Study in Santa Clara

Hi,

I have a query which i have a feeling not many will have much info on. I am going to Cuba at the end of June, and am staying in Santa Clara for 4 weeks - my boyfriend has a placement at a hospital out there. I plan on taking a Spanish course, which i hope will improve my ability to communicate. I have found in the Cuban LP that there are courses available, and have tried contacting the university that is has mentioned to see what is available, but i've had no response. Does anyone know of any courses or even any contacts out there that might be able to help? I'm really looking forward to the experience - i'm expecting quite a culture shock (coming from Scotland)! I'd appreciate any advice,

Thanks

HanMD, everyone has their own way of learning languages. I've learned a few of them, and in my experience the most common mistake is to rely upon a course or anything outside of your control. If you have the desire, you will certainly find all the teachers you need.

What workes for me is to purchase two copies of the same book- for spanish my first book was Como Agua para Chocolate, Like Water for Chocolate. I would read one page at a time, OVER AND OVER AGAIN, and since I had the companion book I didn't need any dictionary. This way I learned vocabulary, grammer, idiomatic phrases all at the same time.

If you put in a few hours every day you will certainly learn the language. If you are working at it, you will meet teachers in Santa Clara who will help.

Sorry I couldn't answer the question directly, but one thing I want to emphasize- it depends upon you getting to work, not upon finding the right course.

All the universities in Cuba offer Spanish language programs for foreigners. You have to go to the university on the first Monday of the month to apply and be assigned to a class. You pay by the week. Advance registration is not necessary.