Study Spanish in Dominican Republic

[krazy_4_you]

Hello,

I am researching and thinking about coming to Dominican Republic to study Spanish..living in the Puerto Plata area..I have been searching the internet of Spanish schools and have noticed a few in Sosua. I am wondering if anyone has or knows anyone who has participated in studying spanish at one of the schools. I am thinking about starting my study in May 2007, so I am trying to find all necessary information so I can make my decision about studying in the Dominican Republic. I am not quite interested in studying in Santo Domingo, as I am more familiar with the North side of the island. Any information would be great! Thanks!!

Ashley

 

[batich]

I know in Cabarete when you make a turn from the main road (opposite direction from the ocean), at rent/repair car place, there is a sign - "School of Spanish". It is on the way to Moreno ( el clarovidente, brujo). All locals know.

 

[nikke]

Curious

I would be interested in recommendations for a good Spanish school in the North Coast as well. There are lots of schools, but does anyone recommend one? I'm sure they all have their pro's and cons...

 

[krazy_4_you]

I have researched many different schools and came across a few of them. I am trying to find out which ones people know that have taken that recommend a certain one, and one that doesnt cost $10 000. Affordable but great and will teach me spanish! Im sure websites will say their company is great and great place to learn spanish, but all will say that.. which is why I am looking for anyone who has any recommondations of a certain(s) school.

Thanks again

Ashley

 

[Hillbilly]

There are very good Spanish language schools in Santiago. If you are on the beach you are going to pay more.

You can study in a university atmosphere at PUCMM (www.pucmmsti.edu.do---click on Español para Extrangeros)

And there are at least six or seven other places. Some are very much for profit....so beware.

HB

 

[batich]

There are very good Spanish language schools in Santiago. If you are on the beach you are going to pay more.

You can study in a university atmosphere at PUCMM (www.pucmmsti.edu.do---click on Espa?ol para Extrangeros)

And there are at least six or seven other places. Some are very much for profit....so beware.

HB

I understand people. To be in DR and without playa - makes no sense. For whatever money. MHO.

 

[krazy_4_you]

Hillbilly-

Do you know of any closer to Puerto Plata...as I would wish to live in Puerto Plata during this time?? I also can't find the Español para Extrangeros section on that website?

Thanks for your help
Ashley

 

[LaCampagna]

If you are willing to commute a couple of times a week to Santiago, PM me and I'll get you in touch with a good private teacher, at an affrodable rate.

 

[nancybelle]

Studying espanol



Hi, Ashley, I had a great time studying Spanish in Santiago on two separate occasions, both times at the Berlitz Institute. Because I had studied previously in Salamanca, Spain at a language school with small classes, I was reluctant to go to the Berlitz school with its "one-on-one" type of instruction. I feared it would be boring and not as much help as the other type class, but I was pleasantly surprised. I think you would benefit---if you are considering Santiago---from studying with the capable instructors at Berlitz. Best of luck to you! The Dominican Republic is a fantastic place--for holidays, studying, or a perfect combination of both.

Saludos,
Nancy Bell

 

[krazy_4_you]

How far is it from Puerto Plata to Santiago? Im not sure how I would get there???

 

[jcrew20]

It takes about an 1.5 hours to get from puerto plata to santiago by bus. Last time I was in santiago, I was handed a flyer for a Spanish school. One week for one hundren dollars. Not a bad deal, not sure of the name of the school. I was handed the flyer in a cafe near the university.

 

[purplebunniern]

spanish school in sosua

I studied last summer at IIC - goethe in Sosua. It wasnt bad. I would go back and may this summer for 5 weeks. Any questions feel free to pm me.
purplebunniern:bunny:

 

[Hillbilly]

Ashley: If your desire is to be at the beach, alright. there in Puerto Plata or Sosúa, there are several places that can serve you. I am sure that other posters can tell you more precise details.

I will PM you with some more information

HB

 

[abe]

Do it yourself Spanish instruction

With apologies to the various language schools, let me suggest that you buy Barron's Mastering Spanish Level 1 and 2 on Amazon.com. These cassette sets are the published version of the Foreign Service Institute's language training technology. FSI is the organization that trains US Diplomats, Peace Corps, etc. in oral language.

With a few weeks of home practice, you will learn how to integrate the proven methodology of this system with any human "helpers' that you feel you will need. You will learn how to structure the drills and the systematic repetition that is vital for any successful oral language learning to take place for an adult.

Then, once in the DR, you can either use the language school's teacher or find one on your own who can be the human component to add to this highly effective and organized language instruction system.

You can buy each set of 12 cassettes and a no-frill's book for $40US each. I only recommend the cassettes because I don't know if the CD version can be started and stopped and rewound as easily as the cassettes so that you can go back and repeat sections easily.

Buena suerte.

 

[krazy_4_you]

Thanks very much, look forward to hearing from you.

Ashley: If your desire is to be at the beach, alright. there in Puerto Plata or Sos?a, there are several places that can serve you. I am sure that other posters can tell you more precise details.

I will PM you with some more information

HB

 

[krazy_4_you]

I have many different spanish books that I have read before, although I dont think they do just the same. I find it would be better to learn spanish hands on. Before when I knew much more spanish than i do now, I was learning through books and I find when I actually went to speak in a conversation I have no idea what was being said. But when they wrote it down I understood. Which is why I want to find a school to attend to study spanish while being in a Spanish Environment.

Ashley

With apologies to the various language schools, let me suggest that you buy Barron's Mastering Spanish Level 1 and 2 on Amazon.com. These cassette sets are the published version of the Foreign Service Institute's language training technology. FSI is the organization that trains US Diplomats, Peace Corps, etc. in oral language.

With a few weeks of home practice, you will learn how to integrate the proven methodology of this system with any human "helpers' that you feel you will need. You will learn how to structure the drills and the systematic repetition that is vital for any successful oral language learning to take place for an adult.

Then, once in the DR, you can either use the language school's teacher or find one on your own who can be the human component to add to this highly effective and organized language instruction system.

You can buy each set of 12 cassettes and a no-frill's book for $40US each. I only recommend the cassettes because I don't know if the CD version can be started and stopped and rewound as easily as the cassettes so that you can go back and repeat sections easily.

Buena suerte.

 

[abe]

Tapes, not books

While I agree that having Spanish spoken all around you is a great environment, the Barron's material is not a book--it is a set of structured tapes that are in normal speed Spanish. The exercises are designed to take you through guided exercise that allow you to listen and repeat spoken Spanish until you learn the various structures.

Then they create exercises that allow you to demonstrate that you have internalized these structures.

The book is a minor part of the system--I only open it when, for the life of me, I cannot grasp something.

Even when you are in a Spanish speaking environment, you do not have the opportunity to drill repeatedly to create the "muscle memory" that is at the base of language.

Use this as an adjunct to your classroom exercises and your opportunity to speak in a Spanish language environment.

Unless you find the world's most patient and consistent language teacher, you will not be able to duplicate the practice sessions on this tape set.

Again--good luck. I didn't want you to dismiss this as just another book.