As a tourist destination, Chile is quickly being discovered as one of the most beautiful, interesting and sophisticated countries in South America. The 2400 mile long country is tucked in between the Pacific Ocean and the Majestic Andes mountain range. This country offers a fascinating variety of landscapes and cultures: wide and lonely beaches, the fertile central valley with its highly touted wineries, the Atacama Desert in the North, and the pristine wilderness of the south with its volcanoes, lakes, forest and fjord. One also can explore the mysterious Eastern Island and the frozen Antarctic landscape. Since returning to democracy in 1990, Chile has had a stable political situation and strong economy, making it very safe destination. The Chilean people are a mixture of European and Arabian immigrants with the Mapuche natives from the South and the Aymara from the North.
Santiago has a population of 5 million people and is located in the Central Valley at the foot of the Andes. It is a safe and modern city with good public transportation and a warm Mediterranean climate with average summer daytime temperatures of 80-85 degrees F.
In the evening it cools off comfortably. Within a days travel of Santiago you can visit Chile best Ski - resorts near Mount Aconcagua - the highest mountain in the America - the vineyards, the beach or the picturesque harbor city of Valparaíso. The variety of cultural offerings is some of the best in all of South America.
The School is at the base of San Cristobal Hill, the biggest park in Santiago. We are located in the heart of the colorful bohemian district of Bellavista, in the center of Santiago. For the past ten years a profusion of restaurants, pubs and small theaters have sprung up. The neighborhood is a magnet for students, artist and craftsmen. "Violeta Parra" was founded in 1992 and has been a member of the international Tandem net since 1996. We offer full immersion language courses, lodging with families or in pensions, assuring individual service in a friendly atmosphere.
Why is it called "Violeta Parra"? Because through her art, music and poetry, this woman of many talents brought to life the true spirit of the nation. Because for us, this popular figure best represents the people of Chile.
The instruction is divided into four levels: Beginner, Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. We teach for 20, 30, or 35 lessons per week. There are rarely more than four students per class, and usually less. The teachers are committed professionals speaking Spanish as their native language. The main goal is to achieve the proficiency to communicate well. In accordance with the Tandem-method, we arrange a Chilean language-exchange-partner.
In addition to the lessons, we offer a program designed to give student insight into the cultural, political, socio-economical, historical and ecological conditions existing in Chile. The students visit various organizations, memorials, museums, etc.
What Else?
We organize weekend excursions to the Andes, to hot springs, to National Parks and to the coast. Our students can also choose from a wide variety of activities such as rock climbing, trekking, Rafting or skiing in the winter.
For those who are more interested in city life, we can direct them toward the "salsotecas" in Bellavista, where they can learn to dance Tango, Salsa or Merengue. We offer a program designed to accommodate individual interests, while the student is completely immersed in the Spanish language. At the same time we try to offer a true Chilean adventure that goes beyond the usual tourist experience.
Faculty Information:
Our staff is working since many years together and the teachers are the most experienced Spanish teachers in Chile.
Other Activities:
With our field trip program and our excursions, we want to give our Spanish students a deeper insight to the Chilean society. We offer a number of activities, at least one per week. Additionally, we have a welcome reception with empanadas and wine every Monday after the classes, and outings on Thursday night.
Field Trips:
- Visit of a vineyard with a wine tasting
- The museum house of Pablo Neruda
- Visit of the "Palacio Cousiño"
- Visit of the Archaeological Museum and walk to the Cerro Sta. Lucia
- Visit of the Memorial of the victims of the Pinochet Dictatorship
Weekend excursions:
On the weekends, we organize excursions into the Andes, visiting National Parks and hot springs, or to the Pacific coast. Rafting, climbing courses, and trekking tours are also part of our extra activities.
Day Tours outside Santiago:
- Trekking in the Morado National Park in the Andes
- Hot thermal water springs
- La Campana National Park (Palm forest)
- Rafting
- Central coast - Isla Negra, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar
- Trekking to the Morado Glacier
Facility Information:
10 class rooms, small library, free internet, wifi, free video rent.
Notes:
Costs refer to Super intensive course per week and Crash course per week. Add on enrollment fee of 45 USD.
Also see Vacation Schools in:
Language Schools
South America
Chile
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