THE MONTH-LONG PROGRAM INCLUDES
- AUDELE Spanish classes and all required materials
- Four star accommodations
- One kosher meal a day
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Participation in Hillel Uruguay activities
- Trips to:
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Historic Quarter of the city of Colonia del Sacramento, declared a Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Date
Monday, June 8, 2009 through Tuesday, July 7, 2009.
Price
$2,300 (U.S. dollars) per person, airfare not included.
Offered to
Groups and individuals.
How can you take advantage of this opportunity?
If you are a Hillel professional, offer your students this amazing chance to come individually or organize a group from your Hillel to come down! If you are an individual student or professional between the ages of 17 and 30, just decide to come down!
Limited spots are available
Confirm the place for your Hillel group (if you are a Hillel professional) or for yourself (if you are a student or professional between the ages of 17 and 30), by filling in and sending the Commitment Form to spanish@hillel.org.uy right away! Deadline: April 1, 2009.
Spanish classes
Participants spend about 20 hours per week studying Spanish with the AUDELE program at The Guildford School of Languages, which is located a short ride from the hotel. The week focuses on 18 hours of Spanish language and a 1 2-hour course of interest: History and Latin American culture; The Arts in Uruguay (theater, literature, sculpture, and painting): present, past, and future; Uruguay Music: folklore, candombe, rock, other; and The Economy and future of Latin America.
AUDELE can accommodate students of all levels from beginner (“Breakthrough” – Level A1) to near fluent (“Mastery” – Level C2). The first day
AUDELE and academic credit
The courses given at AUDELE/Guildford School are regulated according to MEC (Ministerio de Education y Cultura de Uruguay). MEC acknowledges the academic integrity of Guildford School of Languages programs and equates them with college-level courses at the international standards.
The courses are dictated according to CEF (Common European Framework) regulations and standards. After AUDELE/Guildford School students have fulfilled all the necessary requirements, students may earn up to 7 college credits.
Guildford School of Languages is registered at MEC (#2386) as well as all the other required organizations in Uruguay. MEC conducts an annual course review which Guildford School of Languages has passed every year. As part of the course review by MEC teacher training programs - delivered by AUDELE – curricula and materials are evaluated which both have passed successfully.
Certifications may be forwarded upon request.
SPANISH PROGRAM FAQ
What is Montevideo like?
Montevideo is a small, diverse city with a vibrant Jewish community and a laid back attitude. People tend to be friendly, cultured, and eager to talk to foreigners. Like any city, Montevideo has its share of challenges, but it is generally considered to be one of the safest cities in South America.
What will the weather be like?
It will be winter when you get here. Expect mild weather (around 50º F) with some colder days and occasional rain.
What should I pack?
Plan to dress neatly, but don’t worry about bringing high fashion clothing. You will need comfortable clothing to wear to class, dressy outfits to wear if you choose to go to Shabbat services, outfits for going out at night, a bathing suit, work out clothes, and a winter jacket. You will not need sheets or towels. We will send you a winter packing list.
How much money will I need to bring?
Most participants bring about $600 USD to spend on food, entertainment, and souvenirs. Many are pleasantly surprised by how affordable Montevideo is. Expect to spend about $10 USD for a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, $4-5 for a 15-minute cab ride, and $3 for a beer.
Will I have access to internet and telephone?
You will have access to computers for free at Hillel, Guildford School of Languages and the hotel. Hillel and the hotel also offer free wireless connections. You can receive and make calls at the hotel. Many public phones and computers are available throughout the city for a small fee. At Hillel, we have a U.S. line that is students may use at no cost.
Is it safe to bring a computer, iPod, etc?
Participants have often brought electronics in the past, and there has never been a problem. That said, Montevideo is a city, and as with any city, participants should always be cautious.
Should I plan to stay beyond the end of the program to travel?
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and Rio are easily accessible from Montevideo, and in the past, some participants have wanted to travel after the program. The Hillel staff is happy to help with arrangements.
What if I need to arrive early or stay late?
Hillel is happy to help with arrangements for early arrivals and late departures. However, the cost of the trip only covers accommodations and transportation during the program.
What is the schedule for a typical day?
During the week, participants have breakfast at the hotel; attend morning classes; break for lunch; participate in our Tzedek program or an internship, take free time to relax, go to the gym, or do homework in the afternoon; eat dinner; and finish the day either relaxing or going out. On weekends, participants have the option of attending Hillel-sponsored activities and are free to enjoy the city. Also, everyday students are encouraged to attend educational and other activities at Hillel in the evenings. Additionally, we have an excursion to Buenos Aires and Colonia.
What does the Tzedek program offer?
Through Hillel Tzedek, we work with a variety of organizations based in and around Montevideo. Some of the projects of the past and present include: building houses with Un techo para mi Pais – Uruguay (A Roof for my Country – Uruguay); caring for greenhouse crops with Fundacion Logros (Foundation Achievements), an NGO that works with rural elementary schools to teach the children about sustainable development and provides food to the students; visiting children cancer patients in the local hospitals and delivering food and beverages to respective family members; cooking for and playing with children at soup kitchens; tutoring children in English at local Jewish day schools; and helping marine organizations with animal care (e.g. penguins, turtles, and seals). If you are interested in community service work, please let us know!
What internships are available?
Here in Uruguay we have a variety of connections in different professional fields. Depending on the availability, we will try to connect you with your field of preference.
How old are most participants?
In the past, participants have ranged from 18 to 27. All applicants must be at least 17 years of age, and not older than 30.
How much Spanish do most participants know before the program?
Hillel has hosted beginners, near native speakers, and everyone in between. Participants are guaranteed classes at the appropriate level, and all levels of students have found people at Hillel who are eager to help them practice Spanish.
What types of religious activities are available to participants?
Interested participants are invited to attend Shabbat services and daily minyan, and members of the Jewish community welcome Spanish Program participants to their homes for Shabbat dinner. Additionally, all Hillel activities are open to participants.
Is kosher food available?
Yes. Kosher breakfast is served every morning at the hotel and prepared kosher food can be purchased at Hillel and other kosher products can be purchased at local grocery stores.
Can the program accommodate Orthodox students?
Sure. Several Orthodox synagogues (as well as non-orthodox) are within walking distance from the hotel, and all Spanish Program participants are welcome at daily services. No mandatory activities are scheduled for Shabbat. All included meals are kosher.
LOGISTICS
Flying into Montevideo
Please arrange to fly into Carrasco International Airport. Hillel will arrange to pick up and drop off students who fly on the designated arrival (Monday, June 8) and departure (Tuesday, July 7) dates.
Hotel
The program accommodates students at the Armon Suites (http://www.armonsuites.com.uy), a four star hotel conveniently located between the Guildford School of Languages and Hillel Uruguay, and only a couple of blocks away from the beach. Participants typically share triple rooms. If you would rather be in single room, the extra cost will be a total of $1,300 (U.S. dollars).
Armon Suites Hotel
21 de Setiembre 2885 (entre Pedro Berro y Ellauri)
CP 11300, Montevideo, Uruguay
Phone: +598 (2) 712 4120
Fax: +598 (2) 712 4117
Hillel Uruguay
Dinners and various activities will take place at Hillel Uruguay. Spanish Program participants are also welcome to participate in Hillel classes and use the building during regular Hillel hours (M-Th 12pm – 11pm, F 10am - 4pm, Su 5pm - 10pm).
Hillel Uruguay
Solano García 2559, C.P. 11300, Montevideo, Uruguay
Phone: (+598 2) 712 2518
US Phone line: (646) 257 - 3504
Fax: (+598 2) 712 4842
E-mail: spanish@hillel.org.uy
Site: www.hillel.org.uy
Language classes
Daily language classes will take place at The Guildford School of Languages
The Guildford School of Languages
Gerardo Grasso 2579 Piso 1
Montevideo, Uruguay
Phone: (+598 2) 480 8048
www.guildfordschool.org
info@guildfordschool.org
AUDELE
www.audele.org.uy
audele@adinet.com.uy
CONTACT US
Send an email to spanish@hillel.org.uy letting us know of your interest and asking us for the Commitment Form.
*Note: Details are subject to change.
