Cuernavaca to allow Español immersion
by Don Hicks, reporter

    For many students earning seven credit hours and vacationing 5,000 feet above sea level where the weather is like spring all the time may sound like a movie.

   However, such an adventure is available on an annual trip Jim Jaime Palmer has been directing since 1993.

   Palmer, NE Campus instructor, has been conducting Spanish in Mexico for TCC students to learn Español in Cuernavaca.

   “The best way to really learn a language is to immerse yourself in the culture,” he said.

   “With an immersion program, you learn not only the definition of words but also the cultural meaning behind the words,” he said.

   Palmer said students react favorably to the experience.

   “Many students have gone back after class just to enjoy the life. Some students have changed their major to international studies, and others have gone again without the school credit. You see more than the tourist view of the country; you experience the life,” he said.

   Students of all ages from universities across the country join in the annual adventure to experience the daily life and enjoy the four excursions included in the package.

   Since the Hispanic population is such a major portion of society, Palmer said the class is always sold out by mid-April.

   In addition, a language immersion class looks good on a resume, Palmer said.

   Upon arriving, Palmer will take the group to the mercado del díos, the daily market, where one immediately begins to absorb the Mexican culture.

   As part of the program, each student stays with a host family who provides breakfast, dinner, a room and transportation to class. Students eat, drink and breathe the culture for four weeks.

   A typical day in the mountain village program includes breakfast with the host family.

   Afterward, they take the student to school. Students are grouped in fives for three language classes and three culture classes with breaks in between.

   Around 2 p.m., the host family will pick up their students, or students can spend time on their own.

   Many of the residents commute to Mexico City but spend the evening, or at least the weekend, in Cuernavaca.

   The city has plenty of nightlife, including dancing, different events and restaurants.

   Four weekend excursions are part of the class and included in the package.

   The last weekend many students go to Acapulco before returning for the last day on campus at TCC.

   Cuernavaca has become a second home to Palmer and his wife Marlana, so Palmer incorporates the culture into his campus classes.

   The package includes air and ground transportation, Mexican Immersion Center tuition, room and board, three meals a day, accident insurance and four excursions for about $2,100.

   A payment plan is available, and students may use a credit card.

   Tuition at TCC is not included, and passing Spanish 1411 or the challenge test is a prerequisite.

   The class begins Monday, June 3, and ends Monday, July 8, but registration has already started. Personal expenses for souvenirs, laundry, airport tips, occasional restaurants and extra excursions are not included.

   For more information, call Palmer at 817-515-6932.