High school students: Improve your Spanish fluency dramatically through full immersion in the language, as well as through history, food, dance, music, sports, and films of Spanish-speaking countries - and do it right here in America! And earn up to two semesters of transferable, sophomore-level college credit at the same time! Whether you are planning to study Spanish further, or you have completed your language requirements, Martí Spanish Academy is an ideal place to help you hone your language skills and become more fluent.
10- and 20-day summer sessions
in Lynchburg, Virginia
Immersion means that every moment is spent speaking Spanish: Whether you are discussing current events, learning a Latin dance, or just preparing dinner!
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This 9-minute video features some of activities at Martí, the benefits students can expect from attending the academy, and testimonials from students and teachers.
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Full immersion at a secluded retreat center
The academy is held at a Retreat Center in Lynchburg, Virginia. The center is big, comfortable, and secluded, so that complete immersion is possible.
Music, Latin dancing, foreign movies, and more
Class time each day includes advanced grammar and vocabulary, as well as the history of the country we are studying. Although class time is a small part of the overall experience, you do need to prepare for a total immersion experience (we send you tips on how to prepare after you have been accepted). After class, you will spend the majority of your day in lots of interactive discussions of culture and current events; doing fun, hands-on art projects; watching foreign movies at night; learning traditional Latin dances; writing and acting in skits; and so much more!
Cook traditional Hispanic meals, play traditional games
You will learn as a group to cook your own authentic Hispanic dinners each night. Leisure-time activities include hiking, morning exercise, and traditional Hispanic games and sports everyone can enjoy.
Choose the 10- or 20-day Academy
Each session will significantly improve your fluency, as well as your listening and writing ability, and will better prepare you for your next school year.
The 10-day session is equivalent in time to spending one year in Spanish class at school. It is long enough for an intensive immersion experience, yet short enough to fit in with other summer plans.
The 20-session is equivalent in time to spending two years in Spanish class. It is especially beneficial for those who are planning to study abroad, continuing with Spanish in college, or planning to speak Spanish as part of their careers. The 20-day session will give you the jump start toward long-term fluency.
Small class sizes, limited enrollment
The academy is for high school students, including graduating seniors. Classes are limited to 15 students each, and the maximum number of students is limited to 45.
The academy is not for learning rudimentary grammar or vocabulary. Students chosen will already have a good command of the Spanish language. You must have completed Spanish 3 by the summer and maintained a “C” or better.
Earn transferable college credit
Save time and money in college by opting to receive college credit for attending Martí Spanish Academy. If you choose, you can earn up to two semesters of transferable college credit (Spanish 201 and 202) while having fun at Martí!
Transferable college credit is OPTIONAL and can be earned through Virginia Western Community College. No additional classes are required -- only a tuition payment to VWCC.
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