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Here are some comments and stories from people who have studied Spanish
or volunteered at Fox.
"I spent four weeks studying
at the Fox Academy. I wanted a tough teacher who would put me through
my paces and boy did I get what I asked for! She came in the miniscule
form of Delia, who was not only strict and tiny, but was also extremely
dedicated, setting me tasks and homework every day. I know she did
a lot of the preparation for my tasks and classes in her own time
which really impressed me. Delia was not only a 'tough but fair'
first rate teacher but was also a real sweetheart when she needed
to be, which was just what I needed. My Spanish improved immensely
under her guidance.
There were a few social activities which stick out during my time
at Fox, namely the karaoke, which Tatiana (another of the teachers)
seemed to excel at, plus the Bolivian version of volleyball, called
bizarrely, ‘Walleyball.’ I had a great time playing
Walleyball on Saturday afternoons, although it was a tad painful
if you'd had a big karaoke night on the Friday.
I've studied Spanish in a few Latin American countries and was really
impressed with the teaching standard and the overall experience
I received in Bolivia with Fox. If you’re looking to improve
your language skills in an interesting and sometimes hilarious and
bizarre country and you don't want to break the bank, I would certainly
recommend Bolivia and would without doubt recommend Fox. I mean
they even arranged our accommodation with a fantastic local family
of about 15 people - every one of them called Vicky, which made
introductions and remembering names a piece of cake!"
Glenn Street, 39, London UK. Studied Spanish, May 2005.
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“Being a language teacher myself, I was very particular about
what skills my Spanish instructor should have. The people at Fox
quickly assured my that my instructor would be very experienced
and educated in the field of teaching Spanish as a second language.
I have not been disappointed. Since my first lesson six months ago
I have not once considered going to another school. The Fox Academy
has a variety of experienced teachers, one that is sure to fit your
learning style. I was lucky to find a match right away. I have been
to language schools all over Central and South America, and I can
honestly say that I have never had better and more knowledgeable
instructors.
The atmosphere at Fox is very laid back and comfortable. They
offer cultural activities and suggestions on where and what you
can do on your own. Their prices are very reasonable and it is
nice to know that your money goes not only to your teachers, but
also to the Fox English School which offers reasonably priced
(and sometimes free) English courses for local students.
Rebecca Biles, 29, Nebraska USA. Studying Spanish July 2005
- present. |
“Fox put me in
touch with the Guadalope Girls Orphanage, where I worked for a month
- a truly unique experience. We taught the girls some English, helped
them with their homework and daily chores. I bought an inflatable
globe and taught them some Geography which was really fun. It was
really good to get to know all the girls’ characters and it
was very sad to leave them. During these weeks I also took Spanish
classes for two hours every day at Fox, which helped me to communicate
with the family that I was staying with and the kids. My Spanish
teacher Lenny was amazing. In the beginning I didn't know a word
of Spanish, only Hola and Gracias but by the end I could communicate
with the family and locals at the market. She was really patient
with me and I learnt a lot about Bolivian culture as well. We also
got invited to dance in the Virgin Guadalope Fiesta which was so
much fun - especially dressing up in traditional costume and dancing
in the streets with the locals. If anyone is thinking of volunteering
in Bolivia and learning Spanish, I recommend visiting Fox.”
Pam Leung, 25, London UK. Volunteered September 2005. |
“I had great fun in Sucre. There are so many nice places to
eat and drink and there's a great backpacker vibe, with a lot of
people learning Spanish or volunteering there. It’s easily
the best place in Bolivia to rest your backpack and has a lovely
sunny climate. I spent just over a month there, working with Fox.
On weekday I learnt Spanish with Zulma - a very witty, brilliant
teacher, who encouraged me to speak up (I was starting pretty much
from scratch). The lessons were fun and cheap compared to other
schools in Sucre. Plus there's the fact that a chunk of the fee
goes towards giving the locals a better education.
The afternoons I had free to do all the usual museum / markets /
sightseeing things, then in the evenings I volunteered in two classes,
working alongside qualified teachers. The Bolivian students really
wanted to learn and I loved the experience, even though I had never
taught English before. The ages of the people in my classes ranged
from early teens to late 20s. They loved having a gringo teach them
and one class even threw a surprise party for our last lesson together
(pizza and coca cola all round!).
All the teachers were fun and on Saturday nights I'd get together
with them and other volunteers to chat about random stuff and try
different food and drink, such as carrot tea - a Bolivian delicacy!
It was great fun and I made so many friends in Bolivia that I’ll
definitely return one day."
Jody Smith, 27, Suffolk UK. Volunteered and studied Spanish,
May - June, 2005. |
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