For the graduating college senior who wants to gain Spanish fluency, acquire valuable work experience, and become a true citizen of the world:
The Ultimate Graduation Gift?
After college study abroad program in South America results in Spanish conversational fluency, an international internship, and seamless cultural adaptability. (limited to 60 participants) Update: Class of 2016 Graduates eligible for free round-trip flight to South America.
Update: Class of 2016 Graduates eligible for free round-trip flight to South America.
>> Apply for Ecela Spanish Bridge Year 2016 <<
When you return from South America...
After five months* in Argentina, Chile, & Peru you will have:
*early July thru mid-December
Spanish courses are in Argentina, Chile, and Peru (4 weeks in each country).
- Significantly better Spanish Depending on your starting point, you should finish the program somewhere between "conversationally fluent" and "native level mastery." The official college equivalent is six semester courses, but you will advance much more. After a few days of ultra-small classes and a "Spanish everywhere" environment you'll quickly understand why so many people prefer immersion courses to any other language training.
- A resume with international experience Your program concludes with a two month internship in any of a wide number of fields. Depending on your area, your position will be in Peru or Chile. The internship is unpaid, however costs in Peru and Chile are so low that you will likely spend less than a paid internship in most American cities.
- Ability to navigate foreign lands You will live in three distinct countries and become adept at getting by (and thriving) in a world much different than yours. This alone has the added benefits of increased self-confidence and making you a more interesting person at social gatherings or work interviews.
Why does Ecela provide the Bridge Year program after college?
We have provided Spanish immersion courses for 15 years. It has been our observation that the best outcomes come from people not under academic pressure. In other words, they are with us for reasons other than working toward a degree.
Studying abroad after college gives the advantage of:
- Focusing on what you truly want to learn, not adapting everything to your GPA goals or major requirements.
- Utilizing your extra learning experience so you can absorb the language faster than you would have in earlier years.
- An appreciation of different cultures that may have been missing as an underclassman and a readiness to bring more richness into your own life.
Who can Apply for Ecela Spanish Bridge Year 2016?
We have a strict limit of 60 spots, with admission on a rolling basis. To apply you should:
- Have completed your university degree, or the equivalent coursework, before the program beings. (July 3, 2016)
- Be able to demonstrate a sufficient maturity level to adapt well to new situations as you live away from home (and comforts) for five months.
- Have completed the equivalent of at least two semesters of college Spanish (or three years of high school Spanish). Otherwise your language skills may not reach the level needed for the internship.
- (Preferred) Be on a career path where Spanish would be useful.
Program Costs and What is Included
Ecela Spanish Bridge Year 2016 at a glance...
- Tuition: $7,970 includes Spanish immersion course (equivalent to 5+ college courses), housing (first 12 weeks) & internship placement. Class 0f 2016? If so, you are eligible for a free flight to South America - given as a $1,070 tuition reduction.
- Dates: July 3 - December 17 (2016)
- Spanish Course: Equivalent to five college semester courses. The course is 12 weeks - 4 in each of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. For a small extra fee you may request a transcript (useful for future credits in graduate school).
- Homestay with Meals: Experience the culture firsthand by living with a local host. Housing is during the 12 week Spanish course. After that you can continue or find your own.
- Welcome Reception & Orientation: helps you to get to know your classmates and familiarize you with the local area .
- Internship Placement: You will interview with organizations in your field until finding a good fit (position guaranteed). Your internship will be in either Peru or Chile, depending on your field of interest.
This is for you if...
- You anticipate that Spanish will play an important role in your career.
- You have a desire to help Spanish-speaking people and feel speaking their language gets best results.
- Your field of study is in business, the social sciences, environmental sciences, law, or most non-technical fields.
and not for you if...
- You do not think Spanish will be important in your career.
- You do not plan on helping Spanish-speaking people (or feel it's up to them to learn English instead).
- You need an internship placement in a very technical field. If unsure, just contact us.
What You Need To Do Next
If you are ready to join us in Peru, you may apply here. (Application fee: $25)
You may direct any questions to bridgeyear2016@ecelaspanish.com
"I finally felt like I could converse in Spanish."
"The school is great and Lima's a great place to study."
"I'm so glad I came. My Spanish skills have improved so much. It was a great cultural experience."
"I knew absolutely zero Spanish when I got here."
"Overall Peru has been awesome...definitely a life-changing experience and an eye-opener."
"Everybody's super friendly and I feel comfortable making mistakes in front of them."
"My homestay made me feel so special. They went above and beyond to take me around the city on my first day."
"I liked the small classes...it's a richer learning environment in my opinion."
"I highly recommend a homestay so you can get the culture as well as learn your Spanish."
"There's been a lot of cool activities to do."
"It has been an incredible experience. I've learned a phenomenal amount and have made great friends."
"I met so many people...new friends from Switzerland, Germany, Australia."
"The teachers are amazing - they really know what they are doing and they really care about you."
Ana and Adora explain the class structure.
"...No Spanish when I arrived...just me and a dictionary"(trans).
"I have to say that this has been one of the most positive and fun experiences I've ever had."
"Overall it's a fantastic experience and well worth it."
"I was able to learn a huge amount about the people culture, and food of Peru."
Adriana Salazar, Services Director (Ecela Lima)
"The people are absolutely professional...They treated us perfectly, taught us well, and I came out of this experience learning a lot."
"I love it here. It's so cool and the class sizes are perfect...I wish I could stay forever."
How To Apply for Ecela Spanish Bridge Year 2016
(Lima, Peru 2016)
Past participants in a community development project.
The program is limited to 60 total participants because of (1) our very small classes and (2) limitation of internship positions.
If positions are already full you may request placement on the wait list.
Spending five months in South America, far from family and friends, is not for everybody. Please consider your maturity level before applying.
Ecela Spanish Bridge Year 2016 application procedure:
- Pay $25 application fee. (here)
- Phone interview with Ecela immersion counselor
- Notification of acceptance within 48 hours
- If accepted you have 15 days to confirm your spot with a $500 deposit
humanservices@ecelaspanish.com