Cultural Breakout Sessions

The Intensive Spanish Summer Institute (ISSI) has 70 Cultural Breakout sessions as part of the immersion experience. Students learn language and culture through classes in grammar, history, cooking, dance, travel, crafts, holidays, traditions, literature and more. These are drop-in sessions that are part of the Institute day. Below are a few examples of what may be found. 

 

Music & Dance

Salsa  Merengue  Bachata 

 

Myths & Legends

The Ancient cultures of the Aztec and Maya 

 

History & Travel

Cuba, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Spain, Peru

 

Art, Artists & Literature

Frida Kahlo, Garcia Lorca, Cervantes, Picasso, Dali, crafts of Nicaragua, Chicano art

 

Learn to Cook

Paella, panes, chiles, salsas, tapas, chile rellenos, ceviche, tamales

 

Study Spanish and travel to exotic and traditional destinations in Latin América - (530) 318-1506 www.adventuretravelinstitute.com
Learn about Spanish study programs and adventure trips, see some great photos of exotic lands, and enter to win a $500 travel credit. Study Spanish in Mexico at the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca or in Cuzco, Perú, and visit Machu Picchu. We team with local Spanish schools to provide an entertaining immersion program. Henry Wilds taught Spanish at LTCC for 12 years, has taught at ISSI for 15 years, and operates his own private Spanish program and adventure travel organization based in Truckee and North Lake Tahoe. Henry has guided small group adventures to remote regions of Latin America for over 20 years and is a sponsor/donor of ISSI. Study Spanish and travel to exotic and traditional destinations in Latin América - (530) 318-1506 www.adventuretravelinstitute.com
 
Day: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Time: 2:30-3:20
Instructor: Henry Wilds
Level: Low-Beginning - High Superior

Colombia has over 70 different tribes living by their own rules. Many are still practicing medicinal ceremonies that are thousands of years old. Hear about plant medicines like ortiga or ancient acupuncture, and how tobacco and yemuru are considered sacred. Learn about mambe, rapé, sananga, yagé, wachuma, and the frog medicine Kambo, the “vaccine” of the Amazon.

Day: Wednesday
Time: 10-10:50; 2:30-3:20
Instructor: Jessica Gerland
Level: Low-Beginning - High Superior

This session will introduce the key components of the Aztec Calendar as well as important aspects of the history and culture of the Aztec civilization.

Day: Tuesday, Friday
Time: 10-10:50 (F); 12:30-1:20 (T); 2:30-3:20 (F)
Instructor: Dan Ayala
Level: Low-Beginning - High Superior

An introduction to Aztec and Mexika living culture.

Day: Monday
Time: 10-10:50; 2:30-3:20
Instructor: Dan Ayala
Level: Low-Beginning - High Superior

Chair yoga is for everybody! Learn Spanish names for popular yoga poses. This is a fun routine suitable for beginners and experienced yogis. We will incorporate breathing, centering activities, light stretching, and face yoga to alleviate stress and wrinkles! Learn how to do yoga at your desk or in your kitchen!

Day: Friday
Time: 10-10:50; 2:30-3:20
Instructor: Jessica Gerland
Level: Low-Beginning - High Superior

This dish is a staple in Mexican cuisine that originated in the city of Puebla. Learn how to make this delicious dish and the history and cultural significance behind it.

Day: Monday
Time: 9-9:50; 10-10:50
Instructor: Alejandra Quirarte
Level: Low-Beginning - High Superior

We will explore the geography and culture of this very diverse country. Touching on its zones, wildlife, traditional foods, indigenous and immigrant cultures.  

Day: Tuesday, Wednesday
Time: 10-10:50; 2:30-3:20
Instructor: Pat Palley
Level: Low-Beginning - Intermediate

The presenter will highlight the geography, culture, and language differences of the highly varied regions of Colombia. From the Pacific, and the Caribbean, to the borders of Venezuela, Ecuador, and the Amazon. Let’s explore this interesting country!

Day: Monday, Wednesday
Time: 2:30-3:20
Instructor: Cecilia Gutiérrez-Tibaduiza
Level: Low-Beginning - Intermediate
Learn about the national parks, ecotourism, and other points of interest.
 
Day: Thursday
Time: 9:00-9:50; 10:00-10:50
Instructor: Mercy Marty
Level: Low-Beginning - High Superior

The presenter will give an overview of travel to Cuba including legal concerns, accommodations, food, how to get there and get around, places to visit. Sara Arizaga is a manager of a company providing legal Cuba tours to US citizens. LTCC does not recommend any particular travel agent or tour operator. This is for informational purposes only. Presented in English.

Day: Thursday
Time: 10-10:50; 2:30-3:20
Instructor: Sarah Arizaga
Level: Low-Beginning - High Superior

The presenter, born in Cuba, will share a personal perspective of historical and contemporary Cuba.

Day: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Time: 2:30-3:20; 2:30-3:20; 10-10:50
Instructor: 2:30-3:20; 2:30-3:20; 10-10:50
Level: 

 

Day:
Time: 
Instructor: 
Level: 

 

Day:
Time: 
Instructor: 
Level: 

 

Day:
Time: 
Instructor: 
Level: 

 

Day:
Time: 
Instructor: 
Level: 

 

Day:
Time: 
Instructor: 
Level: 

 

Day:
Time: 
Instructor: 
Level: