Hi, all -
As some of you know, I’ve made a habit of traveling to Latin America for a month or so each summer and spend a few weeks of it taking part in Spanish Immersion programs. The last 3 summers I’ve included fellow educators and their families, traveling to Honduras in 2008 and Guatemala in 2007 and 2009. Each trip we live with host families and study Spanish 4 hours a day at respected language schools. We explore neighboring villages, Maya ruins, local schools, museums, hiking trails, ice cream shops, and artisan markets. Immersion study is hard work but the benefits in terms of language acquisition and cultural enrichment are remarkable. Last year local folks didn't fill the group so I mentioned it on this forum and several Fodorites stepped up and were wonderful additions to the group (hi Carla and Mary Ann!). This program does not require a specific level of Spanish fluency but beginners should consider studying locally to acquire as much background knowledge as possible before traveling. You don't have to be an educator, though most group members are. You could plan a similar trip yourself but not everyone wants to do that and our groups allow people who don't want to travel alone to have a built in support system.

Next summer, MEXICO! If you might be interested in joining us, read on:

We’ll be studying for 2 weeks in San Cristóbal de las Casas in Chiapas, México’s most southern state. At an altitude of more than 7000 feet, the climate in San Cristóbal is springlike year round. This is an area with stunning natural beauty and a rich, dramatic history. It continues to offer a dynamic blend of colonial influence and a strong indigenous presence.

Studying in México is significantly more expensive than in Central America. I’m currently negotiating with several schools in an attempt to reduce the expense and still provide a program that will meet my high expectations. I’m hoping to keep the program cost below $1500 for the school, homestays with meals, ground transportation, cultural workshops, area excursions, and an overnight visit to the Maya ruins at Palenque. Program cost will not include airfare to Tuxtla Gutierrez (the nearest airport) or the cost of optional credits ($300 for 5 quarter hours at the 400 or 500 level or $600 for 10).

The group will travel the last week-end in June. In addition, independent study for credit with flexible dates to México, Guatemala, Honduras, Panamá, and Costa Rica is also possible. If you're interested, check out the links below and let me know if you have questions.

Happy trails!
Hopefulist

http://liveandlearninmexico.blogspot.com/ - website I've established for the Mexico trip which I'll add to as specifics surface
http://liveandlearninmexico.blogspot.com/ - has links to course pages for all the countries mentioned above
http://flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections - my Central America photo collections with travelogues and/or blogs linked on each main page
http://www.mexperience.com/guide/col...ncristobal.htm - visitor information

I would so love to do this. I already live in MX in the summer months and am in Playa del Carmen. I'm also a teacher in the States during the school year, have taken spanish classes and am looking forward to retirement in the near future in Mexico. Please keep me posted to any openings.
Thanks,
Sue

Hi, Sue -
I'm highly unlikely to fill the group with local folks this year because our school district will no longer reimburse us for some of our expenses. If you're seriously interested, email me (contact info on the registration and syllabi pages in the top link above). I'll look forward to hearing from you!

I accidently posted the same link twice - oops. the 2nd link should be:
http://liveandlearninlatinamerica.blogspot.com/ - has links to course pages for all the countries mentioned above

colokid - Can you email me so I can update you on the trip? I'm getting lots of interest and don't want you to miss out if you're hoping to travel with us. Thanks!
hopefulist(at)yahoo.com

Is this a commercial venture on your part?

Not for the group trips, though I'm thinking of developing a business when I retire. This is an offshoot of my desire to learn to speak Spanish and my desire to help other educators in my area do the same. I also wanted to get college credits for studying so I could move over on my salary schedule so I developed that piece over the course of a few years. For people traveling independently and taking the course for credit I make a small profit. For the group trips I make careful estimates and build in a bit in case of cost surprises which have totally eaten up the reserve the last 2 years. For a few years my district reimbursed completely but that has declined so I have space for other folks. I really enjoyed the Fodors folks last year and would love to meet more this year.

I still have space - just topping in case new readers might be interested.

Just for anyone's information. I did not know hopefulist in any way, shape or form last year. I only knew her from her postings on this forum. I joined her group going to Guatemala last year and had an exceptional experience.

I researched the costs of the transfers, and schools that we attended and if she made any money off me it was minimal.

The peace of mind that I had because all my transfers, accomodations and the knowledge that I had someone to turn to in a foreign country in case something went wrong, was well worth the small amount of money that she might have made off my trip was well worth it.

(Just an aside here--I took a group of 8th graders to Costa Rica for a service learning project and the prices quoted changed from the booking date to the travel date and I ended up eating costs)

Sorry hit submit instead of preview, but the bottom line is that she is offering a great package with peace of mind and if you want the experience of a lifetime with no worries, contact her.

And, honestly I don't have any interest in this at all and don't know her except the trip last summer. If you want to talk to me directly about my experiences reply to this and I will be more than happy to give you my email to answer questions.

Hi, Carla! Glad you took a chance on me - it was great traveling with you.

Hi there,
I know I received an email from you this week but it went to my spam box and disappeared before I could open it. Could you please re-send? I'm still working on the logistics of this since I'd have to travel 12 hours from the Cancun area to get there and back.

Thanks,
colokid

I'm lazy - I'm flying from Cancun to Mérida on the 26th of June, then on to Tuxtla Gutierrez on the 27th instead of busing it. I'll send the email right now.