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Get ready to dive into an unforgettable experience where language learning meets the great outdoors in one of the most breathtaking locations you’ll ever encounter!
Are you ready to dive into a week long Spanish immersion program that not only boosts your language skills but also offers unforgettable experiences in a breathtaking location?
As a semi-budget traveler and passionate travel planner, I’ve spent years exploring ways to make the most out of every adventure without breaking the bank.
My journey through various cultures, combined with my keen eye for enriching travel opportunities, has led me to discover programs that blend education with leisure seamlessly.
Join me as I share insights on this fantastic opportunity in beautiful South Lake Tahoe, where you can learn Spanish while soaking up the sun and nature!
SBT Highlights
- ISSI offers a week-long Spanish immersion program.
- Classes take place in scenic South Lake Tahoe.
- The program blends learning with real-world practice.
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- Week Long Spanish Immersion Program: ISSI Lake Tahoe
- Why Choose South Lake Tahoe for Spanish Immersion
- Structure of the Program
- Our Experience at ISSI Lake Tahoe
- Making the Most Out of Your Week
- Planning and Tips for Prospective Students
- Beyond the Classroom
- Frequently Asked Questions
- SBT Summary: Week Long Spanish Immersion Program
Week Long Spanish Immersion Program: ISSI Lake Tahoe
Looking for an unforgettable way to brush up on your Spanish skills while enjoying a stunning vacation?
Lake Tahoe Community College’s Intensive Spanish Summer Institute (ISSI) offers a week-long Spanish immersion experience that might just be perfect for you.
Usually held around the end of July/beginning of August, you can immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture right in the heart of South Lake Tahoe.
In this intensive immersion program, you’ll experience daily lessons designed to boost your proficiency quickly.
You won’t be stuck in a classroom all day, though.
The magic of ISSI lies in its setting—surrounded by the beauty of Lake Tahoe, you can practice your new skills in real-life situations during your free time.
Imagine spending your days learning Spanish and your evenings exploring the picturesque land and lakescape.
It’s not just a language course; it’s an amazing experience that combines education with an adventure.
Whether you’re aiming to advance your career, prepare for travel to a Spanish-speaking country (hello, Costa Rica), or just pick up a new hobby, this program promises a unique and effective way to learn.
Why Choose South Lake Tahoe for Spanish Immersion
South Lake Tahoe is a prime spot for blending stunning natural beauty with rich cultural experiences. You can expect an engaging Spanish immersion course that goes beyond classroom learning.
Breathtaking Locale
South Lake Tahoe offers you a unique backdrop for learning.
Imagine practicing your Spanish vocabulary while surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and crystal-clear waters.
Intensive Spanish Summer Institute (ISSI)
Lake Tahoe Community College hosts the acclaimed Intensive Spanish Summer Institute (ISSI).
Over a week, you’ll dive deep into language learning with experienced instructors (both native speakers and trained Spanish speakers) and immersive activities.
ISSI offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to cater to all proficiency levels.
Whether you know nothing about irregular verbs, or you’re moving into advanced Spanish grammar, you can put together an individual plan that works for you.
Through dynamic classes, cultural workshops, and interactive sessions, you get more than just language lessons. You get a true taste of Spanish culture.
Whether it’s through structured learning or informal interactions, ISSI aims to provide a holistic approach to mastering Spanish.
Structure of the Program
The Intensive Spanish Summer Institute (ISSI) in South Lake Tahoe offers a dynamic program structure. You’ll experience a mix of full immersion classes and elective courses that help you develop your Spanish skills at different levels of instruction.
Program Curriculum and Language Skills Development
At ISSI, you dive straight into full immersion classes.
These classes focus on conversational Spanish, grammar, and vocabulary.
Through interactive Spanish lessons, you’ll practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Each day is packed with activities designed to help you practice Spanish in real-life situations.
From group discussions to role-playing, you’ll find multiple opportunities to enhance your language skills.
Workshops and cultural activities are also part of the curriculum.
These can include cooking classes, music sessions, and dance lessons, helping you understand the cultural context behind the language.
Levels of Instruction and Elective Courses
The program caters to different proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced speakers.
You self-place in a level that matches your current Spanish skills, ensuring you get the most out of the week.
Here’s a break down of the levels of language instruction:
- Low Beginning
- Beginning
- High Beginning
- Low Intermediate
- Intermediate
- Intermediate Level II
- Intermediate Level III
- High Intermediate
- High Intermediate Level II
- High Intermediate Level III
- Low Advanced
- Advanced
- High Advanced
- Low Superior
- Superior
- High Superior
When you sign-up for any of the above levels, it also includes several cultural (or more grammar) breakout sessions, such as:
- Tamales
- Preterite & Imperfect
- El Camino de Santiago
- Aztec Calendar
- Antigua, Guatemala
- Mayan Math
- Spanish Sing-Along
- Perfect Your Pronunciation
In addition to the main group classes, there are elective courses, called mini-courses, you can choose based on your interests.
These might include:
- Small Groups Conversation Class
- Breaking Out of Beginner Spanish
- Reinforcing Grammatical Concepts & Structures
These electives allow you to tailor the learning experience to your personal or professional needs, enhancing your overall development in the language. Enjoy the flexibility of learning the aspects of Spanish that matter most to you.
Our Experience at ISSI Lake Tahoe
Having finished our first year of high school Spanish, my high school-aged daughter and I decided to attend the ISSI Lake Tahoe Spanish immersion program (in 2024) to enhance our skills over the summer.
(Yes, I’m taking high school Spanish with my high schooler. I took French in high school.)
We were both a little nervous, but also excited for the opportunity to immerse ourselves in culture and language.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the staff and other participants, all of whom had varying levels of Spanish proficiency. This diversity made for an enriching learning environment, as we were able to practice and learn from each other.
The classes were engaging and interactive, with a focus on practical conversational skills rather than just textbook grammar.
Our teachers were patient and encouraging, making us feel comfortable to make mistakes and learn from them.
The cultural breakout sessions were a highlight of the program for us. We learned about the history and traditions of Guatemala, as well as delved into interesting topics such as Mayan math and Spanish sing-along sessions.
These activities not only expanded our knowledge of the language, but also allowed us to connect with the culture in a fun and memorable way.
Overall, our experience at ISSI Lake Tahoe was incredibly positive.
Registration
Register early, as this program is in high demand, and class sizes are limited.
Don’t rely on making a last minute decision.
Get all your ducks in a row by applying early, and be ready to register when classes open up.
Speaking of registration, ISSI is crazy affordable, especially if you’re a California resident.
For 3.5 credit hours of Pass/Fail classes (there are no letter grades at ISSI), my tuition was $155.50, and my high school daughter’s was $44.00. Yes, it’s rather amazing.
Fellow Students
I thought I would be one of the oldest people registered at ISSI. The opposite was true. Most of the other students were retirees and other adult learners.
We saw a few other high schoolers, but the majority of students were decades older than me.
This, however, was fantastic! These people wanted to be there. There was no awkward middle school clique-ish-ness. They were super kind and friendly.
Lunch & Snacks
ISSI had some coffee, bagels, pre-packaged sandwiches, drinks, and snacks available for purchase. There was also a pizza food truck on campus at least one day.
My advice: skip it!
Bring your own food to campus each day.
At lunchtime on Day 1, my daughter and I went to the ISSI concession counter, but nothing appealed to us there. We walked out to the far end of the parking lot to check out the food truck, but the line was too long.
We made the decision to quickly drive to Safeway (grocery store), buy some snack foods, and hurry back to our next class.
Needless to say, we went grocery shopping for reals that night and bought lunch foods and snacks for the rest of the week. Packed lunches for the win!
On your Spanish journey at ISSI, it’s also a good idea to try the ice cream sandwiches sold at the LTCC Marketplace. Out of this world!
Will We Return to ISSI?
The answer is: we’re planning to!
ISSI really is an outstanding community college program. From breakout sessions on different topics to native Spanish-speaking instructors, and high school age students to second language learners and language enthusiasts, it was a great experience in a great place.
I mean, where else would you want to learn about Spanish imperfect tenses for the first time than in South Lake Tahoe CA?!?!?
Making the Most Out of Your Week
This week promises both engaging activities and meaningful connections. By the end of the week, you’ll have more confidence in your Spanish and a bunch of new friends to boot!
ISSI-Sponsored Activities
Mid-week, for an additional fee of $75, student attendees could attend a “Spanish Wine Walk,” where you hike through the forest and taste and learn about Spanish wines.
Also available during ISSI week is a Spanish Kids Camp for ages 6-14. It’s not nearly as cheap as ISSI, coming in at $545 per child. But, even that is affordable-ish, given the price of summer camps these days!
Local Excursions & Foodie Fun
Take a drive out to the overlook of Emerald Bay. Check out Lower Eagle Falls while you’re in the area.
On your way back into South Lake Tahoe, stop in Camp Richardson for a snack at the Ice Cream Parlor or General Store.
We had a phenomenal lunch at Sprouts Cafe. Try the Real Tahoe Turkey sandwich and Ugly, Gooey, Excellent Nachos.
Planning and Tips for Prospective Students
Attending the Intensive Spanish Summer Institute in South Lake Tahoe can be an exciting adventure. Here are some helpful tips on travel arrangements, budgeting, and what to pack.
Travel Arrangements and Accommodation
South Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place, but getting there requires some planning.
You can fly into the nearest airport in Reno, Nevada, and then rent a car for the scenic drive to Lake Tahoe Community College.
South Lake Tahoe isn’t the cheapest place to stay at the end of July. However, you’ve got options.
Accommodation options range from cozy cabins to budget-friendly motels. We even had a fellow student (of retirement age) who went the most economical way…camping!
Booking a hotel near the college can save time. Airbnb is also a great option for those who prefer a homier feel.
Reserving your stay early can often result in better rates and availability.
During your free time, explore Lake Tahoe’s many outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking.
You’ll not only improve your Spanish but also enjoy the incredible natural beauty of the area.
Budgeting and Costs
The costs for the ISSI program include tuition and materials.
Tuition fees can vary based on residency, so check the Lake Tahoe Community College ISSI program page for the most current rates.
Creating a budget is crucial.
Include costs for meals, as dining out in the Lake Tahoe area can add up. Cooking your meals might be more economical, especially if you book a place with a kitchen.
Just staying in South Lake Tahoe was a semi-budget travel splurge for us. So, we opted out of some expensive activities like taking a boat ride on the lake and riding the scenic gondola at Heavenly Ski Resort.
What to Pack and Prepare
Packing for the ISSI program involves more than just clothes.
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for classroom settings and outdoor activities. Layered clothing is key as mountain weather can be unpredictable.
Don’t forget essentials like a good pair of walking shoes and a sun hat.
You’ll need study materials like notebooks, pens, and a laptop or tablet to complete assignments and access resources.
Pack a Spanish-English dictionary to help with your studies.
Consider bringing some cash, as small local vendors may not accept cards.
Most importantly, come prepared for an immersive, educational experience in the Spanish language that also allows you to enjoy the stunning Lake Tahoe setting.
Beyond the Classroom
ISSI also provides the opportunity to take your Spanish learning outside the classroom.
Language Acquisition Through Real-Life Situations
While at ISSI, do your best to use Spanish as much as possible. This is the perfect opportunity to practice what you have learned in the classroom in real-life situations.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s part of the learning process! Your fellow students will appreciate your efforts and may even help correct or teach you new words and phrases.
Building Lasting Relationships and Language Practice
You’ll build lasting relationships with fellow learners and locals, creating a network for continued language practice.
The friendships you form often extend beyond the program, enriching your personal life and making it easier to maintain your Spanish skills.
Ways to strengthen these bonds:
- Group study sessions
- Shared meals
- Social events
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you ready to brush up on your Spanish while soaking up the beauty of Lake Tahoe? Below, you’ll find key details about budgeting for your summer at the Intensive Spanish Summer Institute (ISSI).
How much do I need to budget for a week of ‘¡Hola!’ at ISSI in South Lake Tahoe?
First off, tuition is a primary consideration. The program is recognized for its quality and is offered at Lake Tahoe Community College. For specifics on tuition fees, you can visit their official site.
Next up: accommodation. You’ll need a cozy place to call home for the week.
Options range from budget-friendly motels to more upscale lodges in picturesque South Lake Tahoe.
Let’s not forget about meals. South Lake Tahoe has plenty of dining spots, but budgeting for around $30 to $50 per day should keep you well-fed and happy.
Lastly, consider travel and recreational activities.
Whether you’re driving or flying in, you’ll want to factor in transportation costs. Plus, save a little extra for local attractions and adventures at the lake.
SBT Summary: Week Long Spanish Immersion Program
Looking for a fun and effective way to boost your Spanish? Head to South Lake Tahoe for the Intensive Spanish Summer Institute (ISSI)!
ISSI provides a one-week immersion experience where you’re not just learning Spanish, you’re living it.
The Spanish program is held at Lake Tahoe Community College and is recognized as an outstanding community program.
The program combines classroom learning with enrichment activities, so you can practice Spanish while enjoying the stunning scenery of South Lake Tahoe.
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced speaker, there are classes to fit your Spanish level.
Why Choose ISSI?
- Flexible Classes: Courses range from complete beginners to advanced.
- Beautiful Location: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Tahoe while you learn.
- Community Vibe: Interact with a diverse group of fellow students.
Location Perks
South Lake Tahoe isn’t just about snowboarding and skiing in the winter. In the summer, the area offers hiking, kayaking, and beaches.
Useful Details
- Duration: One week program
- Cost: Varies by number of electives, CA residency, and travel/accommodation options
For more information, visit the Intensive Spanish Summer Institute page.
Grab your chance to learn Spanish in a picturesque setting! You’ll get the full immersion experience and some vacation vibes all in one package.
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