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$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.

Mainstreaming ESL

Common Core State Standards are putting more pressure on all teachers to help English learners achieve literacy proficiency, so here are resources designed to lighten the load

Blake eLearning
Reading Eggs & Reading Eggspress
Grades Pre-K-6
Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress make learning to read an enjoyable, rewarding, and exciting experience for pre-K- through sixth-grade students.

Edmentum
ESL ReadingSmart
Grades 4-High school
ESL ReadingSmart is a standards-based English language learning program for 4th through 12th grade students.

Edmentum
ReadingMate
Grades 4-High school
ReadingMate is a web-based individualized reading intervention program that prepares students in fourth through twelfth-grade to read at grade level and develop the necessary reading skills for college and career readiness.

Edmentum
Study Island
Grades K-12
Study Island’s high-impact, high-value state standards mastery and test preparation program is specifically designed to help master the content specified in state and Common Core Standards.

Edmentum
EducationCity
Grades Pre-K-6
EducationCity is an online instructional and intervention solution that provides fun, engaging, research-based lessons and activities for pre-K- through sixth-grade students in language arts, math, and science.

MindPlay
MindPlay Virtual Reading Coach
Grades K-Adult
Provides both core curriculum and supplemental reading instruction, and is a complete reading solution. Covering all of the National Reading Panel’s recommendations for reading instruction, as well as including grammar and meaning, MVRC gets students reading at grade level in only 30 minutes a day, four days a week.

The ESL Makeover

Danny Brassell gets over himself to make learning fun for all ages

When I first began teaching elementary school, my principal asked me if I knew any Spanish. After I replied, “Un poquito (a little),” he said, “Good. You’re our new bilingual coordinator!”

Mind you, my school had over 950 students, and over 85 percent of them were English language learners. Handed a classroom filled with primarily ESL students, I turned to my new posse and congratulated them on knowing Spanish so well. I knew English, and I bragged that all of us were going to learn two languages that year.

This was my introduction to working with ESL students.

For more about Danny Brassell, click here.

Spanish Fiestas

Salamanca may be famous for its tradition of educational excellence as well as the fun-filled fiestas that ignite the city in February

Salamanca is renowned for its university, which was granted a royal charter by Alfonso IX of León nearly 800 years ago in 1218. Soon, it became one of the most significant and prestigious academic centers in Europe. Now, Salamanca is probably the most important seat of learning in Spain and attracts one in six of the country’s overseas students of Spanish language, creating a wonderfully diverse academic environment.

However, residents of the city and its local region also know how to celebrate, and every year, Salamanca offers a considerable calendar of events, including the Muestra Nacional de Jazz (National Jazz Festival) at the beginning of March, the Holy Week festivities at Easter, and the Corpus Christi festival in June — which is based around the Old Cathedral.

Another local event is the Romeria de la Virgen del Castanar in September, which is held in El Castanar and attracts thousands of visitors from the Salamanca area.

Somewhat surprisingly, the most popular festivals in Salamanca are the lively carnivals held in February. The events include parades, fancy dress, and open-air dances. Everything is street-based and suitable for any age, but it is best appreciated at night, when the stylish Casino de Salamanca and the bars in the Gran Vía or Calle Bordadores put on entertainment, allowing everyone to give free rein to their imagination whether or not they are in fancy dress.

Events include:
• Las Candelas — early February, major folk celebrations in nearby Candelario, which stands around 72 km / 45 miles from Salamanca, with many local festivities, including a charity auction, gastronomic events and a vibrant atmosphere.
• Carnaval del Toro (Carnival of the Bull) — early February, a range of festivities involving young bulls, fancy dress and parades, in nearby Ciudad Rodrigo, around 89 km / 55 miles from Salamanca.
• Carnaval — early February, the popular Salamanca Carnival consisting of numerous parades and festivities in various regions of the city, together with concerts, dancing and plenty of evening entertainment.
• Las Calendas — early February, annual celebrations held in nearby Ciudad Rodrigo.
• Fiestas de San Juan — early February, with a varied program of events in and around Salamanca, including performances by magicians and general street entertainers, culminating in a fireworks display and evening bonfires.
• Muestra Nacional de Jazz (National Jazz Festival) — mid-February / early March, an impressive and extremely popular jazz event with concerts taking place all over the city. It features many international jazz musicians and attracts large crowds of visitors.

Schools in Salamanca
Mester
Founded in 1991 and located in the center of Salamanca, Mester’s mission is to develop students’ communicative and intercultural competency in Spanish so that they can express themselves in any Spanish-speaking country. Most of the students come to the school via recommendation from their Spanish teacher or from former students. Their enthusiasm and satisfaction is the best image of the school.

At Mester, education does not finish in class. The school organizes activities which offer the opportunity to see different aspects of Spanish life, such as visits to historic monuments, weekend excursions, salsa or guitar classes, and tapas tours. Staff are trained to help students find the most suitable program depending on academic, professional, or personal needs and objectives.

Tía Tula Colegio de Español
Tía Tula is a lovely Spanish school in the historical university center of Salamanca and accredited by the Instituto Cervantes as a centre of high-quality Spanish teaching.

Just like Salamanca — the city which is always referred to when talking about Spanish teaching throughout the world — Tía Tula combines its classical framework and facilities with the modernity of its people and their methods. Inside there are pretty and comfortable classrooms with views of the city monuments. Tía Tula also has excellent teaching staff with high qualifications and lots of experience and an amazing administrative team.

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