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Titles of Blogs on this Page
By Larry, "One of Our Best Vacations Ever," [Mexico]
By Danielle, "You Thought of Everything," [Veracruz]
By Morgan, If This Were Jeopardy, “What Is XOCONOSTLE?” Would Be Your Answer. [Veracruz]
By Jerry, "This Was the Best School I Have Experienced," [Veracruz]
By Terry, "An Experience of a Lifetime!, [Mexico]
By Matt, A Student's Take on the School, [Veracruz]
By Mickey, From a Student, a Cryptic Note That Speaks Volumes, [Mexico]
By Dave, A Businessman Says, "Extraordinary...Absolutley Great...," and More, [Veracruz]
By Hatti, A Vegetarian Talks about Our Food, [Veracruz]
By Danica and her 5 Children, Five Great Kids Speak Up, [Veracruz]
By Bill, A Student Talks about Our Toilets, [Mexico]
By Bill, Letter from a Student Who Has Studied in Several Immersion Schools, [Veracruz]
By Gary and Sheila, "Hi Linda and Eric," [Veracruz]
By Bob,"Self-Actualization", Says a Student, [Mexico]
By Sue,"Location, Location, Location"--A Student's Comments, [Veracruz]
By Charles, He Said We Should. But We Didn't, and We Won't. [Veracruz]
By Annie, A Letter from a Family, [Mexico]
By Lia, Letter from a 10 Year Old Student, [Mexico]
By Louise, In One Week's time, [Veracruz]
By Tom,"A Rapid Infusion," [Veracruz]
By Vicki and Kjell, "Thank You for Another Great Learning Experience," [Veracruz]
By José Antonio, A Letter in Spanish, [Veracruz]
By Darrell, Two Weeks Down Here and then a Big Sale Back Home, [Mexico]
By Rick, RID--Reflexive, Indirect, Direct, [Veracruz]
By Bonnie, A Superintendent of Schools Reviews Us, [Veracruz]
By Armando, También Enseñamos Inglés [Mexico]
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Mexico |
"One of Our Best Vacations Ever"
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There is no way we could say enough great things about Eric and Linda. Right from the start, they made us feel like we were guests in their home rather than students in a school. The teachers were there every morning to share breakfast and chat with us. We worked on our language skills in a very informal, comfortable setting all morning and then shared lunch with the teachers. There was so much conviviality—so much laughing and joking and sharing travel stories with the teachers and the other students—that we soon forgot we were in a school—we were painlessly absorbing what would have been months and months of Spanish study back in the states!
Every day found us fully engaged with the culture, the people, and the language of Veracruz Mexico.
I had visions of sitting in my room memorizing long lists of new words. This never happened because I was too busy using them from breakfast to bedtime! By the end of two weeks, my wife, who had flunked Spanish in High School, was chatting like a native. I was so proud of her!
One evening our adventure took an interesting direction.
Tina and I went out on the town with Ed, a fellow student, his seeing-eye dog Abbott, and his wife Morgan. We ended up at a famous restaurant called “Parroquia” near the Malecon waterfront. Guide dogs are very rare in Veracruz. There are no laws requiring establishments to admit them. I walked into the restaurant and Ed ordered Abbot, his very large German Shepherd, to follow me. Ed and Abbott immediately drew incredulous stares from the patrons and waiters, but the natural courtesy and amiability of the people prevailed and no one objected.
Ed, Abbott and I were in the men’s room when the security guard rushed in, shouting “is there a dog in here?” Just that day I had learned the word for guide dog in Spanish. “It’s Ok”, I said, “perro guia.” The security guard looked embarrassed and said “Ah! Esta bien! No problema!” Later, when we were leaving the restaurant, the same security guard took it upon himself to flag down a taxi for us. The final highlight of the evening occurred when the five of us piled into the little taxi like college students into a phone booth. Abbot climbed in on top of Ed, Morgan and Tina in the back seat. I climbed into the front seat and gave our destination to one very astonished driver.
We had many more adventures during the three weeks we spent in Veracruz, including an eclipse of the moon and a trip up to the mountain town of Xalapa, in search of the folk music of ancient Mexico. Since these stories are too long to recount here, I would refer the reader to our website where there are many photos and descriptions of our adventure: www.Cincinnatiearlymusic.com/jarana.html.
What started out as a simple trip to a language school turned into one of our best vacations ever! Eric and Linda, we’ll be back!
by Larry, Mar/26/08
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
"You Thought of Everything"
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You thought of everything. From the moment I walked into my room at midnight (after arriving at 11pm on a direct flight from Houston) I was impressed with how much thought had been put into making everything just right so that I could concentrate on learning Spanish.
The alarm clock on the nightstand was already set for 6:30; there was a bottle of drinking water on the dresser along with a printed schedule for week 1 and 4 pages explaining how things work at the school. There were fresh towels, a new bar of soap, a new box of kleenex and an unopened package of toilet paper.
At 6:30 the next morning I found coffee ready to be poured and a bowl of fruit. I sat down on one of the extremely comfortable
sofas and noticed a beautiful arrangement of freshly cut flowers to my left and another student on one of the internet computers to my right. At 7am Paula arrived and put out sweet rolls and freshly cut mangos, papaya, and watermelon. Then she cooked my eggs exactly the way I like them.
The other students came downstairs carrying bags of dirty laundry. I soon discovered that these bags would be picked up before noon and returned clean the next day in individually wrapped packages.
The day and the week continued in this fashion and I truly had the freedom to only think about my reason for being in Veracruz, learning Spanish.
by Danielle, Mar/15/08
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
If This Were Jeopardy, “What Is XOCONOSTLE?” Would Be Your Answer.
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My husband Ed and I are studying at the Fabuloso Language School of Veracruz. We had been here 6 days (newbies to Spanish), and on
Monday for our Out & About with Ceci and Paola, we explored El Mercado cerca del Zocalo.
The aisles were crowded around the fruit stands, and Ed’s Seeing Eye dog Abbott,
a large German Shepherd, had to carve out a route for Ed.
Ed was hand-inspecting unfamiliar fruits (“the Braille shopping method”), picking out pineapples for breakfast; the vendor came close to hand Ed unfamiliar fruits and say the names. He pointed to a Calabasas squash, said “Candy,” and handed us a hard-packed cone
of what looked like brown sugar, from the Calabasas. Renee, who was with us and helping us with our new Spanish skills, said, “That’s the sugar that was in those cookies we ate yesterday in La Antiqua!”
Who knew there was squash brown sugar?
We bought 75 pesos of gorgeous fruit and were leaving, when the stand vendor called to Ed, gesturing us back:
“Señor, aqui es un solucion natural para su cholesterol”
(Well, that’s Spanglish approximation--we’re new to Spanish).
Writing “Xoconostle” on an index card, he indicated that this was the name of the natural cholesterol-lowering drink he was about to show us how to make.
Picking out a plum-sized cactus fruit, he drew a picture of an oval cactus ear, with a fruit attached on top, indicating the fruit is the
Xoco nostle.
When a somewhat gorda customer cleared her throat to indicate she was waiting to be served, he didn’t look up from his recipe, just gave a “shoo shoo” motion to indicate she should go to another stand!
From the top row of his stand he now chose a fresh green cactus ear like the one he had drawn, setting that on his cutting board beside the Xoco nostle.
Then he carefully printed the recipe, saying aloud as he wrote:
XOCONOSTLE
1 Xoco nostle
1 Nopal cactus (one “ear”)
3 naranjas (peeled & seeded)
He gestured to slice the Nopal ear with a big knife, slicing it as he gestured, and adding the slices to the pile, along with 3 fresh oranges.
Tossing everything into a plastic bag along with the recipe and twisting the top into a knot, he indicated we were to put everything in the blender, blend it, and drink some of the juice daily at desayuno, to help with high cholesterol. “Natural!” he said again.
When I tried to pay for this, he grinned and waved us on our way, saying, “Gratis!”
We kind of backed out of the aisle, saying “Muchas gracias, muchas gracias,” the fruit vendor calling “De nada, de nada,” everybody grinning at everybody else.
This lovely man personifies for both of us the people we have met here in Veracruz---including and especially the staff at la escuela. Muchas gracias.
(Watching an 85 pound German Shepherd backing up El Mercado to lead Ed outside is not to be missed.)
by Morgan, Mar/14/08
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
"This Was the Best School I Have Experienced."
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I spent 3 and a half weeks in the Veracruz Spanish Immersion School and what an experience. Unlike the two other schools I had been to, this was a total immersion experience.
Before {at the other schools},
living with a family was really more like being with shy very nice people. Not knowing enough Spanish, there was virtually no communication other than trying to let them know what I needed to eat. Then I would be in school for 4 hrs, and then usually on my own after that, unless there was some sort of event planned.
What is different at this school, and I applaud them greatly, is that everyone at the school is willing and trying to teach, and help you with your Spanish.
At breakfast, Paula would start the day with Spanish. As the instructors arrive they join in at the table and speak Spanish.
Then 2 hours of one on one, then two hours of out and about (with a teacher). Then back to the school for lunch and you guessed it more Spanish. After lunch I got a 2 hours break, and then from 3 to 5 one on one for Spanish.
Then in the evening there is always a Spanish speaker available to practice with in the living room. (this was daily) If this is too intense you simply choose to go out for the evening and enjoy Veracruz.
The accommodations are great, the food is good, and there is always fresh fruit available for snacks.
The instructors are excellent, and you usually have two different instructors. At least I did, one in the mornings and a different one in the afternoon. I liked this very much. The owners of the school are terrific. There is no way I can say enough about Linda and Eric.
There is plenty to see and do.
So was there a down side, sure. The weather is hot and humid. The school has ceiling fans plus AC. I happen to thrive in cooler weather, so it was a problem for me as far as sleeping. Anything else, not really.
You will leave the school with as much Spanish as you want to take in and learn.
You will enjoy all the staff, and the owners. You will have memories that you will share and think about for a long time.
This was the best school I have experienced.
Thanks all of you for making a wonderful memory for me. I love you all.
by Jerry, Jan/21/08
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Mexico |
"An Experience of a Lifetime!"
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I do not know why but I woke up thinking about Veracruz this morning. I am not the sentimental type but this morning I just had to get on-line and read the Spanish Immersion blogs, which is the next best thing to being at Eric and Linda’s wonderful Spanish Immersion School. Every student blog posting brought back wonderful memories. The love for Veracruz and its citizens shines through in owner Eric’s blogs.
What happens when you take a 53-year-old introverted, retired pediatrician who is passionate about learning Spanish but has been frustrated by poor comprehensive and oral skills and plop her into a unique Spanish immersion environment?
An experience of a lifetime!
In June 2007, I had the privilege of spending 3 weeks at Eric and Linda’s Spanish Immersion School. Several years ago, I did a 3-week homestay immersion program in Cuernavaca and 2 years ago, I did a 1-week Spanish immersion program in Costa Rica where I took lodging at the school (dormitory style). Eric and Linda’s School is by far the best experience I have had.
Their unique immersion program is sheer brilliance. The balance of small classroom instruction and 2 hour outings with your teachers or charlantes is the perfect educational opportunity to improve one’s Spanish. The school is also their home. The first floor has several classroom areas as well as a kitchen and living room where charlantes are always willing to sit and talk in Spanish. When you want privacy, you simply go up the stairs to your own room. If I had wanted to, I could have been speaking Spanish from 8am-9pm and occasionally I did!
Eric and Linda’s immersion school concept is brilliant: morning classroom instruction followed by a 2-hour excursion somewhere in town with a charlante. We rode buses, took taxis, and visited museums, colorful marketplaces, libraries, beaches and more. All the time, the conversation took place in Spanish in real time! The teachers also sit and eat breakfast and lunch with the students so this is another opportunity to speak Spanish. In the afternoons after class, I wandered the city streets, the boardwalk or watched folk dancers at the zocalo.
I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe even though I was usually the only lily-white turista around!
I worried a lot about the summer heat and humidity (I am a wimp) but the school and bedrooms were air-conditioned and the temperature was just right for late afternoon and evening walks.
Part of the fun was talking with an eclectic group of fellow students. Folks of all ages and walks of life would come and stay for one or several weeks. Families with children from ages 9-17 were having the time of their lives. One image I will never forget is the day a father and his 17-year-old daughter returned from a city outing and he had kind of a dazed smile on his face: his daughter was suddenly speaking like a native after 4 weeks in the immersion program.
I was not the typical student in that I had a grant to write and bless Eric and Linda for thoughtfully having wireless Internet access 24-7. I am sure everyone thought I was crazy staying up late working on my grant but I had a great Spanish experience AND I got the grant!
I continue to try to fit in Spanish conversation time but it is difficult once one reenters an English-speaking environment. This fall I took Spanish 320 Intensive Review of Grammar at the University of Oregon and received an A+. I would have never dared take this class without my wonderful experience in Veracruz. The teacher spoke 100% of the time in Spanish (Castilian!) and 90%+ of the students (30 years my junior) were bilingual.
I’ll return to Eric and Linda’s wonderful program one day, but next time I’ll be bringing my 14 year old son. The program is just that good.
by Terry, Jan/12/08
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
A Student's Take on the School
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Before leaving for Veracruz I was a little hesitant about everything. I am a very calculated, think-things-out-before-you-leave kind of guy, so not speaking with Eric or Linda, solely relying on the pictures on the website (they do Veracruz and the School no justice, you need to see it with your own eyes) and a few emails I really wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into.
With that said, Eric and Linda met me at the airport on time (well Continental Airlines "on-time" 1 1/2 hour late) and instantly I knew that I had made a wise decision once we started our conversation in the cab. Eric and Linda are just great people who make everyone feel welcome. Once we arrived at
the school I was greeted by lovely refinished wood floors, a very open floor plan and a well furnished bedroom with its own bathroom and air conditioning. The next morning I awoke to find the other students and the teachers eating a delicious breakfast with fresh fruit.
Let me say this, on my first morning I got the "what have I gotten myself into" feeling again because every word I heard was in Spanish. Instantly I started learning new words, new phrases, and new conjugations just at the breakfast table!!! I could go on, but let me say this, after 11 days of just breakfast conversations my Spanish speaking ability would have gone up by 30%.
Class at the School is great, because I am not a classroom guy, class is spent indoors for about 2-4 hours but the rest of the day is spent on field trips, walking around town, going to the bank, anything you really want to do and the best part about leaving the school is that when you are out in the town.... that is the real world and you have to know your Spanish. I even went with two other students to the town of Orizaba without a teacher.
After my 11 days the true test was going around town alone, buying gifts at the market, catching the right bus, telling a cab where to take me, and exchanging money at the bank. All of these things would have been impossible on day one on my own. I felt very confident and safe around town and even started conversations with people.
The teachers that work for Eric and Linda are the best that you will find anywhere. They really know how to challenge you and to make you speak correct Spanish.
I miss Mexico, the food, the people, the teachers, the Guero-Guero (you have to go to see what that is), and speaking Spanish.
Coming from a guy who researches everything, you cannot beat the Language Immersion School in Veracruz.
Hasta Luego,
by Matt, Dec/27/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Mexico |
From a Student, a Cryptic Note That Speaks Volumes
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I took the post test today. :)
I tested at the first semester second year level.
I started at the first semester first year level.
That’s a one year gain.
{Explanation of Mickey’s cryptic note—Before she came to study with us her college gave her a Pretest. She scored at a first year first semester level. She studied with us for three weeks, three hard working weeks. When she went home her college gave her a Post Test. She scored at a second year first semester level. That was an increase of one full year of Spanish (i.e. two semesters). In terms of credit hours, that’s an eight credit gain. Congratulations are truly in order.}
by Mickey, Dec/12/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
A Businessman says, “Extraordinary…Absolutely Great…,” and more.
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It is hard to narrow down the positive experiences into just a few sentences as the entire week went well beyond my expectations. Your approach to immersing the student into Spanish at the level they are at is extraordinary. I was very impressed with the level of instruction
from a pure educator’s view (I taught high school for six years after college before entering the business world.) Every teacher, every "Charlante," was unique, and yet all were very focused on increasing my level of Spanish. The one-on-one instruction was absolutely great.
Two of your staff stood out for me. My first evening I was introduced to Elia who showed me the public transportation in Veracruz and with who I spent my first two hours out and about. I was very encouraged to recognize that I could communicate well enough for her to understand me and vice versa. Although we probably understood only fifty percent Elia made the process very comfortable, and that was a great start to the rest of my time.
Hector was the second person who made a large impact on me, and although he is finishing his degree in Mechanical Engineering he would also do well in a teaching / training role. Hector has an excellent grasp of English grammar and was very patient as we walked and talked about life in Mexico vs. life in the United States. I think I bonded with Hector well because he is the type of individual I deal with on a daily basis in my staffing business.
Finally, I truly enjoyed the afternoon I went out on my own, traveled into town, ate lunch, changed money at the bank, talked with several people in the "malecon," and was greeted warmly by the employees of the two staffing firms I visited, All of this was done without the "safety net" of one of the charlantes, and not a word of English was spoken. This truly provided a confidence level that I could "get by" anywhere in Latin America. I am not close to being fluent, but I am motivated to continue learning and part of those plans include more "immersion experiences."
Don't be surprised if you see me back next year. The only regret I have is that I only stayed for one week, next time it will be longer.
by Dave, Dec/08/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
A Vegetarian Talks about Our Food.
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I’m mostly vegetarian (no chicken or red meat). I arrived at the school impromptu, and I didn’t have any trouble finding plenty to eat. The school was able to cater to my diet.
Every morning there was
fresh fruit, coffee, and juice available with breakfast.
For lunch we would have a family-style meal. The entree was a totally Mexican dish (like fish Veracruzana) accompanied by homemade salsa, beans, rice, lots of fresh cut-up vegetables, and tortillas, and sometimes dessert.
For dinner Mexicans usually eat light, such as cereal, fruit, or sweet bread. I would always find something at the zocalo or at a nearby café or store. My favorite is potato empanadas with salsa verde.
The food at the school is delicious, authentic and fresh, even for vegetarians.
by Hatti, Oct/01/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
Five Great Kids Speak Up
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Here are some things the kids said they wanted you to know about the school.
"My favorite parts were the field trips! And, we lived in a really nice room...it was like staying in a huge home."
Jarrett (9)
"I liked the school because the teachers are
really good people. Like Mr. Jonathan and Mr. Alfredo. They taught me good Spanish and they were my friends."
Jaiden (6)
"The food was different from what we usually eat, but I liked all of it! Especially since my mom learned how to make Pay de Limon from Antonia...we eat it ALL the time!"
Jake (10)
"I liked my yummy birthday cake! Paula played school with me and she gave me lots of hugs."
Jacey (4)
"Sometimes in the mornings, Mr. Eric would take us out on his boat. One time we saw five dolphins playing in the water out by the island! During our lessons we played lots of games to help us learn Spanish....my favorite was Spanish Memory."
Jenna (12)
"This school was a wonderful, caring environment for us to learn in. We appreciated the dedication of the teachers to us...they not only became our teachers, but became treasured friends as well!"
Danica (the Mom)
by Danica and her 5 Children, Sept/25/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Mexico |
A Student Talks About Our Toilets.
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The next best thing {the best thing is the way the school teaches} about the school was the toilets!
No where in Mexico
have I found a toilet that flushed consistently and completely as the one in my room at the school.
This may be a little thing to one who has not experienced Mexican toilets, with the nasty little basket adjacent, but I appreciated your attention to details in everything.
by Bill, Aug/27/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
Letter from a Student Who Has Studied in Several Immersion Schools
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I greatly enjoyed the time I spent in your school, and I am very pleased with my progress after only 16 days.
Over the last two summers I have studied Spanish in 4 other schools, 3 in Spain and 1 in Mexico;
last year after returning from Spain and sitting through 220 classroom hours of instruction, I actually spoke less Spanish than before leaving home! I believe the reason was because of their approach to teaching the language and the fact that I had been overloaded with Spanish grammar.
{In school in Spain,} I was unable to process all the data in a manner that would permit me to communicate my thoughts in Spanish. I was trying to translate English thoughts into Spanish sentence structures, but it was too slow and cumbersome. All the boxes had been ticked, and I had received diplomas stating that I was proficient in the language, but I couldn’t speak in a reasonable manner to any native speaker and be understood.
Your method of combining private instruction with daily excursions (accompanied with my own teacher {charlante}) into the daily routine, markets, and various strata of the society of Veracruz worked magic.
Spanish became a living, growing part of my person and the words began to flow without needing translation. I believe this to be a much simpler and natural method of learning a language.
Language is not a science and learning the details of grammar does not make one a Spanish speaker. Few native speakers of any language speak it perfectly, and what is needed to learn any skill is to use it. And with using it, it grows, improves, and finally flows without thought.
Thank you for the wonderful experiences in Veracruz and the help and confidence your school has given me. You may use my name as a reference, and I will be happy to confirm to anyone that which I have written.
All the best wishes to you both and all my friends and teachers in your school.
by Bill, Aug/23/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
"Hi Linda and Eric,"
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Gary and I made it home in fine shape. Our week in Veracruz was an amazing experience. I was prime for the classes and all the teachers were exceptional.
They were dedicated with a sincere interest in teaching us Spanish. They were thrilled when Gary formed his first sentence using three verbs. This meant a great deal to him.
We hope to return next summer and spend three weeks there. I have exciting weekends planned for us. I will keep you informed when we finalize the details.
Hasta luego,
Gary and Sheila Nashville, TN
by Sheila and Gary, Aug/06/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Mexico |
"Self-Actualization," Says a Student.
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I think that the two of you {Linda and Eric} have attained a level of self actualization that Mazlow would envy. Finding the work that you love in a place you love is very unique.
To my way of thinking, you managed to blend the
intimate atmosphere of a bed and breakfast with the intensity needed to learn a new language.
The idea of going out into Veracruz every day to practice language in context brought the language to life for me.
Having to step up to the counter at the autobus station and request a ticket helped develop my vocabulary faster than any set of flashcards I could have created. It also helped me build the self confidence I needed to use the Spanish I had learned.
None of that would have happened had the two of you not had the understanding of how people acquire language and developed a program around that vision.
by Bob, Aug/05/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
"Location, Location, Location"--A Student's Comments
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Your website said you're five minutes this way to the beach and 15 minutes that way is the main part of the Malecon and just a little farther is El Centro,
but even so I didn't really understand how good your location is. You couldn't be in a better location. It's easy to get anywhere from here.
You've got to put something in your site so people can see how good your location is...
by Sue, May/19/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
He Said We Should. But We Didn't, and We Won't.
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You should be charging more. You include so much and you do everything so well that your price is too low. What we're getting is worth much more than what you charge...
by Charles, May/15/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Mexico |
A Letter from a Family
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Dear Linda, Eric and all of our wonderful teachers,
We had a great time staying with you in Mexico. I only wish that we had a longer time to spend fine tuning our Spanish and getting to know the amazing
state of Veracruz.
Unlike most of the programs that I looked into the in-school lodging really ensures a great trip for both the single traveller and the family.
You have a lot of freedom to explore the city and the area but never feel alone or isolated in foreign country which is great.
The cooking lessons are also a great perk of the program. What a fun way to pick up more vocabulary and to have something to bring back and to share with friends at home.
Thanks so much for the wonderful week.
by Annie, May/03/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Mexico |
Letter from a 10 Year Old Student
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[We received a letter from a delightful 10 year old girl who was with us for an extended stay. Here are the P.S. and P.P.S. from her letter.]
P.S. Thank you for remembering my birthday and for the card.
I'm sending a letter about my favorite
teacher if you want to put it on your blog.
_______________________________________
I really learned a lot more Spanish Talking with Ivethe. We talked
about music, fashion, life in Veracruz and Mexican Culture. Now, people
are amazed at how well I speak Spanish. Thank you. I miss you, Ivethe.
Your friend, Lia.
Yo apprendi mucho mas Espanol hablando con Ivethe. Nosotros hablemos
sobre musica, manera, vida en Veracruz y cultura Mexicana. Ahora muchas
personas son asombrados con mi Espanol. Gracias. Te extrano Ivethe.
Tu amiga, Lia.
______________________________________________
P.P.S. Say hi to everyone for us!
by Lia, April/5/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
In One Week's Time
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First of all, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself and learned an incredible amount; it was a real treat for me to be able to spend so much time on just one thing in such a very supportive atmosphere. I think that your school provides an ambiance that is warm, friendly, and highly conducive to learning another language.
Before I left Pittsburgh, I consulted with a colleague who studies
second language learning and one of the things he mentioned to me was
the importance of establishing relationships with others as a
motivational vehicle for really learning another language. What was
so marvelous about my experience in Veracruz was being able to
establish those relationships with so many people (i.e., charlantes
and instructors) and within that to practice and learn so much from
each one of them about Spanish as well as the Mexican culture.
I was only there a week, but I felt I made headway on each of the
objectives that I set for myself. My vocabulary increased, I gained
confidence in my abilities to speak, I gained better functional use
of verb tenses other than the present tense, I came to use a greater
variety of verbs in my spoken Spanish, and likely increased my level
of comprehension of detail within conversations.
by Louise, Mar/29/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
"A Rapid Infusion"
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Due to an impending business presentation in Mexico, I needed a rapid infusion
of knowledge on Spanish language and culture.
The school provided that needed boost – and then some. Not only did I acquire an amazing level of understanding of the language and culture, Eric and Linda also arranged meetings with local businessmen to help fine-tune my presentation and understanding of my prospective clients. And, my colleague and I were able to utilize the impressive talents of the teachers at the school to make sure our presentation made perfect sense in Spanish. Talk about above-and-beyond!
After only 10 days at the school, I learned more about Spanish and Mexican culture than I ever thought possible. More importantly, I gained a deep appreciation for the country and the people. The staff at the school were unfailingly pleasant and patient with my fumbling Spanish, and the accommodations (and the food!) were delightful. The presence of such warm and wonderful people undoubtedly multiplied my learning potential 10-fold. I am definitely planning to return, although my wife has already beat me to it – signing up for 2 weeks this summer for herself, 2 other fellow teachers, and our 17 year-old son.
As a Spanish-language novice, the school lifted the foreign-language veil for me, and I gained confidence that I can one day master this beautiful language. As a cultural and business tutor, the school was also top-notch. And as an added bonus, my wife and I feel our experience at the school was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, and plan to return again and again.
by Tom, Feb/13/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
"Thank You for Another Great Learning Experience!"
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My husband and I just returned from spending 2 weeks at The Language Immersion School in Veracruz. This was our
2nd time there. We both took individual “one-on-one” Spanish instruction as part of the Businessperson curriculum. This included “out and about” excursions with the charlantes. What a great way to learn Spanish. It was excellent !
All the teachers were knowledgeable, friendly and made learning easy. The people of Veracruz are very friendly and courteous. We always felt very secure and safe.
Linda and Eric were our gracious and accommodating “hosts”. We thank them for a wonderful learning experience.
by Vicki and Kjell, Feb/01/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
A Letter in Spanish
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Asunto: Reconocimiento
A Quien Corresponda
Presente
Por este medio deseamos hacer un reconocimiento públicoa The Language Immersion School por la metodología aplicada en el sistema de enseñanza en el idioma inglés.
Somos un grupo de esta empresa que no importo ser de diferentes edades, estilos de vida, educación, masculinos y femenino y que a lo largo de nuestra vida pasamos por diversas escuelas, academias o clases particulares con el fin de aprender a hablar el idioma inglés.
Lo que deseamos expresar es que con todas las deficiencias y carencias que cada cuál traía, Se logro una uniformidad logrando que todos subiéramos de nivel, y así poder entenderlo, hablarlo y escribirlo y más aún el poder comunicarnos con otras personas. Sabemos que van de la mano el proceso de la enseñanza con estudio en casa, aprovechando toda ocasión en todo lugar y momento para practicarlo sin que nos inhibamos.
Muchas gracias por esta oportunidad que nos brindaron sus dirigentes Eric y Linda Langner.
En lo particular gracias a la Sra. Linda por la paciencia, atención, buen humor, puntualidad y diligencia que tuvó y tiene para este grupo.
Sin más por el momento, quedo a sus órdenes para cualquier comentario o duda al respecto.
Atentamente
by Jóse Antonio, Jan/22/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Mexico |
Two Weeks Down Here and then a Big Sale Back Home
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I’m sorry I haven’t written in a while. I have been very busy with the Guard (still 3 years to go) and the real estate mortgage business. I now have my real estate license and have been working almost exclusively with Spanish speaking people.
Currently I have a client that I am representing who
is from Veracruz. He has been here in the U.S. for about 10 years and has became very successful. He has a great job and a wonderful family. You should have seen his face when I told him I had been to Veracruz to study Spanish.
I was able to show him the pictures we took and your website. What should have been a 45 minute meeting lasted over 2hrs. He was so excited that I had been to his home town and was talking about the places in the photos, and so excited that I was talking with him in Spanish that he hired me to represent him not just to find him property but to sell the 4 homes that he currently is building.
So I owe this one to you guys. He was very apprehensive when we first met, but Veracruz and the Spanish I learned down there made everything work out great.
by Darrell, Jan/18/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Veracruz |
RID--Reflexive, Indirect, Direct
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I just returned home from a working vacation at the Language Immersion School during the week between Christmas and New Years. What a fun and productive week it was. I had written Linda and Eric that I was studyingSpanish at the local community college and I was having some problems with a couple of things that I needed to get a better handle on. I also wanted to get a head start on next semester’s topic. Linda told me not to worry, that they could customize the lessons to help me deal with these issues.
The two-hour morning classes were spent working on my problem area, direct and indirect object pronouns, and taking an outing to the central open air market, or a walk along the malecon, or zocalo, or a bus trip to the grocery store. Lunch was with the other students and the school staff. Most of the conversation was in Spanish, making lunch another learning event.
The afternoon had two 2-hour classes. The first dealt with past and present tenses in Spanish with Centli, and the second was a general conversation class with Carmen. This was great because so far I had only studied the present tense at school, and I had never really had an extended conversation in Spanish before. In the evening there was another outing to a restaurant or nearby town. On Thursday there was an all day outing by bus to Xalapa, the capital of the state of Veracruz.
By the end of the week I was over my problem with pronouns and able to speak in simple sentences.
The real magic of the program was the outings. Each time I was accompanied by a different native Spanish speaker, and they were instructed to keep English to a minimum. The day trip was with Paula (who is usually the main cook and was the lead remodelista this week in the recently acquired addition to the school) who does not speak English at all. I was forced to put all my classroom work into practice during these outings. And the plan worked!
I have a big head start on the next two semesters of school; plus I am way ahead of my classmates in actually using the language. I just wish I had a couple more weeks of this intensive study and practical use of Spanish.
by Rick, Jan/05/07
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Mexico |
A Superintendent of Schools Reviews Us
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Our journey to Linda and Eric’s wonderful Language Immersion School began when my husband and I decided to spend three months in Spain to celebrate my retirement. We recognized the fact that we needed to be able to communicate in Spanish. My sister and her husband, who were accompanying us, decided to take an immersion course in Spain. But since we live in Arizona we thought it might be easier and more beneficial for us to take a course in Mexico. After searching the internet and calling a few places we decided to take the plunge and attend The Language Immersion School. It was the right decision!
Linda and Eric met us in the Veracruz airport. That initial friendly meeting did much to assure us that we were on the right track. Needless to say, we were nervous about staying in someone’s very large home. But that is one of the things that makes it so great!!! Someone is available all day to guide and teach, from breakfast on you are learning. Elia was our cook and guide the first few days. She was the best!! The atmosphere was not threatening, and if you want to speak English that is fine. But the emphasis is always on acquiring Spanish language skills.
Our schedule suited our needs. Linda and Eric are more than willing to accommodate the needs of those who attend – changing schedules, finding experts in various fields, changing teachers, recommending restaurants, etc. Life at The Language Immersion School is flexible.
Our schedule was as follows:
7:30 AM – Breakfast. Elia was always positive and provided the correct Spanish for the food we wanted.
8:00 AM – Class – Since we were rank beginners we started with pronunciation and built from there. The teachers involve the students in their own learning – no lectures!
10:00 AM – Out and about in Veracruz with a teacher (charlante) who usually had limited English language skills. Those were the best experiences. They presented real life situations in which any of us could find ourselves - restaurants, markets, shoe stores, on the beach, etc.
12:30 PM – Lunch. Another fun filled, non-threatening way to share in Spanish. This meal was really dinner as it was the major meal of the day. For those who are watching their weight this is wonderful, and you get to work off all the calories during the afternoon.
1 or 1:30 PM – Study or free time. There is always someone available to help or to engage in conversation.
3:00 PM – Class. This class was geared to grammar and is essential! The grammar was presented, and then we used it in sentences that made sense to us and what we would be doing in Spain.
5:00 PM – On your own.
6:00 PM - A teacher is available to help you study or just for conversation.
At first the day seemed long, but as we adjusted the time seemed to fly by.
Thursday is a wonderful day. The schedule crumbles, and the students are able to select a place to visit in Mexico, within a reasonable distance of course. You are accompanied by a Spanish speaking teacher/guide and are encouraged to use your Spanish language skills. But the choice of places to visit depends on your areas of interest. There are ruins, art centers, historic cathedrals, shopping, mountain or sea views, the list goes on and on. Actually, the best part for me was riding the buses and figuring out how to read the bus schedules. You can be assured that you are safe and well taken care of on all the trips both within and outside Veracruz.
My husband and I learned a lot and we had a good time doing it!!!! We still practice and study, but we are functional in Spanish. We still have to listen carefully and sometimes (many times) ask the speaker to slow down, but the more we practice the better we get. Being at The Language Immersion School made the difference. We are confident that we will be able to speak Spanish in any situation.
When we compare our experience to that of my sister and her husband who attended an immersion school in Spain, there is no comparison. They did homework and class work. We talked and experienced. They have no confidence in their ability to speak. We may not get it right each time, but we have the confidence to try. They have an extremely limited vocabulary. We have the vocabulary needed to live in a Spanish speaking world comfortably.
Thank you Linda and Eric!
by Bonnie, Dec/31/06
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Testimonials and Recommendations
Mexico |
También Enseñamos Inglés (We Also Teach English)
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Hola, Mi nombre es Armando Cabrera. Soy estudiante de la escuela Náutica de Veracruz. Debido al medio en el que me desarrollo, la necesidad del dominio del idioma inglés es primordial. Tras la búsqueda incansable
de una institución que me hiciera crecer, encontré esta escuela, la cual es dirigida por personas de origen Americano por lo que asegura al 100% que el aprendizaje será el correcto.
Llevo dos semanas en esta familia, por que así me hacen sentir, y mi aprendizaje ha sido sorprendente ya que realizo las actividades cotidianos de cualquier persona Americana es como viajar a los Estados Unidos en México aprender inglés de este modo es fácil y muy divertido.
Uno de mis principales objetivos era encontrar un sistema que me permitirá vivir comer descansar y hacer cualquier cosa en inglés y con este sistema que los Sres. Eric y Linda ofrecen lo llevo a cabo ya que mis clases son de inmersión total. Comienza al las 8:00 A.M. y termino a las 14:00 durante este lapso de tiempo cuento con dos recesos para descansar de clases y que poder platicar con otras personas americanos que toman clases de español del mismo modo. Tomo un jugo y una pieza de pan.
A las 12:00 comemos y otra clase se imparte en las mesas de inglés y/o español. Yo por supuesto elijo la mesa de inglés en la cual se comenta cualquier tipo de tema al mismo tiempo que se forma una amistad internacional.
by Armando, Dec/30/06
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