The Courses

1. PRIVATE PROGRAM 4:
Four hours daily. Language Link strongly recommends either the 4 private or 6 private program.

2. PRIVATE PROGRAM 6:
Six hours private Spanish instruction, ensuring efficient progress and rapid learning at your own pace. The class is a 50/50 mix of structure and conversation. The private programs can be done in either Cusco or Taray (Sacred Valley).

3. GROUP PROGRAM:
Groups of eight students, four hours per day.

4. GROUP + 2 PRIVATE - Best of Both

5. MACHU PICCHU TRIP:
Travel by train to one of the most talked about sites in the world ,the trip includes transfer to Cusco train station, bus ticket to the site, guided tour and entrance fee to Machu Picchu (first day only), transfer from train station to hotel, one night hotel in Aguas Calientes, at the base of the mountain. Staying overnight will allow you a second full day at the site if you choose to return. Many students decide to study for a week at the Sacred Valley Campus in Taray. If you decide to do this the school can arrange for transport to the campus for you by train.  There is also an option of going to MP for the weekend with your teacher.  Please contact us for futher details if you have an interest in this.

2012 Start Dates: January 7, February 11, March 10, April 7, May 12, June 9, July 7, August 11, September 8, October 13, November 10, December 15

6. SPECIAL CHRISTMAS COURSE
Do not miss the opportunity to study in Cusco during the magical time of Christmas and experience a different way of celebrating this holiday! The Christmas Program includes extra activities including a visit to the unique Santurantikuy, the Andean Christmas market. We will also visit several churches where you can observe the impressive, traditional Nacimientos, which are representations of the birth of Jesus. The program includes a Traditional Christmas Dinner with a Peruvian Family.
A highlight is a visit to a local community for a chocolatada offered by AMAUTA Spanish School specifically for the students of this course. The chocolatada is a uniquely Andean form of celebrating Christmas, where we offer chocolate drinks and gifts to those less fortunate.

Course offered on December 17, 2012

7. SPANISH IN THE RAINFOREST Tambopata Program:
This program offers the unique opportunity to study Spanish in the Peruvian Amazon, in the TAMBOPATA Reserved Zone. This area, officially created in 1990, is located in the Southern East of Peru, only a 25 minute flight from Cusco. It compromises 5000 hectares and has much to offer for the nature lovers: what about 600 species of bird, 1200 species of butterfly, 90 species of mammal and 120 species of reptiles and amphibians, all in the amazing setting of the romantic and impressive rainforest vegetation? SPANISH IN TAMBOPATA is truly an experience!

Spanish group courses are offered in combination with excursions in the jungle with an experienced guide. Part of the classes will be adapted to the environment studying the ecology of the amazing tropical rainforest of Tambopata. AMAUTA teachers from Cusco will accompany the students for the whole trip, therefore guaranteeing our high level of Spanish instruction.

Tambopata Start Dates 2011: May 8, Jun 12, Jun 26, Jul 17, Sep 11, Oct 9, Nov 6

2012 Start Dates: May 6, June 10, July 1, July 22, September 9, October 7, November 4

Special note - There is a minimum number (6) required for the Tambopata program to make to completion. Rarely this number is not reached, and it will not be offered on that date. In case this occurs, the school will adjust your program or offer alternatives.  You must purchase a round trip flight on your own with a cost of about $125.

8. MEDICAL SPANISH: 2 week minimum (must be at least a high beginner with a minimum of 4 students).  This course is specially designed for doctors, nurses, social workers and other health professionals. The program focuses on medical terminology and information to develop skills for improving communication with Spanish speaking clients. Special attention will be given to cultural differences between the western world and Latin America including information on how subjects such as health, illness and family issues are dealt with by the Latin community. You will also visit hospitals and attend lectures on subjects such as Traditional Medicine.

2012 Start Dates: April 2, June 4, August 6, December 3

9. SPANISH FOR FAMILIES (can be custom designed for you and your family with children older than 7 years of age).  Also summer programs for children aged 6 years to 12 years and teens.  2012 Start Dates: June 18 through July 2

10. TEEN SPANISH & ACTIVITIES CAMP Two week course and 10 extra activities and excursions (you may do just one week in Cusco). 

 2012 Start Dates: June 18 through July 2

11. SPANISH AND CULTURE:  These programs require at least an intermediate level in Spanish and are offered during certain times of the year:  

• Inca CivilizationLearn more about this incredible old civilization in our recently designed course including lectures, field trips and videos.
  During the course we study the origins of the Peruvian culture and the develop ent they achieved in areas such as agriculture, medicine, ceramics and architecture. We also visit to museums (eg. ―Museo Inca‖) and archeological sites (eg. Pisac/Tambo Machay). The highlight of this course is, undoubtedly, the ceremony on the last day of the course, offered by an Andean priest (shaman), called “pago a la tierra”. This is a ceremony whereby the local Peruvian people pay homage to the earth and all natural elements that co-exist with the earth. After performing the ritual, the offerings are burned. The objective is to establish a harmonious connection with the 'Pachamama' (Mother Earth) and the 'Apus' (sacred mountains).  This is a two week course with a minimum of four participants.

2012 Start Dates: April 2, July 2, October 1

• Peruvian Workshop Program.  This workshop is tailored to people who would like to learn more about the Peruvian culture and who would like to combine it with the Spanish language. It is an interactive course that teaches you in a practical and creative way more about the Peruvian culture. You will have the option of focusing on one of two specific areas: Weaving and Peruvian traditional music
  As all our cultural courses must be booked in conjunction with Spanish classes, you can study Spanish in the morning and your option in the afternoon. If you choose the music option, our teachers will teach you more about traditional Peruvian music (songs, lyrics, and also instruments such as zampoña, bombo, quena, charango).
  If you choose the weaving option you will visit a local community to see them shearing the sheep, spinning the yarn, and can learn about the dying of fabrics using native plants. You will be taught traditional weaving techniques and will also learn about the symbolism of Inca designs used in weaving.

2012 Start Dates: March 12, April 9, June 4, June 18, July 9, August 6, September 24, November 19

12. SPANISH AND ADVENTURE:  

• Paragliding: (2 week minimum): In the spectacular setting of the Sacred Valley, students will learn to paraglide independently. Under the guidance of an instructor, you begin by learning the theory of flight, takeoff, landing and controlling turns. Soon you will be making short flights at a low altitude and practicing takeoff and landing.
  By the end of the five week course, you will have covered a wide range of related topics, including basic meteorology, and thermal flight above land and sea. You will have done your own flights of between 600 and 900 meters in altitude and on the final day you will be evaluated, and if your standard is suitable, receive your license and flight log.
  You may choose to take your Spanish classes either in Cusco, about one hour from the Sacred Valley, or you may choose to study and live in Pisac, in the Sacred Valley, thereby reducing your travel time to just 15 minutes each way.
  If your standard is suitable, at the end of the course you will receive a certificate and license approved by APAL (Asociacion para Vuelo Libre) and FAI (Federacion Aerea Internacional).
  This course is five weeks long. In the early mornings you have lessons with a paragliding instructor, dependent on weather conditions approximately 4 to 5 hours daily. Your group Spanish classes will take place in the late afternoons (from 4pm – 8pm), allowing time to relax after the thrills and rigors of the morning!

2012 Start Dates: October 15, November 19  

• Rock-climbing (1 week minimum) On our first day we head out to Zone X, near Sacsaywaman, where we will begin to learn the theory and practice of rock climbing on a 25 meter rock. We will learn about the equipment and knot tying, as well as how to anchor yourself, and descend solo. On our second and third days we will visit Cusilluchayoc where four different routes to descend the rock give the student plenty of practice. On the fourth and fifth days we will further practice our skills at Pachar, about one hour from Cusco. We will climb more than fifty meters and practice different techniques and use alternative equipment. On the fifth day students will do a rock climbing exam.
  The rock climbing is an intensive course between 6am and 1pm each day. Spanish group courses will begin in the late afternoon, allowing time to relax after the thrills and rigors of the morning! 

2012 Start Dates: March 19, April 16, June 4, July 16, September 10, October 15

• Rafting (2 week minimum) Enjoy the thrill of white water rafting in this specialized course on the mighty Apurimac and Urubamba rivers*; both were central to the Inca Empire‘s spiritual wealth and power. The Valley of the Urubamba river is the entry point to the jungle and the river's ancient name was Willka Mayu or Sun River, and the snowy peak which was its source was called Willkan Uta or "the house of the sun". Here we will learn be the first days of our course where we will learn the basics about navigating the white water, rescue techniques and how to handle a group. The course also covers first aid and international symbols. You will raft in the morning for about 4 hours (the two week program includes approx. 40 hours of rafting) and in the afternoon, after lunch, take part in 4 sessions of Spanish group classes offered by our highly skilled teachers.
  This is an intensive morning course, which allows time to travel between the Urubamba River and Cusco each day. However, you might consider staying and studying Spanish part of your stay at AMAUTA Sacred Valley, thus reducing your traveling time by 2 hours each day.
  *If the weather conditions are fine, we will spend the weekend on the Apurimac river; during the rainy season the Apurimac river becomes too dangerous and will be replaced by the Chuquicahuana river.

2012 Start Dates: April 16, June 4, July 16, September 10, October 15

• Yoga (2 week minimum) Learn Spanish and Yoga in Peru. Cusco – the former capital of the Inca Empire - is undoubtedly one of the most spiritual and inspiring locations on earth and our schools in Cusco and the Sacred Valley are the perfect places for a Spanish & Yoga retreat. Nurture yourself with our Spanish, yoga & massage program. Combine a relaxing yoga course with the study of the Spanish Language while immersed in Peruvian culture.
  Participants join our communicative Spanish Group Course (four hours daily) and practice two hours of yoga three times a week. The first week we will be attending our Cusco school and live with host families or in our student residence; the second week we go to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with our Spanish teacher and Yoga instructor, and there we enjoy the tranquility, peace and rustic life in a typical, Andean village. One relaxation massage is included for all participants.
  The yoga classes will be given in our yoga room, in a yoga studio, in the gardens of the school or outdoors at the famous Inca ruins overlooking the impressive valleys of Cusco. Your teacher will guide you through the asanas (postures) which are designed to build strength, balance and alignment, and to rebalance your body. The program is designed to balance your mind, body and spirit. Whether you are a beginner or have years of experience, our yoga classes are designed to leave you with the necessary tools to enrich and deepen your practice. Yoga mats are provided. The classes are based on Hatha yoga, power yoga and anusara.

2012 Start Dates: May 13, July 8, September 16

• Trekking:  Follow in the steps of the conquistadors with this package that allows you to learn Spanish while also getting out and seeing what Peru is famous for – its mountains and wonderful Inca Ruins. And the best way to appreciate this fabulous scenery is by hiking through it.
  This program enables you to enjoy one week soaking up Cusco‘s atmosphere while also learning Spanish in a group class according to your level. Then you will head off into the fabulous Andes mountains! What makes this package special is that in addition to a guide, one of our teachers will accompany the group on the trail. You will have the opportunity to practice your Spanish, to talk about the flora and fauna in Spanish at your level, and learn about the history of the Inca ruins. During the hike the teacher will also prepare short lectures or texts at a low-intermediate level.
  Please read more about the Traditional Inca Trail and the Salkantay trek in the section, ―Excursions in and around Cusco‖. As it can be difficult to get a place on the traditional Inca trail, this package will help assure you a spot on this famous hike!!!
  Please Note:
  This tour must be booked and paid for at least 90 days before start date. Refunds are NOT possible after you have made the booking (except for the Spanish course according to our cancellation rules). However, there can be NO refund for the trekking part as it is not possible to change the date of departure nor to cancel it, once it has been booked. This is due to the Inca Trail booking regulations.

2012 Start Dates: May 14, June 4, July16, November 19

13. SPANISH AND VOLUNTEERING: 8 week minimum with an intermediate level in Spanish in a wide variety of medical, educational, and professional fields.

14. SPANISH FOR 55+ Two week minimum (4 student minimum).  Young people have different ways of learning, different ways of spending their spare time and different interests than older people. That is why this program is especially tailored to the needs and interests of people over 55 years, offered during the best periods in terms of weather and tourism in Cusco. You combine Spanish classes with activities such as visits to a school, a hospital, an orphanage, an after school project, a local market or artisans‘ fair. The program also offers lectures on Peruvian Culture, History, and the Incas, and you can also take part in a music class. 

2012 Start Dates: April 9, August 6, November 26

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Students

Students at all levels of Spanish come from many parts of the world, creating a stimulating atmosphere for all. Minimum age for independent study is 17 or completion of high school. Teens from 12 - 17 may study if they are accompanied by an adult, and we do require private classes for these students. Most participants come unaccompanied, but we do accommodate couples and families.
 

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Calendar - Open during Christmas holidays

START DATES

Any level of Spanish (including complete beginners) can begin class any Monday. You can choose the number of weeks you want to study. Classes are M-F, 8 am to noon and 2 to 6 pm (with special activities and classes at noon or at 6 pm).

HOLIDAYS

No classes held on these days, and there will be no makeup days:

2012: January 1 New Year‘s Day; April 6 Good Friday; May 1 National Labor Day; June 7 Corpus Christi (local holiday); June 24 Inti Raymi (Day of Cusco) ; July 28 National Independence Day ; October 8 The Battle of Angamos; November 1 All Saints Day; December 8 The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary; December 24 Festival of Santurantikuy, after 2pm; December 25 Christmas Day ; December 31 New Year's Eve, after 2pm

Contact Language Link: Kay Godfrey, Director Latin American Office Meredith Butler, Director US Office 2008 W Kellogg Avenue West Peoria, IL 61604 USA

Toll free: 800.552.2051 World telephone: 309.673.9220 email: info@langlink.com

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