HuffPo’s ‘Costa Rica and the Quest for Pura Vida’

Heredia_monkey A few weeks ago, the Huffington Post published an article entitled "Costa Rica and the Quest for Pura Vida", which entails author Richard Bangs' accounts of his many journeys throughout the country and the beauty and wonderment that always brings him back. The quest for "Pura Vida" also tends to be a common theme in the participant feedback from AmeriSpan participants who learn Spanish in Costa Rica.

The nature and peace found in Costa Rica rivals that of its neighboring countries because its government has ensured that much of its land remain preserved and well nourished. Remarks Bangs, "How did Costa Ricans fend off the miners, loggers, farmers, burners, developers and others who have felled and flattened rainforests around the world? How did they trick time?"

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Meet the School: Quebec City’s School Director

Canada_quebec2 Meet Viviane Brassard, Director at AmeriSpan's new Quebec City French school. Viviane is proof that AmeriSpan is committed to finding the best staff, as we switched our partner school to follow her!

 What is your background?
I'm 61 years old and live in center Quebec City. I have 2 daughters and 6 lovely grandchildren (yes.. 6!) aged from 2 months to 6 years old.
 

One experience I want to share with you: In 2008, Quebec City celebrated its 400th anniversary. One outside concert was organised on the Plaines d’Abrahams. Sir Paul MacCartney was the performer. He wanted to address himself to Quebec's people in French so, I, myself, was asked to be his teacher and the person who adapted his French lyrics. I'll never forget this wonderful experience.  

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Tips for Guatemala Travel

Sarina_antigua_blog3_beach By Sarina R., guest blogger studying Spanish at AmeriSpan's Antigua Spanish school

Today, a bit on packing and general safety for travel in Guatemala.

In preparation for the trip, I scoured Lonely Planet, Moon, the internet, etc. for packing tips in the rainy season. Yet despite my research, I found specific and useful information hard to come by. As a result, I went the ¨pack a little bit of everything¨ route, and it ended up being a pretty good decision. A few pearls of wisdom..

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A Costa Rica Birthday

Chile_Santiago_LatinImmersion_City5 By Jonathon L., guest blogger studying Spanish and skiing in Santiago, Chile

For those who await my return in the states, I cannot wait to see you and hear about your amazing summers.  For those who I am leaving or will be leaving after a wonderful time in Chile, I love you the most (but not necessarily more than others). I will miss you like woah…and I apologize that this is in English and many of you may not be able to comprehend the words I am typing.

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Meet the School: Playa del Carmen’s Academic Coordinator

Playa_del_Carmen_Solexico_offices Meet Alfonso Nájera Sánchez, Academic Coordinator and a Spanish Instructor at AmeriSpan's Playa del Carmen Spanish school

What is your background?
41 year old, Degree in Spanish, Resident of Playa del Carmen since 1999


Which languages have you studied?
English

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Food and Cooking Classes

Blog8_host_mom By Jennie M., guest blogger studying Spanish in Heredia, Costa Rica

Since my Mama Tica is also the cooking teacher at school, I have had a variety of delicious meals.  At home, she doesn't always cook comida tipica.  I have had everything from spaghetti with marinara sauce to the traditional gallo pinto.  Rice and beans are a common staple of Costa Rican food.  For lunch, I often go to a local soda – a small restaurant – for a casado.  A casado often includes rice, beans, meat (or cheese if you prefer), with vegetables.  Platanos (or plantains) are a common side.  One of the first lessons I learned with food in the markets was not to confuse platanos with bananas, as they look quite similar.  In Costa Rica, bananas are smaller.

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Learn Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala (Part Two) – Video

Guatemala_tikal1 Last week we posted Part One of our Antigua Tour video. Today we bring you Part Two, which includes a tour of the ancient city of Tikal as well as the city of Chichicastenango. After watching these tours, you might just consider Guatemala study abroad for yourself!

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Packing for Playa del Carmen

Playa_avenida By Alisa W., guest blogger studying Spanish in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Over my trip I have constantly been evaluating my packing choices.  I thought it might be useful for those traveling to Playa del Carmen, or anywhere that has a similar climate.  The climate here in Playa is, well, HOT.  It isn't necessarily the temperature, however, that gets you.  It's the humidity.  The humidity is often very high.  I walked past a thermometer that said the humidity was 80%.  The temperature is usually only around 85-90 degrees.  Being from Texas, this does not seem that hot, however, combined with the humidity, it often feels hotter than Texas.  You spend most of the day very sweaty, but don't worry about it too much, because everyone is sweating!

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Learn Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala (Part One) – Video

In Part One of this two-part video of Antigua, Guatemala, we discover some of the most notable sites of Antigua. Visit Lake Atitlan, Maximon "The Evil Saint", a volcano tour, and much more! There is much to be discovered when you learn Spanish in Antigua!

 

 

Learn Spanish in Antigua

Meet the School: Playa del Carmen’s Reservations, Information, and Front Desk

Playa_del_Carmen_Solexico_recepcion Meet Katherine Neumann, Reservations, Information and Front Desk at AmeriSpan's Playa del Carmen Spanish school

What is your background?
I am a 29 year old Canadian who has been living in Mexico on and off for 10 years (as a permanent Resident for the past 6 years). I have a BA in Spanish. 

Do you travel often?
As often as I can! I love nothing more than visiting somewhere new.

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