New for 2011

Middle School Program

Ages 11 -13

TASIS Spanish Summer Program Salamanca ~ Spain

Introduction The TASIS Spanish Summer Program (TSSP) in Salamanca has offered intensive Spanish language courses for high school students since 1993. Unique to the Program is its full immersion in the Spanish language and culture through activities, excursions, and sessions with guest artists, which ensure that participants get to know Spain as students, rather than as tourists.

The increasing demand for learning Spanish at a younger age has led to the creation of the TSSP Middle School Program for students ages 11-13. The Program provides specialist Spanish teachers for this transitional age group, and carefully supervised, age-appropriate activities which expand language learning beyond the classroom. Recognizing the unique needs of younger students, the Program has its own Coordinator, designated facilities, a tailor-made academic program, and distinct activities from the older students—all which take place in a safe and structured environment.

The Program is small by design so that individualized attention can be given to each student. TASIS is renowned for offering quality international education in Europe and was the first American independent boarding school established in Europe in 1956.

Middle School CoordinatorEva Snyders was born and raised in Spain and has taught Spanish to students of all ages at TASIS England since 1998. She earned a BA in Spanish and English Literature from the University of Madrid and an M.Ed in International Education Administration from Endicott College. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and Spanish

heritage have provided her students with a love for the Spanish language and culture. She has led trips to Spain, organized successful Spanish summer programs, and introduced students to the art of Spanish dancing, including Flamenco. Her sensitive leadership skills, high energy, and commitment to students make her ideally suited to head up the TSSP Middle School Program in Salamanca.

Academic ProgramDaily Spanish lessons in the classroom at the beginning and intermediate levels are mixed with Language in Life activities, which draw on the rich cultural life of Salamanca. More advanced middle school students may enroll in the advanced intermediate high school course. Placement is decided by the TSSP Director and the Middle School Coordinator, based on the student’s maturity and a placement test, which is given at the beginning of the Program. The goal is to make learning Spanish enjoyable and challenging at the right level and to focus on conversational Spanish by using Spain as a living language laboratory.

Beginning Spanish Course DescriptionThe Beginning Spanish course is designed for the student with little or no knowledge of the Spanish language. Spanish is the main language of instruction and communication in the classroom. All four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) are developed simultaneously, although the emphasis is on conversational Spanish. Students learn vocabulary associated with school, family, and pastimes. Basic grammatical concepts, regular/irregular verb conjugations, and basic tenses (present tense to simple future) are presented. Video programs, films, texts, and frequent excursions support the cultural component of the Program.

Intermediate Spanish Course DescriptionThis course introduces students to more complex structures and grammar, and reinforces beginner level skills. It is designed for a student who has had at least one year or more of Spanish. All four language skills are developed, but the emphasis is on spoken Spanish, and students are asked to communicate in Spanish at all times. The topics covered throughout the course include: sports, travel, health, shopping, hobbies, and daily activities. Cultural awareness is enhanced through the study of geography, history, and daily customs of the Hispanic world, as well as through the frequent excursions.

Activities and ExcursionsActivities include visits to the major cultural attractions of the city, such as enjoying tapas in the spectacular Plaza Mayor, which also hosts numerous events throughout the summer. In addition there are visits by local artists and musicians such as flamenco dancers, hikes in the local area to appreciate the beautiful landscape of Castilla, art classes, and cooking lessons using traditional recipes and ingredients bought in the local markets. Sports, films, team building exercises, and games also extend the use of the students newly acquired Spanish language skills. Weekly excursions to nearby cities such as Avila, Segovia, and Madrid provide opportunities to explore Spain beyond Salamanca. Carefully chaperoned, students are accompanied at all times to ensure that their visits are productive and enjoyable.

FacilitiesThe Program is based in a beautifully restored 13th century convent in the historic center of the vibrant city of Salamanca. Students are housed in single or double rooms on a separate floor of the building under the direct supervision of the middle school staff. In addition to classrooms, a computer room, a television lounge, and a spacious dining facility, the building has an attractive internal courtyard which provides a performance space for numerous events in the evenings.

Students also make daily use of a nearby fitness center and a sports center, which has facilities for soccer, basketball, tennis, and swimming. The immediate accessibility to all the recreational and cultural attractions of Salamanca extends the campus beyond the building to a university city rich in history and the finest Spanish traditions.

Community LifeThe opportunity to live and work together in a shared community of students with diverse backgrounds and experiences greatly enriches the Program. For many students, it is their first experience abroad in a boarding community. The supportive, caring staff and the shared focus of learning Spanish in a beautiful setting provide rich opportunities to develop friendships, independence, and maturity within a family-style environment.

AdmissionsThe three-week TSSP Middle School Program is open to students ages 11-13 who have an interest in learning the Spanish language. The student must be of sufficient maturity to benefit from an international experience in an intimate supportive community. No prior Spanish experience is necessary, but a recommendation from a present teacher who knows the applicant well is required. For more information, fees, and application materials, please visit our website or contact the Summer Director of Admissions at uksummer@tasisengland.org

Typical Daily Schedule (Monday - Friday)

8:30 Wake Up

900-9:30 Breakfast

9:30-12:30 Classes

12:30-13:15 Singing Class in Spanish

13:30 Lunch

14:15-15:00 Rest Hour

15:15-17:15 Sports, Hikes, Water Park

17:20-18:30 Shower and Review Time

18:30-18:45 Computer Language/Reading Activities

19.30-20.00 Dinner

20.00 Evening Activity

21:30 In Dorms

22:30 Lights Out

TASIS England, Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey, England TW20 8TE Tel: +44 1932 582 346 Fax: +44 1932 564 644 US Office: 112 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 • Tel: 703 299 8150 • Fax: 703 299 8157 • usadmissions@tasis.com

http://summer.tasis.com