. This countries. 30 considers year this which Index, Retirement Global

Costa Rica‘s wildlife (iguanas, wildlife Rica‘s Costa

typical for North America and America North for typical

Flamingo Beach, Flamingo

living arrangements than what is what than arrangements living

bathrooms and more cramped more and bathrooms

Every day, people ask, where is the best place in the world to retire? We retire? to world the in place best the is where ask, people day, Every

behind the school is a protected a is school the behind

such as no hot water, sharing water, hot no as such

Retirement Index. Retirement

during class breaks. Directly breaks. class during

“creature comfort“ challenges comfort“ “creature the second year running) takes top honors in International Living’s Global Living’s International in honors top takes running) year second the

door space for students to relax to students for space door

great interaction come some come interaction great When you consider all of this, it’s easy to understand why Ecuador (for Ecuador why understand to easy it’s this, of all consider you When

other regular expenses would be similarly reduced. similarly be would expenses regular other

was built within the last year and year last the within built was

Both of these towns are typical are towns these of Both

cost at least 50% what they cost where you’re living now. And your And now. living you’re where cost they what 50% least at cost

and the Marina. The entire facility entire The Marina. the and

tion to and from the homestays. the from and to tion

ride across the city costs $1. Living in Ecuador, your groceries would groceries your Ecuador, in Living $1. costs city the across ride

across the street from the Ocean the from street the across

school provides van transporta- van provides school

hour—or about $120 per month. A part-time maid can cost less. A taxi A less. cost can maid part-time A month. per $120 about hour—or

the town of Flamingo Beach Flamingo of town the

ent and buses are irregular, the irregular, are buses and ent

Ecuador is the cheapest country in the world. Labor is 75 cents an cents 75 is Labor world. the in country cheapest the is Ecuador

The school campus is located in located is campus school The Since taxis are virtually nonexist- virtually are taxis Since

Program Profile Program

Atmosphere:

Living’s 2000 Global Retirement Index. Retirement Global 2000 Living’s The Cheapest Country On Earth Takes Top Honors In International In Honors Top Takes Earth On Country Cheapest The

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THE TRANSLATOR THE UNLIMITED AMERISPAN 2 PAGE PAGE 7 PAGE UNLIMITED AMERISPAN TRANSLATOR THE • • • •

classrooms.

Civilization.

www.parlo.com today! visit

because the current owner of the building wouldn‘t agree to provide a longer lease if the school constructed new constructed school the if lease longer a provide to agree wouldn‘t building the of owner current the because

the 1500’s snuffed out the Maya the out snuffed 1500’s the

period. The Spanish Conquest in Conquest Spanish The period.

barter by sea grew during this during grew sea by barter

in Flamingo was busy building classrooms during June. Our new program in Puerto La Cruz was delayed almost a year a almost delayed was Cruz La Puerto in program new Our June. during classrooms building busy was Flamingo in

the Toltec invasion. Trade and Trade invasion. Toltec the

Overwhelmed by a higher than expected enrollment, our partner our enrollment, expected than higher a by Overwhelmed . issues other illustrate to examples few a are Here

Mayan cities rose and fell due to due fell and rose cities Mayan

In the Yucatán Peninsula, several Peninsula, Yucatán the In

ward moments is a smile! a is moments ward

plus music, magazines, dictionaries, chat dictionaries, magazines, music, plus writing,

water in the shower, or worry about you if you miss a meal or come home late. The best cure for mix-ups or awk- or mix-ups for cure best The late. home come or meal a miss you if you about worry or shower, the in water

point of the Mayan Civilization. Mayan the of point teaching staff. teaching

. e r o l p x Explore. E . n r a e Learn. L . n on. o g o Log L

issues: first Maya villages and cities were cities and villages Maya first

with private bathroom and air-conditioning. and bathroom private with New Schools: Growing Pains Growing Schools: New

receive an automatic homestay upgrade homestay automatic an receive

Price: $1,400 (register before May 1 May before (register $1,400 Price: and

to learn Spanish. learn to

Co-Directors

speakers. Dates: July 1 - July 28, 2001. 28, July - 1 July Dates: speakers. relaxed and authentic environment authentic and relaxed

http://www.amerispan.com/au_store_fr.html

John Slocum & Dorioara Pinku Dorioara & Slocum John

advanced, superior and native Spanish native and superior advanced, location for students looking for a for looking students for location

taught in Spanish and is appropriate for appropriate is and Spanish in taught and that Flamingo is an excellent an is Flamingo that and

our online store: online our We hope you enjoy this issue and we wish you a happy 2001! happy a you wish we and issue this enjoy you hope We

AmeriSpan is confident that the that confident is AmeriSpan excursions to Mayan ruins, beaches and beaches ruins, Mayan to excursions winning website. winning

cover.

* Yo Yo Ma – Soul of the Tango the of Soul – Ma Yo Yo * foreign students, etc. It was a bit a was It etc. students, foreign sored by our partner school in Mérida, in school partner our by sored

article on the “growing pains” that affect language schools. language affect that pains” “growing the on article

we give a candid review of the program and we have an have we and program the of review candid a give we

* Sergio Mendes – Brasileiro – Mendes Sergio * gain experience, homestays learn homestays experience, gain

The Yucatán Summer Spanish Institute is a is Institute Spanish Summer Yucatán The

program in 2001 than what had been projected. In this issue, this In projected. been had what than 2001 in program

some minor set backs as teachers as backs set minor some

with the fact that 3-4 times as many students attended the attended students many as times 3-4 that fact the with

Yucatán Summer Spanish Institute Spanish Summer Yucatán (Portuguese, Spanish and more!) and Spanish (Portuguese, school is open, there are always are there open, is school

Costa Rica. However, the school’s administration struggled administration school’s the However, Rica. Costa

The Runner-ups!! The 2000. During the first year that a that year first the During 2000.

The biggest program launch ever has been Flamingo Beach, Flamingo been has ever launch program biggest The

school just opened in January in opened just school

(Apr 15 - May 5). Price $1,570. Price 5). May - 15 (Apr

facilities are first rate, but the but rate, first are facilities by Carol LaMastra from AmeriSpan from LaMastra Carol by several sites of Mayan ruins. Mayan of sites several

into the course. Dates: San Joaquín de Flores de Joaquín San Dates: course. the into

The administration and the and administration The American literature and Mayan History including visits to visits including History Mayan and literature American -Highly Recommended -Highly

teer work. The volunteer work is integrated is work volunteer The work. teer Conclusion: advanced or higher Spanish speakers and focuses on Latin on focuses and speakers Spanish higher or advanced

tailored Spanish classes and hands-on volun- hands-on and classes Spanish tailored

in Mérida, México. This special content program is geared at geared is program content special This México. Mérida, in

Club, this is a must have!! must a is this Club,

B. Specially designed medical seminar with seminar medical designed Specially B.

are offering the Yucatán Summer Spanish Institute during July during Institute Spanish Summer Yucatán the offering are Flores (subject to availability). to (subject Flores

mood and somehow it all clicks. If you enjoy Buena Vista Music Vista Buena enjoy you If clicks. all it somehow and mood

to see the impressive ruins left by the Maya. As always, we always, As Maya. the by left ruins impressive the see to

Monteverde or San Joaquin de Joaquin San or Monteverde

cannot understand a single word she’s saying...you’ll just feel her feel just saying...you’ll she’s word single a understand cannot

courses taken continuosly. taken courses

Quetzaltenango) offer our participants the best opportunities best the participants our offer Quetzaltenango)

one of the sister campuses in campuses sister the of one

fee, students are able to switch to switch to able are students fee,

With two weeks notice and a $50 a and notice weeks two With

finished your course. Dates: Monteverde (Feb Monteverde Dates: course. your finished

the mysterious Mayan Civilization that thrived over 10 over thrived that Civilization Mayan mysterious the

I went for the least obscure of the bunch. A CD that can be en- be can that CD A bunch. the of obscure least the for went I

Other Comments: Other

volunteer weeks for 2 weeks after you have you after weeks 2 for weeks volunteer As we start off 2001, we thought that we would reflect on reflect would we that thought we 2001, off start we As

volunteer work. You may do some optional some do may You work. volunteer TURES

just one album from a Brazilian artist was “mui dificil.” “mui was artist Brazilian a from album one just

THE BRIDGE BETWEEN CUL BETWEEN BRIDGE THE safari, etc. safari,

tailored Spanish classes and and classes Spanish tailored hands-on optional Hello Friends, Hello

volcanoes, rainforest, cloud forest, cloud rainforest, volcanoes, recently purchased faves featuring artists from that country. Turns country. that from artists featuring faves purchased recently

In 2001, we are offering several special several offering are we 2001, In On the weekends, excursions are excursions weekends, the On

Music Review Music

(continued from page 6) page from (continued Medical Programs & Seminars & Programs Medical Letter From The Editors: The From Letter

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Winter 2000/2001 AmeriSpan: Off The Wire Issue XIV

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