Description

This course offers an innovative approach to language learning where students have the opportunity to practice language skills learned in the classroom while adventuring into the diversity and contrast of three different regions of the Colombian Caribbean Coast: Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Ciudad Perdida.

OBJECTIVES

General:
1. Improve the four main skills of the language: listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
2. Provide students with the communication tools necessary to understand and appreciate the socio-cultural manifestations of Colombia, especially those of the Caribbean region.

Specific:
1. Learn and use the Spanish language system in order to properly communicate orally and/or written.
2. Manage the necessary vocabulary to express adequately in Spanish.
3. Understand unique aspects of Santa Marta and Barranquilla culture.
4. Relate and integrate own cultural elements with those of the Colombian Caribbean region.
5. Discover one of the Indian settlements in the Sierra Nevada built between 700 AD.

Highlights

COURSE SCHEDULE
First week:
During the first stage, you will receive Spanish lessons in the campus of Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 12:30.

Second week:
During the second stage, you will travel to the city of Santa Marta located at one hour and a half from Barranquilla, where you will receive Spanish lessons in the building the university has in this city, from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 12:30.

Third week:
During the third week, you will start an adventurous trek to one of the most famous archaeological sites in Colombia built by the Tayronas and now considered a sacred place to the indigenous Koguis and Arzarios, Ciudad Perdida. It is located in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta to 1.100 mts. above the sea level, with the most stunning wild, tropical and exotic flora and fauna, home of a wide diversity, with beautiful rivers and where you can learn about the living culture of the indigenous towns that still live there.

STARTING THE TREK TO CIUDAD PERDIDA:
The first day at 9:00 am, you will depart from Santa Marta to the region of Mamey by car; this tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

From Mamey, you will start a walk up to the first stop. Here, you will be able to cool off and swim in beautiful natural pools and sleep in hammocks.

The second day, you will have breakfast at 7:00 am, and at 9:00 am, you will start a walk down into a small valley formed by the Buritaca River, place where some indigenous clustered together to build a small town known as Mutanzhi, which means river and beach.

Then, you will start a walk during 3 hours and a half to the hut where you will spend the night. You will enjoy the natural pools formed by the Buritaca River.

The third day, you will have breakfast at 6:30 am, and at 7:00 am, you will start a long walk to the indigenous reservation areas called Kogui Arzario, passing several Indian houses. In some places there are still traces of roads left by the ancient inhabitants of the region. You will cross the Buritaca River to finally arrive at Romualdos hut where you will spend the night. Dinner will be served at 6:00 pm.

The fourth day, you will have breakfast at 8:00 am and then, you will start a walk up during 2 hours to the Ciudad Perdida, where you will appreciate the natural park, ceremonial houses of the natives and the wild vegetation, part of the prehistoric heritage. During this trek you will swim in the Pozo de la Juventud, (well of youth) which according to legend, gives wonderful benefits. Once the trek is finished, you will return to Gabriels hut.

The fifth day and last day, you will have breakfast at 6:00 a.m., and then you will walk approximately from 6 to 7 hours, taking a break of about one hour in Mamey. After taking the car to go back to Santa Marta, you will rest for refreshments at the entrance of Tayrona national park to continue to Santa Marta city where you will arrive at around 4:00 pm.

Languages

• Spanish

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• English

Cost in US$:

2,213 per student

Program Fees Include:

Program price includes:

- Spanish lessons during 2 weeks in Barranquilla and Santa Marta.
- Accommodation in a family house (2 students in a room) in Barranquilla during the first week (includes 3 meals and laundry)
- Double accommodation in a hotel in Santa Marta (includes only breakfast).
- Material for the classes.
- The trip to Ciudad Pérdida with accommodation in hammocks with mosquitoes nets, meals, fruits, health insurance in case of accidents and a tour guide who will speak Spanish during the tour.
- Certificate.

Program price does not include:
- Tickets to Colombia.
- Transportation inside Barranquilla and Santa Marta.
- Lunch and dinner in Santa Marta.
- Other extracurricular activities.

Important: Medical insurance is required

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 month

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Instituto de Idiomas-Universidad Del Norte's Mission Statement

The Universidad del Norte Foundation, according to the guiding principles and aims established on its creation, has as its mission the well-rounded education of our students at higher educational level and the contribution to the harmonious development of society and the country, especially the Colombian Atlantic Coast, through its institutional presence in the community.

Year Founded

1966