Spanish Immersion Overview

 Spanish Immersion Overview
Offered Via Casa Xalteva
The Roots of Change
Spanish Immersion Add-On Table of Contents
Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 3 Preparation ............................................................................................................................................. 3 Arrival in Managua, Nicaragua ......................................................................................................... 4 Money Recommendations .................................................................................................................. 4 Spanish School ....................................................................................................................................... 4 Spanish Class .......................................................................................................................................... 5 Homestay ................................................................................................................................................. 5 Volunteer Activities .............................................................................................................................. 6 Adventure Activities ............................................................................................................................ 6 Vibrant Culture ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Packing and Luggage ............................................................................................................................ 7 Spanish Immersion Add-­‐On Itinerary ............................................................................................ 7 Safety ......................................................................................................................................................... 9 Contacting GIVE ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Spanish Immersion Overview 2 Overview
GIVE’s Spanish Immersion program is going to place you in the historical heart of Nicaragua.
Granada, Nicaragua’s first capital city and unique history places it at the top of the must see list
of Nicaragua. During your 8 day excursions you will tour this magnificent Spanish colonial city,
immerse yourself in the local culture, live with a local family, learn the Spanish language, and
explore the beautiful scenery surrounding Granada. If you want to learn a second language and
dive into Latin American culture, this is the program for you.
Please use this Spanish Immersion Overview in companion with the Nicaragua Excursion
Overview. It’s important to review and familiarize yourself with all the information to
prepare for your excursion!
Preparation
While you prepare for your excursions, it will be helpful to do a little research on the history of
Granada. This will allow you a holistic understanding of the people, culture and city you will be
spending an entire week exploring. It would also be helpful to start practicing some Spanish now
so that when you arrive you can hit the ground running. There are many great apps you can find
on the app store or online that will help you begin your Spanish education and provide you a
solid base before you arrive. If you already know some Spanish, it would be good for you to
review what you know in preparation for your class. By studying a little before you arrive you
will be able to make the most out of your class time.
Free Spanish education apps:
1. DuoLingo
2. Busuu – Spanish
3. Fluent U
NOTE: Complete the mandatory Spanish Immersion Quiz that was sent to you via email.
This will be helpful in placing you in the appropriate Spanish level class.
Here is the link for the test: http://www.givevolunteers.org/spanish-immersion-quiz.html
Spanish Immersion Overview 3 Arrival in Managua, Nicaragua
Refer to the Flights and Arrival information in the Nicaragua Overview for information about
flights, arrival, flight delays or cancellations, and important notes.
The main difference with your pre-GIVE trip Spanish Immersion Add-On:
After you arrive in Managua, go through customs (don’t forget your $10 entry fee!), collect your
bags, and a representative from Casa Xalteva (pronounced “Zal-TAY-vah”) will meet you just
outside the airport doors. Once everyone has arrived, you will drive about an hour and a half
North to Granada.
Early Arrival:
If you are arriving prior to trip start date, you will be responsible for paying $30 USD for
transportation and accommodations directly to Casa Xalteva. Your guides will notify Casa
Xalteva and GIVE will also send you more information closer to your trip start date.
Money Recommendations
Each person has different spending habits, so please plan according to yours! We suggest
bringing $100 - $150 USD for purchasing snacks, souvenirs, or gifts during the Spanish
Immersion Add-on. You will have access to ATMs during your stay in Granada. Refer to the
Nicaragua Overview for information about notifying your bank, currency and exchange rates,
and additional information.
Spanish School – Casa Xalteva
For the last 20 years, Casa Xalteva has committed itself to education, family, and the
community. Casa Xalteva is a language school and educational shelter for under-privileged local
children. Since its onset, Casa Xalteva has used education as the engine to lift the community out
of poverty and a way to promote equal opportunity for the underserved youth in Granada. Casa
Xalteva is able to fund the children’s program by the income from the amazing Spanish program
that you will be engaging in! Without you, Casa Xalteva would not be able to fund the programs
to help the at-risk youth in the local community.
The cool thing about Casa Xalteva is that it is designed like a home, making you feel very
comfortable and at ease during your Spanish lessons and volunteering. A great leadership team
of directors, teachers, and interns propels this school forward and provides a welcoming
atmosphere and all around great experience. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please
feel at home and ask for assistance.
Spanish Immersion Overview 4 Please note that this Add-On is operated under the care and guidance of Casa Xalteva. While
GIVE fully endorses the aptitude and professionalism of the services provided by Casa Xalteva,
this Spanish Immersion Add-on is not operated under the care of Growth International Volunteer
Excursions.
Spanish Class
Spanish class is held Monday – Friday either from 8AM-12PM or 1PM-4PM (timing is
dependent on volunteer schedule). You will start off your morning having a lovely homemade
breakfast with your family and then head on over to Casa Xalteva for your day of classes and our
volunteering.
Class sizes are typically no more than four students per teacher, which allows the teacher to
really get to know you and your learning style. Be prepared, teachers will utilize the “Spanish
only” technique that will have you reading, writing, and speaking in Spanish by the end of your
first day! If you want to learn Spanish for a particular setting (business, gastronomy, etc.), please
let your teacher know and they will make sure to incorporate that into your weeklong course.
You’ll have breaks in between class to just chill out in the hammocks or hangout with the local
children.
Homestay
The Spanish Immersion Add-on provides homestays for as your accommodations. Staying with a
local Nicaraguan family is a special opportunity. On the first day you arrive in Granada, a
member of your Spanish school will escort you and introduce to your homestay family. You will
be paired with at least one other student from the Spanish school.
All of the families are incredibly nice, caring, and especially giving at mealtime! Please do not
be afraid to ask your homestay family for anything that you may need, as they are delighted to
make you feel as part of their family. All of the chosen homestay families are incredibly friendly
and you will quickly find they are easy to talk to. Nicaraguans are known for being overly
curious and inquisitive, so expect a lot of conversation during meals!
This will be an excellent opportunity to practice your Spanish. Don’t be shy; Nicaraguan families
are incredibly patient and accepting. Your homestay family will love to spend time talking to you
and helping you with your Spanish. You will also get to know the local community and establish
personal and lifelong relationships.
Spanish Immersion Overview 5 Your homestay will provide you with a room, fan, Wi-Fi, and bathroom. You will have three
meals a day at your homestay and all the purified water you can drink. Expect traditional
Nicaraguan style meals such as “gallo pinto” (black beans and rice), “caballo bayo” (beef stew),
and “platanos fritos” (plantains), among other delicious meals. Nicaraguan’s also love pancakes
and fresh fruits for breakfast.
NOTE: If you have any allergies or dietary needs, please tell the Spanish school on arrival and
they will find a family to accommodate your dietary needs.
Volunteer Activities
What better way to practice your Spanish than with the local children?! After you finish your
Spanish lessons for the day, you will head home for lunch at your homestay and then return to
school to volunteer with the local children between 1 to 5 o’clock.
A majority of the local children come from unstable homes and often lack structure in their daily
lives. The main idea is to guide and support the children to become productive adults through
stability and education. Also, your interaction with the children will help cultivate an
intercultural awareness for both sides, a win-win! Without you, this would not be possible.
As a volunteer, you will interact with the children on a daily basis and help them with their
homework, teach them English, reading and writing, arts, recreational activities, and simply be a
highlight in their day. Smiles are a universal language – expect a lot of them! By the end of the
week, you’ll have made great connections with these children, and trust us, you won’t want to
leave!
NOTE: Volunteer schedule and activities depend on children’s school schedule. You will be
notified upon arrival.
Adventure Activities
Nicaragua is an incredibly beautiful country and known as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes”
because of its abundance of volcanoes and lakes. During the Spanish Immersion Add-On at Casa
Xalteva, you will have the opportunity to really experience the true wonders of Nicaragua.
One of the places you will go to visit is a nature reserve, Laguna de Apoyo. 23,000 years ago, a
strong volcanic eruption left a massive inverted crater that filled with subterranean water and
rain, eventually forming Laguna de Apoyo. You will have an amazing time at this pristine, blue
lake swimming, kayaking, lounging, and relaxing!
Spanish Immersion Overview 6 How does taking a kayak tour of some of the 365 small volcanic islets (islands) in Lake
Nicaragua sound?! These small islets were formed thousands of years ago after the massive
eruption of Mambacho Volcano. You will kayak through the islets, feed the monkeys on Monkey
Island, and spend the day swimming and having lunch on one of the islets. Keep an eye out for
the many species of birds and wildlife that inhabit the lake and the surrounding areas. Bring
some Córdoba’s, sunscreen, bug repellant, and energy!
Vibrant Culture
Granada has a vibrant culture that is concentrated on one of Granada’s main streets, “La
Calzada”. You will find a wide range of restaurants, shops, and galleries. Take a seat at one of
the many places that “La Calzada” has to offer, grab a fresh juice or snack, and absorb the
culture around you! This is a very lively area where you can watch local street artists play great
music and perform traditional dances. This is also a perfect place to pick up handmade souvenirs
for your family and friends back home. Nicaragua is famous for its affinity to baseball, if you’re
lucky you’ll have the opportunity to attend a game and experience the energetic atmosphere that
most baseball games in Latin countries have. You’ll have the opportunity to visit several local
supermarkets and use your new Spanish skills to buy fresh produce and learn how to cook an
authentic Nicaraguan dish!
Packing and Luggage
Please refer to the packing list in the Nicaragua Overview. You do not need to bring additional
clothing for the Spanish Immersion Add-On as you will be able to do laundry during the add-on
and your GIVE excursion. The one addition to bring is pen and paper for your Spanish
Immersion Add-on!
Remember, your checked bag must weigh less than 30bs to avoid fees for in-country
transportation. Please do not go over 30lbs! This means your checked bag from your home
country cannot be over 30 lbs. Note that this weight requirement does not include donations.
We encourage you to bring donations for the communities, so we will cover any additional fees
associated with transporting donations within Nicaragua from Managua to the Corn Islands.
Spanish Immersion Add-On Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary and may be modified/changed during your excursion. Travelling
abroad requires flexibility based on weather, wellness of the group, and other factors. The
schedule will also change depending on the day of the week you arrive in Granada since Spanish
classes are held Monday - Friday. We appreciate your understanding and adaptability with the
itinerary!
Spanish Immersion Overview 7 Day 1 – Arrival to Nicaragua:
Once you arrive at the airport with your $10 USD entry fee to enter into Nicaragua, pick up your
baggage and head towards customs. A Casa Xalteva representative will meet you behind the
glass doors once you have cleared customs. After they rally any other GIVE volunteers arriving
in the same window of time as you did, you will head to Granada (about an 1hr 30 min drive
north of the Managua airport). Upon arrival, you will be introduced to your Nicaragüense family
for the week!
If you are asked at customs where you are staying say you are volunteering in Granada and
staying at Casa Xalteva (pronounced: Zah-TEL-vah).
Day 2 – 6 Spanish Classes:
On the first day of class, your family will take you to Casa Xalteva, just like the first day of
school(: You will spend the next few days taking your Spanish classes, volunteering, and
engaging in a wide range of activities with your homestay. The typical schedule for the next few
days is as followed:
Breakfast: 7:30 – 8:00 AM
Spanish Classes at Casa Xalteva: 8:00 – 12:00
Lunch: 12:00 – 1:00
Volunteering/ Activities: 1:00-5:00
Evening Activities w/ Project Coordinator: 8:00 PM
Day 7: Excursion: Kayaking
After having a home-cooked breakfast with your family you will be picked up by your project
coordinator from Casa Xalteva to embark on your great adventure! You will spend the day
kayaking through the 365 Islets that are formed right next to Granada. These islets were formed
hundreds of years ago after a violent eruption from the Mombacho eruption. After your
excursion, you will head back to your homestays to enjoy a nice dinner with your family.
Day 8 – Excursion: Laguna de Apoyo
You will spend the day in the beautiful Laguna de Apoyo where you will have a blissful day
relaxing under the sun. Laguna de Apoyo is a crater lake with a lot of geothermal energy that
allows the lake to be kept naturally warm. You will be able to swim, kayak, paddleboard, or
Spanish Immersion Overview 8 simply lie out in the sun and enjoy a nice lunch. After the sun winds down, you will head back to
Granada and end the day with a nice dinner by your family.
Day 9 – Departure day
You will have the morning/early afternoon free to roam and buy any last minute souvenirs and
say your goodbyes to your family and friends before heading back to the Managua airport where
you will meet your amazing GIVE guides. You will also meet the other GIVE volunteers and
you will be able to share your amazing experience and new and improved Spanish skills as you
head off into your next adventure in beautiful Jiquilillo, Nicaragua!
* This schedule is subject to change depending on which day of the week you arrive.
Spanish classes are held Monday – Friday and the excursions are held on the weekends.
Safety
Whenever you are in a new and unfamiliar place, be sensible and take extra precautions as you
would when visiting any other cities. Granada is a beautiful city with great people, but just like
any big city, inherent risks are involved.
Adopt the motto, “the more the merrier”! Always go out in groups, especially in the evenings. In
addition, Casa Xalteva provides your group with a Project Coordinator that will be with you ever
evening and show you all the beauty of Nicaragua from a local’s perspective. Talk to your
homestay families and Casa Xalteva about neighborhoods and places to visit in Granada. When
exploring, limit the amount of personal items you bring with you, as you don’t want to attract
attention by carrying a lot of belongings. It’s best to just keep your personal items stored at your
homestay. In addition, GIVE volunteers will have an volunteer coordinator provided by Casa
Xalteva who will be organizing evening activities and will serve as one of your may points of
contact.
Granada is an amazing place with so much to offer - taking these extra measure will make your
stay that much more enjoyable!
Note: Please read the disclaimer provided by Casa Xalteva upon arrival.
Spanish Immersion Overview 9 GIVE Contact Information
Phone USA
Phone AUS
E-mail
Address
+1 (206) 973-7991
+61 (02) 8011-3174
[email protected]
2442 NW Market St #425
Seattle, WA 98107 USA
Casa Xalteva
E-mail
[email protected]
Phone NICA +505 2552 2993
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you and we’re excited for you to
embark on your Spanish Immersion Add-on!