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 with native speakers in Tijuana (like a virtual pen pal). Intermediate/advanced students can sign up for Charlamigo sessions individually or anyone with some level of Spanish can sign up for a ten week course which includes a free level evaluation, the virtual site visits, charlamigo sessions, and more! Questions? Email us at cafe@viainternational.org.
Escuela Amistad
The Grassroots Practice of Engaged Justice
Program
Next 10 week Experience starts Jan 24th!
Professors Rebeca Padilla and Dan Watman bring decades of professional language teaching experience and intimate personal knowledge of communities at the border.
In this course you will:
- Make friends across borders!
- Go on virtual site visits to communities in Tijuana!
- Learn useful phrases for getting to know people across cultural barriers!
- Get what you want out of learning and have fun!
- Free eval and preview of course!
* Some basic knowledge of Spanish required
Typical Program
Week 1-2
- Tues/Wed/Thurs 12-1p
- Free evaluation
- Explanation of Course
- Basic and advanced conversation practice
Week 3 – 10
- Tuesday 12-1 virtual site visit for high beginner/intermediate level
- Wednesday 12-1p class review/fun and practice of phrases on Zoom – Divided groups by level
- Thurs 12-1p virtual site visit for Intermediate/advanced level
- Bonus offerings starting week 3
- 8 30 min one on one “Charlamigo” sessions – converse with a native Spanish speaker in Tijuana. Like a virtual penpal. Acommodated to your schedule
- 1 language exchange with English language class in Tijuana – time/date TBD
“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.
