picture of hats and blankets from EducadorSpanish immersion and service: Learning in Ecuador

June 23-July 9, 2012

 

Do more than just sight-see on your next trip. Attend one of the best schools in Latin America and work in the volunteer program as you immerse yourself in language and culture while making a difference in the lives of many people. This 17-day program includes 30 hours of Spanish instruction, 45 hours of voluntary work, four excursions, two community parties, a farewell dinner, lodging with a local family, and round-trip air Chicago-Cuenca

Join Continuing Studies' Educational Travel for a 17-day program that, along with the usual excursions and sightseeing, includes 30 hours of language instruction and 45 hours of volunteer work in the city of Cuenca.

You will stay with host families, who provide a warm, welcoming base for your stay. A typical day begins with breakfast at "home," followed by several hours of volunteer work. In the afternoon and evening there are Spanish classes, free time, dinner, and social time.

A number of excursions throughout Cuenca and the surrounding area are planned, providing additional opportunities for you to practice your Spanish skills. These include:

  • Cajas National Park (two-day camping excursion): The park covers an area of 28.808 hectares and is known for its many lakes, along with white-tailed deer, spectacled bears, pumas, paramo (moor) deer, paramo (moor) rabbits, mountain tapirs, caracara, condors, and the Andean toucan.
  • Community Kushiwaira: This tourism project was created with the communities of Parcoloma and Chilcatotora to generate financial resources and to support the Jambiruna health project.
  • El Chorro de Girón: "The Waterfalls of Girón." The headwaters of El Chorro River form three waterfalls, including a magnificent double waterfall, which can be seen from town; the river flows through Girón,then joins the Ricay River, which joins the Jubones River.
  • Ingapirca: The largest known Inca ruins in Ecuador. The most significant building is the temple of the sun, an elliptically shaped building constructed around a large rock.

 

Dates: June 23-July 9, 2012
Price: $2,870
Register: 608-262-3731 or kseymour@dcs.wisc.edu
Tour Guides: Antonio Noguera
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About your guide:

You will be traveling with experts in Spanish language, history and culture.


Spanish Instructor Antonio Noguera Antonio Noguera is from Madrid, where he managed his own company for many years. He also spent two years in Morocco. In addition to his business experience and journalism training in Spain, he holds an MA and a PhD in Spanish literature, with a minor in Portuguese. He is a faculty associate at UW-Madison where he coordinates programs in Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese for the Division of Continuing Studies. He also teaches Spanish language and culture at UWMadison and at Edgewood College. He has many years of experience as a leader of groups, especially business and travel groups. Antonio’s motto for his trips “In educational travel, months of preparation prevent seconds of fear.”

General Information

Cost: $2,870

For tour information contact:
Antonio Noguera
anoguera@dcs.wisc.edu
608-262-5929

Register: 608-262-3731 or kseymour@dcs.wisc.edu

If you have a disability and desire accommodation, please advise us ahead of time. Requests are confidential. This program is offered by UW-Madison Division of Continuing Studies.

Comments from previous travelers:

"We had such a wonderful experience that it might be called life-changing. It fulfilled what one wishes for in a vacation, an escape from the pressures and anxiety of everyday life. An opportunity to experience and learn new things." ~ Mary Tejeda

"I had a wonderful time on this trip. I liked the group and everything was so well-organized. It went very smoothly I also learned a lot about art and architecture. I also got to use my Spanish." ~ Taylor Koebert

"Was SO glad to have Sophia along. The hotel choices were good and the restaurants even better. Appreciated the “fixed price” of the trip. Other schools have been known to tack on tuition and fees after registration for the trip. Thank you for showing us your home!"

"Thanks Araceli and Antonio for a wonderful, magical trip. I learned so much – my appreciation of Picasso and especially the artists who influenced him. I hope you will consider another trip." ~ Mary Kidd

"The best trip I’ve ever had. I recommend it to everyone!" ~ Matilda DeBoor