New to Tomisimo - Trip to Colombia

[aflewel1]

Hi! I'm new to the site. I'm considering a trip to Colombia; likely 10-14 days in total between Medellin, Bogota, Cartegena, Santa Marta. I don't speak Spanish and would like to do a Spanish immersion class in conjunction with getting to know the local. Are there immersion classes/schools you would recommend in Medellin?

Thanks!

- Andy

[Depilego]

No but you can use this website, and I know about another free website: https://www.duolingo.com/

[Tomisimo]

Have you studied any Spanish at all? To get the most out of immersion, it's good to have some basic knowledge first so you're not completely lost.

And welcome to the site, ¡Bienvenido!

[Glen]

Welcome aflewel1, and congratulations on the trip. I'm envious! Let us know how it goes. One word I've heard Colombian friends of mine use a lot to say something is "awesome" is bacano so you could try that one out for describing anything that impresses you there. Good Luck!

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

Hi, it seems that none of us are in touch with any courses. We are just a community of learners who try and help with each other's learning.
We can help you with any language questions you have.

[aflewel1]

Folks, thanks for the leads. I'll do some more research. In the meantime, if you hear of anything, please let me know. And, no, I have not Spanish language background. Maybe a CD introduction from the library and some DuoLingo might help get me going before the trip. Still would like the immersion class though.

[Depilego]

Probably the best immersion you could get is Rosetta Stone. I have it too and it's good.

[Rusty]

The best immersion you'll get will be going to Colombia and hanging out with native speakers.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

Look for International House, that's a serious international language school. I think they have offices in Colombia, although that might only be Bogota.
Good luck!

[beardedgringo]

You could try just getting a private Spanish tutor. You should not have a problem finding one in Bogota or Medellin. I lived in Bogota, Colombia for two years and my Spanish is still terrible. Don't make the mistakes I did and really try to throw yourself into the language. Also if you have time make sure to check out Tayrona park in Santa Marta. The park has some amazing beaches and the hike through the jungle is pretty awesome. In Bogota, they have a bike tour that goes around the city and takes you to the cities biggest market.

[aflewel1]

Beardedgringo,

I'm a little confused. Are you saying DON'T throw myself into the language? I may do Mango Lingo here for a while before the trip.

[Glen]

Pardon me for taking the liberty to speak for beardedgringo. I imagine he probably meant to say "...mistakes I did; really try ...." At least that's what I'd say myself. Good Luck!

[Rusty]

Or, instead of using 'and', substitute ', but'.

[poli]

You're just going for a couple of weeks. English is spoken everywhere. Learn how to say ¿Hay alguien aquí que habla inglés?(which means is there anyone hear who speaks English) Learn some basic Spanish polite words like buenos días, buenas tardes, buenas noches, gracias, por favor etc. Also ¿cuánto vale? Book tours at the hotels your are staying in perhaps.

A language cannot be learned in short order despite what advertisements promise. Some words maybe helpful though. A dictionary online, or in pocket can come in handy.

[beardedgringo]

No, I was meaning to make sure you DO throw yourself into the language. Like Poli said English is spoken everywhere in Colombia. So when I was there I was able to speak English most of the time and really did not speak that much Spanish as I should have.

[aflewel1]

Thanks, Glen!

Got it! :-) Thanks.

I'm headed to Haiti in March and am using Mango Lingo (for Haitian Kreyol) on recommendation from my daughter. I had some familiar with the language from a prior trip. I may use that to start me on Spanish for Colombia.