Speak Spanish as you learn the intricacies of the culture

Live. Learn. Leap. Into Spanish and life.

The Academy provides a “World of Difference” when it comes to Language Learning. So different in fact, that it eclipses the experience of actually living in the country where a language is rooted. Your days are filled with absorbing both language and culture, while using Spanish in practical, functional and logical ways as you simply live and enjoy your summer on campus. 

Featured Faculty
Kelly Swarthout is the Director of our Spanish Academy at Green Mountain College.  Kelly has a Ph.D. in Latin American Literature and has taught Spanish at Middlebury College and Colgate University…

Our Academy places you in a sphere of reality that literally envelops your senses in Spanish. You live and grow in this world with the support of a peer community. You are a willing participant, facing every challenge and obstacle in a group effort to succeed. Add in the catalytic effect that our Teachers and Staff provide and you end up in a world specially designed for learning language, with the integrated tools that accelerate your personal success. The benefits of the Academy go beyond simply living in a place where the language is spoken. 

It is something quite special. Something you won’t find in Spain or Costa Rica. You’ll grasp cultural and literary fluency in a short span of time. And the result is a confidence that stays with you for the rest of your life.

I started thinking and even dreaming in Spanish. Now I’m studying Spanish at the highest levels. Something I never thought could happen.

- Student Inspired Statement

Background information follows on what the days are like at the Academy, as well as highlights specific to your month long journey in the Spanish program. We cannot possibly provide all of the highlights on this web site. So we encourage you to ask questions of our staff if need be. We’re happy to help and answer any questions you may have.

Get Excited About Participating in Spanish Culture!

We’d be hard pressed to cover every special event we’ve got planned for you, but here’s a quick tease on some of the activities that might surprise you:

  • On any given day you might be “drafted” to learn Flamenco Dancing with your language group friends.
  • How about creating a self-portrait in the style of Frida Kahlo?
  • Ever have a desire to make Tapas dishes instead of just eating them?
  • If that doesn’t work out, you may take an excursion to a local Spanish or Latin American restaurant.
  • If there’s a local Spanish film festival happening, you might be there during your time at the Academy.
  • Not only do you visit museums, but there may be opportunities to meet and work with guest performers on the Academy stage.

When opportunities are available near your local Academy, we find a way to engage you and your language group with the local community, as well as bring that community to you.

Each day has a set schedule. Yet no day is the same.

For four weeks, all programming, events, activities, field trips, meetings and meals will be in Spanish. From morning assembly until lights out, you’ll be wrapped in Spanish with a group at your level of language competency. The curriculum is organized by themes that help you navigate life in this new environment. And it remains consistent for your entire month in the program. To familiarize yourself with a typical day at the Academy, click the link below.

Read more about a typical day »

 

  • Traditional Flamenco dancing Traditional Flamenco dancing
  • Spanish Tapas Spanish Tapas
  • Classical Spanish guitar Classical Spanish guitar

Contact us if you have questions:

Our year-round Staff is always available to answer questions. If you have anything you’d like to know that we have not answered here, please go to our contact page and get in touch with us.

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