| Author |
Message |
    
Karen Yan
Advanced Member
Username: Karenyan
Post Number: 293
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 76.180.24.113
| | Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2010 - 12:04 pm: | |
Mike,
I'll move this to off-topic and respond. |
Mike McCrystal
Senior Member
Username: Stinkin_badges
Post Number: 420
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 98.25.11.128
| | Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2010 - 09:55 am: | |
Has anyone tried this? Fly space-a to Europe and then contacting Pueblo Ingles, asking to take part in their program once I'm there. I've emailed them with this question and have not received a response.
Any thoughts?
Mike |
Karen Yan
Advanced Member
Username: Karenyan
Post Number: 292
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 76.180.24.113
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - 10:48 am: | |
I applied for the Pueblo Ingles program 2 days ago. I received an approval email today for my 1rst choice dates in November 2010. |
Inga Aleman
Senior Member
Username: Panchito4
Post Number: 420
Registered: 08-2008
Posted From: 70.105.178.27
| | Posted on Monday, January 18, 2010 - 02:18 pm: | |
I'm kinda bummed. We are a family of 3. My husband is a teacher and I used to be (I now homeschool our son). We would love to go do this during the summer, but I guess we have to wait 4 more years, because they only accept teens and our son will only be 9 by this summer. If anyone knows of any other similar programs where children are allowed, please let me know. |
GJZ
Advanced Member
Username: Candleinthesand
Post Number: 263
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 71.38.211.27
| | Posted on Thursday, January 14, 2010 - 04:13 am: | |
I did get a voice mail from Pueblo Ingles yesterday. They have not been able to get email to me because AOl keeps rejecting it. I responded via email that I've opened AOl mail acct for all senders so hope to hear from them.
This is something that I am very interested in doing! George will have to go with me and I am wondering how he can stay busy during that time and if he can stay with me. Those are questions I need to ask them when they respond. |
Joe E. Brown
Member
Username: Kb2avb
Post Number: 38
Registered: 08-2005
Posted From: 67.242.125.18
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 06:40 pm: | |
I have applied 17 Dec. for English Village program. I have not heard a word. I asked for several dates in Sept and Oct. so thats a ways out. They may have been swamped by all these Space a travelers appling!!!
Best of space A traveles JOE |
John Anthony Ross
Member
Username: Rossjar
Post Number: 24
Registered: 10-2007
Posted From: 12.156.128.131
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - 01:27 pm: | |
Nancy
They actually called me, because they were having issues with being able to email me. You may want to try to email them with a yahoo/gmail account as that was the one that eventually worked for us.
John |
Jim Bagley
Advanced Member
Username: Jim_bagley
Post Number: 177
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 75.21.110.67
| | Posted on Monday, January 11, 2010 - 07:08 pm: | |
Nancy, As Tony says, I have always found the people at Pueblo Ingles to be most prompt in their replies. I believe they give an e-mail address for the office, so you may want to inquire as to whether they ever got your initial application. I can't believe they would get one and not acknowledge it. Stay with it; it will be well worth the effort! Jim Bagley |
Tony Cabrera
Senior Member
Username: Tonyc
Post Number: 1461
Registered: 08-2006
Posted From: 65.23.208.161
| | Posted on Monday, January 11, 2010 - 05:19 pm: | |
Nancy,
That's strange, but you may want to send them a email. I've communicated with them through email and they usually answer pretty quick.
Happy travels! |
GJZ
Advanced Member
Username: Candleinthesand
Post Number: 261
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 71.38.211.27
| | Posted on Monday, January 11, 2010 - 04:43 am: | |
I filled out their application when this info was first posted and have not heard anything back as yet. Would really enjoy being part of the program.
What is usual time frame for getting a response?
Thanks,
Nancy |
Jim Bagley
Advanced Member
Username: Jim_bagley
Post Number: 176
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 75.21.123.50
| | Posted on Friday, January 08, 2010 - 03:29 pm: | |
John: When I was there in November jeans and t-shirts or other types of comfortable shirts were prevalent. Dress is not a big thing, and I'm sure that whatever is comfortable will be just fine. The evenings can be chilly, so a jacket or warm coat certainly was an asset for me. Jim Bagley |
John Anthony Ross
Member
Username: Rossjar
Post Number: 23
Registered: 10-2007
Posted From: 12.156.128.131
| | Posted on Monday, January 04, 2010 - 05:36 pm: | |
Jim
After reading your account, I have applied and been accepted. I will be attending this spring. I have not decided if I will use AMC or just fly direct as prices are down a little for Spain (600ish). Any recommendations for clothing? Or any other specifics I need to know?
John Ross |
Jim Bagley
Advanced Member
Username: Jim_bagley
Post Number: 174
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 173.168.244.37
| | Posted on Thursday, December 10, 2009 - 05:54 pm: | |
To correct Anglo mindset, please read all prior references to Saville to Sevilla, a beautiful city. |
Jim Bagley
Advanced Member
Username: Jim_bagley
Post Number: 173
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 173.168.244.37
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 09, 2009 - 12:16 pm: | |
Bob, Don't know my ticket price as yet because I have a friend who is a retired airlines employee, and he allows me to fly on buddy passes. I left O'Hare very early, got to Norfolk and got the Pat-X out that evening. It was a long day, but alleviated the need for lodging. Since I slept most of the way over, I decided to trudge on, and made my way to El Porto de Santa Maria. There caught the train for Saville, and in Saville transferred to a fast train to Madrid. Like I said, it was a long day. Got into Madrid about midnight on Wednesday before the get-together on Thursday. Jim Bagley |
Bob radar
Intermediate Member
Username: Bob_radar
Post Number: 63
Registered: 03-2009
Posted From: 76.214.196.101
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 09, 2009 - 07:01 am: | |
Jim B-
What were your air tickets ORD to Norfolk: roundtrip? and approx price? Where did you overnight in Norfolk and on the return? Is there a train from Rota to Jerez?
-Bob |
Tony Cabrera
Senior Member
Username: Tonyc
Post Number: 1441
Registered: 08-2006
Posted From: 72.50.45.205
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 08:28 pm: | |
When I first learned about "Pueblo Inglés" a couple of years ago, I was also confused about the whole deal. My thoughts were that you needed to have a degree and even have experience in teaching English as a second language. I was wrong. As Jim indicates, to participate all you need to do is speak English at all times. I personally think it's an excellent opportunity to learn the Spanish culture through the locals.
Happy travels! |
Jim Bagley
Advanced Member
Username: Jim_bagley
Post Number: 172
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 173.168.244.37
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 05:31 pm: | |
My prior posts may have left some doubt in the minds of some as to what are the qualifications for attendance at a session. Some people have told me they only speak a little Spanish, or only have so many hours towards a college degree. LET ME ASSURE YOU the only thing that is necessary is a willingness to talk with Spaniards. They are there to learn to speak conversational English, and no fluency in Spanish or any type of academic degree of any kind is necessary. What might help in your application is to highlight the fact that you love to converse with other people, and get to know more about them, their lives and their culture. That is the important thing! Don't let the lack of a degree inhibit you. Don't let only so many years doing this or that inhibit you. Just point out your strong points, and make sure you tell them about your enthusiasm for meeting, and relating to, the Spaniards. Good luck. You will love it! Jim Bagley |
Jim Bagley
Advanced Member
Username: Jim_bagley
Post Number: 168
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 98.213.218.121
| | Posted on Sunday, November 29, 2009 - 11:40 am: | |
Tony: You report at the bus pick-up point at 0900 on Friday, after the luncheon on Thursday. That Friday morning PI bus picks you up, and from that time until the PI bus returns you to that spot the following Friday, everything is paid for by PI. There is even a light snack provided on the trip up to La Alberca, and a large lunch as soon as you get there. Obviously you would have to pay for any souvenirs (sp?) you buy during the tour of the town, or any mixed drinks you order at the bar at the general meeting site. Haven't heard a word about future plans for change of sites. Say hello to Nellie and extend my best regards. Jim Bagley |
Tony Cabrera
Senior Member
Username: Tonyc
Post Number: 1429
Registered: 08-2006
Posted From: 74.44.74.184
| | Posted on Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 11:37 am: | |
Jim,
Great report! I think you've answered some of the concerns I also had. My only question is concerning the trip from Madrid to the PI Selected Site. I thought this was also paid by PI; am I correct?
Also, did you hear anything about their new program that includes moving the Spanish students to a golf tournament in a resort in Ireland as part of the program? I think they are introducing it next year.
Thanks again for your trip report. I think there are gonna be some more Spats participating in the future.
Happy travels! |
Jim Bagley
Advanced Member
Username: Jim_bagley
Post Number: 167
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 98.213.218.121
| | Posted on Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 11:01 am: | |
Cherry, The amount of smoking had been a concern to me before I went also, but it did not prove to be a problem at all. Several of the Spaniards said they were smoking because of the stress they were under with their presentations and with their telephone conferences. Of the 12 Spanish men and 11 Spanish women, I think less than 4 or 5 were "regular" smokers, and the 3-5 others were "stress" smokers. Naturally there was no smoking in any of the sessions or in any of the buildings. Smoking did not prove to be any concern during the session I attended, but that obviously will vary from session to session. Jim Bagley |
Cherry C.
Senior Member
Username: Cherry
Post Number: 5937
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 96.241.127.69
| | Posted on Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 12:13 am: | |
Jim, previous reports about Pueblo Ingles have mentioned that most of the Spanish students smoked like chimneys, and I noticed on the website they do say that smoking is allowed. What was your personal experience with regard to cigarette (or other?) smoking during your week there?
Second question: Were there any female students, or were they all men? |
Jim Bagley
Advanced Member
Username: Jim_bagley
Post Number: 166
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 98.213.218.121
| | Posted on Friday, November 27, 2009 - 05:51 pm: | |
Mike, You are correct----you only have to pay for any costs you incur in getting to Madrid, your lodging the evening after the initial get-together luncheon on Thursday and the bus departure the next day, and then any expenses you incur after you arrive back into Madrid after the session has been completed. In my case, I took the train up from Rota, stayed one night in the MAD Hostel (Euro 16 for the night) and then took the train back to Rota. It is both an inexpensive week, and a very challenging and rewarding week. There is a daily one and one-half hour siesta time after lunch, and you have 10 minutes after each session. And all you do is speak English and enjoy the students. And yes, some of them have their tab picked up by their employer, but some of them pay their own way, and it's a hefty tab. Give it a shot! You absolutely will enjoy it! Jim Bagley |
CTmike
Advanced Member
Username: Ctmike
Post Number: 152
Registered: 05-2008
Posted From: 70.138.15.115
| | Posted on Friday, November 27, 2009 - 12:41 am: | |
Jim,
If I am reading the website correctly, your food and lodging cost you exactly nothing for a weeks accommodations, correct?
No sales pitches to endure, just spend the days speaking English with a native who wants to improve his English speaking skills?
Is their any free time to see some sights?
I imagine that these local folks must pay a healthy fee for this program to subsidize the food and lodging.
Seems like a great way to vacation on the cheap.
Mike |
Jim Bagley
Advanced Member
Username: Jim_bagley
Post Number: 165
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 76.195.83.246
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 - 07:07 pm: | |
Edgar: Yes, we had siesta time each day after lunch, and it generally lasted for an hour and a half. Several of the Spanish students told me they used the time to work on their presentations. Most of them had jobs in or around Madrid and were not accustomed to having siesta time. To them it was just more free time. As for me, I really enjoyed my daily afternoon nap. With a big meal and several glasses of wine, I generally was awake not more than 2-3 minutes after I hit my bed. The only day I missed my nap, someone suggested an Anglo vs. Spanish soccer game. Well, I couldn't let that challenge go. The Spaniards squeeked out a 5-4 victory, with yours truly in goal. I think some of the Spanards supplement their income playing semi-pro soccer. But it was a fun game. |
Edgar Inocentes
Senior Member
Username: Traveler88
Post Number: 425
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 209.242.132.226
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 - 04:11 pm: | |
Jim,
Did they observe siesta after lunch? Thanks for your report. The program sounds enticing. |
Jim Bagley
Advanced Member
Username: Jim_bagley
Post Number: 164
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 75.21.112.2
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 - 07:51 pm: | |
For anyone who doesn't know the program about which I am writing, go to www.puebloingles.com for a full explanation. I flew commercial O'Hare to Norfolk on 11/09 and then made my way to Rota on the Pat-X. From Rota I caught the slow train to Saville, and from there the fast train to Madrid. The English speakers (Anglos) gather at a historic restaurant for a luncheon/ice-breaker/reception on Thursday, and then catch the bus to your site on Friday morning. My session was at a resort/spa near the historic town of La Alberca, a very small town northwest of Avila, in the corner up near Portugal. On a 1-10 scale, the facilities at the resort/spa rate at least a 9.25, and maybe higher. Two suites, an upper and a lower, share a kitchenette/common area which has a television, telephone and sitting area. My individual suite, with my individual bathroom, was fastidiously clean and modern. Showers, but no tubs. Our sessions were held in a separate common area building. After an 0900 breakfast buffet that offered just about anything you could possibly want to eat to begin the day, it was time to talk. Some sessions would be 1-on-1 talking about anything that came up. While the Spaniard was learning to talk English more proficiently, I was learning things about Spain, about bull-fighting, about the famous hams of Spain and a lot of other things I would have never learned but for this session. Just speaking English with a Spaniard who wants to improve his or her English conversational skills is gratifying; but to be learning so much from them makes it that much more special. After 50 minutes, a 10-minute break, and then another round with a different Spaniard would begin. Depending on the weather, we could walk, or stay in the main building, or go wherever we wanted. In addition to 1-on-1s, we had 2-on-2s and simulated telephone conferences. The Master of Ceremonies has all of the questions and/or skits you could desire. My session was the 465th time a week-long session has been conducted by Pueblo Ingles! They have looked long and hard at their program, and have fine-tuned it to the highest degree of effectiveness. I found the overall experience to be a joy, and the Spaniards are just like sponges in their desire to soak up more and better communication skills in English. At about 1430 (the lunch schedule varies some days) there is a break for a 3-course Spanish meal. Lunch and dinner generally started with a choice of a hot soup or a salad. The salads came on a 10-inch plate brimming over with fresh greens, topped with all sort of sliced vegetables, chopped nuts, chickpeas and sometimes fresh berries. The salads rate at least a 9.98, and were followed by a meat and cooked vegetable course. Just as a personal preference I opted to eat SPANISH foods since I was in Spain, and I enjoyed every meal offered to me. The meat course was followed by a dessert course which was generally outstanding. Because there were a couple of desserts which were not fully up to par, I would rate the desserts overall at 8.75. Then came the Spanish caffe con leche (coffee with warm milk). And all of this was accompanied by as much as we wanted of a suitable (but not great) Spanish red wine which I rated at 8.50. Believe me, you will enjoy the meals at La Alberca. Do I recommend to others that they go? ABSOLUTELY! I have already put in an application to return, and I have my wife getting in her application today. Give it a try, you will like it. Jim Bagley |
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