Do you need to learn Spanish or expand your Spanish language skills?

AmeriSpan Study Abroad has partnered once again with Bilingual America to offer a very special, high quality Spanish program for free to qualified participants. If you are in the medical, law enforcement, school teaching, social work or ministerial fields you can get Bilingual America's Basic to Expert Level Spanish Power course at no charge through The Claro Initiative. The Claro Initiative is a community service initiative to provide Spanish training to critical social service professionals at no charge. Spanish Power is considered the most comprehensive and results-driven Spanish training program in the country by many people and we encourage you to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. By the way, if you don't qualify but know someone who does, send them the link below so they can benefit.

Click or share this link to read more about this offer and request admittance to the free Spanish Power course here: https://bilingualamerica.infusionsoft.com/go/claro/immer$$ab/

What if you don't qualify?   
If you do not qualify for this special offer because you are not in one of the professional fields listed above, but are looking for a high-quality Spanish training program, we highly recommend you try this free trial package from the Claro Initiative through Bilingual America. A unique aspect of Bilingual America's programs is that they also make one-on-one tutoring available on an optional basis. They are a very respected, trusted institute that has been around since 1992. Other students recommended from AmeriSpan Study Abroad have been very happy with the results they have achieved with them. If you do not qualify for free courseware via The Claro Initiative you can get a really nice free trial package here.

Go to or share this link for a free trial package:  https://bilingualamerica.infusionsoft.com/go/SPGPS/immer$$ab/

Watch a video blog from our guest blogger, Christina H., who is studying French in Quebec City, Canada. In this video, Christina takes us on a tour of beautiful Quebec City.

See French in Quebec City.

By Keeya J, Guest Video Blogger in Montanita, Ecuador

In this video, our guest video blogger, Keeya, and her friend, Tiffani, take us on a tour of the Spanish school in Montanita. Later, they sit in on a class where they have been volunteering to teach English and interview the teacher. Keeya is participating in the  Spanish & Surfing program in Montanita. 

See Spanish in Montanita Ecuador.

Watch a video blog from our latest guest blogger, Christina H., who is studying French in Quebec City, Canada. In this video, Christina takes us on a tour of her homestay and school.

See French in Quebec City.

In its fourth year, this program has shown great success and now the program director has offered to share this experience with teachers outside the Edgewood community. During this 3-week program, participants will visit a variety of local Mexican schools to see how classrooms are run and lessons are taught. The schools cover a wide scope of economic backgrounds and resources. You will also take daily Spanish classes and join in activities such as salsa classes and an Intercambio exchange with local Mexican students who are studying English. Participants will also visit an orphanage and participate in excursions to Guanajuato and Patzucaro. The program runs June 19 – July 11, 2010. 

Want to hear what one of last year’s participants had to say: “To try to capture the variety of emotions, experiences and events that occurred in Mexico, would take many pages. It is easy to say that I had a fantastic adventure, with all the wonders of travel. I met many people who were helpful and who taught me so much more than the Spanish language itself. … I also, felt the culture clashes as they hit me daily.”

If you are interested, you’ll have to act fast. The program deadline is March 31, 2010. 

For more information: 

MAESTRO Spanish for Educators (Edgewood Group)

All Educator & Teacher Programs

Airfare to Morelia 

People seem to love this photo of spices at a little store in Amman, so I thought my first blog would be about the food in Jordan. Since I have been on a diet since I returned a few days ago, you can surmise that I found the food delicious.

The staple seemed to be lamb and chicken and it was served in a variety of ways, but I was addicted to the many salads.  Many are commonly known abroad and were already favorites of mine such as Hummus, Baba Ghanoush and others.  You are able to find some of these at ethnic Greek or Lebanese restaurants but others I discovered for the very first time.  

One Jordanian pointed out to me that before Lebanon’s civil war and its continued unfortunate position of being caught between Syria, Israel and other Middle East powers, it had long been a popular tourist destination.  This particular Jordanian gentleman wanted me to know that what so many Europeans and Americans call Lebanese food is NOT just Lebanese food, it is a common throughout that part of the world.  His point was that much of this food so many call Lebanese could just as easily be called Jordanian food, if only Jordan had been a big tourist destination in the 50s, 60s and 70s.  And don’t forget, both the Greeks and Romans at one time ruled Jordan so their impact on the food is everywhere as well.

One widely used ingredient was Za’tar (pronounced ZAH-tur) which is blend of spices and herbs (thyme, sesame seed, salt and more) used throughout the Middle east. Za’tar is said to increase mental acuity. It is usually mixed with olive oil and baked into the crust of flat, round pita bread and boy is it tasty!

One great experience in Jordan is Petra’s Kitchen where you are taught the names of many common Arabic spices and foods, how to cook them and get to eat whatever you cooked.  Anyone going to Jordan should visit Petra where some of the ruins were highlighted in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Petra’s Kitchen experience is available most evenings.

You should never choose a language program for the food but in Jordan you’ll be able to eat well and Learn Arabic.

Learn Arabic in Amman Jordan 

Petras Kitchen Info 

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About the Author: John Slocum co-founded AmeriSpan Study Abroad 17 years ago and is recognized as one of the true experts in Study Abroad.  He has helped start language schools in Guatemala, Peru and Bolivia as well as assisted schools in Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina and Costa Rica on improving their overall language programs. Finally, John worked closely with STA Travel when they introduced their language immersion programs in Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA.

1. Learn Spanish – Well yes, you already knew that! However, Ecuador is an excellent place to learn Spanish. Particularly if you are choosing an immersion program with a homestay, you will find that the Ecuadorian people are very kind, friendly, helpful, and encouraging on your quest to master Spanish. You can choose to study Spanish in the capital of Quito, the beach town of Montanita, or in the Andean city of Cuenca. Click to learn more about Studying Spanish in Ecuador.

 2. Surfing – Montanita is a Latin American surfing hotspot. With consistent surf, even temperatures, and beautiful location, you can have a great time combining learning Spanish with learning to surf in Montanita. Click for more information about Spanish & Surfing in Montanita.

3. Galapagos Islands – The Galapagos Islands are a part of Ecuador. Take a trip to see the incredible wildlife while you are studying abroad in Ecuador, or be a part of a volunteer project there. The Galapagos Foundation needs volunteers to help with reforestation and to reconstruct the native habitat on these amazing islands. Click to learn about how to Volunteer on the Galapagos Islands. 

4. Go to College – What? College in Ecuador? Really? Yes, AmeriSpan offers College Study Abroad in many locations, including Cuenca, Ecuador. This amazing semester program includes extensive travel throughout Ecuador, a ten day study tour to Peru, and a five day trip through the Amazon rainforest. Click to find out more about College Study Abroad in Ecuador. 

 5. Medical Spanish – If you are a medical student, nurse, or other healthcare professional that is interested in learning or improving their Spanish, with an emphasis on medical terminology and the Ecuadorian healthcare system, consider one of our two excellent SALUD Medical Spanish programs in either Cuenca or Quito, Ecuador. Click for more information about SALUD Medical Spanish in Ecuador. 

Click to find out more about all of AmeriSpan’s programs in Ecuador.

Affordable luxury is way overrated. It’s simply too easy to travel from one metropolitan city to another in two hours on a world-class train. In one city one may overeat the finest ham, see three cathedrals and the world’s oldest university in one afternoon. Who needs it? Taking a relaxing drive along la Costa del Sol would just be entirely too beautiful. 

There is also simply too much to do! Examples such as Sagrada Familia, la Alhambra and la Plaza Mayor mean that your day will be packed with meaningful activities. Spain is only one of the most culturally rich destinations in the world, so you may risk learning or feeling something you never imagined was possible. Don’t go to Spain, because you might fall in love. No joke, this has been known to happen!

Not convinced? Ok, ok, AmeriSpan happens to have study abroad programs in 15 different cities throughout Spain! Interested? Click to learn more about AmeriSpan’s Spanish programs in Spain.

My name is Mikel and I am a 21 year old girl who has been doing volunteer work for the past year through Amerispan and I am continuing on my second year with them. One of the many programs I have done through them is the one located in Peten Guatemala. It was possibly one of the funnest experiences I have had through Amerispan (its very hard to pick, they were all amazing). You get to work one on one with the animals, alongside a very very very friendly and intelligent staff who know a lot about wildlife and are eager to share as much of the experiece with the volunteers, of working with wild animals, as is safe and possible. 

I have traveled to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru and I am currently in the jungles of Bolivia working with an indigenous community, and I did all countries through Amerispan. I am even continuing on with them to Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Ecuador. The only reason I chose Amerispan (or really the only way my parents would let me do any of this) is because of how safe Amerispan is. All the placements I have gone to I have felt super safe and well taken care of. I always am able to contact them with any questions or concerns and they make sure I feel as comfortable as possible wherever I am. All my sleepìng arrangements have been top notch, the food included in their package is always well supplied and tasty. They make sure you can learn new experiences without feeling scared or alone. It is an amazing experience and something I will never be able to fully explain with words. I have learnt more doing this volunteer work with Amerispan than i believe I ever learnt in the past 21 years. Its a wonderful and beautiful thing to travel and Amerispan makes sure you enjoy it to the fullest and in the safest of ways. 

I would encourage you to make the choice of working through Amerispan, I highly doubt you will be unsatisfied.

Feliz Viaje,

Mikel

Click for more information on AmeriSpan’s volunteer placements.