Country Article / Postcards
First Day of School
Date: 12/15/2005
The total immersion language program (with room and board) in Quito is such good value, I see it as learning Spanish for free.
Dear International Living Reader,
The captain announced we'd remain in a holding pattern until the fog lifted--we may be diverted to another airport (I'd like to see Cuenca). But the fog does lift and we begin our night time approach. The city lights below betray the mountainous terrain otherwise hidden in the dark. I'm in Quito, Ecuador.
My primary mission: To learn Spanish. I've almost three months of complete immersion to do it (three months is the limit in Ecuador for tourists without a visa).
I'm attending the Simon Bolivar Spanish school, and staying with a local family. Private room and board, and 20 hours of one-on-one Spanish instruction will run me just under $300 a week--not too much more than it costs me to live back home...plus, I won't have to cook, clean, or do laundry. I see it as learning Spanish for free.
I get to my host family around midnight. The husband knows the most English. I'm shown to my guest room. No, it's not a 5-star hotel, but it has character.
As I turn in for the night, I hear through the cool night silence a solitary dog down the street letting loose an occasional angry bark. A bit closer a cat gives a sudden cry. The bed is warm and comfortable and I'm happy because I have everything I need.
Tomorrow is my first day of school and I'm looking forward to it. I'll keep you posted.
Neil McIver
For International Living
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