Escuela Amistad
ESCUELA AMISTAD
Language Learning Through Friendship
Our unique method of language learning is based on the simple idea of getting to know people across cultural and language barriers. We have ten week experiences with live virtual visits to communities, small businesses, artists, activists, and other interesting people in Tijuana coupled with conversation classes and one on one “Charlamigo” sessions where you can converse and get to know native speakers in Tijuana (like a virtual pen pal!). Check out the wide array of upcoming courses and options for Spanish language learning to see what fits your schedule and language level. Take the free evaluation and get a personalized response from one of our excellent professors!
Questions? Email our director Daniel Watman at dan@viainternational.org
Upcoming classes and opportunities for all levels start on August 30th!
In these on-line experiences and course you will:
- Acquire basic conversational skills or enhance abilities to express and understand the language
- Make friends across borders
- Participate in virtual site visits to communities in Tijuana
- Have fun in regular online classes centered around your personal interests
- Participate in 30-min 1 on 1 “Charlamigo” sessions with native speakers in Tijuana on your own schedule
10 – week Online Beginner course starts August 30th!
Tues/Thurs 1-2p online video class
Week 1
- Tech orientation and introductions
Week 2-5
- Basic communication through interactive activities and role plays
- Learn to express and ask about personal interests
Weeks 6-10
- Tuesdays: practice, review, and further learning
- Thursdays: virtual site visits to practice español getting to know individuals and communities in Tijuana.
Cost $250
Sign up here
10-week Experience Intermediate advanced level
Starts August 30th Tues/Thurs 12-1p
- Week 1
- Orientation to technology and getting to know each other
- Week 2-10
- Tues – Review, prep, and further learning
- Thurs – Virtual site visits to practice español getting to know individuals and communities in Tijuana.
- On YOUR own time throughout course
- 10 one on one “charlamigo” sessions with native speakers in Tijuana
- Total cost $250
Friday Lunchtime Focused Learning Sessions 12- 1:15p Intermediate/advanced students
Hone your skills!
Guaranteed to make grammar fun!
- September 2nd – Ser y Estar en todos los tiempos (pasado, presente, futuro)
- September 16th – Contando historias (hablando en el pasado)
- September 30th – Contando historias II
- October 14th – Subjunctive in the present
- October 30th – Subjuntivo en todos los tiempos
- For Int/Adv
- Only $20/session OR all 5 sessions included in “Package deal” (see below)
Sign up for one or more sessions here!
Combine intermediate/advanced options above to include:
- Intermediate/Advanced 10-week experience with all it includes
- PLUS access to next 5 Friday lunchtime focused learning sessions.
- $300
- $50 dollar savings!
“CHARLAMIGOS” – Language Partners
“Charlamigos” are one-on-one language learning partners based in Tijuana, Mexico. In Spanish, “charlar” means “to chat” and “amigos” means friends so a “Charlamigo” is like a “penpal” except you actually get to chat and become friends! As you and your new Spanish-speaking friend become “charlamigos,” you get to practice your Spanish through informal conversation and you both get to learn a new perspective on life by making friends with someone from a different culture. Your subscription to the Charlamigo service helps support working people in Tijuana. Choose someone from our roster of “Charlamigos” and our Coordinators will introduce you to them so you can arrange an initial, 30-minute conversation one-on-one. You can then sign up for more 30-minute sessions, or ask to be introduced to another “Charlamigo.”
MEET THE CHARLAMIGOS
(click on names for more info)
MEET THE COORDINATORS
Daniel Watman
Dan Watman has worked as a Spanish instructor for over 20 years. A longtime resident of Tijuana, Mexico, Dan sees the purpose of language instruction as helping students establish meaningful friendships with native speakers.
Robert Vivar
Robert Vivar was deported to Mexico in 2013 after living in the USA since the age of six. Since his deportation he has dedicated his life to helping others in need, such as deported U.S. military veterans, deported mothers of U.S. citizen children, and separated families.
Impact
Testimonials
Via Global Education creates opportunities to learn from local leaders and engage directly in the work of sustainable community development. The intentional formation of community leaders — among both visiting and hosting communities — is the focus of every trip we lead.
Program Development
Via’s unique expertise combined with collaborative input from your leaders and participants will produce a refined itinerary. We enjoy unique access to local partners and can create and coordinate all activities for in-person trips and virtual visits.
Transformational Learning
Via creates dynamic cultural exchange through presentations by local experts and partner organizations. A Via Guide will accompany your group through its entire experience to maximize the relational learning of participants.
Sustainable Development Support
Your support not only underwrites your (virtual) site visits, but also affords stipends to local community leaders; supports grassroots organizations working for social justice and sustainable community development; and helps to sustain Via International’s ongoing work with Communities, Programs, and Partners.
