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"Se Habla...Español"

"Spanish Spoken"

Se Habla...La Paz is a total immersion Spanish language program unlike any other. For both the healthcare and general/conversational programs, the curriculum weaves specialized language into everyday practice. Your individual language program will be designed for your specific interests - healthcare or other. Your curriculum can be designed for any length of time you need to successfully accomplish your language goals.

• Initial assessment for placement, learning style or special needs, ongoing assessment to advance your language acquisition as quickly as possible, and final assessment to certify your language level at completion.
• Instructors are native Mexicans with University degrees and are experienced in teaching Spanish as a second language at any language level.
• Language groups are designed for a 4 or 5:1 student/teacher ratio.
• All Healthcare program students are placed in groups.
• For students in the general/conversational curriculum, classes are available privately, in pairs or in small groups, full-time or part-time schedule.
• Healthcare language students may start any Monday. General/conversational student may start any day Monday-Friday, space available.
• Your Monday-Friday full-time schedule includes 4.5 hours in the school in the AM or PM. For Healthcare language students, you have the opportunity and option to observe and practice language in a clinical setting for up to 20 additional hours weekly. Spanish language learning and cultural experiences in the clinical settings are coordinated with the Se Habla...La Paz language curriculums.

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"Se Habla...La Cultura"

"...the Culture"

La Paz has quaint atmosphere and small town Mexican charm where you will experience natural, historical and cultural attractions. Living within the culture enhances your total communication skills. Cultural differences and misunderstandings often create more communication problems than vocabulary! You will learn culturally appropriate interactive skills as you learn the language.

• You learn customary ways to greet, give instructions and advice, and to use body language and gestures appropriately.
  
• In the healthcare curriculum, you are provided with examples of folk beliefs, health taboos and home remedies. Also, you learn about and experience patient attitudes toward healthcare professionals and patient-family dynamics.
  
• In both programs, you will have the opportunity to discuss cultural differences and similarities with your native instructors.
  
• You have opportunities to participate in presentations about the culture, history, healthcare and environment of the Baja, offered at the school and in the community.

"Se Habla...Diario"

"...Daily"

Living daily in a foreign environment where Spanish is spoken all around you and woven into your routine tasks and activities tremendously reinforces your learning. In addition, living with a specially chosen Mexican family is an effective way to practice the communication skills you learn in the school and other settings. There are many other daily opportunities to practice your Spanish while exploring friendly and safe La Paz both day and night. Stores, restaurants, the Malecon (boardwalk), parks and museums are all easily accessible on foot and provide a laboratory for learning. There is an easily accessible bus system to ride for exploration or to and from school. Bicycles are also available to rent but the most popular means of transporation is on foot.

Your weekends are free to explore nearby attractions like the Sea of Cortes, the Sierra Laguna Mountains, nearby pueblos and beaches. Everywhere you go you will be able to practice and improve your language skills with friendly, patient and welcoming La Paz residents.

La Paz is considered by the US State Department to be a very safe city for foreign travel. The local police force is very visible to assist the traveler. Usual and typical precautions are advised for foreign travelers of all ages.

• Homestay families are specially selected and understand the challenge of learning a new language, at whatever level of proficiency. This is your home away from home that enables you to relax and enjoy your learning adventure. Each student is matched with a family depending upon the preferences of the students and the capability of the family to provide those needs.
  
• The school is easily accessible on foot, by bus or taxi in this small seaside community. Although the La Paz latest census was close to 200,000, La Paz feels and functions like a small town. Visitors to La Paz are delighted to find a safe, tranquil ‘non-touristy’ town that feels like a ‘real’ Mexican community. As the capital of Baja California Sur and the center of government, medicine, education and culture of the state, the economic base is not dependent upon tourism, thus a strong middle class working community makes up the foundation for this quiet, stable community.

The Sea of Cortés is home for countless species of marine plants and animals, forming such a unique ecosystem that it was once baptized by Jacques Cousteau as "THE AQUARIUM OF THE WORLD." Whale watching, island camping and trekking, scuba diving, sport fishing, sea kayaking, seabird watching, sailing, sailboarding, surfing and sunbathing on white sand beaches are some of the activities that can be part of your visit.

La Paz possesses a geographically fortunate position, allowing visitors to travel quite easily to the west onto the shores and islands of the Pacific Ocean or east towards the islands scattered throughout the Sea of Cortés. Hidden in the deepest corner of its charming bay, La Paz possesses an enviable geographic location providing an ideal starting point for innumerable natural history land forays. The surrounding desert is an intriguing, unique and extremely beautiful ecosystem full of endless surprises. Just south of the city, at the edge of the Tropic of Cancer, stands the Sierra de la Laguna. This mountainous mass was declared a biosphere reserve in 1994.

Historically significant since founded in 1535 by Herman Cortés, La Paz combines historic architecture including museums, churches and homes. Modern amenities are available including hotels, restaurants, stores, hospitals and universities. Strolling through the Central Park or on the boardwalk along the water you are struck by the ambiance of the city and its people. Annual celebrations include a mix of national and religious holidays, fiestas, sailing regattas, fishing and off-road racing tournaments.

There are a variety of local tour companies available to help you explore and experience the natural resources and historic sites of Baja California Sur and the Sea of Cortés. Se Habla...La Paz has formed associations with a number of local tour providers to customize packages that compliment the specialized curriculum.