Hi to all, just got back last night from a week in Costa Blanca. Whilst over there discussed a possible joint venture opportunity with local spaniard who speaks excellent english. I think this might work... she thinks it might work .... but what do you think?
Introduction
I've always been keen to learn spanish, did it for 2 years at school but that was more than 30 years ago. We have a property over there bought less than 2 years ago (but will stay in UK until around 2015 until youngest completes education). In meantime want to get some constructive use out of our place and maybe even make a few quid into the bargain! (place is paid for).
I've tried a few different resources to learn spanish, inc college, CD, tapes, web, but generally found there's no substitution for being out there and actually "doing it". I get slightly annoyed when I hear fellow UK-ers asking "can you speak english" as their opening line when dealing with spaniards so personally, I've always made a habit of (a) trying in spanish (b) querying/clarifying it with the spaniard listener (c) writing it down on the spot, (often phonetically), with the object being to achieve both the correct pronunciation and talk using the local lingo as opposed to a version of "queens english" (suppose that should be "kings spanish"?).
What's the plan?
A "surviving spanish" week in spain, which would consist of a choice of 5 learning days from 7 in any single week.
Student(s) would ideally work best if alone, but maybe pheasible for one family member to study with rest of group utilising same accommodation. Would stay at our property which would effectively be kitted out almost as if it were a language school, with all home-based resources being available to the student 24 x7 throughout their stay. Property is 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 garage, pool etc.
For each of the 5 "study days", the student will have a 2 hour, one to one, with my spanish counterpart, with each session being in at least one live/practical context (e.g. shop, restaurant, bar, bank, sports facility, hobby, trade, business environment, or whatever else floats their particular boat). In addition there would be a 1 hour feedback session following each practical session. So total teaching time allocated is 15 hours, plus additional support available via telephone/email.
The student would be given a customised workbook (survival guide) and additional resources as necessary. Less emphasis would be placed on academic learning however, in favour of practical, in-situ learning, the object being to master a relatively small amount of the day to day language instead of trying to "learn" the whole thing from end to end - if you get my drift.
In summary, student and tutor would agree on realistic (achieveable) learning objectives prior to a course and may be good to measure language skills before vs after to get some idea on success level.
Any Opinions?
+ Are there lots of other people like me who've struggled with the more traditional learning methods?.. or am I way off course (excuse the pun) with some of my assumptions.
+ What would the "average" person be willing to pay for such a constructive week in spain, given it's a 3 bed accom, a spanish tutor needs to be paid for a minimum 15 hours and I'd like to make a profit ;O) ?????
All opinions appreciated and respected.. Pat