Social Entrepreneur Corps: Spanish Study & Language Training

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Overview

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Spanish Program Goals
That the student learns the Spanish language and increases their knowledge of Guatemalan culture and customs.

That the student can immerse themselves in the Spanish language in order enrich their comprehension and increase their ability to communicate and participate in Guatemalan life and in their work with Social Entrepreneur Corps and partner organizations.

Program Structure
The Social Entrepreneur Corps Spanish Program has been designed so that the student will not only learn about the Spanish language, but also about Guatemalan customs and culture.

Because each student arrives with a unique background and understanding of the Spanish language, the students are placed in a one on one teaching situation. Students are placed with one teacher that they will remain with the entire time, but often have the opportunity to participate in activities with a variety of teachers, as well as other students. This allows one on one instruction to focus on individual needs, and also provides exposure to other teachers as well.

Teachers begin with general concepts and move towards more specific concepts as comprehension increases. This is accomplished by creating a strong base in Spanish reading comprehension. The readings that students and teachers discuss provide cultural information and enforce a specific grammatical concept. The idea is to improve the student's Spanish while also increasing their interest of Guatemala and its culture.

Depending on the theme of the day, the teachers will provide different types of exercises, taking into account the preferences as well as strengths and weaknesses of the student. Something that is very important in our program and daily planning is that all the activities focus on multiple modes of learning: visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. Our activities are a combination of classroom activities and exploratory activities. The focus of the activities depends on the interests and needs of the student. The main idea of all the lessons is for the student to develop real life knowledge of the Spanish language.

Before classes begin, each student is evaluated by the Director of Spanish Programs to determine their Spanish level. This provides the teachers will the information that will allow them to plan appropriate lessons. The students are then re-evaluated at the termination of the classes in order to measure the student progress.

Before the students arrive the teachers have group meeting to prepare and plan lesson possibilities. The lessons are organized and materials are acquired in advance so that no time is wasted when the students arrive.
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Once the students arrive, the lessons are adjusted to meet the needs of their particular interests. Each teacher works closely with the Director of Spanish Programs in order to plan out a detailed agenda for each student. At the end of each week, each teacher turns in a report covering the type of material covered and the progress of the student.

Teachers
The teachers that work with Social Entrepreneur Corps are all professionals. They have all received a professional certificate in Spanish education from one or various Spanish schools. They are all professionals and each has no less than 4 years of experience working as Spanish teachers. They are not only Spanish language teachers, but all have substantial knowledge of Guatemalan culture and customs. They have all worked extensively with students of all language levels. When they are not working with Social Entrepreneur Corps, these teachers also work in some of the most prestigious school in Antigua.

Class Structure
The classes are designed for one-on-one instruction, and are normally four hours per day. Each day the classes vary, providing grammar instruction, cultural information, and different activities.

Students might have formal individual classes for one or two hours and then participate in activities designed to re-enforce was what learned. Some activities are performed in a group, while others are individual, such as conducting interviews, research, or visiting a local site of interest Each activity is planned with the goal of reinforcing Spanish concepts.

Resources
The Spanish resources used by Social Entrepreneur Corps have been pooled from a variety of sources, the largest contributor being Peace Corps Guatemala. All resources, including books, games, dictionaries and other learning aides, are available to all students and teachers.

Activities
There are many planned activities within the Spanish classes with the goal of reinforcement. Many activities include visits to historical and cultural sites. There are many other activities that reinforce Spanish concepts and Guatemalan culture, but also convey key concepts that pertain to life in Guatemala, security and Guatemala-specific gestures. Following are a few examples of activities that teach reinforce comprehension and prepare students for different environments and situations that they may encounter throughout their time in Guatemala.

La Pila: This exercise is an educational dramatization presented by the staff to explain the significance and proper use of the Pila (a washing area used in all Guatemalan homes) Students will learn the importance of the Pila and its uses as well as what to do and what not to do in the Pila. Appropriate use of the Pila is extremely important because improper use can be seen as disrespectful.

Personal Security: This is a series of skits performed in Spanish by Social Entrepreneur Corps staff. These skits cover a variety of safety tips that are specific to Guatemala. Scenarios of possible situations are demonstrated and each skit ends with an explanation of what to do in the dramatized situation.

Gestures: This activity consists of teaching the most important and frequently used gestures in Guatemala. Gesturers are an important part of Guatemalan culture and are used on a daily basis to relay information.

Market Visit: The idea of this activity is to provide the student with an opportunity to experience a typical Guatemalan market. Each student is given a list of specific items to look for and investigate. This encourages the student to converse with different venders and become familiar with different types of goods.

Visit to Pueblo de San Antonio Aguas Calientes: This town is known for its unique weaving and during the visit the student will learn about the meaning of different weaving styles and patterns. The students also participate in a wedding typical to the region.

Advanced Spanish Activities
Some students arrive in Guatemalan with an already advanced or fluent level of Spanish. Social Entrepreneur Corps Spanish Program is able to evaluate the student’s level of Spanish and design a curriculum especially for that student. The advance student will have their own teacher, but will participate in an advanced set of activities. These activities include visits to local organizations and museums, investigations within Antigua, in depth discussions with their teacher and others about current events and other complex topics. There is a strong focus on culture as well as Guatemalan idioms. The individual attention provided assures that the student is stimulated within the curriculum.

Please click here to view photos on interns during Language Training...

Select Teacher Profiles

Marta Lidia García Sitán
Director of Spanish Programs

Age:31
Hometown:Antigua Guatemala

Education:High School Degree in Primary Education. Professional Certificate in Spanish Education. Peace Corps Certification in Teaching English as a Second Language and Guatemalan Culture. American Embassy Certification in Evaluating Speakers of English as a Second Language
Profession: Director of Spanish Programs, Social Entrepreneur Corps
Work Experience:11 years of experience working as a Spanish Teacher. One year of experience working as a Primary School Teacher

Odilia Paz García de Pleitez

Age:32
Hometown:Antigua
Education:High School Degree as Administrative Assistant. Professional Certificate in Spanish Education. Currently Pursuing University Degree in Spanish Education
Profession:Spanish Teacher, Secretary
Work Experience: 9 years experience working as a Spanish Teacher
2 years of experience working as a Secretary

Miriam Gonzáles Gonzáles

Age:31
Hometown:Antigua
Education:High School Degree in Primary Education. Professional Certificate in Spanish Education. Currently Pursuing a University Degree in Math Education
Profession:Spanish teacher, Primary School Teacher
Work Experience:10 years of experience as a Spanish teacher
3 years of experience as a primary school math teacher

Carmen Judith Sitamul Sánchez

Age: 33
Hometown:Pastores
Education:High School Degree. Professional Certificate in Spanish Education.
Profession:Spanish Teacher, Secretary
Work Experience:5 years experience as a Spanish Teacher. One year experience as a Secretary.

Sheny Gonzáles López

Age:32
Hometown: Antigua
Education: High School Degree in Primary Education. Professional Certificate in Spanish Education
Profession:Spanish Teacher, Primary School Teacher
Work Experience:7 years of experience as a Spanish Teacher

Ingrid Leticia Méndez Velásquez

Age: 27
Hometown:Santo Tomás Milpas Altas
Education:High School Degree as Bilingual Secretary. Professional Certificate in Spanish Education
Profession:Spanish Teacher, Bilingual Secretary
Work Experience: Four years of experience working as a Spanish Teacher

Elvira Pérez Castellanos

Age:44
Hometown: Jocotenango, Sacatepéquez
Education:High School Degree in Accounting,Professional Certificate in Spanish Education
Profession:Spanish teacher,Accountant
Work Experience:18 years of experience as a Spanish Teacher
1 year of experience working as an Accountant

Social Entrepreneurship Corps testimonial

“As a native of Haiti, where so many development projects have gone awry, Social Entrepreneur Corps was a breath of fresh air. Social Entrepreneur Corps is an introduction to development done properly without the usual accompanied paternalism. The team is humble- they realize that they too can make mistakes, and of great importance they are not afraid to change tactics or step away when the situation dictates. As well, the language training was phenomenal. The teachers were qualified and customized the lessons to fit my needs. In just one month, I went from barely speaking any Spanish to feeling comfortable enough to "regatear" in the “mercado” and to give a "charla".“

Audrey D., 2007 Participant, Graduate, Swarthmore College

To read more testimonials from past Social Entrepreneur Corps participants, CLICK HERE

Social Entrepreneurship Corps testimonial

“Through Social Entrepreneur Corps I´ve had the opportunity to learn about creative business initiatives that CE Solutions implements as well as the pleasure to be inspired by rural entrepreneurs. From house wives to textile factory workers, CE Solutions empowers the seemingly powerless to take leadership and elevate the Guatemalan people out of poverty and sickness.”

Alice W., 2007 Participant, Graduate, The University of Texas at Austin

To read more testimonials from past Social Entrepreneur Corps participants, CLICK HERE

Social Entrepreneurship Corps testimonial

"Social Entrepreneur Corps provides perspective and leadership, with a deep respect for the Guatemalan culture and a desire to help people recognize their skills and strengths to enhance their own lives. It is incredible how this program provides such an extensive and holistic experience in only a month, while truly expanding ones understanding of development work and positive sustainable change."

Laura K., 2007 Participant, Graduate, University of New Hampshire

To read more testimonials from past Social Entrepreneur Corps participants, CLICK HERE

Social Entrepreneurship Corps testimonial

“Social Entrepreneur Corps has shown me the progress of a true development organization. The works of CE Solutions encourage and empower Guatemalans to become business leaders in their communities. Not only did I observe the many initiatives, but I was part of the implementation of new ones. Participants definitely come out of the program with a new view of social entrepreneurship and the strength it has to make positive changes."

Raymond Lim, May 2007 Participant
Student – Columbia University,

To read more testimonials from past Social Entrepreneur Corps participants, CLICK HERE

A development story

Rebuilding from tragedy

In 1996 the government of Guatemala and the URNG guerrilla forces signed the Accords for a Firm and Lasting Peace , thus bringing to an end one of the longest-running and bloodiest conflicts of the 20 the Century. Since the early 1960s, successive authoritarian governments had struggled to repress various insurgent groups, acting with increasing brutality. A truth commission established under the terms of the Peace Accords found that 200,000 people had died in the conflict, with the army responsible for at least 93% of atrocities. Significantly, the commission also declared that in the process of repressing the guerrillas the army committed acts that reached the level of genocide against the indigenous Maya population, who made up 83% of the victims of the conflict. The report located the main roots of the conflict in three factors- deep-rooted economic exclusion, racism, and the structures of authoritarian rule. As such, the Peace Accords set specific social and economic targets to help secure long-term peace.

Unfortunately, the years since 1996 have been disappointing in these terms. Although democratic rule seems quite secure, poverty and inequality levels remain amongst the highest in Latin America . The indigenous population also remains the most likely to suffer from economic exclusion. Although the ending of the conflict remains an unmitigated good, the majority of the population has yet to receive the promised social benefits. This makes the development work that takes place in the country all the more crucial, to guarantee a peaceful and just future for Guatemala .