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Renovating Your Writing

LangMag Review Kallan

Carving Words

Renovating Your Writing: Shaping Ideas into Clear, Concise, and Compelling Messages
Richard Kallan
ISBN-10: 020525439X • ISBN-13: 9780205254392
(c)2013 • Pearson, White Plains, NY

Writing successfully is often a challenging task, one that many people struggle with throughout their careers and lives. In school, students are taught a specific format for writing and revising papers. Out of school, writers are faced with many other types of writing needs that can be taxing and difficult to master. Whether you are writing or revising an essay for a class, drafting a business proposal, or trying to engage in creative activities, writing can prove to be a frustrating and complex process, one that requires precision, time and thought. Richard Kallan’s text breaks down the difficult and often daunting task of writing by providing clear and effective strategies, explanations, and exercises. Renovating Your Writing serves as a useful tool in and outside of the classroom setting, one that offers a detailed insight into the methods of writing, drafting, and revising, of using particular grammatical functions, of creating concise sentences, and more.

Each chapter outlines a particular writing function, offering definitions and simple explanations and providing helpful hints and exercises that allow readers to apply theory to practice. Kallan affirms that the text is designed to hone the skill of a writer who has prior experience with writing but is looking for improvement and mastery. He notes that successful writing takes years of practice and his text serves as a working tool designed to offer tips and strategies that can increase the quality of writing and revising.

Kallan divides the text into two main parts, each of which is separated into chapters with clever titles such as “State Your Purpose Like You Mean It,” “Build Them (Paragraphs) Right and They (Readers) Will Come,” and “Drive Home Your Message: Format Your Document.” Avoiding complicated or coded language, the author offers a non-threatening view of the writing process. His easy-to-follow explanations, numerous examples, and practical strategies encourage the reader to consider effective writing as a feasible and engaging activity.

Part one focuses on the construction of sentences and paragraphs and explains how to make them concise and clear, emphasizing the importance of tightening up a sentence or paragraph while retaining the meaning. Part one also stresses the importance of writing direct statements using active words that result in stronger, clearer, and more coherent sentences. Each chapter in part one provides examples of poorly constructed paragraphs along with their revisions, giving the reader an idea of how well-structured sentences and paragraphs should read. Kallan also discusses the importance of sentence structure for creating an effectively organized paragraph or essay. Part two examines the use of punctuation, clarifies the protocol of writing emails, provides a system to gauge a writer’s skill level, and offers guidance for short story creation.

The value of Kallan’s text resides in its comprehensive approach to writing as an activity inherent to many spheres: academic, professional, and private. He utilizes a clear, informal writing style that allows readers to follow his methods and strategies effortlessly. Kallan’s helpful and easy-to-follow tips bestow confidence on those writers who might be hesitant when learning how to improve their writing. Renovating Your Writing is a relevant and useful text, one that focuses on the rewarding benefits of writing successfully. Kallan’s text is insightful and well structured, offering readers comprehensible rules and tactics to improve their skills in the process and production of writing.

Cristina Fucaloro is an English MA candidate with options in literature and rhetoric/composition at California Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Do you want RESPECT?

Today, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is releasing the Obama Administration’s blueprint for elevating and transforming the teaching profession, also known as the Blueprint for RESPECT (Recognizing Educational Success, Professional Excellence, and Collaborative Teaching). The far-reaching proposals include more flexibility over the school day, the school year, the classroom set up, seniority structures, the grade-according-to-age system, leadership roles, and pay scales.

RESPECT was first launched in February of 2012 as a national conversation on the teaching profession, shortly after the President committed to support the development of a new, comprehensive teacher policy in his state of the union address.

Since then, the Department has engaged more than 5,700 educators nationwide to develop and refine a vision of teaching and leading that will help both teachers and students to meet the new, 21st century demands being placed on them.
“Our nation’s educators are entrusted with a responsibility that’s impossible to overstate—which is nothing less than to prepare their students, and our children, for the future,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “We heard from thousands of teachers from across the country who contributed their time and creative ideas to help the RESPECT blueprint reflect their own vision for the teaching profession. With this blueprint, together we can work to elevate the profession through competitive salaries, transforming professional development and career opportunities, and relying on the expertise of teachers to advance educational practice and improve outcomes for students.”

The RESPECT Blueprint suggests seven key components of a transformed teaching profession:
• A Culture of Shared Responsibility and Leadership
• Top Talent, Prepared for Success
• Continuous Growth and Professional Development
• Effective Teachers and Principals
• A Professional Career Continuum with Competitive Compensation
• Conditions for Successful Teaching and Learning
• Engaged Communities

It further identifies ways that this work will continue to be integrated into the Department’s existing policies and calls the field to take action to work toward the RESPECT vision.

President Obama is asking for a $5 billion investment from Congress to support a RESPECT grant program outlined in the blueprint, including salaries for the teaching profession competitive with professions like architecture, medicine and law, more support for novice teachers, and more career opportunities for accomplished teachers. Special mention is made of the need to provide incentives for English language teachers.

In tandem with the release of the blueprint, the Department has re-launched ED’s educator homepage to include new information about the RESPECT initiative, including the blueprint document (both PDF and e-book formats), a description of how educators provided input, and video of teachers describing their connection with the RESPECT vision. The site also includes resources to help stakeholders take action, including a self-inventory to assess one’s own school or district on the seven critical components of RESPECT.

Visit http://www.ed.gov/teaching for more information.
Let us know what you think of the blueprint by commenting!

First International Conference on Bilingual Education in a Globalized World

Alcalá de Henares, Spain, May 9-11, 2013

Instituto Franklin-UAH will host the First International Conference on Bilingual Education in a Globalized World: Comparison between Spain and the United States. This conference aims to be an open forum for debate among specialists and people interested in education, bilingualism and its relationship with other social, cultural, political, economic, linguistic and pedagogical issues.

The conference is organized around different themes:

Economic aspects: how are bilingual programs financed in the US and Spain; governmental institutions that participate and how; how will bilingualism be financed in the future?
Political aspects: the politics of bilingualism in the US and Spain, election campaigns and bilingualism, immigration and bilingualism.

Social and cultural aspects: changes in the American and Spanish societies due to bilingualism; the challenges that families face and how they are dealing with them.

Linguistic aspects: teaching American – British English in Spain; teaching Peninsular and Latin American Spanish in the US. Spanglish.

Psychopedagogical aspects: methods of bilingual education; new technologies; quality seals, learning psychology, methods and models of learning new languages.
Click here for more

$300 Million International Scholarship Program in China

Stephen A. Schwarzman, founder of financial services giant Blackstone, has announced a $100 million (¥600 million) personal gift to build and endow an elite scholarship program in China A simultaneous fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $200 million (¥1.2 billion) will make the program the largest charitable effort in China’s history with funds coming largely from outside the country. The “Schwarzman Scholars” program will be housed at Tsinghua University in Beijing, one of China’s most prestigious universities, dedicated to academic excellence and integrity, and the interaction between Chinese and Western cultures.

Schwarzman Scholars will support 200 students annually for a one-year Master’s program at Tsinghua University under the direction of Dean David Daokui Li, a prominent Chinese economist and former member of China’s currency board. Students will hail predominantly from the U.S., but also from Europe, South Korea, Japan, India and other areas of the globe. Students will live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion, attending lectures by heads of state, traveling throughout the country, and developing a true understanding of China.

The first class of students is slated for 2016, upon the completion of Schwarzman College, a residential building designed specifically for the program. The admissions season will open in 2015.

Schwarzman claims to have been inspired by the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship program created in 1902 by British statesman Cecil J. Rhodes, “When Cecil J. Rhodes created the Rhodes Scholarship program in 1902 to promote international understanding, Europe was at the center of gravity for the world’s economy, and the United States, the British Empire and Germany were the world’s most influential global players. While the 20th century was defined by U.S. ties to Europe, there is no question that the nature of China’s international relationships will play at least as important a role in this century.”

He continued, “China’s economy is growing at three times the rate of the West, and if that growth continues, China will become the largest economy in the world within the next couple of decades. Disproportionate levels of growth often create global imbalances and tensions, which will need to be addressed in the decades ahead. Looking to the future, it is crucial that both countries and others around the world work hard to build on a foundation of interdependence, to foster stronger and deeper relationships, and to develop a real and full understanding of each other’s cultures among the next generations of business and political leaders. In the 21st century, China is no longer an elective course, it’s core curriculum.
“For the West, this means developing a far richer and more nuanced understanding of China’s social, political and economic context. A win-win relationship of mutual respect between the West and China is vital, benefiting Asia and the rest of the world, and enhancing economic ties that could lead to a new era of mutual prosperity.

“Leveraging the world-class resources and talented people at Tsinghua University, one of China’s most prestigious universities, the program will bring together an exceptional group of students who, we hope, will one day have the power to change the course of history.”
Honorary embers of Schwarzman Scholars advisory board include Tony Blair, Nicolas Sarkozy, Henry Kissinger, Condoleeza Rice, Colin Powell, Brian Mulroney, Kevin Rudd, and Tung CheeHwa, vice chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Lakota Present Genocide Complaint to UN

“In one lifetime, the number of Lakota speakers has dropped 75 percent,” states the Complaint. “There have been no new Lakota speakers in three generations. There are 6,000 to 8,000 Lakota language speakers left.”

Last week, Lakota elders, activists and supporters marched through New York to the United Nations, where they attempted to present a petition to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. Entitled the Official Lakota Oyate Complaint of Genocide Based on the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the petition listed the numerous injustices faced by the Lakota people. (Oyate is a Sioux word for “people” or “nation.”)

At the UN, security officers told them that they would not be able to enter the building and present the complaint.


Click here for more

States of Spanish

Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau explain why the U.S. has its own, recognized variety of Spanish

8th International Conference on Language Teacher Education

The 8th International Conference on Language Teacher Education (LTE 2013), organized by the National Capital Language Resource Center (NCLRC), will be held in Washington, DC from May 30-June 1, 2013.

Designed for practitioners and researchers involved in the preparation and ongoing professional development of language teachers, LTE 2013 will address the education of teachers of all languages, at all instructional and institutional levels, and in many national and international contexts in which this takes place, including:

* English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) instruction;

* foreign/modern/world language teaching;

* bilingual education;

* immersion education;

* indigenous and minority language education; and

* the teaching of less commonly taught languages.

The conference aims to bring together teacher educators from these contexts to discuss and share research, theory, and best practices and to initiate and sustain a meaningful professional dialogue across languages, levels, and settings.

Pre-Conference Workshops will run from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:30 – 4:30 PM on Thursday, May 30, 2013. The Opening Plenary and Reception will follow at 5:00 PM.

Visit our PD page for training options

States of Spanish

Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau explain why the U.S. has its own, recognized variety of Spanish

Ten years ago, it was still common in the U.S. to hear Spanish described as a “foreign” language. But those days are over. Hispanic scholars and language teachers are now witnessing the rise of an authentic U.S. variety of Spanish.

The shift really got underway in 2003 when the U.S. government decided to create a Spanish-language version of its official website, FirstGov en español, now renamed gobiernoUSA.gov. Since 2009, it has received the help of an obscure group of academics based in New York City: the Academia Norteamericana de la Lengua Española (The North American Academy of the Spanish Language, or ANLE). Hardly anyone had heard about ANLE at the time, probably because few imagined there was any such thing as recognized “U.S. Spanish.”

So what role does the Academy play in this? And more importantly, why does the U.S. — where Spanish is the language of a minority — need its own Spanish language academy in the first place?

The U.S. is already part of the club of Spanish-speaking nations.

To read the complete story, click here.

Costa Rica Tuanis

Franny Brogan on the pura vida of Costa Rica

Because of the diversity of experiences it offers, Costa Rica is a sort of utopia for the outdoor enthusiast. Within the small country, travel from San José to any destination — prominent or secluded — is quick and easy. To the north, the cloud forest of Monteverde offers the classic Costa Rican activities of hiking, zip-lining, and bathing in natural hot springs with an unobstructed view of the nearby Arenal Volcano. On the Pacific coast, one encounters picturesque beaches and optimal swimming conditions. In the tiny town of Montezuma, you will hike to the water holes and waterfalls hidden in the posterior mountains or take a run along a beach path that extends for miles along the exquisite coast. A short bus ride away is Mal País, where surf is king and the juxtaposition of forest and expansive ocean is a sight to be reckoned with. The Caribbean coast offers a distinct experience, strongly defined by the town of Puerto Viejo — where Rasta culture reigns — and Tortuguero, the tiny island and key nesting home to various species of sea turtles. In the Caribbean, more than elsewhere, the pura vida mentality holds sway, and every other word seems to be tuanis, a term borrowed and adapted from the English phrase “too nice.” However, it is not just the perfect waves, water temperature, or breathtaking coastline that is ultimately unforgettable: each town has its own character and charm; each offers you a experience distinct from the one before or after.

Contrary to popular belief, English is not widely spoken in Costa Rica, especially in San José, Heredia, and other larger cities, making it an ideal site for Spanish-language immersion. While many locals in coastal towns speak limited English in order to cater to the tourist population, Spanish is always the initial and preferred method of communication. Students of all ages will find their cultural niches, from dance classes in traditional Costa Rican cumbia to the vibrant nightlife to the opportunity to join weekend running and cycling groups.

Here are some excellent options for study in Costa Rica

Nosara Spanish Institute
Nosara Spanish Institute (NSI) offers structured intensive Spanish and English language programs at the Playas of Nosara, a small, culturally rich and stunningly beautiful coastal surf town in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Home to the Nosara Yoga Institute, along with several other retreat centers, yoga studios, and restaurants offering raw and organic food, Nosara also draws an array of spiritual seekers and yoga enthusiasts. NSI offers Spanish programs for teenagers and adults in groups or individually. Local Ticos take English classes on the same campus. Classes are organized in small, efficient groups and are led by university-certified and experienced instructors in comfortable facilities. Lessons are always taught in the target language, providing a total immersion environment. NSI uses a communicative teaching methodology, where the main goal is the improvement of the student’s communication skills, encouraging spontaneous and creative use of the language, using real-life situations and activities that teach the language in the way that it is actually used in daily life. Depending on the intentions of the student, classes can also be customized around professional needs, such as business or medical terminology. The bilingual courses at NSI provide ample opportunities for intercultural exchange activities, which are consistently scheduled and frequently promoted at the school and around the area, providing students with unforgettable experiences and many new friends. Homestay programs and volunteer opportunities are also available through community, cultural, and environmental organizations of which NSI is a proud member.

Academia Columbus
Academia Columbus Costa Rica is located in the charming town of Santo Domingo de Heredia, situated between San José and Heredia in the heart of Central America. The town has a population of 60,000 inhabitants who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. With its park, beautiful churches, and quiet streets, Santo Domingo is a lovely little town where you will also find various bars, restaurants, and pubs to keep you entertained in the evenings. Santo Domingo is situated in the center of the Valle Central (Central Valley), but is a short bus ride away from the busy center of San José. The ideal location of the village of Santo Domingo makes it a great starting point for tours all around the country. The nearby university city of Heredia has a population of 180,000 inhabitants and a vibrant student community. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, cinemas, and shops all around this area. However, the city still manages to retain a small-town feel to it; it is not too bustling, and you can still find your way around with ease. Heredia is also famous for its many small, beautiful parks. The surrounding province has numerous coffee plantations and the Poas and Barva Volcanoes. Academia Columbus has a wide variety of Spanish courses that they offer students from all over the world, boasting over 28 different nationalities in a year at Academia Columbus. There is no maximum age limit. Every Monday, new courses start for all levels (except absolute beginners). Their general course is the Intensive Spanish course in mini groups (max. 5 students; average 3) of 20 lessons per week or their Super Intensive course of 30 lessons per week. They also provide individual classes for those students who want to learn at their own pace. The Intensive Plus course is a combination course of 20 lessons of general Spanish in mini-groups, plus ten lessons per week of individual lessons. Students can enroll for general Spanish or for specialized Spanish such as business, literature, law, or medicine. Academia Columbus also has Spanish and more, including Spanish and culture, Spanish and dance, and Spanish and cooking. The DELE (Diploma for Spanish as a Foreign Language) is an internationally recognized official qualification with permanent validity, and Academia Columbus offers prep courses. The DELE is very useful for any student who wants to have formal proof of their achieved Spanish level and especially for those who want to study at university or work in Spanish-speaking countries. Academia Columbus also affords the opportunity to book an internship or volunteering project with them. By doing this they can practice their Spanish in a work environment, and meanwhile they will gain a valuable item for their CV, which is ever more important in this competitive world.

IMAC Costa Rica
Costa Rica is becoming a growing location to study Spanish, and IMAC offers four exceptional schools located in San Jose, Alajuela, Jaco Beach, and Coronado. Every location has developed its own classroom methodology to develop the students’ communicative skills. These Spanish courses are customized for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced, starting any Monday all year round. The students have the option of taking group lessons of 20 hours per week during the mornings in a classroom no larger than five students. Private lessons are also available and ideal for learners who have special learning needs. The courses can be arranged to follow general Spanish practice or can be customized to meet any particular area of interest for linguistic or professional development. Costa Rica, better know as the “Rich Coast” of Central America, is an adventure playground of tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, cascading rivers, deep blue lakes, millions of species of flora and fauna, and much more. Given this incredible natural diversity within such a small space, it is hard to see how any trip to Costa Rica can be anything less than a fantastic eco-adventure.

Centro Panamericano de Idiomas
Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI) offers three fully equipped and staffed campuses in three select locations: the quaint traditional town of San Joaquin de Flores (CPI Heredia), the lush cloud forest (CPI Monteverde), and the spectacular Guanacaste coast (CPI Flamingo). Small classes organized according to linguistic level, accommodations including homestay and student residences, cultural activities, and touristic adventures provide for a complete educational travel experience. An additional available component is participation in CPI-organized volunteerships; since opening its doors 22 years ago, CPI has maintained a solid commitment to community involvement by directly organizing volunteer opportunities or working in collaboration with grassroot NGOs. Volunteerships are available at each CPI site for both individual students and student groups (primary, middle, high school, and university). Participants play a direct and active role in supporting local, marginalized populations by working on projects which benefit both communities and individuals; projects include but are not limited to beautification of community institutions, such as public schools and clinics, through painting, gardening and/or building playgrounds; literacy programs; home expansions for low-income families; trail maintenance of protected reserves; and free English tutoring.

Living Routes
Living Routes at the Monteverde Institute offers fully accredited and academically rigorous study abroad programs based in sustainable communities that also offer a service learning component as part of the program. The blend of hands-on academic learning and community work offers students a capstone project they can turn into a portfolio of their work, as well as employable skills from real-world experience. The Monteverde Institute is based in San Luis, Monteverde, in the bosque nuboso (cloud forest), a rare forest that occurs within tropical, mountainous environments where the atmospheric conditions allow for a consistent cover of clouds. It is also a sustainable community working towards becoming completely socially, economically, and ecologically sustainable. Their signature International Development and Social Justice program offers credits that are transferable from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. At Monteverde, students become immersed in Tico culture as they engage in the point of intersection between issues of economic, environmental, and community sustainability.

Teach English in Costa Rica
Via Lingua provides international TEFL certificate courses in many of the world’s most popular teaching destinations. With courses in 15 countries, Via Lingua is one of the world’s largest global TEFL course providers. Via Lingua professional training programs are designed to reflect and support the current knowledge base and effective best practices in education. Via Lingua educates students for global citizenship and responsible leadership as teachers of English as a foreign language, empowering graduates to pursue meaningful lives and productive careers by sharing language and culture. Via Lingua is located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Once a quiet fishing hamlet, it has evolved to be the area’s most accessible town for visitors. Located on the central west coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo offers travelers a chance to experience the region’s unspoiled beaches and incredible biodiversity in an environment that still retains the natural, relaxed vibe so characteristic of the region. Separated from Tamarindo by the Río Matapalo is Playa Grande, where surfing is ideal — regardless of skill level. The town hosts several international surf competitions, a testament to the quality of surf available. Visitors will not want to miss the pristine white-sand beaches near the Río San Francisco.

Franny Brogan is a graduate student in Spanish linguistics at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Costa Rica Tuanis

Franny Brogan on the pura vida of Costa Rica

Because of the diversity of experiences it offers, Costa Rica is a sort of utopia for the outdoor enthusiast. Within the small country, travel from San José to any destination — prominent or secluded — is quick and easy. To the north, the cloud forest of Monteverde offers the classic Costa Rican activities of hiking, zip-lining, and bathing in natural hot springs with an unobstructed view of the nearby Arenal Volcano. On the Pacific coast, one encounters picturesque beaches and optimal swimming conditions. In the tiny town of Montezuma, you will hike to the water holes and waterfalls hidden in the posterior mountains or take a run along a beach path that extends for miles along the exquisite coast. A short bus ride away is Mal País, where surf is king and the juxtaposition of forest and expansive ocean is a sight to be reckoned with. The Caribbean coast offers a distinct experience, strongly defined by the town of Puerto Viejo — where Rasta culture reigns — and Tortuguero, the tiny island and key nesting home to various species of sea turtles. In the Caribbean, more than elsewhere, the pura vida mentality holds sway, and every other word seems to be tuanis, a term borrowed and adapted from the English phrase “too nice.” However, it is not just the perfect waves, water temperature, or breathtaking coastline that is ultimately unforgettable: each town has its own character and charm; each offers you a experience distinct from the one before or after.

Contrary to popular belief, English is not widely spoken in Costa Rica, especially in San José, Heredia, and other larger cities, making it an ideal site for Spanish-language immersion. While many locals in coastal towns speak limited English in order to cater to the tourist population, Spanish is always the initial and preferred method of communication. Students of all ages will find their cultural niches, from dance classes in traditional Costa Rican cumbia to the vibrant nightlife to the opportunity to join weekend running and cycling groups.

Here are some excellent options for study in Costa Rica

Nosara Spanish Institute
Nosara Spanish Institute (NSI) offers structured intensive Spanish and English language programs at the Playas of Nosara, a small, culturally rich and stunningly beautiful coastal surf town in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Home to the Nosara Yoga Institute, along with several other retreat centers, yoga studios, and restaurants offering raw and organic food, Nosara also draws an array of spiritual seekers and yoga enthusiasts. NSI offers Spanish programs for teenagers and adults in groups or individually. Local Ticos take English classes on the same campus. Classes are organized in small, efficient groups and are led by university-certified and experienced instructors in comfortable facilities. Lessons are always taught in the target language, providing a total immersion environment. NSI uses a communicative teaching methodology, where the main goal is the improvement of the student’s communication skills, encouraging spontaneous and creative use of the language, using real-life situations and activities that teach the language in the way that it is actually used in daily life. Depending on the intentions of the student, classes can also be customized around professional needs, such as business or medical terminology. The bilingual courses at NSI provide ample opportunities for intercultural exchange activities, which are consistently scheduled and frequently promoted at the school and around the area, providing students with unforgettable experiences and many new friends. Homestay programs and volunteer opportunities are also available through community, cultural, and environmental organizations of which NSI is a proud member.

Academia Columbus
Academia Columbus Costa Rica is located in the charming town of Santo Domingo de Heredia, situated between San José and Heredia in the heart of Central America. The town has a population of 60,000 inhabitants who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. With its park, beautiful churches, and quiet streets, Santo Domingo is a lovely little town where you will also find various bars, restaurants, and pubs to keep you entertained in the evenings. Santo Domingo is situated in the center of the Valle Central (Central Valley), but is a short bus ride away from the busy center of San José. The ideal location of the village of Santo Domingo makes it a great starting point for tours all around the country. The nearby university city of Heredia has a population of 180,000 inhabitants and a vibrant student community. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, cinemas, and shops all around this area. However, the city still manages to retain a small-town feel to it; it is not too bustling, and you can still find your way around with ease. Heredia is also famous for its many small, beautiful parks. The surrounding province has numerous coffee plantations and the Poas and Barva Volcanoes. Academia Columbus has a wide variety of Spanish courses that they offer students from all over the world, boasting over 28 different nationalities in a year at Academia Columbus. There is no maximum age limit. Every Monday, new courses start for all levels (except absolute beginners). Their general course is the Intensive Spanish course in mini groups (max. 5 students; average 3) of 20 lessons per week or their Super Intensive course of 30 lessons per week. They also provide individual classes for those students who want to learn at their own pace. The Intensive Plus course is a combination course of 20 lessons of general Spanish in mini-groups, plus ten lessons per week of individual lessons. Students can enroll for general Spanish or for specialized Spanish such as business, literature, law, or medicine. Academia Columbus also has Spanish and more, including Spanish and culture, Spanish and dance, and Spanish and cooking. The DELE (Diploma for Spanish as a Foreign Language) is an internationally recognized official qualification with permanent validity, and Academia Columbus offers prep courses. The DELE is very useful for any student who wants to have formal proof of their achieved Spanish level and especially for those who want to study at university or work in Spanish-speaking countries. Academia Columbus also affords the opportunity to book an internship or volunteering project with them. By doing this they can practice their Spanish in a work environment, and meanwhile they will gain a valuable item for their CV, which is ever more important in this competitive world.

IMAC Costa Rica
Costa Rica is becoming a growing location to study Spanish, and IMAC offers four exceptional schools located in San Jose, Alajuela, Jaco Beach, and Coronado. Every location has developed its own classroom methodology to develop the students’ communicative skills. These Spanish courses are customized for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced, starting any Monday all year round. The students have the option of taking group lessons of 20 hours per week during the mornings in a classroom no larger than five students. Private lessons are also available and ideal for learners who have special learning needs. The courses can be arranged to follow general Spanish practice or can be customized to meet any particular area of interest for linguistic or professional development. Costa Rica, better know as the “Rich Coast” of Central America, is an adventure playground of tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, cascading rivers, deep blue lakes, millions of species of flora and fauna, and much more. Given this incredible natural diversity within such a small space, it is hard to see how any trip to Costa Rica can be anything less than a fantastic eco-adventure.

Centro Panamericano de Idiomas
Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI) offers three fully equipped and staffed campuses in three select locations: the quaint traditional town of San Joaquin de Flores (CPI Heredia), the lush cloud forest (CPI Monteverde), and the spectacular Guanacaste coast (CPI Flamingo). Small classes organized according to linguistic level, accommodations including homestay and student residences, cultural activities, and touristic adventures provide for a complete educational travel experience. An additional available component is participation in CPI-organized volunteerships; since opening its doors 22 years ago, CPI has maintained a solid commitment to community involvement by directly organizing volunteer opportunities or working in collaboration with grassroot NGOs. Volunteerships are available at each CPI site for both individual students and student groups (primary, middle, high school, and university). Participants play a direct and active role in supporting local, marginalized populations by working on projects which benefit both communities and individuals; projects include but are not limited to beautification of community institutions, such as public schools and clinics, through painting, gardening and/or building playgrounds; literacy programs; home expansions for low-income families; trail maintenance of protected reserves; and free English tutoring.

Living Routes
Living Routes at the Monteverde Institute offers fully accredited and academically rigorous study abroad programs based in sustainable communities that also offer a service learning component as part of the program. The blend of hands-on academic learning and community work offers students a capstone project they can turn into a portfolio of their work, as well as employable skills from real-world experience. The Monteverde Institute is based in San Luis, Monteverde, in the bosque nuboso (cloud forest), a rare forest that occurs within tropical, mountainous environments where the atmospheric conditions allow for a consistent cover of clouds. It is also a sustainable community working towards becoming completely socially, economically, and ecologically sustainable. Their signature International Development and Social Justice program offers credits that are transferable from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. At Monteverde, students become immersed in Tico culture as they engage in the point of intersection between issues of economic, environmental, and community sustainability.

Teach English in Costa Rica
Via Lingua provides international TEFL certificate courses in many of the world’s most popular teaching destinations. With courses in 15 countries, Via Lingua is one of the world’s largest global TEFL course providers. Via Lingua professional training programs are designed to reflect and support the current knowledge base and effective best practices in education. Via Lingua educates students for global citizenship and responsible leadership as teachers of English as a foreign language, empowering graduates to pursue meaningful lives and productive careers by sharing language and culture. Via Lingua is located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Once a quiet fishing hamlet, it has evolved to be the area’s most accessible town for visitors. Located on the central west coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo offers travelers a chance to experience the region’s unspoiled beaches and incredible biodiversity in an environment that still retains the natural, relaxed vibe so characteristic of the region. Separated from Tamarindo by the Río Matapalo is Playa Grande, where surfing is ideal — regardless of skill level. The town hosts several international surf competitions, a testament to the quality of surf available. Visitors will not want to miss the pristine white-sand beaches near the Río San Francisco.

Franny Brogan is a graduate student in Spanish linguistics at the University of California, Los Angeles.

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