TASIS Spanish Summer Progr am
Salamanca ~ Spain
2011
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Mid
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Intermediate Spanish Course Description
This course introduces students to more complex structures and grammar, and reinforces
beginner level skills. It is designed for a student who has had at least one year or more of
Spanish. All four language skills are developed, but the emphasis is on spoken Spanish,
and students are asked to communicate in Spanish at all times. The topics covered
throughout the course include: sports, travel, health, shopping, hobbies, and daily
activities. Cultural awareness is enhanced through the study of geography, history, and
daily customs of the Hispanic world, as well as through the frequent excursions.
Activities and Excursions
Introduction
The TASIS Spanish Summer Program (TSSP) in Salamanca has offered intensive Spanish
language courses for high school students since 1993. Unique to the Program is its
full immersion in the Spanish language and culture through activities, excursions, and
sessions with guest artists, which ensure that participants get to know Spain as students,
rather than as tourists.
The increasing demand for learning Spanish at a younger age has led to the creation
of the TSSP Middle School Program for students ages 11-13. The Program provides
specialist Spanish teachers for this transitional age group, and carefully supervised,
age-appropriate activities which expand language learning beyond the classroom.
Recognizing the unique needs of younger students, the Program has its own Coordinator,
designated facilities, a tailor-made academic program, and distinct activities from the
older students—all which take place in a safe and structured environment.
The Program is small by design so that individualized attention can be given to each
student. TASIS is renowned for offering quality international education in Europe and
was the first American independent boarding school established in Europe in 1956.
Middle School Coordinator
Eva Snyders was born and raised in Spain and has
taught Spanish to students of all ages at TASIS England
since 1998. She earned a BA in Spanish and English
Literature from the University of Madrid and an M.Ed in
International Education Administration from Endicott
College. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and Spanish
heritage have provided her students with a love for the Spanish language and culture.
She has led trips to Spain, organized successful Spanish summer programs, and
introduced students to the art of Spanish dancing, including Flamenco. Her sensitive
leadership skills, high energy, and commitment to students make her ideally suited to
head up the TSSP Middle School Program in Salamanca.
Academic Program
Daily Spanish lessons in the classroom at the beginning and intermediate levels are
mixed with Language in Life activities, which draw on the rich cultural life of Salamanca.
More advanced middle school students may enroll in the advanced intermediate
high school course. Placement is decided by the TSSP Director and the Middle School
Coordinator, based on the student’s maturity and a placement test, which is given at
the beginning of the Program. The goal is to make learning Spanish enjoyable and
challenging at the right level and to focus on conversational Spanish by using Spain as a
living language laboratory.
Beginning Spanish Course Description
The Beginning Spanish course is designed for the student with little or no knowledge of
the Spanish language. Spanish is the main language of instruction and communication
in the classroom. All four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) are
developed simultaneously, although the emphasis is on conversational Spanish. Students
learn vocabulary associated with school, family, and pastimes. Basic grammatical
concepts, regular/irregular verb conjugations, and basic tenses (present tense to simple
future) are presented. Video programs, films, texts, and frequent excursions support the
cultural component of the Program.
Activities include visits to the major cultural attractions of the city, such as enjoying
tapas in the spectacular Plaza Mayor, which also hosts numerous events throughout
the summer. In addition there are visits by local artists and musicians such as flamenco
dancers, hikes in the local area to appreciate the beautiful landscape of Castilla, art
classes, and cooking lessons using traditional recipes and ingredients bought in the local
markets. Sports, films, team building exercises, and games also extend the use of the
students newly acquired Spanish language skills. Weekly excursions to nearby cities such
as Avila, Segovia, and Madrid provide opportunities to explore Spain beyond Salamanca.
Carefully chaperoned, students are accompanied at all times to ensure that their visits are
productive and enjoyable.
Facilities
The Program is based in a beautifully restored 13th century convent in the historic center
of the vibrant city of Salamanca. Students are housed in single or double rooms on a
separate floor of the building under the direct supervision of the middle school staff.
In addition to classrooms, a computer room, a television lounge, and a spacious dining
facility, the building has an attractive internal courtyard which provides a performance
space for numerous events in the evenings.
Students also make daily use of a nearby fitness center and a sports center, which has
facilities for soccer, basketball, tennis, and swimming. The immediate accessibility to all
the recreational and cultural attractions of Salamanca extends the campus beyond the
building to a university city rich in history and the finest Spanish traditions.
Typical Daily Schedule
(Monday - Friday)
8:30 Wake Up
17:20-18:30 Shower and Review Time
900-9:30 Breakfast
18:30-18:45 Computer Language/Reading Activities
9:30-12:30 Classes
12:30-13:15 Singing Class in Spanish
19.30-20.00 Dinner
20.00 Evening Activity
14:15-15:00 Rest Hour
21:30 In Dorms
15:15-17:15 Sports, Hikes, Water Park
22:30 Lights Out
13:30 Lunch
Community Life
The opportunity to live and work together in a shared community of students with
diverse backgrounds and experiences greatly enriches the Program. For many students, it
is their first experience abroad in a boarding community. The supportive, caring staff and
the shared focus of learning Spanish in a beautiful setting provide rich opportunities to
develop friendships, independence, and maturity within a family-style environment.
Admissions
The three-week TSSP Middle School Program is open to students ages 11-13 who have
an interest in learning the Spanish language. The student must be of sufficient maturity
to benefit from an international experience in an intimate supportive community. No
prior Spanish experience is necessary, but a recommendation from a present teacher
who knows the applicant well is required. For more information, fees, and application
materials, please visit our website or contact the Summer Director of Admissions at
uksummer@tasisengland.org
TASIS England, Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey, England TW20 8TE Tel: +44 1932 582 346 Fax: +44 1932 564 644
US Office: 112 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 • Tel: 703 299 8150 • Fax: 703 299 8157 • usadmissions@tasis.com
http://summer.tasis.com